March for Independents: Action Week 4 offers data and insights to help drive profits

By Richard Siddle

Published: 23 February, 2015

As we enter the final Action Week of the March for the Independents campaign we turn the spotlight on the market trends, insights and data that will help independent wine merchants ensure they have the rights wines and spirits on shelf at the right price.

Over the coming days we will be giving independents access to leading off-trade market data that set out the key trends driving retail wine and spirits sales.

We shall also be providing exclusive access to Harpers own consumer research from its Data & Insights division with key highlights from the three "Demystifying the Consumer" reports published to date. These include:

· Demystifying the Consumer in the off-trade

· Demystifying the Consumer in the on-trade

· Demystifying the Consumer in online retailing

These in-depth reports are based on extensive interviews with over 1,000 consumers split between each of the major regions of the UK, divided by age-group. Crucially we chose to interview general alcohol drinkers rather than wine consumers specifically to provide an overall view of how people like to drink across a range of products as well as wine specifically.

Each of the reports is available to buy separately for £1,250 plus VAT but during March for the Independents campaign we shall be providing free some of the highlights from the reports.

The week will also look at other ways independents can look to expand sales and drive income by investing in to new business areas but also the better use of social media and marketing within the business.

We also want to hear from you and if there are any insights or experiences you would like to share with your fellow merchants on key trading areas then please contact Richard Siddle on richard.siddle@wrbm.com.

There is still time to take part in the three Action Weeks that have already taken place during February. These are:

* Action Week 1: How to work closer with your suppliers: download our templated letter to send to suppliers urging them to sign up to the Harpers Best Practice Guidelines

* Action Week 2: How to get your MP and regional media on your side: take part in the Drop the Duty campaign by emailing your MP to show their support and also download our templated letters both to your MP and media setting out the reasons why you need their support to call on the Chancellor to cut alcohol duty levels.

* Action Week 3: How to get on top of business, employment and wine law: use our practical advice, fact sheets and information outlining the latest information and how you can make sure your business is ahead of the game.

All the Action Weeks are leading up to next week's March for the Independents conference to be held at London's St Ermin hotel giving the chance for independents to come together, network and share their experiences on key trading issues with themselves but with industry experts and specialist business consultants.

Printer friendly version