Retail Development Programme

The Local Enterprise Office, Cork City is offering a retail programme aimed at Cork City based independent retail owners. Commencing in September, the intensive training programme will cover areas including: developing aggressive sales and growth strategies; strategic retail management; negotiation and better buying and strategic purchasing practices; developing excellent customer service; marketing and PR; loyalty schemes; visual merchandising and best display practice. Retailers will also receive an individual store audit.
Video clip of 2013 Retail Programme

Programme Format:

4 x full-day workshops: • Developing Aggressive Sales Growth Strategies • Negotiation with suppliers, Branding and Developing World Class Customer Service • Strategic Retail Management • Visual Merchandising

Mentoring / In-Store Audit
A one to one mentoring/training session will be available to participants who have completed the 4 workshops. As part of this session at your shop, an in-store audit will be conducted personally by James Burke, together with the store owner / manager, over a 2 hour period, where James will review the business under the following headings: • Sales Growth Potential • Competitor analysis opportunities to differentiate • Store layout/Store décor • Lighting • Merchandising • Sales Growth strategy • Profitability/Category Management • Staff contribution to the business • Customer service initiatives • Management structure/Management skillset • Staff skillset • Marketing plan/PR plan • Promoting the business in the local community.

The focus will be on sales growth opportunities and each store owner/manager will be provided with a detailed action list of possible initiatives on how to improve the overall store performance. During this session owners/managers will have the opportunity to discuss individual business challenges facing the retailer, and seek possible alternative solutions. This programme has been run by with excellent results by James Burke and Associates with small retailers all over the country including retailers in Bandon and Clonakilty following the devastating effects of flooding on those towns. Programme ratings are typically in excess of 90% and participating retailers have reported strong sales growth.

This programme is aimed at owner managers of Independent Retail Outlets based in Cork City or people in a senior position in these businesses. For further information and to express your interest in this programme, please contact Michael Mulcahy at 021 4961828 or email michael_mulcahy@leo.corkcity.ie