A recent forum hosted by the British Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) saw a number of speakers passing on advice for independent DIY and hardware retailers.

The Tool Shop MD Vin Vara advised delegates on the use of EPOS date

Speakers at the well attended event discussed the latest ONS figures and explored their best practise for growth in the DIY sector.

Talks ranged from using EPOS, right though to targeting the over 55s as part of an independent strategy. A common theme was proactive co-operation in the retailer and supplier relationship.

Vin Vara, Owner of The Tool Shop Group, which comprises of 9 London-based hardware, DIY and housewares stores advocated using EPOS data, staff training and supplier supported promotions and events.

BIRA's Director of Communications Mick Weedon, who has a vast knowledge of both independent hardware and cookshop retail, reiterated the importance of promoting services as well as products in store and also spoke of events to attract custom. 

This theme continued with presentations from Insight DIY MD, Steve Collinge, and Paul Halliwell, chief operating officer of Twenty Ci, the UK's leading lifestage trigger agency.

Mr Collinge's talk entitled 'Retail Prices - How to avoid the race to the bottom' again stressed the importance of new and exclusive products and the use of customer data to target precisely - in particular the over 55s. Mr Halliwell went on to discuss how the value of consumers varies according to their life stage and how targeting can maximise returns. 

BHETA's home improvement sector director Paul Grinsell remarked: "This was a very constructive session with some great advice and comment shared between all parties. Yet again the theme of mutual benefit between retailers and suppliers proved its worth."