http://www.retailforum.co.uk/ Retail Forum .co.uk - Your retail business discussion forum en Wed, 08 Sep 2010 05:47:53 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.retailforum.co.uk/images/misc/rss.png http://www.retailforum.co.uk/ http://www.retailforum.co.uk/showthread.php?8338-How-to-start-a-cleaning-services-business&goto=newpost Wed, 08 Sep 2010 00:52:32 GMT People become more financially stable when they have their own businesses. It doesn’t matter what business as long as it is from clean money and will... People become more financially stable when they have their own businesses. It doesn’t matter what business as long as it is from clean money and will help people go about their lives. One of the rising businesses that even a simple person of any age and sex can start with is a cleaning services business. But the most common dilemma of people starting up this business is the ‘how’ part. But really, how to start a cleaning business is guided by your own perspective and how you handle things your way. But theoretically speaking, there are some guidelines you need to go over before you finally have to open the business in mind.

One bad notion that people starting a business is that they tend to think wrongly about the business they want to open. This is best exemplified by the cleaning services business. People who want to start this business must think of it as a respected business, starting obviously on your own mind. When you think of it as something big rather than just a small and simple business, the tendency is for you to keep improving your skills on it. Well, at least on how you will manage or handle the business. If you wish to train yourself to the dirty work, it is also a good practice to have a feel of the business.

How to start a cleaning services business will therefore basically depend on you and how you perceive things. And of course, self discipline and work enthusiasm must be one of those. ]]> Off Topic AndreCollison http://www.retailforum.co.uk/showthread.php?8338-How-to-start-a-cleaning-services-business http://www.retailforum.co.uk/showthread.php?8337-Mary-Portas-master-classes-free-scholarship-worth-£1000&goto=newpost Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:09:52 GMT Skillsmart Retail and the National Skills Academy for Retail are offering four owners or managers of independent retail businesses the opportunity to... Skillsmart Retail and the National Skills Academy for Retail are offering four owners or managers of independent retail businesses the opportunity to take part in the three most popular Mary Portas master classes, free of charge.

Click here for more information.

http://www.nsaforretail.com/NSAR/MEM...s/default.aspx

T. ]]> Human Resources Tessy http://www.retailforum.co.uk/showthread.php?8337-Mary-Portas-master-classes-free-scholarship-worth-£1000 http://www.retailforum.co.uk/showthread.php?8335-Quick-Tips-to-Start-an-All-Natural-Cleaning-Business&goto=newpost Sun, 05 Sep 2010 12:21:11 GMT There is no effective cleaning business to compare if you are to use all natural products. This is a great way to offer your clients a healthy... There is no effective cleaning business to compare if you are to use all natural products. This is a great way to offer your clients a healthy alternative to cleaning. If you know now how to start an all natural cleaning business, you must first and foremost consider your product. Make a research and find a company that give first-rate quality natural products. Seek the kind of company that will make the product when you place the order. As a result, you are providing your clients the best quality product available.

There are also other natural products with strong unpleasant vinegar smell. You may want to utilize great smelling products so find a company that makes the natural cleaning products with essential oils of aromatherapy. The homes of your client are great smelling too. Remember that every pure essential oil has its own antibacterial, anti-fungal, germicidal, antiseptic, deodorizing and even healing properties. Ensure that your product is 100% all natural plant based and that the company employs pure essential oils.

Natural cleaning products must be tightly closed and stored properly in a cool location away from heat and light. Always bring these products if you intent to be using them on a daily basis. Keep in mind to use natural products for your cleaning service instead of chemical cleaners. This will help you avoid from suffering from adverse health effects. How to start a all natural cleaning business successful and fast is greatly possible when cleaning with great smelling aromatherapy products rather than inhaling the bleach and other harsh chemical smells of the chemical products. ]]> Off Topic AndreCollison http://www.retailforum.co.uk/showthread.php?8335-Quick-Tips-to-Start-an-All-Natural-Cleaning-Business http://www.retailforum.co.uk/showthread.php?8334-Offering-OLED-SHOP.net-for-sale&goto=newpost Sat, 04 Sep 2010 17:04:30 GMT Dear electronics retailers,

As OLED TV's are now started to come to the consumer market, we think it is a good time to release one of our premium domains OLED-shop.net.

