Alan Monahan writes: I wonder how many of you really believe that politicians care about the welfare of small businesses or think that they just regard them as cash cows. A couple of weeks ago there were murmurings when I cast doubt on the statement by Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium,
A survey by the Nottingham Building Society has revealed that 46% of shop owners blame the closure of local bank branches in the last three years for damaging their businesses, while 24% said it contributed to them going out of business within the last five years. Retailers are also being hit by lower footfall, with
Alan Monahan writes: A month ago I mentioned in my column that the British Retail Consortium was calling for a two-year freeze on business rates. Helen Dickinson, its chief executive, has now reopened discussion about the outmoded tax system and the woes of our industry. She doesn’t believe that a successful transformation can be achieved
Retail Reflections: Why small retailers matter Read More »
More than 82% of UK consumers would rather shop in a bricks and mortar store than buy online because products can be viewed before committing to a purchase, according to e-commerce agency PushON. However, its survey of 1,000 shoppers revealed that 52% of those believe that retailers need to offer a more seamless experience between
Retail news round-up: Preference for shopping in physical stores; Christmas comes early Read More »
Alan Monahan writes: I was on the way home from Harrogate when I realised that the sharp, stabbing pain in my lower back signalled that I would probably be forced to make a hasty return. Confirmation came quickly. Stopping the car and fishing in my back pocket I found my hotel room key. Stupid boy!
Retail Reflections: Buyers and sellers gear up for Christmas; What Amazon Can’t Do Read More »
Alan Monahan writes: And so to Harrogate. Next week I will be happily heading to the Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival in the spa town as I have done for the past 23 years. Driving to North Yorkshire, my spirits will be lifted as I re-enter the time warp that is Harrogate in the knowledge
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