Secrets of successful retailing unveiled at the Waterfront Club

Sponsored by the eBiz Centre and The Retail Exchange, part of Hastings College, business people enjoyed an evening devoted to the future of retailing, covering Visual Merchandising and online trading. The evening was also a chance for retailers to meet and network over a glass of wine.

Metamorphosis, a Visual merchandising agency based in Nutley, introduced concepts in the use of colour, design and spatial planning for retail premises, to enhance the shopper's experience. "It's amazing what can be done with limited cost to really improve a shop's attraction to customers"

Many of the audience were also interested in how to harness the power of the internet to generate additional sales revenue. Bill Shearer, the manager of the eBiz Centre in Hastings, held two taster workshops in eBay and how to set up an online trading store. Many of the audience said they were considering an online store to support their existing premises whilst others were interested in becoming retail entrepreneurs online. Bill said; "There are nearly 12 million eBay user accounts in the UK with 4 million active users '“ all with money to spend, it would appear. The average sale value on eBay rose by nearly 20% in 2006! We want to help local companies make the most of this opportunity."

Any retailer who would like further information on retail skills, especially Customer Service and Retail Operations training, should contact Pauline Reeves, the manager of the local Retail Exchange, by email at [email protected] or by phone on 01424 205543.