One of the key areas for convenience retailers is getting the local community onside as it presents huge opportunities to firmly position your store at the heart of your local environment. It is something which retailers of all sizes can become involved in, and does not necessarily require significant financial investment yet can be crucial in encouraging local people to see you as a hub for their community.
Hints & Tips
- Some suggestions include:
- Providing services for vulnerable members of the community, for example home deliveries for elderly customers during bad weather.
- A community fund which is used to help support local activities, or donations to local schools and charities.
- Build close links with your local school, for example liaising with the school secretary or PTA to ensure that you stock the required ingredients for events such as Red Nose Day cake sales at the school.
- Sponsor local church plays.
- Sponsor local sporting clubs, eg. football, cricket.
- Undertaking the organisation, or part sponsorship of community events, eg. fireworks night.
- Giving away mince pies and mulled wine at Christmas or selling Christmas trees.
- For those with a forecourts, a ‘Ladies’ evening’, giving basic car maintenance or what to do following a breakdown or accident is a way of building goodwill.
