BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND, October 27, 2012
/24-7PressRelease/ -- Smallbusiness.co.uk reported small businesses are battling with decreasing footfalls. Two thirds of independent retailers have seen the number of customers passing through their shop doors falling or remaining static in the last twelve months. 16% of small businesses fear that they may go under during 2013, unless sales improve, according to a survey carried out by network provider, O2.
54% report that generating consumer awareness is one of their biggest challenges to encourage customers to set a foot in the door. 31% acknowledge that consumers are simply not aware of the benefits of choosing to shop locally. 38% of businesses also blame an insufficient marketing budget; and 30% blame a lack of time and capability to make more of these benefits.
However despite these disappointing findings, 24% of consumers reported they visit independent shops once a week, with their reasons for visiting down to convenience (40%); personal service (27%) and the unique experience they offer (31%).
Michael Weedon, deputy chief executive of the British Independent Retailers Association, has revealed that, "footfall is falling, draining the vitality of our towns and independents. There are over a quarter of a million small retail businesses in Great Britain and while consumers continue to love them, they do not see them as clearly as they do the big multiples with the big national brands."
Outsourced direct sales and marketing company
Strategic Five Marketing has reported an increasing demand for direct sales campaigns.
Managing director for Strategic Five Marketing,
Ben Lambert has stated that "that the demand for outsourcing a direct sales campaign has continued to grow. More brands are seeing positive results and finding direct sales through business-to-business, in-home presentations and events are more cost effective than retail shops. In today's economy it is more important than ever to be ahead of the competition and using a variety of direct selling is a fantastic way to maintain a competitive advantage."
Strategic Five Marketing believe customers still want a personalised shopping experience however they are less likely to travel to the high street to attain it. The firm have reported growth year on year and see their outsourced sales services filling a gap in the market between the high-st and online purchases.
In this economic age, independent retailers struggle. Pursuing customers via alternate direct sales methods used by Strategic Five Marketing is becoming more popular for many major brands.
Strategic Five Marketing is an outsourced sales and marketing company who provide the following services; brand development and awareness; direct sales; customer acquisitions and tracking and monitoring of sales. Our mission is to develop our business through diversity, individuality and a fusion of ideas.
Website:
http://www.strategicfivemarketing.co.uk/---
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