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

29 November, 2011

2011 Awards Ceremony

Its been a record year for retailers at this years Independent Achievers Academy awards ceremony.

There is one thing that all successful people have in common, they are willing to step out of their comfort zone. This was the advice that Simon Woodroffe, millionaire founder of the YO! Company, told top convenience retailers at the Independent Achievers Academy gala dinner, held on 17^th November.

Both failure and a willingness to do something differently are the ingredients to success, and the flexibility that independent retailers have means they are ideally place to do this, Mr Woodroffe said.

‘It was refreshing to have a business speaker who was really inspirational’ said Paul Cheema of Costcutter, Coventry. Mr Cheema took home the award for Shop Layout.

The awards are the culmination of seven month’s work that made best practice information available to independent news and convenience retailers across the UK.

With standards increasing year on year, it was an evening of celebration and success for the 22 independent retailers shortlisted for an award, and the 11 winners.

“At the Academy, we recognise those retailers who consistently provide a first class service to shoppers, and we are delighted with the standards we saw this year. It reinforces our belief that the future of the independent retailing sector is bright.” said Nick Shanagher, Managing Director of Newtrade Publishing.

Congratulations to all of this years winners.

Vipul Pabari, Best-one Connaught Road Post Office & Supermarket, Market Harborough (Overall Best Shop; Customer Service; Effective Ranging)
Alkesh Gadher, Best-one Isleworth, Middlesex (Service to the Community)
Kennedy Nayer and Rav Garcha, Nisa Local – Gains Park, Shrewsbury (In-Store Theatre)
Mandeep Singh, Premier Singh’s, Sheffield (Marketing to Customers)
Mital Morar, Store!, Castlefield (Availability)
Rav Garcha, Nisa Local, Broadway (Staff Development)
Roli Ranger, Londis Ascot, Berkshire (Retail Innovation)
Shaan Chaudry, Premier Convenience Stoer & Petrol Station, Nuneaton (Merchandising)
Shahid Razzaq, Premier Mo’s Convenience Store, Glasgow (Responsible Retailing)
Terry Philpott, Martins of Castle Cary, Somerset (Environment and Health)