New Survey Reveals Majority of Brits Feel Supermarkets are Killing the High Street
According to a new survey commissioned by thebestof.co.uk – the majority of Brits believe their local high street is in decline and Supermarkets are responsible.
A further 60 per cent of those that took the survey agree that the Government isn’t doing enough to encourage and support small retailers. This is in contrast to the latest CBI figures which suggest high street sales are up, with 58% of retailers saying that the volume of sales rose during October.
With the rise in VAT next year shop owners need to understand there are many ways that they can compete with major chains.
Here are a few ideas from Steve, Director of thebestof Wellingborough about how local high street shops can boost their revenue’s and footfall:
Set up special offers specific to the local area.
Build a reputation as a local champion - capture the imagination of the community.
Build and nurture your database so you can keep in touch in a creative way.
Email, text and social media are all powerful tools that most local retailers don’t utilise properly, if at all.
Provide really fantastic service.
Reward loyalty. So few local businesses do this but it’s easy and it’s core to the strategies of all the big chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Boots. Learn from them.
Position your business as one of the best, by shouting about accreditations, certificates and showing off all the great testimonials from your customers.
Take responsibility. If there are not enough customers coming into your shop then it’s your job to make it happen.
Find a way to make yourself interesting and enticing to local people. Sitting back and waiting for government or councils to do something is a surefire recipe for failure.
For full details about the survey, and ideas for your business contact Steve Rees, Director of thebestof Wellingborough and Rushden on 01933 378207.
