2013

This is probably the most common word that retailer is likely to hear from consumers. Why do customers say “Just looking” and what can we do about it? I believe that “Just looking” consumers split into three groups Group one – looking so they can buy online Group two – responding to sales staff who […]

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“Imagine in two years time, you will walk into a retailer and there is an interactive wall. Instead of getting products off the hanger, you can see how different things might look on you. Then you send it to the dressing room or home or add to your wish list.” Deborah Sharkey, E-Bay in Australian

Gary Wilburn: Director of Design and Sustainability. Adopting a sustainable, resilient approach to Retail Design is becoming ever more attractive to the operator, developer and landlord. With energy costs rising and environmental awareness ever more prominent in the consumer’s daily routine, we need to consider how adopting a sustainable approach can be of benefit to

Many of you will be aware that I believe this is the next big retail initiative, it will combine retailing and tourism. At present I am writing a book on Culinary Tourism which I hope to get published next year. In the meantime I am noticing a number of initiatives taking place. I was impressed

While I was at the Newsagent Conference in the UK where I was the keynote speaker I was fascinated by some research presented by John Kenny of the Today Group. The questions asked of retailers were: What do shoppers do when they are unable to find a product?” Retailers response – 55% come and ask,

Over the last few months I have been promoting Culinary Tourism as one of the big trends. I recently spoke at the FACET (Forum Advocating Cultural and Ecotourism) Culinary Journeys Conference in Manjimup in Western Australia and was interviewed by the ABC National Radio along with Barry Green (Boronia Farm) about Culinary Tourism for the

It has been a busy few weeks for me, I actually visited 8 countries in five weeks, hence I was not sure what day or time of day it was. I managed to be in Wales for the most perfect weeks weather. I led a New Vision workshop for retail farmers from the UK and

What has John been up to this month? He was the keynote speaker at the UK newsagents conference, Local Shop Summit which was held in Torquay on the 11th of June. The theme was “Get Local Right”. [The Local Shop Summit is an Independent-only conference that provides actionable advice from leading suppliers as well as

As a retailer you need to know how your customer service stacks up and you want to know straight away. With the arrival of the internet and social media, often, the local community knows before you do. I was therefore intrigued to see a new Phone App be developed in West Australia. Take5Refresh is a