Town Hall

This is the time of year when retailers have to take enough to pay the rent through the bleak months yet none seem to be making the effort. Here, and at no cost, is my advice on how to improve turn-over at this time of year.

Firstly let's look at the clientèle. We're past the "organised shoppers"; they were out in August stocking up on presents for the family. Now town is stalked by people with the hungry stare of those doing the "last minute dance". The dominant theme is fear.

With this in mind shops should sort out their merchandising and signage. Dump the stuff about sizes and colours and advertise properly. Signs saying "Stuff for daughters" would be of far more value. In this connected world we need signs which personalise shopping and say things like "She's already got this" or "She hates this colour".  Obviously the buyable stuff should be near the door because, to be honest, we don't want to traipse all the way through to the back looking at stuff.

Get this sorted and it'll work out better for everyone; trust me.