SETTING UP A RETAIL GROUP For local authority officers whose retailers are not yet formed into a coherent group, we can offer a programme which is designed to bring them together into an effective and active force for positive change and create ideal candidates for the Workshops Level 1. WORKSHOPS LEVEL 1 - Basic Marketing Techniques 4 x 1-hour workshop sessions + Question & Answer sessions and additional networking time 4 different marketing topics Workbook and delegate notes Pocket Guide to Marketing + 3 Marketing books Mystery Shop Follow up one-to-one consultation Promotion and organisation (if required) WORKSHOPS LEVEL 2 - Two Hot Topics How to use window displays to create customer interest and using visual merchandising to encourage customers to 'shop' the whole shop 2 x 1-hour workshop sessions + Question & Answer sessions and additional networking time Workbook and delegate notes Mystery Shop Follow up in-store -one-to-one consultation Promotion and organisation (if required) How to use customer postcodes to prepare an advertising or promotional plan 2 x 1-hour workshop sessions + Question & Answer sessions and additional networking time Workbook and delegate notes Mystery Shop Follow up one-to-one consultation Promotion and organisation (if required) NEW PROGRAMME 2008 “The Competitive Edge” a programme of interactive marketing workshops designed to help retailers identify their competitive edge and get ahead of rivals. 4x 1½ -hour workshop sessions + Question & Answer sessions and additional networking time 4 different marketing topics Workbook and delegate notes Business books Pre-visit to premises Follow up one-to-one consultation Promotion and organisation (if required) PROMOTIONAL PLANS Once a strong retail group is formed, joint promotions can give retailers a positive focus, as well as the opportunity to raise the profile of the town through ongoing promotion. Main Marketing will work with retailers to establish their local promotional objectives and provide action plans which can be tackled by the group. SERVICE CHARTER The promotional plan goes hand-in-hand with a Quality Service Charter which gives retailers the chance to promote their main advantage over the larger stores - superior customer care and personalised service. Main marketing's Quality Service Charter is a marketing tool which allows participating shops to outwardly express their commitment to good service.  LOYALTY CARD SCHEME Rewarding loyal customers makes a lot of sense and we have variations of schemes, which differ in cost and complexity that may be suitable for a group of independent shops. BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS BIDs are a business-led regeneration initiative which can secure funding over a five-year period through increased business rates. Many Councils, town centre managers and project officers may be considering this as an option. Main Marketing has joined forces with Mark Ross of Net Business Goals, an experienced BID manager, to offer a BID mentoring service.