23-24-25 Food For Thought_Grid 13/08/2015 15:36 Page 5
Food for thought
Below: Emma Wallington of Debenhams and Rachna Dewan of Lords inspect some of the entries.
Above: Nicky scrutinises the Excellence in Homewares entries.
Nicky Foster, managing director, Kitchens, Bath, Bristol and Cardiff
Emma Wallington, senior buyer, Debenhams
Rachna Dewan, director of product, Lords
Stick?“The friendly, sharing aspect between competitors - fun, camaraderie.” Twist?“Loyalty – from suppliers – to their brand long term: stop letting all and sundry sell at whatever low prices. Plus suppliers’ loyalty to their customers: stop competing with their retailers by offering consumers better deals on their own websites, and stop offering a large retailer exclusivity for some months before offering it to other retailers.”
Stick?“Friendly, small, accessible.” Twist?“Support greater differentiation of product in the marketplace – keep brand diversity and support smaller players.”
Stick?“Lots of networking opportunities via conferences and events.” Twist?“Need to move with the times – the industry can have an image of being ‘old world.’”
Marcus Findlay, IHA UK office Stick?“Friendliness and openness of buyers to share their thoughts on what works (and what doesn’t!) with each other.” Twist?“Get more younger sales people (especially agents) to join the industry with a decent work ethic and dedication to customers.”
Beth Hickson, buyer, Harrods Twist?“Discounting! The current level of discounting in the industry is detrimental to business for everybody – brands and retailers. The discounting should be at a level agreed across the board and enforced.” Above: BHETA’s Will Jones, one of the Judging Day observers chats to Dipesh Radia of Argos during a break.
Keith Crowther, owner, La Cookshop, Blagden Stick?“Product innovation is the most important thing. We need to keep new ideas coming.” Twist?“Suppliers that are also online retailers. It is a bit like having your cake and eating it – the plate may become empty for some if they are not careful.” Above: Keith Crowther of La Cookshop weighs up Plugged In Award entries.
Will Jones, director, BHETA Stick?“People (passion, enthusiasm, knowledge, fun).” Twist?“The industry needs to work harder and more cohesively to address decline in the independent sector.” Above: Dunelm’s Faye Atkins with a Top Tool or Gadget Award entry.
Faye Atkins, director of buying, Dunelm Stick?“Community spirit! Learning from each other and building relationships.” Twist?“Fairness – certain brands putting their own interests before the customers.”
Amanda Reed, buying controller, Leekes Stick?“Representation.” Twist?“Multi-channel price positioning.”
Verity Bell, assistant buyer, Lakeland Stick?“Close relationships between us and suppliers and the development work carried out together to get great new, unique product.” Above: Leekes’ Amanda Reed and Lakeland’s Verity Bell inspect Top of the Table entries.
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Progressive Housewares