Latest news with #independentretail
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Small shops on the brink amid shoplifting and violence
Independent retailers face being put out of business by an epidemic of shoplifting, violence and rogue traders selling illegal cigarettes and vapes. Shocking figures show 96 per cent of small shop owners said rising retail crime combined with Labour's tax hikes and high energy costs have made it harder for their businesses to survive. A third of those surveyed by the Federation of Independent Retailers have noticed an increase in crime in their stores since the start of the year. Nearly all – 95 per cent – said more shoppers will turn to rogue traders to buy tobacco and e-cigarettes amid a government crackdown on smoking and vaping. The Federation's national president, Mo Razzaq, said: 'We have repeatedly warned the Government in no uncertain terms that independent retail is on the brink of disaster unless our industry receives support.'
Forbes
12-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Early Wins In Independent Stores Trump Fast Placement In Mass Retail
Joel Goldstein is the President of Mr. Checkout Distributors. getty Launching a product is an exercise in both courage and calculation. It's easy to be lured by the perceived prestige of mass retail—national distribution, broad exposure, shelves lined in high-traffic chains. But the reality is often more sobering. Fast placement in big box retail can stretch a brand too thin, too quickly, placing immense pressure on margins, operations and inventory with little room to refine or adapt. In contrast, early wins in independent retail offer something far more strategic: controlled momentum, deeper engagement and the foundation for long-term viability. Independent stores are where real market feedback lives. These retailers serve close-knit communities where purchasing decisions are driven by trust, relationships and a shared sense of values. When a product lands on these shelves, it's not just being stocked—it's being introduced. Store owners become brand advocates, and customers become early adopters. There's time and space to observe, learn and adjust—elements often lost in the high-stakes, high-volume world of mass retail. Every product has its rhythm, and independent retail allows you to find it. Packaging, pricing and promotional strategy can be tested and refined with far less risk. A missed forecast doesn't trigger widespread chargebacks or steep penalties; instead, it sparks a conversation. A pivot is possible. These early environments are forgiving, and that flexibility is invaluable in shaping a brand that can scale with confidence. Beyond logistics, the psychological impact of early wins is significant. A successful rotation in a neighborhood market can validate the product, build confidence and create social proof. Each reorder is a signal—not just that the product sells, but that it belongs. Independent retailers don't allocate shelf space lightly. When they support a product, it's because it has earned its place. That endorsement is worth far more than a temporary presence on a crowded corporate planogram. Independent wins are not just about survival—they're about story. A brand that grows through small retailers builds a reputation rooted in authenticity and resilience. The narrative shifts from 'We got lucky with a big chain' to 'We built this one store at a time.' That story is powerful. It resonates with future buyers, press and even the national chains that later take notice—not because of your pitch deck, but because of your track record. Fast placement in big-box retail may look impressive from the outside, but it's often a bet with high stakes and little forgiveness. Without demand already established, the product can stall. Shelves are unforgiving. The velocity required to stay listed can be punishing, especially when coupled with chargebacks, slotting fees and margin cuts that leave little room for error. A stumble can shut the door for years. By contrast, growing through independent retail builds leverage. It allows a brand to scale on its own terms, with proof points grounded in real-world performance. It also builds relationships—directly with store owners, regional distributors and the communities that champion local businesses. That goodwill doesn't just lead to sales; it creates sustainable momentum. Launching a product is more than getting on the shelf—it's staying there. It's being invited back. It's building loyalty that no national ad campaign can buy. Independent retailers offer the space to do that—to refine, to learn, to grow deliberately and strategically. They are the proving ground where brands aren't just placed but embraced. So, when given a choice between fast placement and foundational wins, choose the path that lasts. The shelf in a small store may seem modest, but in it lies the potential for everything that comes next. Forbes Business Development Council is an invitation-only community for sales and biz dev executives. Do I qualify?
