Carlisle Market Hall gets advice from the ‘Shop Doctor’

Date of Issue: Friday, 24 September 2010

Carlisle Market Hall traders have benefited from a visit from an expert ‘Shop Doctor’.

Carlisle City Council and the Market Hall management company funded a scheme that provided specialist advice on how to maximise the impact of the presentation of the stall and its goods; and how to enhance sales and customer service.

As part of the initiative, one to one ‘shop surgeries’ were available from Bill Smith aka the ‘Shop Doctor’, a specialist in helping retailers improve their businesses. The 21 Market Hall traders who signed up for support received a dedicated visit on their stall that gave time for the Shop Doctor to assess key aspects of the business and identify opportunities that would enhance trading opportunities.

Bill Smith said:

“The provision of specialist retail advice has been extremely well received and regarded as a very positive contribution to help boost retail vitality by those taking part. The market offers a wealth of retail variety and provides an essential opportunity for customers to access quality products at extremely good value. The Shop Doctor initiative will help traders to maximise the opportunity provided in this unique setting”

Shirley Teasdale from Just Kids, a trader within the Market Hall for the last 13 years took up the offer of support. Following a visit from the Shop Doctor she has already changed the way she promotes her products and is considering altering the layout of her stalls to improve customer awareness and encourage additional purchases.

Shirley said:

“The Shop Doctor was amazing. He talked to us about a customer’s perspective and came up with some fantastic ideas and suggestions on improving our sales. We are already putting his ideas in place. His advice was extremely beneficial to us and helped us see areas that needed improvement. We enjoyed working with him and would like him to keep in touch.”

Helen Wylie, Market Hall Manager said:

“The Market is a unique collection of small businesses offering an amazing and eclectic mix of goods and services under one roof. The current retail climate has made it very difficult for small businesses to survive so it is vital that they analyse their strengths and weakness in order to fulfil their potential.

“When the “Shop Surgeries” were offered to the Market Tenants, I was pleased to receive such a positive response. Those taking part have acknowledged that it is always possible to learn something new and that a fresh pair of eyes can more easily identify their weaknesses as well as their strengths. The Shop Doctor’s advice has inspired them to make changes in layout, presentation, merchandise and the marketing of their businesses.

“Despite the current threats to the survival of Markets, all around the Country, we intend to grasp every opportunity to prove we deserve the support of the local community and visitors alike. The Market Hall is a great asset to the city centre and we want to encourage more people to shop here, so if you haven’t been in recently you will be pleasantly surprised, and warmly welcomed, when you next visit.”

Cllr Marilyn Bowman, Portfolio holder for Economic Development, said:

“A lot of the Market Hall traders saw this opportunity as one not to be missed and are now reaping the benefits of the Shop Doctor’s advice. The Market Hall is a key element in our local retail offer and is the base for around 44 independent traders. We hope that even more local shoppers make a visit to the Market Hall to see how the advice of the Shop Doctor has been taken up.”