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.

proudly supported by

“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

Celebrating Success

The top night for independent retailers in 2011

Last year’s gala dinner was held at The Grange at St Pauls, and hosted by Simon Woodroffe, founder of Yo! A culmination of this year’s academy programme, the night was a memorable celebration of all that’s good in the independent sector. The winners on the night were: