Trade association BHETA’s November networking forum was full to capacity, with standing room only to hear presentations from Samm Swain, Lakeland’s buying and merchandising director, Kelly Whitwick, UK Retail lead at GfK, bira direct’s Jeff Moody, and Chris Johnson, formerly of Rayware and now heading up his own logistics company, Loadie.
Samm Swain discussed Lakeland’s history, its hugely positive and loyal customer base and its current split of sales between its website (28%), its catalogues (8%) and its retail stores (64%). She explained that “trust” is the secret of Lakeland’s long-held position as the largest kitchenware specialist. The retailer promotes and sustains its trusted reputation through commitment to its test kitchen and the involvement of its customer ambassador in both product selection and returns. Samm also outlined the Lakeland customer profile to illustrate the opportunities for suppliers, both branded and own label.
Meanwhile Chris Johnson told housewares suppliers about the advantages of Loadie, his mobile and online logistics platform. This new service which adapts B2C concepts similar to Uber for the B2B market, makes the most of geolocation technology to enable suppliers to post fully trackable transport requirements at no cost and at any time. Available drivers will pick up and deliver, often avoiding the implications of a return journey with an empty vehicle.
Jeff Moody of bira was equally upbeat, outlining the independent retailer’s association’s programme of services, its lobbying activities on business rates and the sale of knives and corrosive substances, and its stand on seeking a fair and level playing field for High Street retail.
Kelly Whitwick highlighted opportunities in the current challenging retail market. Drawing on GfK’s consumer confidence survey, she explained that fears about the macro economic situation are holding consumers back despite a relatively positive position on personal ability to spend. Kelly also discussed trends from the most recent EPOS data. These include the importance of comfort and simplicity, the shift to lower volumes but higher price points and an apparent decline in price comparison as ‘tailored for you’ online offers become more prevalent.
BHETA’s housewares sector director, Will Jones reflected on the event: “Everyone knows that 2018 has presented many challenges, but this BHETA forum proved an entirely positive event, full of really positive ideas, campaigns, commentary and opportunities. It was a sell-out crowd and just goes to show what a contribution to business well-being in this sector BHETA now makes.”
Top: BHETA’s Will Jones, with GfK’s Kelly Whitwick, Lakeland’s Samm Swain, Nicole Addy and Chris Johnson of Loadie and BHETA president, Dexam’s Roger Morgan-Grenville.
