Shopfloor TAKE A TOWN


M J Pipe, Queen Street, HaverhillBury St Edmunds


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M J Pipe was established in 1978 by Mick and his wife Sue, in a small shop just off the main street. The business, which is now run by son David Pipe, now trades from a large shop on Queen Street. I was looking to buy a vacuum cleaner and inside I was greeted by Michelle. She got to work asking me if I wanted a bagged or bagless model; unsure, she mentioned that all the staff in the store have Sebo bagged cleaners. She asked if we have any pets and I said we have two dogs. Michelle then presented the Sebo Automatic X7 Pro ePower (91533GB), which was priced at £399.


Michelle demonstrated the product’s extra-long hose and wand and mentioned that the store also sells an accessory box. She said the box, which retails at £26.99 features eight bags and two filters – she added that this box should last for around 12 months.


Andy’s Electricals & Aerials, Bunting Road, Bury St Edmunds


This family-run business, which has been established for more than 30 years, is located on an industrial estate, three miles outside of Bury St Edmunds. I was looking to buy a dishwasher. Inside the store I met Paul. I explained what I was looking for and he got to work, asking me if I wanted an integrated or freestanding model and if I know how many place settings I needed. I said a freestanding model, which offered the most place settings would be ideal. Paul showed me two models, both of which


offered 14 place settings – the Blomberg model (LDF42240W) was priced at £399.99, while the Bosch model (SMS4HCW40G) was priced at £579.99.


He highlighted that the Blomberg model comes with a three-year guarantee, while the Bosch model has two years cover. He added that the store offers free delivery and standard installation within 10 miles of Bury St Edmunds.


Sales skills: 5/5


Store presentation: 4/5


Total score: 9/10


Paul was able to ascertain my needs quickly and find suitable products; mentions of the guarantees were attempts to close the sale. The store was slightly dark.


Sales skills: 4/5


Store presentation: 5/5


Total score: 9/10


Michelle did a good job, but she did not attempt to close the sale. The store looked very good.


Chapman & Son, High Street, Haverhill


Established in 1922, Chapman & Son is located across the road from the Post Office and next to Lloyds Bank. I was looking to buy a freestanding cooker. Mark


greeted me inside the store. I explained what I was looking for and he started by asking me if I was looking for a gas or electric product and I said electric would be my preference.


Mark showed me two 60cm-wide double electric


cookers; the Beko model (EDC633S) was priced at £419.99, while the Zanussi model (ZCV66078X) was priced at £579.99.


He said the Beko model has a 69-litre main oven;


the Zanussi model, Mark said, has a 77-litre main oven and a 39-litre top oven. Mark said that both models were in stock, and he could arrange for it to delivered either same day or next day. He said that it would cost £55 to deliver, install and take the old appliance away.


Peter Watts Domestic Appliance Centre, Risbygate Street, Bury St Edmunds


This store is in a residential area of Bury St Edmunds, less than half a mile from the town centre. I was looking to get an undercounter fridge. Inside the store, I was greeted by a member of staff and explained what I was looking for. He started by telling me that 55cm-wide models are the most popular size and he showed me a Beko model, which was priced at £220. He said that it was 55cm-wide and rated D or E for energy.


I asked if undercounter freezers are also available in this size and he confirmed that they are. He said a model would cost around £250. The man asked what the total width of space I have available in my kitchen and I said I have around 140cm of space. He pointed that I could have two 60cm-wide products in that space.


The man said that I’d be looking that in the Hotpoint range, a 60cm-wide fridge would cost around £280 and a 60cm-wide freezer for around £330.


Sales skills: 4/5


Store presentation: 5/5


Total score: 9/10


Mark was able to present both models well, but he did not close the sale. The store looked well presented.


July/August 2022 ertonline.co.uk


Sales skills: 3/5


Store presentation: 3/5


Total score: 6/10


The man said that getting stock was a problem, but he was able to give some basic advice; the store was well presented, but with many spaces for products.


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