A Research Visit to the Trafford Centre
A couple of weeks ago I spent the day at the Trafford Centre, the 3rd largest mall in the UK, welcoming 30 million visitors a year with over 280 retailers and outlets spread across 207,000 square metres. Built in 1998, it was impressive back then. But now, are the...
Why are the big retailers going bust?
SO why are the big retailers going bust? In the last few weeks we’ve had Mothercare, Mamas & Papas, Jessop’s, Bon Marche and Jamie Oliver’s restaurants all disappearing from high streets and Clinton’s in talks about the threat to its estate and future. But why are...
Autumn 2019 Trends You Don’t Want To Miss In Your Shop
Whether you sell skirts or stationery, flowers or fascinators, cushions or candles…. Covering the top trends in your product area is an absolute must for most trendy retailers. Offering products in the latest colours, patterns, fabrics, style or fragrance means you...
I don’t know what else to do to get retail sales
What can you do when sales are slow in your retail business? "I just don’t know what else to do…."...I hear you... I'm panicking. I really just don’t know what else to do. I'm fed up with it all. Even the big high street chains are struggling. There’s no...
What can I expect from my suppliers?
What should you expect from your suppliers?I love suppliers. They come in all shapes and sizes…from one man / woman businesses crafting and creating, to a sales agent on the road representing several companies. Or they can be a suited and booted account...
How far ahead do I need to plan?
I get asked this a lot by retailers, salon owners, ecom sellers… and the truthful answer is, plan as far ahead as possible. Your plans don’t have to be concrete set in stone, but being mindful of the year ahead, and any long term plans really helps you...
Why a good blog title is important for your retail sales
Have you ever written a blog and tried to be smart or clever with the blog title? That was me, writing great retail content in my blogs, educational and informative information and advice for the small independent retailer. But when it came to the blog...
Eeek My Email List is shrinking not growing
Is your list shrinking instead of growing? Seeing an initial decrease in your numbers is ok, what's the point in marketing to readers who aren't your ideal customer, and will never ever engage or buy from you? Let's remind ourselves why we send newsletters, to build...
Has The Apple Fallen From The Tree?
It's all over the media... Apple has lost almost $450bn from its market value since its peak in 2018, and has issued a profit warning.... poor Apple... with sales down a measly $7bn based on the Q4 forecast made in 2018. Aside from the sheer vastness of the numbers,...
Was Black Friday More Of A Grey Friday For Retail?
It’s been a couple of weeks since the whole Black Friday Cyber Monday hyped up event... ...and following that was small business Saturday, and, as small retailers, did we experience the demand and surge eagerly expected? Was it as buoyant and crazy as the first couple...
