The Situation

Managing Director asked Trade Association to recommend or help him find a Solution …. to his retail business losing millions due to the build up of a mountain of stock that sold too slowly or not at all, customers disengaging in droves and to turn a loss into a profit on a revenue 3 times what it was.

The Task

To address the stock mountain, set in place a process that would avoid it building again, improve stock turn and if possible increase revenues & profits through a reduced product offer.

The Action / Approach

We reviewed store Design & merchandising, the entire product offer and sourcing brief and their consumer messaging; in the context of future consumer trends (behavioural and their future wants, needs & desires).

The retailers entire business strategy is now informed by a bi-annual presentation of Future Consumer Trends (translated and bespoke for their specific business, customer and aspirations) giving it a full 2 year window in which to plan, prepare & implement rolling consumer campaigns that engage with customers & creates stores designed to inform, enhance & enrich each customer’s journey to purchase.

The Result

Fast Fwd 14 years. The retailer is no longer a £40m per year revenue business losing £2m a year. It’s a £220m company making healthy profits (yes, even in 2020!) and has one of the most envied & loyal customer bases.

Relevant Business Perspectives

Practice