The Categories
Shop Layout
An effective shop layout will guide your customers around the store and increase impulse purchases. Make it easy for your customers to find what they want, for example stocking core products in key locations
Merchandising
Good merchandising can boost sales, increase footfall and increase profit opportunities. Using planograms to group products together will make your shop easy to use and ensure you space is utilised
Effective Ranging
Focusing on national bestsellers, with a small amount of space set aside for new lines, will satisfy shoppers and maximise sales
Availability
If an item that a customer wants isn't in stock, they're likely to go elsewhere. Good availability of top-selling brands is essential in a successful shop
Customer Service
Good customer service can set you apart from the competition, helping you win loyalty and grow sales. Get to know your customers to provide a friendly and welcoming environment
In-store Theatre
If executed well, in-store theatre increase sales and create a sense of excitement amongst your shoppers. Focus on making your shoppers lives easier and more exciting; let your imagination run riot and create some fantastic displays
Service to the Community
Working with your local community will raise the profile of you store and create loyalty amongst your customers, leading to sales growth. Be active in your local community, by sponsoring a sports team, getting involved in a good, local cause, or supporting community events
Marketing to Customers
Promoting your store to customers is an effective way to generate new business and will help you stand out from the crowd. Make sure your customers know the products you stock and the services you provide
Environment & Health
A sustainable approach to retailing can have long-term cost saving benefits, as well as enhancing customer loyalty. Introduce small but effective changes in-store, such as recycling, offering healthier alternatives to customers, and creating community-led initiatives
Responsible Retailing
Keeping up to date with legislation will help safeguard your store. Having a robust process in place is vital, take the time to train your staff correctly on age-restricted products, and all relevant policies and procedures
Retail Innovation
Making regular changes in-store will keep your offering fresh, enticing new custom and encouraging repeat visits. Changes that are aligned to today’s trends will engage shoppers and encourage repeat visits
Staff Development
Looking after your staff is one of the most important ways that you can create a positive impression and maintain a good reputation, ultimately increasing sales. Try giving structured inductions, training and feedback.
betterRetailing

“The advice provided by the IAA helps retailers improve their standards, which is why I think it’s such an important initiative and why I encourage all independent business owners to take on board the advice provided, and to enter their store for assessment”

Theo Paphitis of Dragon’s Den fame and IAA awards 2010 host

What is the Independent Achievers Academy?

The Independent Achievers Academy is a business development and recognition programme for independent retailers. As well as rewarding outstanding achievements in the independent retail sector; it provides retailers with invaluable advice on what is required to achieve the highest standards.

Authoritative Industry Advice

In its first six years the Independent Achievers Academy has helped hundreds of local shopkeepers and their staff to grow their sales and profits. Unlike other programmes for independent retailers, the Academy is about the future, helping you to improve your shop. We work with leading industry suppliers to give you best practice advice across 12 core areas of your business. Our advice is designed to be implemented and to make a real difference for you.

Vipul Pabari - IAA 2011 "Overall Best Shop" Winner

Reward and Recognition

Taking part in the Academy also provides you with a way to recognise your staff. Our expert shoppers have made unannounced visits to hundreds of independent shops to check up on the customer offer. If you are chosen for a visit, you will get a feedback report. If you make the top 100 ranking, you will get a chance to tell your shoppers how good their local shop is. Feedback from participants say this helps sales as well as being very well received by shoppers.

How do I get involved?

  1. Read the tips in the Guide to Better Sales and Profits – online or call us and order a copy today
  2. Complete the entry form, telling us what you do well
  3. Follow the advice in Retail Newsagent and Retail Express. If you do not receive copies of either publication, call us today on 020 7689 3369 or order a copy direct from your news wholesaler.

Key dates for 2011

22nd April

2011 IAA is launched

May-September

Acadamy in Action takes place

22nd July

Entry closing date

August

FSS in-store assessments take place

September

IAA UK Top 100 retailer list announced

October

Judging meeting takes place and finalists announced

17th November

IAA 2011 Gala Dinner

IAA News

Press

Latest press coverage of the IAA