All articles by Liz Morrell – Page 7
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Consumer Finance: Would you credit it?
As consumers become more cautious with their cash, Liz Morrell looks at how retailers are keeping their credit offerings flexible without putting themselves at risk.
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Supermarket non-food formats: home is where the heart is
There is not much good news on the retail park scene at the moment. But with the advent of the supermarket non-food formats, new life is being breathed into developments across the UK.Asda opened the first of its non-food-only Asda Living stores in Walsall in October 2004 and now has ...
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Product recalls: A source of anxiety
Product recalls are not just a logistical nightmare – they can also weaken consumer confidence and damage a brand. Liz Morrell reports on the steps retailers can take to minimise risks
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Product information: Knowledge is power
In a culture where customers are empowered to find product information for themselves, retailers are in danger of losing authority in their field. Liz Morrell finds out why it’s crucial they take control.
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Plastic bags: Has the problem been exaggerated?
With a target of reducing plastic bag usage by 70 per cent by next spring, retailers are doing all they can to minimise their waste, but has the problem been exaggerated? Liz Morrell sorts fact from fiction
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Do your research
In tough times insight into customers is more important than ever, because it enables retailers to give shoppers exactly what they want. Liz Morrell finds out how it can help steal a march on rivals.
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When Aldi came to town
Aldi is attracting middle-class shoppers with its low prices and no-frills approach. Liz Morrell reports from the front line on how it is winning hearts, minds – and wallets
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AnalysisRole of honour
Glamorising job titles is an easy way for employers to make roles sound more appealing, especially to new recruits, but do they serve their purpose of motivating staff, asks Liz Morrell
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Lessons from your leavers
Staff turnover is so high in retail that it can be tempting to skip exit interviews but, in doing so, retailers will miss a chance to learn valuable information about their business. By Liz Morrell
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AnalysisRetailers’ eBay stores: You can’t knock a bargain
High street retailers with their own eBay stores are getting better prices and clearing more stock. Liz Morrell weighs up the risks and rewards of a relationship with the auction site
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Open relationship
Change management can be a disaster if retailers don’t communicate it properly, but those that make the effort will be rewarded with more engaged workers. Liz Morrell reports
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Back to bulk?
The credit crunch is hurting bulky goods retailers, so how are the parks that house them holding up? Liz Morrell reports
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Multiple choice
Knowing how staff really feel about the business helps retailers improve satisfaction and productivity levels, so employee surveys deserve to be taken seriously. Liz Morrell reports on the options available
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Rising through the ranks
Inspiring shopfloor workers to aim for store manager and beyond not only ensures you have a reserve of successors, it also keeps staff churn rates down. By Liz Morrell
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Give a little credit
Despite fears about the credit crunch, retailers are still using credit to drive sales – especially in the struggling big-ticket market. Liz Morrell reports
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AnalysisReturns policies: 28 days later
A liberal returns policy can encourage loyal customers, but, if too relaxed, it can be abused and eat into profits. It’s all about striking the right balance, says Liz Morrell
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Poor relations
An unhappy shopfloor worker means unhappy customers, so retailers must sort out grievances as soon as possible. The legal process in place does not make this easy, but changes are afoot, as Liz Morrell reports
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Fee delivery
Web sales soared again this Christmas and many retailers spurred on shoppers with free delivery over the period. But, Liz Morrell asks, how much of a difference does it make?
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AnalysisMinimum wage, minimum effort
Retailers have always prided themselves on paying their workers above the minimum wage. But, with the rate racing ahead of inflation, they are struggling to keep pace. Liz Morrell reports
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Child benefits
The Textile Industry Children’s Trust is urging more retailers to get involved and raise awareness of its aims at a time when it is reinventing itself. Liz Morrell reports