OPINION

RETAILER OPINION ON THIS FORTNIGHT’S HOT TOPICS

What do you think? Call Retail Express on 020 7689 3358 for the chance to be featured

LEGISLATION: How are banks reacting to anti-money-laundering regulations?

“I WAS told I needed to update my personal information in 14 days, or my account would be closed. At one stage, I was being called at least 10 times a day. I gave them the details, but they insisted they wanted hard copies as well. The whole process made me feel like I was doing something wrong.”

Jatinder Gill, Your Local, Richmond, south-west London

An increase would damage sales

FINANCIAL: What should retailers consider when buying a store?

“YOU need to know you can significantly improve it. I look to see whether a store is meeting the current trends by visiting as a customer. If there are things it isn’t doing, then there’s probably an opportunity to improve the profitability of the store.”

Jonathan James, owner of James Convenience Retail group

“A NUMBER of things, including the ‘chimney count’ within the nearby area, whether the site is on an arterial road and if there are any schools locally. One of the most important things I look for, however, is whether there is parking.”

Sasi Patel, multi-site owner of Go Local stores

Look at your flooring

“I HAD my business account temporarily frozen twice in one day after receiving a banking call requesting more personal information. At the time, I was told I had just 24 hours to submit my details. I was worried it would make me look like I had money issues, and I didn’t want suppliers thinking this.”

I had just 24 hours to submit my details

WALES & SCOTLAND: What impact would raising the MUP have?

“ WE believe illicit sales in alcohol are booming because there’s not enough enforcement action. If minimum unit pricing goes up alongside the extra cost per drinks container because of a deposit return scheme, it will be a double hit.”

Mo Razzaq, Premier Mo’s, Blantyre, South Lanarkshire

“INFLATION has already put off my legitimate customers wanting to gift alcohol this year. An increase would damage sales and steer more problem drinkers and addicts towards shoplifting alcohol. This would be a concern.”

Natalie Lightfoot, Londis Solo Convenience, Baillieston, Glasgow

You need to know you can significantly improve it

REFIT: What questions do you ask before changing your store?

“LOOK at your flooring, your lights and whether you could make your store more energy efficient – if this is the case and you are able to make improvements, it could be the right time for you to think about a store refit. Once that has been decided, you can look at other areas.”

Baz Jethwa, Spar Rocket Stores, Bolton, Greater Manchester

“KNOW your customers and understand your demographics. Symbol groups will come in with their own plans for how you could improve your store, which are useful, but talking to your customers and understanding your sales data will make sure you refit your store in the right way.”

Harj Gill, Select & Save The Windmill, Rubery, Birmingham