Category: Uncategorized

Reasons to be cheerful in 2022

On By philbarnardIn Retail advice, Thoughts, UncategorizedLeave a comment

With a back drop of a crazy two years that no one could have predicted, it might seem pointless trying to predict the next 12 months. However, we can’t let that stop us and here are my thoughts.

The numbers don’t lie

Covid-19 has had a huge impact on the golf market and, yet, it hasn’t been all bad. Just before things kicked off in February 2020, standing at the front of a room of 200 golf professionals, I made some bold statements: “…the golf market is very resilient. Whatever happens, it rarely changes from the long term average of more than + or -10%”.

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What’s in store for golf retail in 2021?

On By philbarnardIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

If I’d been sitting here a year ago, about to write this, I don’t think my imagination could have possibly created the events that eventually unfolded. I’m pretty sure I would have been focusing on the effects of the upcoming Brexit deal, changes in the high street and consumer shopping behaviour. Most likely, I will have talked about the impact of weather on the golf market. Nothing had more impact than the pandemic last year but before we look at 2021, let’s take a quick look back.

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Should I cancel all my pre orders?

On By philbarnardIn Retail advice, UncategorizedLeave a comment

It’s been brought to my attention that there is some confusion over pre orders and what should people do with them. So, following a few conversations about planning, pre orders and agile stocking I thought I should put some thoughts down to point people in the right direction.

I am often asked by golf Pros if they should cancel all their pre orders.  The answer is a definite “NO”. Well, maybe…

The reality is that the answer has to be specific to your situation and your current plan. Let’s run through some scenarios to see what might be appropriate for you.

In general, you should not just cancel all your pre orders. You’ll end up with nothing to sell. The only reason to cancel all pre orders is if you are about to go bankrupt. There is no point is wasting your suppliers time and money and getting yourself further in to Continue reading “Should I cancel all my pre orders?” →

Get Set for 2019

On By philbarnardIn Retail advice, Thoughts, Uncategorized1 Comment

With the build-up to Christmas well and truly underway, most retailers are trying to maximise their sales and take advantage of all the festive fervour. I’ve seen some great promotional efforts in golf clubs around the country. It’s amazing who has a special Christmas suit!!

While most people won’t start thinking about 2019 until long after the turkey has been eaten, there’s no harm inputting some thoughts together in preparation – especially as we all want next year to be “the best one ever”. Again.

Principle Planning

The main area for consideration here is planning. In Crossover’s recent Pro Shop Retail  Tips advice article, we brought up, what is, for many, the dreaded topic of budgeting.  This may not be the most popular area of business, but it really is a key part to running your store. I’d encourage all business owners to spend a few hours over the coming weeks to make sure they have all their numbers together. If you want to have a really Continue reading “Get Set for 2019” →

Female Attraction

On By philbarnardIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

When it comes to numbers of women golfers, the UK is lagging behind other European countries. Fortunately, associations such as the R&A are taking big steps to help the situation, but what can Pro’s and clubs do, at grass roots levels, to attract more women to the sport? Crossover Chairman, Phil Barnard, talks seeds of change.

This year marks the 100-year anniversary of the Suffragette victory to secure voting rights for women. It’s a landmark year, but, while UK school children have been marking the occasion with themed events and special talks, some golf clubs are only just clearing away hugely prejudicial signs, such as “No Women or Dogs Allowed”.

It’s no surprise that the UK has one of the lowest percentages of female club members than many other European countries. At approximately 15%, the UK is overshadowed by Germany at 35%, and Sweden at almost 30%.

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Bettering Amazon: Advice for the Smaller Retailer

On By philbarnardIn Retail advice, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Following my article outlining some of the lessons learned from Amazon, here are a few pointers for the golf retailer on how one could use some of Amazons tactics.

So what does the rise in online sales mean for smaller retailers?

First of all, you are going to have to compete with Amazon and the other big online marketplaces – this is just a fact of life.  These behemoths of the online world have advantages in the scale of their operation, the sheer range of products they can provide, their reach, and their infrastructure – but do not be disheartened.

You have strengths that the online giants don’t have. So, what should you be doing?

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