36 ASIAN TRADER 13 OCTOBER 2017 http://www.asiantrader.biz
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BATTERIESHowever, Dennis Williams
says this tactic depends on
whether shoplifting is a problem
in your store.
“We have done a lot of work
with our community so do not
have a lot of shoplifting,” says
Dennis. “However, I think a lot of
it is in retailers’ heads that if you
take anything out from behind
the counter that people are going
to steal them. There is a very good
margin on batteries so even if you
did lose the odd one it is not the
end of the day. I think we need to“With major discount stores
taking market share from leading
retailers, consumers are certainly
looking at pricing more than
ever,” says James Tuck, Market-
ing Manager at GP Batteries UK.
“Consumers also want larger
pack sizes and better value for
money. GP offer retailers a range
of SKU’s which are well priced
against the other leading brands.
This offers consumers a quality
product from a global brand at a
competitive price. The Christmasthink more positively as there is
plenty of profit in it for us and for
the suppliers.”
Retailer Robert Kirkwood,
owner of The Corner Shop,
Crossgates, says he has been
surprised by the profits he has
made from his batteries.
“My battery sales are going
upwards and upwards,” says
Kirkwood. “I think it is partly
down to the popularity of gaming
and this is only going to increase
as we get closer to Christmas.”
As the weather gets colder, it islikely the gamers are going to be
drawn inside and this is one of the
reasons it is crucial retailers get
their battery displays just right
over the next few months.
Batteries are very much a
seasonal item, with 40% of
battery volume sold in the last
quarter of the year.
“If retailers do not get their
seasonal range offer right, they
miss out on the sales surge as
people start preparing for
Christmas gadgets,” says
Panasonic’s Clark. “They need
to understand which products
their customers are going to be
looking for, and have the right
offer in the right place and at the
right time.”
The retail landscape is
incredibly competitive these
days and the battery category is
another area independent
retailers find themselves
battling the thriving discount-
ers.
Discounters such as Aldi and
Lidl offer high volume/low price
options that many retailers can
struggle to match.