RSA Objectives

What is the RSA for?

One Voice
The RSA is, and must continue to be recognised by Government and within the industry as, the only organisation exclusively representing the views of rural retailers. This will ensure that the organisation has the credibility to influence at all levels.

One Support Organisation
The RSA is, and must be recognised by all as, the only national support organisation working exclusively for independent village shops. Whilst other related organisations and trade associations exist, rural retailers should be aware that the RSA is dedicated to their needs alone.

Proactive Approach
Changing lifestyles, demographics and attitudes have meant that in many villages shopping habits have altered significantly. It is no longer possible to operate a village shop ‘like it’s always been done’. The RSA aims to assist rural retailers to anticipate and plan for future changes, and advocates that a proactive approach must be part of the ‘culture’ for a modern village shop.

Professional Image
Particularly in the face of increasingly stiff competition from the multiples, village shops must ensure consistently high standards in all areas of their businesses. Customer expectations have increased in recent years and, with ever-more choice, rural retailers cannot necessarily rely on loyalty alone.

The RSA seeks to encourage owners of village shops to strive for a more professional approach to operating their businesses. Not only will this help such businesses to compete in today’s market, but will reinforce shopkeepers’ sense of self-confidence and worth, as well as demonstrating to the villagers they serve the value of a shop as a vital community asset.

Optimising Potential
Owners of village shops throughout the country collectively possess a wealth of knowledge, talent and experience. However, it’s also fair to suggest that many village shops are also currently not making the most of what they’ve got, and their generally exists a lack of industry knowledge. This is largely due to the relatively isolated nature of many village shops, plus the problems of irrelevant, insufficient or confusing information passed down from suppliers, the trade press and other sources. The RSA attaches considerable importance to facilitating clear, relevant and timely information, either directly or through its’ partners. In reality not all village shops will necessarily be able to survive in the long term, perhaps largely for external reasons. However, with the right information, training, advice and support the vast majority of village shops can look to the future with confidence. The RSA is committed to helping those shops achieve their potential