AGENTS are losing customers and business by neglecting the look of their shops, former Carlson retail managing director Ray Elgie told the conference.
Elgie, who left the company at the end of January, now runs Rincon Design, a company specialising in the refurbishment of retail stores.
He said with the possibility of foreign-exchange booths arriving in ARTACoutlets, agents should consider redesigning their shops
“Carlson spent ú7m in 15 months promoting the Worldchoice brand and you should now be capitalising on that,” said Elgie. “Shopping is becoming the UK’s major leisure pastime and you need to show you are offering more, not just talking about it.”
He said the right design could increase the competitive look of a shop, enhance customer comfort and strengthen the brand name.
Elgie estimated that ú10,000 could pay for a makeover.
“I believe it could pay for itself in extra profit in the first year,” he said.
Introducing appointment for customers is also the way forward, added Elgie.