news 85% of independents boycott Black Friday, says Bira
In a recent survey conducted ahead of Black Friday, Bira revealed the majority of its members would not be slashing prices within their stores for the annual sales event. Andrew Goodacre, Bira CEO, said: “Christmas is going to be an incredibly important season for independent retailers. The retail sales data for October showed a promising increase with online sales falling to 27% of total sales. This trend indicates that shoppers have returned to shopping on the high street as they start to prepare for the festive period. “Despite these positive indicators, we remain concerned about rising costs for the smaller retailers and the problems in the supply chain that are impeding the independent retailers ability to meet consumer demand. This current trading period is the most important one for retail, and we need stronger sales in November and December to help retailers take on the many challenges that await them in 2022. “From our research, around 85% of independent retailers are not
participating in Black Friday, which is higher than ever before. We have always known that independents don’t see much value in this event. “Independents changed their business model during the pandemic by promoting themselves more through social media and implementing
services such as click and collect. This creativity is still important with shoppers looking to shop local and spend money in their local community. “The pandemic has been very difficult for those retailers classed as non- essential. In the past 18 months they have suffered three lockdowns, weeks of restrictive regulations and are now just starting to build back their business. “At the start of the pandemic, we saw customers turn to online providers because there was no other choice, and the large companies such as Amazon were the big winners. Whilst we, in some
ways, admire what Amazon does, the pandemic simply highlighted the unfair playing field between high street shops and online retailers. “I am pleased to say that indies are always resilient, and the latest ONS
retail sales figures show that online penetration has fallen again and down to 27% (from a high of 59%). This is a sign that shops are fighting back and regaining the confidence of the consumer. However, more needs to be done by the government to enable the physical stores to continue to compete, and the best way would have been to completely reform business rates,” Andrew added.
62% of Brits want quieter appliances
Over half (57%) of Brits would like a quieter home, Quiet Mark has revealed in its National Noise Report. The independent global certification programme associated with the Noise Abatement Society charity surveyed 2,000 UK adults, looking into attitudes towards noise in their home and work lives. A further 62% are drawn towards quieter appliances. This love for quieter appliances transfers to the cost Brits are willing to pay, with 46% of Brits willing to pay more for quieter appliances. This is
stronger amongst those aged 18-34 with almost two thirds (63%) willing to pay more for quieter appliances compared to only three in ten (30%) of those aged 55+. The survey also revealed that over four fifths (82%) of Brits have appliances within their home that they would like to make less noise than they currently do. Brits would most like their washing machine to make less noise than it currently does (45%), followed by their vacuum cleaners (43%), hairdryers (23%), food mixers and kettles (both 20%).
Home Hardware celebrates 60 years in business
Home Hardware Southwest Ltd celebrated its diamond anniversary in November - 60 years in business. The company was founded on 28 November 1961 by a small group of forward-thinking hardware retailers who felt that, in the long term, they would not be able to compete profitably by following the traditional methods of distribution. Their objectives were to purchase their products for less and build a
strong membership base which would allow them the resources, facilities and staff to meet any form of competition.
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housewareslive.net •
HousewaresLive.net
Since 1961, Home Hardware’s membership has grown to over 450 member owned stores and has become an important part of the independent hardware market in the UK, with an annual group turnover of over £35 million. The company employs over 120 staff across two Distribution Centres at Barnstaple and Bedford. Martin Elliott, CEO for Home Hardware Southwest, said: “Our success
certainly would not be possible without both member and supplier support, so here’s to the next 60 years and beyond!”
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twitter.com/Housewaresnews November/December 2021
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