Retailers, isn’t it time to say enough is enough?
We all know that retailers in our industry have been one of the hardest-hit casualties of the recession. Add to the mix:
- discounted online selling
- increasing amount of non-showroom based competitors
- lack of fully qualified, competent and professional installers
- diminishing margins
and it is surprising there still is a retail industry at all!
Consumer choice
The effects of recession will remain for some time to come, online discounters are not going to go away and consumers still have lots of alternative ways in which to spend their cash. If we specialist retailers want to access that cash and remain a viable force we must take action, promote ourselves and our services in a more effective, more impactful way and we must do so now.
As we are retailers ourselves, FASRA understands the particular problems you face but we also know that only strength of retailer numbers can bring about necessary change. No matter how big an operation you are, you cannot achieve this in isolation.
Supplier policy
Although many suppliers have now adopted a tougher internet policy it is not comprehensive and more lobbying is needed to encourage more manufacturers to support and protect the retailers who display and present their products. FASRA will undertake such lobbying. By working together we can shape our collective prosperity for years to come.
What will FASRA do for me?
The industry as whole will benefit from the formation of FASRA but, more importantly, by joining FASRA you and your business will benefit from:
- FASRA website with direct links to your individual website.
- Powerful national advertising, PR and promotions to make the FASRA brand synonymous with quality and value for money and educate consumers to only buy from accredited FASRA retailers.
- A FASRA team to negotiate with suppliers so Members can offer quality and exclusive products to consumers.
- FASRA will encourage and promote professional standards of service and safety at both showroom and site level through training and sharing best practice
- FASRA will give you a voice which is able to influence and direct activity through closer working relationships with manufacturers, suppliers and industry bodies.
- Regular events to meet and share ideas with other retailers, see presentations from manufacturers, air your views and put forward your own proposals.
Consider this, for the cost of a modest advert in your local newspaper you get a years membership of an organisation whose primary objective is to encourage more consumers through your front door. More than that, it will give you a voice and interactive forum in the industry, a voice that will be ignored by suppliers at their peril and a voice that seeks to promote the whole industry.
If you give us the mandate by signing up, we can do this … we can regain control of our businesses.
What you need to do now
Quite simply you need to register your interest so download the pdf, complete and post to the address given. You don’t need to send any money now, full joining details will be sent to you before the membership start date of 1 July 2010.