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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“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

10 October, 2011

Top 100 stores Champion Independent Retailing

The top 100 independent shops in the UK & Ireland were announced last week.

All entries that made it through to the second stage of the programme underwent rigorous assessment, including a mystery shopper visit by performance measurement partner FSS, for the chance to be listed as a Top 100 store. They were notified last week and provided with marketing materials such as a certificate, window sticker and press release to help celebrate their achievement with their customers.

IAA Project Manager Kate Dickenson said: ‘We have seen a huge increase in standards this year, with the average score achieved in the mystery shopper visits increasing by 7% compared to scores achieved in 2010. This demonstrates the true commitment of local store owners to continuously improve their offering and do a great job for shoppers – achieving Top 100 status is a fantastic achievement’

Shops who have achieved Top 100 status will be further judged by a panel of experts in October and finalists for the awards will be invited to the prestigious IAA Gala Dinner, held on the 17th November at the Grange Hotel at Tower Bridge, where the winners will be announced. The awards will be hosted by entrepreneur and maverick, Simon Woodroffe, founder of Yo! Sushi.

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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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