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Bira issues exit strategy

Customer-focussed retailers (including cookshops and housewares stockists) who work closely with others in their community are most likely to survive in post-lockdown UK. So says Andrew Goodacres, ceo of the British Independent Retail Association (Bira).

Above: Bira’s Andrew Goodacre.
Above: Bira’s Andrew Goodacre.

Andrew has drafted possible exit strategy for the retail industry, while calling for restrictions to be first lifted for smaller shops and businesses. He has also created a10-point survival plan for independent retailers in the post-Covid-19 world.

While government support will be much needed, the onus also needs to be on the retailer to adapt to a changing landscape, according to Andrew.

He said: “It’s not all about waiting for government intervention, as retailers themselves must take control of their own destiny.”

His survival strategy urges retailers to consider multi-channel sales, sustainable retail, customer-focussed experiences – and to be brave.

“There will be many new ideas introduced into the world of retailing – some will work and some won’t… be brave,” said Andrew.

Above: Andrew urges independent cookshops to be brave and work with their local community. Pictured are the community focused Bira Cookshop & Housewares Retailer of the Year 2019, Prep and Richard Dare in North London.
Above: Andrew urges independent cookshops to be brave and work with their local community. Pictured are the community focused Bira Cookshop & Housewares Retailer of the Year 2019, Prep and Richard Dare in North London.

However, he warned: “Unfortunately, there are some business that won’t survive. Retail was changing in any case. Covid-19 has bought together communities and, as I have said, I believe the independent retailer is the heart of every good high street.

“With a bit of luck and a lot of the creative, entrepreneurial flair that has always been part of successful retailing, I am confident that the ‘indie’ will continue to serve its consumer.”

Read the full article here

For Bira’s coronavirus information hub for all independent retailers (updated daily) Click here

*British Retail Consortium – together with trade union USDAW – has issued new social distancing guidelines as retailers face what their stores could look like post-lockdown.

 

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