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Some 89 per cent of retailers are actively involved in engaging with their community.
Independent retailers are consistently being told to engage better with their local community and it seems that this advice has been taken seriously. The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) Voice of Local Shops survey has recently revealed that nine out of ten retailers are actively involved in interacting with their community. Some 89 per cent of those polled said that they had engaged in some form of community activity, with 70 per cent collecting money for at least one local charity. This is especially positive as the figures represent the highest level of community engagement since the survey started in February of this year. ACS chief executive James Lowman explained that the poll shows the important roles local shops can play in local communities, especially during difficult times. "That may be through collecting for charities, providing sponsorship to community projects and events, or playing an active role in local council meetings," he commented. Mr Lowman then went on to say: "Civic leadership through effective community engagement is absolutely essential to the success of modern convenience stores." Looking to the future he cited that cooler weather may have dampened retail sales, however the chief executive hoped that recent improvements and the Olympics-effect could bring in more sales for smaller retailers. Retailers also told the survey that they had concerns about the state of the economy, with two-thirds citing the recession as an obstacle to success, while a similar amount highlighted the threat of increased competition from major multiples. This shows the importance of capitalising on the independent retailer label and engaging in the community while also ensuring that businesses differentiate themselves from the crowd using effective branding. Retailers could try giving their store layout a unique feel or coming up with personalised paper bags to give to customers using eye-catching logos and fonts. |
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