UK Retail’s Shopping List

For an international supplier looking at a new market such as the UK, it is important to know what their potential retail customers would expect from them.

Here are some key retailers’ suggestions:

“OUR KEY REQUIREMENTS are margin, online strategy, and most importantly how it fits within our edited choice for our target market – i.e. our customers.”William Coe, Director, Coes of Ipswich
Ipswich

“FIRST AND FOREMOST GREAT PRODUCT, great product product distinctiveness, newness that offers innovation and a point of difference in the market place. Flexibility with minimum order quantities and delivery, competitive prices and speed to market are also key factors. Above all, we will only work with ethically and socially compliant suppliers to meet our high standards.”Disa Blackburn, Head of Buying for Home, Furniture and Gifts at Debenhams

“THE THINGS THAT MATTER TO US are, commerciality, popularity, exclusivity, good stock availability for reordering, regular contact with the supplier and information on upcoming point of sale lines and promotions, support with marketing tools.” Monique Hirshman, Director, Drakes
Plymouth

“RELATIONSHIP, PRICE AND USP (unique selling proposition) are the key considerations when looking to take on new suppliers. We want to work as a partnership, with good marketing support, fast turnaround and exceptional customer service. Ideally, we are looking to work with fewer suppliers, but more frequently. We operate very openly with our suppliers and are always happy to share sales information, which helps the supplier with their own inventories.” Dominic Wakefield, Director, Wakefields, Horsham, West Sussex

“TO TAKE ON THE RISK OF A NEW SUPPLIER when budgets and space have already been committed, I’m looking for flexibility like delayed payment or “Sale or Return” stock as well as support in setting up and merchandising the new area. It needs collaboration on both sides. I’m also asking for marketing support such images and content for our website; it’s great to shout about a new product and get customer feedback on social sites.”Heidi Towse, Garden Care Buyer, Frosts Garden Centres