50 ideas to make and save money

Our great 50 ideas feature returns in RN’s 21 March issue.

Expect some brilliant advice from some of the best independent retailers in the business. Here’s a taste of what’s to come – so don’t forget to order your copy from your wholesaler. And come back to BetterRetailing.com for another great tip tomorrow.

Jonathan Armstrong

Windmill Drive Post Office, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex

When we refitted our shop last year, we also worked with a Booker merchandiser to improve our layout. It’s had a big impact. We’re making 5% extra from the same stock just by displaying it better.

I spent: £0

I make: 5% extra in sales

Raj Aggarwal

Wigston Londis, Leicester

I installed double-glazed doors on all my chillers which help make the shop warmer and save on electricity. Customers comment on how nice they make the store look and although my alcohol fridges can take a hammering on Friday night, the new doors mean that they still look full.

I spent: £14,000

I save: £500 a month

Michelle Critchley

Croscombe Village Stores, Croscombe, Somerset

By emailing customers we can tell them about any promotions we’ve got on and let them know about any special stock, like fresh fish, that we’ve got in. The newsletter also informs people of things going on in the village, which makes them want to shop with us.

I spend: half an hour putting together the newsletter

I make: 200 of my regular customers informed about our store  

Bintesh Amin

Budgens, Whitstable, Kent
We introduced tasting pods for sampling last year – for brands, new own label fresh produce and niche products. We even tested products we weren’t selling and got the most popular ones in stock afterwards. Sampling costs anything from £5-£40, but we easily make that back when customers buy what they’ve tasted for free.

I spend: £5-£40 sampling products

I make: £120-£200 selling what we’ve sampled

Phil Simpson

Kiel House Stores, Newport, Pembrokeshire

I noticed that local holiday cottages were being used as second homes or by returning visitors. So I put leaflets in them offering a box delivery service, where customers can phone in orders and have them ready for when they arrive. During the summer I do two or three baskets a week, averaging £50.

I spent: £50 for printing leaflets

I make: £1,000 per holiday season

Dan Cock

Premier Whitstone Village Stores, Holsworthy Devon

I have secured a great price on bread and milk and am selling them at £1.09 each or both for £2 to drive footfall. I use Twitter and Facebook to shout about great promotions like this and the shop is really buzzing at the moment. I am getting an extra five to 10 customers a day.

I spent: £20 in targeted Facebook advertising to local customers

I make: £50-£60 a day in incremental sales