Retailers have benefited from a 9% increase in average basket spend this year by taking advantage of expert advice and the latest trends, according to the Independent Achievers Academy (IAA).
The IAA Top 100 report, which was released this week, revealed an average basket spend of £7.74, compared with the £6.28 national average.
David Ramsey, of Best-one Byram Park Stores in Knottingley, said a shop visit from the IAA as
part of its Academy in Action programme helped him to increase his profit by suggesting a new
floor planogram.
“They recommended we move our soft drinks to sit next to our food to go offering,” he said. “After the move, our soft drink sales increased by 15%-20%.
“This gives customers the opportunity to grab a drink on the go. Our basket spend is currently sitting at £7 when it is usually £6.70 at this time of year,” he said.
This sales uplift taps into the on-the-go trend which continues to rise, with 63% retailers now selling store-baked goods, and 52% offering smoothie and slush machines.
Dipak Shah, of H&R News in Camberley, increased his product range by 50% after a visit from the IAA in June. “Since doing so, I have much higher returns on almost every one of my products,” he said.
“I offer 24 different National Lottery scratch cards. I’m also stocking more vaping flavours, which has led to a 50% increase in sales. It’s all about making use of every piece of space in your square footage.”
Meanwhile, Anita Nye, from Premier Eldred Drive Stores in Kent, said she installed an ice cream machine following a visit from the IAA.
“The IAA has helped us think about how we can improve our store, so we decided to install this machine four weeks ago,” she said. “Sales have started slow, but now word of mouth has meant we’re seeing a lift.”
Read more: The IAA Top 100 report
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