This domain is the perfect choice for any retailer who is going to get involved into selling OLED TV's, computer screens and other display-devices, whether this is an online business or as an informational site to showcase your reatil-shop's products.

Additionally we will provide an (already established) OLED Facebook page (we will provide 10,000 fans and several info-tabs to get you started). Webhosting, site design (if required) and unlimited update-services can also be provided.

Interested parties may bid starting from ₤1000.

Our company is an expert in online marketing, site development and search engine optimization. Additionally we would also be available to optimize, redesign and/or market your current website(s). ]]> For Sale / Wanted aedae http://www.retailforum.co.uk/showthread.php?8334-Offering-OLED-SHOP.net-for-sale http://www.retailforum.co.uk/showthread.php?8333-UK-retailers-move-into-Egyptian-market&goto=newpost Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:55:26 GMT A move into the Egyptian retail market could prove lucrative for UK retailers according to Verdict Research. The independent retail analyst has found... A move into the Egyptian retail market could prove lucrative for UK retailers according to Verdict Research. The independent retail analyst has found that retail in the country fared well during the recession with its clothing and footwear market set to grow by more than 6.5 per cent to be worth $14.4 billion by 2013.
The findings come as Marks & Spencer announces that it plans to open two stores in Egypt's capital city Cairo over the next two years, in conjunction with the Al Futtaim Group.
Marks & Spencer will join British retailers such as New Look and Debenhams, which have already launched in the region.

www.retail-focus.co.uk ]]> Retail News Retail Focus Magazine http://www.retailforum.co.uk/showthread.php?8333-UK-retailers-move-into-Egyptian-market http://www.retailforum.co.uk/showthread.php?8332-New-home-delivery-Parcel-Tacking-engine-Parcel-Track.com&goto=newpost Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:16:22 GMT Hi there, not posted here before, if you're in eCommerce hopefully you'll be aware of MetaPack. If not feel free to fire me some questions. We've just released a tool which is for free use (not only for MetaPack customers) hope you find it useful!

--- press release ---

Parcel-Track.com is the new intelligent parcel tracking engine from the home delivery management company MetaPack. Parcel-Track provides a single point to find tracking information for any consignment shipped via a tracked parcel service regardless of which carrier was used. Carrier tracking available through the engine includes: FedEx, APC, UK Mail, City-Link, La Poste, DHL, DPD, HDNL, Hermes, Interlink, Parcelforce, Royal Mail Special, Tuffnells, TNT and UPS.

Although this innovation has been utilised within MetaPack for many years, it is now available as a standalone platform which can be used on any consignment regardless of whether it has been shipped through MetaPack or not.

Parcel-Track presents the user with a simple single input form which accepts any configuration of consignment number from any carrier. The user is then automatically taken to the relevant tracking information for their shipment within a matter of seconds. In this way the user saves the time and hassle of going to separate carrier websites and searching for the tracking information themselves.
Parcel-Track is a very light-weight easy-to-use application which allows it to operate on the most basic of browsers with or without the use of a mouse, making it perfect for mobile technology. With the ability to also be skinned with own branding, it becomes a useful tool that online retailers can provide for their customers or use in-house for customer service queries.

Parcel-Track can be used free of charge and requires no registration or login.

--- ends --- ]]> Press Releases MetaPack Claire http://www.retailforum.co.uk/showthread.php?8332-New-home-delivery-Parcel-Tacking-engine-Parcel-Track.com http://www.retailforum.co.uk/showthread.php?8331-just-starting&goto=newpost Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:17:48 GMT Hi, I've just discovered this forum -

