a year in review
2009: a year in review
by Naomi Davis
Back in control
The last year tested the strength of a number of to quickly learn what consumers wanted and
industries, and UK retail was no exception. The worked hard to achieve it. Despite the difficulties
recession dropped us in at the deep-end and - as a number of brands even managed to enjoy tri-
with Futura
suppliers, retailers and struggled to keep their umphs. John Lewis successfully opened its While retailers face the prospect of fines and
heads above water - the mass holding-of- first new Home store in Poole last legal action if they sell government restricted
breathe was almost audible. Whilst the October. M&S held its position as a items to under aged persons, few small to medi-
high street suffered and there were bastion of British retail by offering um size lifestyle retailers have had automatic on
many casualties, on the whole the great value for money, food deals screen age verification to assist staff vigilance at
brands that were in good shape be- that offered affordable treats and the point of sale until now. Futura’s functionali-
fore the recession have survived. For events such as the Penny Bazaar. ty puts users back in control, enabling any
retail certainly Darwin’s ideas on sur- Selfridges marked its 100th birthday number of pop-up messages to be created dur-
vival have never been more relevant: in style with a host of celebrations ing a transaction to remind staff about proof
“It is not the strongest of the species throughout May. Furthermore many of age when selling specific items, especially
that survives, nor the most intelligent suppliers came up with new and excit- products such as knives, alcohol and related
that survives. It is the one that is the most ing ways to tempt consumers by creating items. The new feature, which works with both
adaptable to change.” Many re-structured new ideas and improving on quality and de- touch screens and standard POS terminals, en-
their operations to become more efficient and sign. It is these companies that the next pages ables retailers to align sales with the
to cater for a changed consumer market. With are dedicated to. Whilst the recession knocked Government initiative to limit the sale of
increased interest in price-comparison and a de- retail businesses to the ground, they have rebuilt knives to under eighteens. At the same time it
mand for innovation, multi-channel retailing with strength and determination that make the provides retail managers with the flexibility to
grew rapidly and this growth looks set to contin- foundations for a formidable future. increase sales staff effectiveness in suggesting
ue in the future. Both retailers and suppliers had Congratulations to each and every one of you. companion products, and improving customer
service with customised messages and prompts
tailored to specific product lines. For small
Little green fingers
high-impact packaging features a bright yellow back-
items that cannot be barcoded, or popular last
ground and colourful cartoon characters. ‘The Great
minute purchases, Futura’s touch screens fea-
Suttons successfully tapped into the increased interest Sunflower Race’ can teach children about speed of
ture new hot keys, which automatically go
in ‘Grow Your Own’, which flourished throughout growth, measuring and recording, and fun facts like
straight to the item within the POS.
2009, with the launch of the ‘Fun to Grow’ range of how the Sunflower turns to face the sun. The ‘Bugs
For more information call 01189
educational products. Designed to be the ideal intro- Galore’ kit enables children to grow a flower mixture
841925, email sales@futurauk.com
duction to sowing and growing for our next generation to encourage Butterflies and Ladybirds into the garden
or visit www.futurauk.com
of gardeners, products in the range feature practical and an activity sheet provides details of wildlife in the
tips and interesting facts. They have been designed to garden. Children’s health is addressed through many of
tie in closely with Key Stage 1 in the National the Fun to Grow range to encourage them to grow
Curriculum for four to seven year-olds, thus appealing their own healthy vegetables the quick and easy way.
to children, parents, grandparents and teachers. The For more information call 01803 696400.
Something
tomers and manufacturers. In addition to new lines,
many successful ranges were successfully expanded
throughout 2009. Natural interior range, Landon Tyler
for everyone
offers a new look in wall art, cushion covers, throws,
ceramics and wood. Luna is a sleek range that offers
Salco prides itself on being a leading UK home- additional lines in glass, metal, mirror and crystal. The
ware and gift supplier. Its diverse collections Yule and Sparkle & Shimmer ranges provide an exten-
complement a range of customers and lifestyles. sive selection of festive and holiday items that add
From edgy statements for urban living to tradition- winter warmth to any home. An extensive range of
al comfort and understated sophistication, there is crafting items offers everything to satisfy a craft-lover.
something for everyone. Salco’s development and For more information call 01279 439991,
sourcing programme has gained it a reputation for email salco@salcogroup.com or visit
quality and performance amongst both its cus- www.salcogroup.com
22 Department Store Buyer
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