Whilst independent rural retailers are largely being encouraged, by the RSA and others, to become more ‘convenience-orientated’, shop-keepers should also consider what other services they could offer, including any ‘niche markets’ they could tap into.
In order to optimise net profit at the end of the year,.customers will need to be offered both the best quality and range of service. It is important always to be looking for opportunities as to what additional services could be ‘bolted on’. Reading the trade press and attending exhibitions may help suggest potential ideas.
By offering other services, particularly if not otherwise. available locally, a shop becomes a ‘destination point’ – not just where people go when they’ve run out of something. It is important, then, to try to offer something different.
A specialist area could be a large part of the. business (e.g. delicatessen). However, just as important are the little things (perhaps not offered by the multiples) that all add up in terms of overall service, money in the till and potential for encouraging other sales within the shop (e.g. photo processing > sale of a camera film).
Please refer to the PDF file (click here) for a list.of services that may be worth considering if not offered already.