Big launch, gum truths

Wrigley's new expensive chewing gum has hit the UK and as it is summer holiday time I was in the company of a big group of teenagers yesterday who were all raving about the gum and its 97p price point. "The flavour really lasts longer," one teenager assured me as his pals looked on in agreement. Who am I to argue? In store last week, my five-year-old was looking for batteries for his torch and picked up a packet of gum suggesting these could be batteries. I mentioned this and the teenagers said the packaging was really cool. If you had asked me last week, the UK chewing gum market seemed pretty crowded before this launch. If you asked me today, I would say the manufacturer has found a niche. My advice to local shopkeepers is to support everything launched by a major manufacturer (provided it fits your store profile) as you have nothing to lose.

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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...

Busy street, empty shop, missed profits

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Sticks and stones do hurt

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