Supermarkets, Convenience Stores and The Economy

2008-10-16T00:49:00.000-07:00

As the economy heads into a tail spin, something very real is happening on my local high street.

Lydney, a town of circa 10,000 people, located in the Forest Of Dean, has seen a great deal of change over recent months, from a thriving hub, to empty streets and empty shops. Amongst the outlets to go are a Newsagent, a Convenience Store, an Off License, a fabric shop, a Butcher and a Green Grocer. Not so long ago, Tesco opened a store in the town and, the Coop re-merchandised its town centre store, now incorporating the town's Post Office.

The role of this article is not to criticise supermarkets; however, their pace of change is having a profound impact on our high streets. So, what can convenience retailers do, to ensure their businesses and, their place in the community, is sustainable?

Over recent years, Supermarkets have generated unprecedented footfall, by using forward thinking techniques, to improve their appeal and encourage us to spend more, on an increasing number of items. Convenience retailers must adopt similar techniques, whilst playing to their key strengths, of Locality, Tailored Range and Customer Service. Most importantly, convenience retailers must improve the visual appeal of their stores, ensuring that their shop windows are enticing, with well merchandised products, that capitalise on impulse sales. Promotions are also a great way to give shoppers the feel good factor and, appealing point of sale, can have a dramatic impact on sales.

Recent increases in petrol prices have seen a 12% downturn in the number of cars on the road and, we are an increasingly time poor society. These trends present convenience stores with great opportunity. However, we cannot rely on this alone to save our high streets.

What are your thoughts on how the current economy is affecting local trade?

Impulse Retail Pre-Launch Site Goes Live

2008-08-18T13:25:00.001-07:00

The Impulse Retail pre-launch website is here!

www.impulseretail.co.uk has been created by retailers, for retailers, in response to a growing need, for lower prices and effective insight. Although talk of recession increases, retail growth is higher now, than 5 years ago and, growth in convenience retailing, exceeds the supermarkets.

However, the market is increasingly competitive and retailers must stand out to thrive and survive.

Impulse Retail can offer support, free delivery and the UK's lowest delivered wholesale prices. We look forward to working with you in the near future.

Although our website is fully functional, we will be refining the detail and adding products on a daily basis. As a special welcome offer, we are giving new customers £10 off their first order, when they spend over £100. First deliveries are from September 24th, after which we will offer a 48 and a 24 hour service.

Impulse Retail Blog

Supermarkets, Convenience Stores and The Economy

Impulse Retail Pre-Launch Site Goes Live