Scarily funny - Foyles April 1 announcement of the future of retail

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

Fortune's shrinking bog roll

As commodity prices rise, so manufacturers seek to cut back on the raw materials that they use... The November 15 issue of Fortune illustrates this well with an analysis of Scott 1000 toilet paper. In 1995, a single sheet measured 4.5 by 4.5 inches. Four years later the sheet was cut to 4.5 by 4.1 inches while its maker, Kimberly-Clark made "softness enhancements". Seven years later, more "softness enhancements" plus a pattern added and the sheet is 4.5 by 3.7 inches. This August, a "10 per cent strength product enhancement" and, you guessed it, the sheet is 4.1 by 3.7 inches. The Cottonelle double roll reduced from 308 sheets to 260 in February. The Angel Soft Double Roll went from 352 sheets to 300 and reduced from 4.17 inches wide to 4.0 in April. Charmin Ultra Soft Big Roll dropped from 200 sheets to 176 in July. Quilted Northern Soft and Strong Double Roll went from 286 to 242 sheets in September. A year ago it went from 4.5 inches wide to 4.0.

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

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