The iPad hits the UK

The article from the front page of the Financial Times is perhaps evidence that newspapers will survive the launch of the iPad. The advertisement on the underground on the day of the iPad's UK launch may also be evidence of the same thing.

Fresh from my first play with an iPad, I am sure that it will change a lot of things. I was surprised how small and light it was. Apps from the iPhone do not work on it. Apps written specially for the iPad look fantastic.

My friend who is an expert says that the iPad is too middle class to be as successful as the iPhone. But if you have middle class customers, then you should expect it to change something.

The newspaper story was about the creation of artificial life. I had seen the story on the internet the previous day and saw it on the television evening news. But putting the story on the front page of a newspaper made it more real for me.

While we know that not everything that is printed is 100 per cent accurate, we also pay attention to what editors decide is important. It is this editing that papers do so well. It is this editing that makes newspapers so powerful.

The iPad will prove a challenge for books and magazines. I don't think it will have as big an impact on newspapers. Whether it will sell more papers or simply move some news readers on line, remains to be seen.

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.

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