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A good example of a local shop building followers on line

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-store tasting
   events and will keep you updated.  But, to give you a sneak preview
   we'll start with some new wave German Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris &
   Pinot Noir on Friday 28th.  The following Friday, 5 October, join me
   in a fun-filled 'Call My Bluff' event.  I'm offering tickets for this,
   at £9.99, as I'm limiting numbers to 12 only.
    See you soon.
    Richard

   Alfred The Grape - Wine merchants extraordinaire!

MARLOW FOOD FESTIVAL 2012

Food and family fun and it's all free

Sunday 23rd September 2012

MACDONALD COMPLEAT ANGLER HOTEL

Marlow Bridge, Marlow, Buckinghamshire. SL7 1RG

11am – 4pm

This year's Marlow Food Festival will be held on Sunday, September 23rd at the award winning Macdonald Compleat Angler Hotel and it promises to be a feast of fun for all the family.

Chefs from some of the county's top restaurants will be demonstrating their skills, while food suppliers and restaurants will have stalls where visitors can sample their produce or cooking.

The Oxford Cheese Company, The Irish Cake Collection and The Garlic Farm are just a few of the names who'll be displaying and sharing their products.

Others include Anila's Authentic Sauces Limited, Jamie at Home Cookware, No2 Pound Street and the very knowledgeable team from Alfred the Grape, wine merchants extraordinaire.
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