I’m thinking of setting up a flower stall outside my shop. What advice do retailers have about external selling spaces?
Vas Vekaria, Kegs N Blades, Bolton, Greater Manchester
Parcel lockers and awnings
Joshua James, Fresh & Proper, Fordham, Cambridgeshire
“Parcel lockers are doing really well. We’ve got InPost lockers outside that have just been extended, and we’ve been measured up for some Royal Mail lockers as well.
“We’ve got electric awnings outside the shop. There is Parisian-style seating underneath them so people can come into the shop, buy a coffee and a pastry, and sit outside to enjoy it. That means they’re staying with us a little longer.
“We’ve had the awnings since the launch. They help with the glare from the windows and provide an imposing road presence because they’re branded.
“Tables and chairs help to change the customer experience. Even having just a bench outside the shop is helpful for older customers – it gives them somewhere they can sit down and have a breather. It’s a valuable asset. We’re going to install a dog-refuelling station outside and are considering bike racks.”
Read more of our store profiles where we visit independent convenience retailers to showcase their fresh ideas and unique insights
Winter and summer fuels
Goran Raven, Raven’s Budgens, Abridge, Essex
“We’ve got lockers for parcels outside our store. Our InPost lockers have been a huge success and footfall driver. We are also in conversation with another locker company to get some more in.
“We’ve also got a couple of bunkers filled with winter and summer fuels. You can close the doors on them so they’re under cover at all times. We watch the weather – if we think it’ll be good for barbecues, we’ll get out our summer stuff.
“We’re also a forecourt, so we’ve got jet washes, vacuums and airlines outside. We used to keep newspapers outside, but no matter how good the unit was, strong winds ended up destroying everything, so we don’t do that now.
“I don’t think you should put too much outside because you’ve got to have easy access for the elderly and customers in wheelchairs. Keep external selling spaces neat and tidy.”
Seasonal rotation is key to making external selling spaces successful
Milan Vahanaka, Heathcote Express & Post Office, East Grinstead, West Sussex
“More retailers should focus on their external selling spaces. If you feel it’s safe to put some stock outside, then you should do so. At the moment, we’re selling screen wash, de-icer and logs for the fire. At the end of February, we’ll replace that with plants and flowers so customers can get ready for summer.
“We’ll sell different flowers and flower pots throughout the summer – it makes the front of the shop more colourful and inviting. We use a local supplier for our flowers and plants.
“We also start selling charcoal for barbecues as soon as we take away the winter fuel. Then, in October, it’s back to selling logs and de-icers.
“It’s important to keep the place neat and tidy and to display prices very clearly and visibly. Clear pricing means customers don’t feel they have to wait until they get to the till to find out if they want to buy an item or not. It gives them confidence.”
Comments
This article doesn't have any comments yet, be the first!