The Nursery Support Group

TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER

The Nursery Support Group (NSG) private groups on Facebook provide a place for retailers, suppliers, and even press in the nursery industry, to come together in order to support one another, exchange ideas, offer advice, share new products, highs, lows and everything in between. PPS chats to the admins and some of the members to find out more about how the groups bring the community together.

Comprising of two separate groups, NSG on Facebook offers a unique platform in the nursery industry. The NSG Retail group is for bricks and mortar stores, while the NSG Trade group encompasses all retailers, suppliers and press in an industry-wide community.

The groups are active daily and have a combined membership of 950 across all areas of the business. Each group carries out a slightly different function, as Ian Davidson, owner of Babylicious and admin of both groups explains: “NSG Retail is a unique group set up by retailers, which has gone from strength to strength and

Above: Shannon from Bambinos and Beyond found the group a great way to get to know the industry when she first took over the store.

where stores know they are not alone.

“A place where we can talk privately about issues within the industry from online retailers, supply issues, exchange stock, pricing issues – you name it, we can discuss it, and then reach out to whoever we need to in order to protect our stores and our suppliers.”

Many of the retailers involved in the group have been so for many years. Mike Cummings, md of Simply Baby, comments: “I am proud to have been a member of the NSG since

Below: The two Facebook groups combined have a membership of almost a thousand retailers, suppliers and press.

TROUBLED WATERS

The past few years for retail have proved a time when support networks such as NSG were a lifeline for many. Yas tells PPS: “Covid has been the biggest test of our lifetime, such events make or break people and businesses. I am glad to say we didn’t lose any retailers from our group due to Covid related issues. We did all band together and on a daily basis it was a huge lifeline for us.”

2014 when it was recommended to me by a trade rep. It’s a great source of help, advice and inspiration that I have never experienced in any other industry that I have been a part of.

“It has the perfect mix of both new and established retailers who work together to try and make the nursery industry a better place to be.”

Those new to the industry also view the group as a key way to help them hit the ground running. Shannon Harris, director of Bambinos and Beyond, says: “Before taking over Bambinos and Beyond in 2019, I didn’t have a relationship with many people in the nursery trade and thought it was everyone for themselves until I was introduced to NSG.

“I quickly learnt this was not the case and there were lots of other retailers just like me that sometimes needed a helping hand and support from fellow members of the trade. Ian, Yas and all the other members were so welcoming when I was a newbie and I didn’t feel like any question was silly or judged.”

Many industries would see groups such as NSG sharing information and advice as competition, but Yas Ali, director of Babyland Fife and admin of the groups, sees the industry as rare in this respect: “The community is very unique – we are a group made up of independent, family businesses, some passed down generations. Most other industries that were similar have all but disappeared unfortunately.

“We are competition, there is no doubt about that. But we are a small industry, and as cliché as it is, we are all in the same boat. We help others in the hope that when we need it, others will help us – and we do. We come together when it matters.”

Meanwhile the NSG Trade group is a larger group and encompasses suppliers and press as well. Ian continues: “This page is totally unique also. The stores can ask suppliers for what goods they are looking for, new stores can find all they need for their shops, suppliers can advertise what’s new and what is coming in one place, as a lot of stores don’t have time to open every email or follow every page. So it’s just a great place to check in weekly and see what’s going on.”

The admins of the group receive positive feedback from suppliers who report growth in stockists and sales when posting for free. Ian continues:

“It is good to remind stores and buyers that you are there and what you have going on. Some suppliers I don’t really feel get how good the page can be for their business.”

One supplier who really understands the value of the NSG Trade group is Green Sheep Group. Independent sales manager, Shaun Windsor-Turner, explains: “The group is always very responsive to posts. It’s a great way of sharing information and assets amongst our independent retailers across the country very quickly and effectively.

“Having been in retail for 16 years, I know how quickly the retail landscape can change. Our retailers face fresh challenges daily, so this is a great way of seeing what is current and fresh in the industry. We plan to utilise the group much more moving forward now we have two new members of the independent trade team. The group can be a great tool for suppliers if utilised to the full potential.”

Yas rounds things up perfectly: “As an industry, we are stronger together, because without each other, we can’t survive. Suppliers need shop floor presence and our expertise to help sell their product and get their name out; equally we need their support and stock. I think the past few years and the amazing weekend that was the Harrogate International Nursery Fair proves that we are quite the force.”

Below left and right: Ian is also the owner of Babylicious in the Wirral.

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