nickshanagher

In my latest Retail Express column I write about the need for local retailers to have some sort of digital platform so that they can build a network of followers. The email that follows is from a shop called Alfred the Grape, which is in Marlow, a town about 10 or 12 miles from where I live. Except that I was already going to a birthday party - and the weather forecast was dreadful - this is a great email, selling the idea of fun things to do, not necessarily connected directly with buying stuff. Have a read and think about what you tell local customers - and what you could tell them. If you're at a loose end this Sunday, why not go to the Marlow Food Festival. Apparently it's free, fun and we're wines merchants  extraordinaire ! So to live up to this bill we'll have some fabulous bottles open for you to try (&, hopefully, buy if you like them enough). For the full blurb, see below.     Moving forward, I'm planning regular Friday evening in-stor...

In an article for Retail Express last week assessing Morrisons plans to open three convenience stores next year, I recounted a short walk that I took up Clapham High Street earlier this month, passing by a Sainsbury's Local, then a Tesco Express, then a Sainsbury supermarket. It is clear that these stores must put pressure on local shops. But also on each other. This week, the Financial Times is running a series of features to celebrate Terry Leahy's achievements at Tesco. The first feature includes the following observation from City analyst Dave McCarthy who says he cannot see how Tesco can continue to open 2 million square feet of new selling space a year without "significant cannibalisation" of its own sales. At the same time, Mr McCarthy says there is no "soft underbelly" to competitors to help feed Tesco's opening programme. Local shops, as the Kantar Worldpanel figures show, are holding their own. At least those that are investing in their...