Chris Wardle runs Jack’s Convenience Store, Post Office and Filling Station in Stoke-on-Trent – dubbed by local media as “The Happiest Shop in Stoke”. A lot of hard work has earned him that title, but even Chris will be stepping out from behind the counter to attend the National Convenience Show and Forecourt Show.
He says, “NCS is like walking round a real-life Google for retail – you find out everything you need. You can’t go and not learn something useful that will grow your profits. Inspiration is always around the corner.”
Speaking at three different sessions, Chris certainly knows his parcels from his petrol and his sandwiches from his stamps. We asked him a few questions about what we can expect from the sessions he’s involved in.
Inspire your customers to spend more than the price of a parcel
We asked Chris to share one thing that all retailers should be aware of if considering adding postal services to their business.
He said: “In attending the session retailers will learn that adding a Post Office to your business will increase footfall but you must be aware of the commitment and responsibility of your undertaking.”
Chris will be joined by a team of postal experts: Paul Cheema (Director, Malcolm’s Stores Retail Ltd), Troy Gardner (Director of Commercial Retail, National Federation of Sub-Postmasters) and session host, David Gold (Retail Consultant for the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters).
Learn about the considerations involved in running a Post Office and how it can help your existing business on Tuesday 25th April at 11:30am at the Retailer Hub.
Survive or thrive – it’s your choice
This session will provide some clear signposts to success, helping business owners navigate the correct and most lucrative route through today’s red tape, like pensions, the National Living Wage and recent business rate increases. Chris will be part of a panel of experts, including the Head of Policy & Public Affairs from the Association of Convenience Stores. Chris says you will also come away from this session: “Not… afraid of investing in yourself.” Learn how to get it right on Tuesday 25th April at the Retailer Hub at 1:15pm.
NCS Swap Shop
In the lead-up to NCS, shopkeepers have been visiting each other’s stores to swap tips and advice about making the most out of business. Chris tells us about his experience:
“I visited Jai Singh at MJ’s Go Local in Sheffield. What surprised me most about my visit… was how much emphasis he places on marketing and social media, and how little I’m doing of it – something I need to improve and grow in the future.” Chris also realised, “I am not on my own, other retailers have exactly the same business problems and concerns that I have.”
Find out more about the discoveries they all made at the Retail Hub on 25th April at 3:30pm and 26th April at 12:15pm.
NCS Swap Shop
In the lead-up to NCS, shopkeepers have been visiting each other’s stores to swap tips and advice about making the most out of business. Chris tells us about his experience:
“I visited Jai Singh at MJ’s Go Local in Sheffield. What surprised me most about my visit… was how much emphasis he places on marketing and social media, and how little I’m doing of it – something I need to improve and grow in the future.” Chris also realised, “I am not on my own, other retailers have exactly the same business problems and concerns that I have.”
Find out more about the discoveries they all made at the Retail Hub on 25th April at 3:30pm and 26th April at 12:15pm.
View the full schedule of live events.
Read more National Convenience Show blogs here.
