nickshanagher

A short item on the Sun's City pages notes that high street sales were up in April by the highest number for that month in nine years* and linked the good news story with Booker's results. Wholesaler Booker is a good bellwether for the go ahead independent shopkeeper who is investing in their business. Booker, the Sun reported, said that customers were shopping locally and the paper reported that its Premier store chain had achieved a 10 per cent rise in sales. Wow! The Sun's paragraph may skew the facts but it is a great warm story about the success of local independent shops. Over in the FT, comment on Booker was missing. However, this does not mean the company is lacking fans. Analyst Dave McCarthy of Evolution Securities says it has world class management and is investing sensibly in development. While some of the upside comes from India and foodservice, it is also doing a great job of serving local shops. The secrets of Booker's success are not secret. They m...

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...

Steve Fox, retail sales director at wholesaler Booker, has put down a marker for what he thinks is important for local shops to focus on in 2010. This week, just as City analysts were fretting over a higher than expected rise in retail prices, Booker has announced a deal to keep the price of bread and milk low until the end of September. "Bread and milk are the two most important products [for] convenience stores," says Mr Fox. "By guaranteeing the price to September, we are giving our customers the confidence that they will be able to offer their shoppers consistent pricing that helps them to compete with the multiples." Consistency is an important word. As a local retailer you need to be able to promise your shoppers that they will always find good value in your shop. As footfall driving categories, you need to have good prices on bread and milk to set the tone for your overall offer. The independent sector needs strong pricing support like this. Think about how e...