I'm about three weeks away from starting out in retail, craft materials and unusual gift baskets and I am utterly bone shakingly terrified. All the what - ifs and there's so little time, everything costs more than I thought it would, HOW will I get everything ready in time, I've no room to store things, to save money I'm doing a lot myself and, why does so much seem to go wrong and , just, aaauuuugggghhhh! Things are scary, very very scary. Horror movies are starting to look tame in comparison. ]]> Off Topic Aurora http://www.retailforum.co.uk/showthread.php?8331-just-starting http://www.retailforum.co.uk/showthread.php?8329-Improving-ROI-with-media-in-store&goto=newpost Fri, 27 Aug 2010 21:30:38 GMT In-store media, such as digital signage solutions, radio or visual networks and printed POS, leaflets or magazines in-store is proving a successful... In-store media, such as digital signage solutions, radio or visual networks and printed POS, leaflets or magazines in-store is proving a successful way for retailers to invest in their customers instore experience.
In the current economic climate we are constantly reading about liquidations, poor sales margins, and reduced purchases but Retail Media offers a positive solution for store retailers. By targeting customers at the point of sale you have a greater influence over their decision making.
Mood Media, a leading global retail media solutions provider for trademarks and brands the world over, discussions their experiences in the market today. Tibor Kovari, Managing Director for the UK says, “during a cost conscious time, retailers are increasingly looking for real return on any investments they make”.
Brands invest heavily on traditional above the line media, such as instore TV, outdoor advertising, sponsorship, online advertising and radio each year. Mood Media advises that now is a good time to look at this expenditure; to start to challenge the usual marketing spend and to think about reinvesting where sales can really be impacted, at the point of sale in-store.
With ambient advertising retailers can create an entertaining shopping experience which will increase a shopper’s length of visit, strengthen their store brand image and ultimately see more spend at the tills.
To generate additional income many store owners are turning to retail media networks by using retail digital signage. Digital signage uses motion graphics to amuse, promote and speak to store visitors to enhance your brand store wide and store network wide. Significant returns can be created by advertising across traditional marketing networks and by enhancing in store marketing and in store ambience.
Mood Media's UK advertising partner, ABC Media investigated and found that sales uplift can improve by 25% by using campaigns throughout in-store networks.
Studies conducted show that your store environment can heavily impact on your brand. Sensory marketing using rights free music for retail and even scent marketing. Scent marketing communicate with your customers on a non verbal level subtly altering how a customer behaves in your store.
Many of Mood Media's customers consider retail media as an opportunity worth exploring, specifically digital networks and instore marketing. Promoters themselves are also eager to market their products in-store. In-store media has a lot of value to add to the retail market.
Mood Media works with brands such as the Co-operative Group, HMV and Marks & Spencer. International brands include Volkswagen, Vodafone, ING Bank and many more. ]]> Press Releases denda http://www.retailforum.co.uk/showthread.php?8329-Improving-ROI-with-media-in-store http://www.retailforum.co.uk/showthread.php?8327-Funding-for-Shopfittings&goto=newpost Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:40:49 GMT Hello We seem to be one of the only finance companies supporting your industry at the moment. We can fund all the equipment you need for your... Hello

We seem to be one of the only finance companies supporting your industry at the moment. We can fund all the equipment you need for your business from Epos, refrigeration and furniture to shelving and CCTV over terms of up to 3 years.

It would be great to hear from you if you'd like to know more.

www.armadafinance.com

Louise ]]> New Products louise@armadafinance.com http://www.retailforum.co.uk/showthread.php?8327-Funding-for-Shopfittings http://www.retailforum.co.uk/showthread.php?8321-New-business-consultancy-graphic-design-recruitment-business-mentoring-and-more&goto=newpost Sun, 22 Aug 2010 00:51:29 GMT Just a brief note to introduce ourselves. Based in the UK and Australia, My partner and I have established a new retail consultancy business which... Just a brief note to introduce ourselves. Based in the UK and Australia, My partner and I have established a new retail consultancy business which is aimed at small to medium sized retail businesses. We also have a team which understands retail properly, and can help with POS preparation and design, junior to senior management recruitment. Our consultancy services, you will find, are based on realistic and affordable cost to satisfy your requirements, rather than the frequently exorbitant hourly or daily rates charged by companies which we have previously either worked for or used.

Retail flows in our veins, and we're always happy to talk about all and any things retail, just drop us a message at: admin@excelretail.net, or visit us at www.excelretail.net. We also have a new blog, retail ramblings, which is accessible via our web site or at http://retailbuzz.wordpress.com

Many thanks for reading, and please don't hesitate to contact us; always remember, it's free to ask!

