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
Sustainability
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.

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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

Latest News

20 October, 2011

2011 finalists announced!

This week we announced the names of the fantastic 23 finalists who have reached the final stages of our programme.

The finalists were narrowed down from the Top 100, using a combination of mystery shopper scores and information on their entry forms. All finalists will attend the Gala Dinner on the 17th November to find out if they recieve a category award, or the coveted Overall Best Shop award.

RESPONSIBLE RETAILING
Sponsored by JTI

Faz Mahmood, Faz Convenience Store, Cheadle Hulme
Vipul Pabari, Connaught Road, Post Office & Supermarket
Shahid Razzaq, Premier Mo’s Convenience Store, Blantye

RETAIL INNOVATION
Sponsored by Nestle

Roli Ranger, Londis Ascot, Ascot
Paul Cheema, Costcutter, Coventry
Kennedy Nayer, Nisa Local Gains Park, Shrewsbury

ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH
Sponsored by PepsiCo

Terry Philpott, Martins of Castle Cary, Somerset
Paul Cheema, Costcutter, Coventry
Vipul Pabari, Connaught Road, Post Office & Supermarket

SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
Sponsored by Booker

Alkesh Gadher, Best-one Isleworth, Middlesex
Bob & Sue Young, Robin Hill Stores, Dorset
Lesley Brown, Frankmarsh Store, Barnstaple

STAFF DEVELOPMENT
Sponsored by the NFRN

Kishor Patel, Nisa Local, Hemel Hempstead
Paul & Michelle Gravelle, Gravelle’s Budgens, Sawbridgeworth
Rav Garcha, Nisa Local Broadway, Worcestershire

CUSTOMER SERVICE
Sponsored by News International

Roli Ranger, Londis Ascot, Ascot
Vipul Pabari, Connaught Road, Post Office & Supermarket
Terry Caton, Londis Chatsworth, Chesterfield

IN-STORE THEATRE
Sponsored by Heineken

Kennedy Nayer, Nisa Local Gains Park, Shrewsbury
Roli Ranger, Londis Ascot, Ascot
Sunder Sandher, S&S Londis, Leamington Spa

SHOP LAYOUT
Sponsored by Procter & Gamble

Paul & Michelle Gravelle, Gravelle’s Budgens, Sawston
Terry Caton, Londis Chatsworth, Chesterfield
Paul Cheema, Costcutter, Coventry

MARKETING TO CUSTOMERS
Sponsored by CADBURY

Mandeep Singh, Premier Singh’s, Sheffield
Jai Singh, Singh’s Premier, Sheffield
Serge Notay, Notay Stores, Yorkshire

AVAILABILITY
Sponsored by Imperial Tobacco

Roli Ranger, Londis Ascot, Ascot
Kishor Patel, Nisa Local, Hemel Hempstead
Mital Morar, Store!, Manchester

EFFECTIVE RANGING
Sponsored by Coca Cola Enterprises

Mandeep Singh, Premier Singh’s, Sheffield
Kishor Patel, Nisa Local, Hemel Hempstead
Vipul Pabari, Connaught Road, Post Office & Supermarket

MERCHANDISING
Sponsored by Wrigley

Shaan Chaudry, Anker Service Station (Nisa Local), Nuneaton
Eddie Poole, Poole’s Supervalu Moira, Co. Armagh
Shahnaz Patel, SPAR Bolton, Bolton

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Key dates for 2012

April

IAA 2012 is launched and entries are open

May – July

Academy in Action store visits take place. Please contact us if you’d like to take part in one.

27th July

Closing date for entries

August – September

FSS store visits take place

October

IAA finalists are announced

22nd November

Gala Dinner at The Grange Tower Bridge

IAA News

Press

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