IFRA PROMOTIONS IFRA
The stride ahead which supports your
independent business I
FRA provides an individual forum for those whose main professional activity is the retailing of footwear. Because we share many common problems – and opportunities – we are able as a group (not as individual traders) to find relevant answers and to assist each other in such areas as improving relations with our suppliers, relations with our staff, relations with our local authority and, critically, greater profitability.
IFRA is fiercely proud of representing the independent for the benefit of all members – indeed, for the benefit of us all. IFRA can help you! Your involvement will help IFRA. This is the package that Membership of IFRA offers:
SUPPORT AND EXPERIENCE In today’s economic climate it is increasingly tough being a retailer. IFRA provides you with the support – and experience – of its nationwide membership.
CONTACT Members meet regularly to find the best solutions to problems and to exchange ideas of mutual benefit. We meet regularly both nationally and regionally. Members receive details of all IFRA meetings and these often include visits to fellow member’s shops, to shopping precincts and developments and to other fashion retailers. These visits invariably provide a valuable source of ideas and often offer a different approach on how to tackle an on-going problem in an alternative way and also fresh, provocative and useful general information which assist with the general day-to-day running of your retail footwear business.
KEEPING IN TOUCH All members receive our Newsletter which covers matters of general retail and business interest as well as those relating specifically to footwear retailing. The Newsletter also publishes reports on most IFRA activities. It is a full colour journal and is published six times each year.
REPRESENTING THE INDEPENDENT The Secretariat, on behalf of all members, either monitors or is in regular touch with the EU and other European bodies, UK parliamentary representatives, Government Departments, The Office of Fair Trading, The Society of Shoe Fitters, CEDDEC (European body of Shoe Retailers Associations), the British Footwear Association and many consumer organisations. Reports on these activities appear in our various publications.
IFRA SAVES YOU MONEY As an IFRA Member you can make savings in such important areas as: Shop Insurance, Private Health Insurance, Personal Accident and Sickness Insurance, Motor and Private Insurance. Just ring the IFRA office on 01295 738 726 for further details.
BANKING AND CREDIT CARD FEES Through AIB (although you do not need to bank with them in order to qualify for the special rates we have negotiated) we can offer very competitive rates on credit card transactions.
26 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
Using the media and public relations we put the case of the independent retailer before the public. We are frequently quoted on local and national radio as well as in the press. Many trading standards officers and citizens advice bureaux refer to us for advice. We always advance the retailers point-of-view.
INCREASE CONTACT WITH MANUFACTURERS AND SUPPLIERS IFRA and Britain’s manufacturers, wholesalers and other suppliers of footwear merchandise have a close and cordial relationship. We are in constant communication on all aspects of footwear promotion in the UK with the British Footwear Association and this liaison enables our members to have easy and ready contact with some of their most important suppliers.
STAFF COSTS AND WAGES We regularly review staff costs and wages in confidential documents which help members adjust the structure of their wages bill. Our Contract of Employment facility is available to members at a very reasonable cost and is up-dated as legislation dictates.
IMPROVING YOUR SALES We offer members point-of-sale material specifically tailored to their own requirements – and our numerical strength enables us to keep prices very competitive. We also keep members informed on the latest merchandising, promotional and selling techniques.
IFRALearn This series of training aids has been specially formulated for footwear retailers. IFRALearn is a training and learning package which can be used by all staff to improve their effective sales activity within your store. Copies of the whole series (currently running to six booklets on different topics) are available at very reasonable prices to IFRA members. Part 1 covers Customers Care, Part 2 Selling Skills and there is a Tutors Manual which covers training for Parts 1 & 2. Part 3 covers Footwear Facts and Figures, Part 4 Footwear, Feet & Fitting and there is another Tutors Manual to assist in Part 3 & 4. IFRALearn is one of the most valuable sales aids available to footwear retailer anywhere.
BUSINESS SUPPORT HELPLINE This legal helpline is available only to IFRA members who are provided with their own helpline card, telephone number and scheme number. Members can have immediate access to legal experts on virtually every business topic including sale of goods, employment, premises law, health & safety and many others.
IFRA HAS Its own national office based in Banbury and a professional secretariat with a telephone helpline for member’s enquiries.A governing Council of democratically elected members and a regional and branch structure.
IFRA RECOGNISES 1. The need for professionalism if we are to compete with others in the marketplace.
2. The need to listen to its members and act on their requirements and needs. 3. That it must be constantly on the alert for ways of improving and increasing its programme of activities.
4. The crucial need to assist were possible in making their members most profitable.
IFRA HAS
An ongoing dialogue with manufacturers and suppliers and continually represent members’ interest with them. Many of our suppliers show their support of the aims of IFRA by becoming Associate members – they value the liaison and contact with their customers.
F or full information on all these IFRA facilities,
please telephone the IFRA office on 01295 738 726. Email:
admin@shoeshop.co.uk www.shoeshop.org.uk
Footwear Industry Awards – visit our website
www.footwearindustryawards.com
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