Jim (jim.campbell@excelretail.net) ]]> New Products Jim Campbell http://www.retailforum.co.uk/showthread.php?8321-New-business-consultancy-graphic-design-recruitment-business-mentoring-and-more http://www.retailforum.co.uk/showthread.php?8320-John-Lewis-to-open-first-London-at-home-shop-next-week&goto=newpost Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:08:35 GMT John Lewis is set to open its first London 'at home' shop next Thursday (26 August 2010). Located on Croydon's Purley Way, the shop, which focuses exclusively on furniture, homewares, furnishing accessories, and electrical and home technology, will be the first John Lewis shop in the country to be run by an all-female senior management team.
It will take a 70-strong team four days to stock the new branch.

www.retail-focus.co.uk ]]> Retail News Retail Focus Magazine http://www.retailforum.co.uk/showthread.php?8320-John-Lewis-to-open-first-London-at-home-shop-next-week http://www.retailforum.co.uk/showthread.php?8319-Brands-move-trust-building-to-top-of-agenda&goto=newpost Thu, 19 Aug 2010 08:13:39 GMT Service brands have elevated trust building to the top of their retail strategies, according to new research by retail design consultancy Judge Gill.... Service brands have elevated trust building to the top of their retail strategies, according to new research by retail design consultancy Judge Gill. The study found that trust and building a better connection with customers in store has superseded image in a service brand's list of retail design requirements.
Commenting on the study, Kevin Gill, managing director of JudgeGill, says: 'While building trust isn’t a new requirement in a service brand’s retail strategy, the importance now being put on trust over other objectives is. The key challenge for service brands is that, unlike product brands, what they sell is intangible. So it’s even more important that consumers are able to trust service companies to deliver what they promise.'
The Manchester-based agency has recently developed a customer-centric retail proposition for a major world-wide telecoms service brand that's entering the Middle East market. The approach, explains a spokesperson from the agency, is totally based on trust and positioning the brand as a social enabler. The concept includes a bold, open-fronted facade to draw people in, a hosted launch area, flexible space dedicated to events, user-generated content and low-level consultation desks to encourage one-to-one interaction between staff and customers.
'Brands are increasingly looking to repair the trust shortfall in their consumer relationships through their retail environments,' says Gill. 'They can achieve this by designing their retail environments around customer’s needs, delivering convenience and giving more opportunity to get involved. The total retail experience – from environment, staff and service model – needs to actively nurture the relationship between service brand and consumer, as well as build consumer confidence in the brand.'

www.retail-focus.co.uk ]]> Retail News Retail Focus Magazine http://www.retailforum.co.uk/showthread.php?8319-Brands-move-trust-building-to-top-of-agenda http://www.retailforum.co.uk/showthread.php?8317-Christmas-2010&goto=newpost Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:21:57 GMT I know it's quite some time away but my thoughts are turning towards thinking about it. Has anyone yet worked on their opening days/hours over the Christmas period?

Christmas Day and Boxing day 2010 fall at the weekend therefore the Monday and the Tuesday are bank holidays! ]]> General Business Iaintwoeyes http://www.retailforum.co.uk/showthread.php?8317-Christmas-2010 http://www.retailforum.co.uk/showthread.php?8316-alcohol-and-cigarettes-suppliers&goto=newpost Thu, 12 Aug 2010 21:18:43 GMT Trying to increase my gross profit by looking at other suppliers, i am under the Premier logo but feel i need to source some products especially... Trying to increase my gross profit by looking at other suppliers, i am under the Premier logo but feel i need to source some products especially cigarettes and alcohol to up my gross profit by not getting all my stock from bookers, does anyone know of suppliers you can call without having to travel up and down the country who deal with retailers and offer attractive deals. thx in advance pls email me marktrubshaw@hotmail.com

thx mark ]]> General Business marktrubshaw http://www.retailforum.co.uk/showthread.php?8316-alcohol-and-cigarettes-suppliers http://www.retailforum.co.uk/showthread.php?8315-Plans-submitted-for-retail-park-extension&goto=newpost Thu, 12 Aug 2010 10:19:52 GMT Land Securities has submitted plans for a redevelopment of the Meteor Retail Park in Derby. If the plans are approved by Derby City Council, a 9,290... Land Securities has submitted plans for a redevelopment of the Meteor Retail Park in Derby. If the plans are approved by Derby City Council, a 9,290 sq m food super store and five new retail units will be created by way of a reconfiguration of the existing retail park. It is estimated that, upon completion, the development will provide an additional 390 jobs and bring further investment to the area. A decision is expected towards the end of the year.

Subscribe to retail focus magazine free at www.retail-focus.co.uk ]]> Retail News Retail Focus Magazine http://www.retailforum.co.uk/showthread.php?8315-Plans-submitted-for-retail-park-extension