The organic debate runs on

Michael Skapinker has done the hard work of looking at the thinking behind the Food Standards Agency report that finds "no good evidence" that eating organic food would benefit most people. The report is a summary of lots of scientific papers that weeds out the ones with poor science to find a consensus. The consensus is, at present, that there is no evidence to support the health claims of organic food. An issue for local shops is that advocates of organic food are not likely to be swayed by this study and they will still want to buy food they believe to be better for them. So you may still be stocking organic food and having to present it in a way that implies its potential health benefits. As a placebo can often help people feel better, who is to say that buying a nice looking carrot will not make your shopper feel better too! The FSA says that it is niether for nor against organic food and that it is a matter for consumer choice. The people who carried out the research of the research say that they were surprised at how poor existing research was. The European Union is due to address that sometime in the next year or two! In the meantime, give your shoppers what they want.

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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

True in part to my New Year resolution, I held a business meeting in an independent coffee shop today just next door to a Starbucks. The cafe was presented well and four staff were busy preparing for the lunchtime rush, at 11am. As my guests were late, I had a half hour overview of footfall on the street outside and in the restaurant. Six customers. Barely enough to form the queue in Starbucks or Pret-a-Manger just down the road. Plus one Italian girl who dropped off her CV. Some people stopped to look at the posters in the window and moved on. The owners seemed quite happy. When I left just after 1215, they were doing brisk trade. However, I have the impression that the business is not working hard enough. It could easily have managed 120 customers between 11 and 12, instead of 12. This is lost profit as the fixed overheads and staff costs are already in place. The owners are clearly busy - perhaps too busy to take time to look at the potential that their cafe has. What shou...

Sticks and stones do hurt

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