Kinder eggs and the internet

The internet will change the way that you operate your local shop and there is little to be gained from fighting this.

A requirement for UK retailers to make their sales tax returns on line has resulted in complaints from some that they want to stay in a paper-based world. This is a mistake for any business-owner, surely. The internet and information technology is shaping the competitive world in thousands of ways.

For example, Waitrose is using IT so that it can sell its products through outlets owned by chemist chain Boots and petrol retailer Shell - the latter through self-service kiosks. Waitrose has a £40 million IT budget and it is one of the smallest UK multiples.

Derbyshire independent retailer Stuart Reddish told members of the Newsagents' Federation at its national council meeting in Newcastle last week that as a business owner you have a responsibility to pay tax in the way that society demands. Separately, he said it was crazy to be in business and not using the internet.

Discussing my post on Tesco.com, he said that I should check out the prices on ebay for treat items, such as Kinder eggs. He paused, looked at me, smiled and almost immediately added that he was thinking of selling some on ebay himself.

The internet is a game changer and local retailers need to be taking part, not hoping that it will go away. It won't.

Comments

Three secrets of great merchandising

Look at the ceiling and top wall of this McDonalds restaurant. There is a picture of two good looking healthy people having fun and some bright primary colours. Ask yourself what is the purpose of this picture? In the latest issue of Retail Newsagent in a feature on merchandising, Andrew Knight of RI tells its independent readers that they need to think about using sharp pictures of non-packaged products linked to people consuming goods. Perhaps this has been taken to the next level by the fast food chain - that is selling the feeling of being happy and healthy rather than the products. A second, related tip from the same feature is made by most contributors - it is vital to keep windows clean and clear of clutter. "I believe that less is more," says Roli Ranger, a retailer from Ascot, Berkshire. He has posters for promotions in between the windows that are regularly updated and discreet signs in the windows. Third, a highly visible well-stocked promotion at the entranc

Overcoming a price disadvantage

Planning for his speech at the Independent Achievers Academy last week, Theo Paphitis asked an assistant to buy a basket of six essentials from a Tesco, a Londis (independent operator in a symbol group) and a One Stop (Tesco's CTN/convenience chain). Tesco was cheapest by a big margin. Second came Londis. The most expensive was One Stop. Mr Paphitis understands the power of the supermarkets and he says the way to counter them is to focus on how to make the experience of shopping with you more relevant to shoppers or more enjoyable for them. John Heynan, sales director of Molson Coors, told Retail Newsagent at about the same time that occasional beer buyers will pay 13 per cent more for their beer in an independent convenience store, provided the retailer targets them appropriately. Tesco has carved itself out this 13 per cent head start. Looking at pricing, if Tesco is 100, then Tesco Express is 108, One Stop is 112, a good symbol group is 115 and non-affiliated independents

A sign of retail stress perhaps

It must have been four months since this window was broken in the Tesco Express on Pentonville Road and I simply cannot believe that it has not been fixed. This is the sort of lack of focus that independent shops usually get criticised for. The only purpose in sharing this image is to encourage those independents with high standards who are finding the going tough that they can do better than this.

nickshanagher

Search This Blog