Since the beginning I’ve always made a point of checking with new suppliers if they already supply shops in my area. If they do I move on, there’s simply no point having the same products as my local competitors. I want to offer my customers something that they can’t find elsewhere.
This used to be so much easier before the chains started stocking everything en masse and uber cheap. But that aside, I still like to offer products that the other local independent shops don’t have. I believe diversity in a local area is not only great for the customer but benefits the retailer. If each independent retailer has a unique identity and range of products differentiating it from its neighbours, customers have access to a great shopping area and retailers don’t have to undercut each other with pricing for the same products. Unfortunately, not all retailers think this way.
A couple of years ago we had problems with our Big Tomato mug range being duplicated in a nearby shop. A few polite emails and phone calls got us back on track and the problem was resolved. Having a good track record with my supplier went a long way. When I experienced the same difficulties with our Bluebell33 scented candle range, it was also resolved very quickly. Thanks to the support of our suppliers we’ve been able to maintain a great collection of ranges unique to our area. Luckily we have suppliers who understand that its not always the best market strategy to flood the market with their products.
Times are tough which means protect your assets, and that’s just what I intend to do.
londonzu 