“It is important that independent retailers develop new ideas that nobody has exploited if they are to sustain a healthy turnover and profit.” This is the message from Shaid Hussain, winner in the 2009 IAA Awards for Retail Innovation.
Shaid recognises the need to not just put the great products that shoppers expect in front of them, but to seize opportunities to build his business. He has a wide range of unusual tobacco products alongside the usual in order to grab new customers’ attention.
“Our store has a good footfall so we can tap into new markets. A year ago we started selling a halal range of sandwiches, baguettes and samosas, because we are located in a culturally diverse part of the country.
“We have also started stocking contact lenses in 70 different colours from natural shades to bright prink. We find they are bought for a variety of occasions ranging from gothic weddings to Halloween. Recently we doubled the size of our entrance and have discovered it encourages passing trade to enter into the store.”
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