17 December 2021
Bira CEO, Andrew Goodacre, urges retailers to consider adopting a hybrid business model to combat the threat of low consumer confidence caused by the pandemic and new variants.
"The official retail sales figures for October and November were positive and I am sure that many retailers were looking forward to December with a high degree of optimism. Then Omicron was announced and it has completely ‘burst that bubble’ of Christmas cheer.
With more restrictions being announced almost daily (or so it seems) and the Christmas sales season seriously disrupted, many retail businesses will be looking at 2022 with trepidation. It seems inevitable that we will see further restrictions in January, and possibly shop closures as we start to see the full effect of this latest wave. Many retailers may be fearing the worst in the new year and their business even more significantly disrupted. In the past some retailers have changed their business model and embraced online opportunities – but it has not been easy nor always successful.
Bira has recognised the challenge faced by independents who want to add an extra sales channel to their business but are not sure how to do it or how to make it profitable. That is why we have developed Neartoo – an online marketplace for local independent shops
With uncertainty about January and potential closures, now is the time to start looking at options to still do business and engage with your local community – and wider opportunities. Neartoo is simple to use, more than just a market place and lets the retailer keep most of the profits by only charging a 7% commission
The result of the last 20 months is the rise of the ‘hybrid retailer’ – a shop with a good internet presence. We have also seen an increase in local shopping. Even if shops are not closed, the general message to the public is to be cautious and that will lead to more online shopping (recent history tells us that). We want to help you to be ready for a challenging new year and I urge you all to embrace Neartoo – it costs nothing to sign up."