Tag: Retail

phil-barnard-review-2019-xpos

UK Golf Retail: Market Overview 2019

On By philbarnardIn Market update, ThoughtsLeave a comment

2019 bit the dust and what a year it was. With all the political ups and downs, it would have been hard to come up with the script.

So how would we describe the Golf market in 2019?  In footballing parlance, I think it would be “a season of two halves”.

The first half saw the market get off to a roaring start. In March, we were over 7% up YTD and things were looking good. May was okay but then it all started to unravel the following month: one of the worst Junes for a long time which saw 80% more rain than average. We hoped this was a blip but, little did we know, it was a sign of things to come. Continue reading “UK Golf Retail: Market Overview 2019” →

UK Golf Retail: Market Update June 2019

On By philbarnardIn Market update, ThoughtsLeave a comment

Half a Year Gone!

Can you believe the season for golf majors is already over, and we’re only just half way through the year? It’s hard to think that the big events are finished for 2019. Will this allow some of the smaller events to grab the limelight?  The organisers hope so.  Time will tell, but I did enjoy this year’s offerings: finished off with a great win for Shane Lowry at The Open Championship.

Now, let’s turn our attention to the events in the world of UK Golf Retail this year.

Continue reading “UK Golf Retail: Market Update June 2019” →

UK Golf Retail: Market Update April 2019

On By philbarnardIn Market updateLeave a comment

Right now, golf retailers are slap bang in the middle of the season. It’s one of the busiest times of year for pro shops, and all too easy to lose track of how the market, and your business, is performing.  The April retail statistics were recently released, so let’s stand back to look at the picture so far, .

2019: the story so far

By all accounts, it’s been a good start for both golf retail, and golf, in general. Both Winter and Spring were very kind, (no snow), allowing lots of play in relatively warm, and dry, conditions.

People out on the course have been spending money, while Tour Professionals have been generating a good deal of media interest. Tiger Woods winning his first Major in 11 years was, perhaps, one of the greatest comeback stories ever. Everyone seemed to be talking about it: even my football-obsessed builder!

Rory McIlroy returned to his winning-ways: taking the unofficial 5th Major at the Players Championship. While Brooks Koepka retained his PGA Championship title, in dominant style, with an imperious win. All great stories from interesting players, capturing a lot of screen time and news updates.

Celebrating

Continue reading “UK Golf Retail: Market Update April 2019” →

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” →

When a Brand goes Direct to your Customer

On By philbarnardIn Retail advice, ThoughtsLeave a comment

Thanks to Head PGA Pro Michael McCrudden from Roe Park Resort in Northern Ireland, for this Tweet:

“Hi Phil, any chance of a blog post on how to deal with suppliers going direct to consumer and cutting out/by-passing bricks and mortar retailers like the green grass PGA Pro?”

This is a great question, and one that seems to be a really hot topic at the moment. Whilst I can’t provide you with a silver bullet, I might be able to provide some insight in to why brands are doing it, why consumers like it, and how retailers can respond.

So, here goes!!

Why Do Brands Go Direct?

It’s only since we have moved in to the digital age that brands have been able to interact directly with the consumer. In the past, manufacturers relied on distributors selling Continue reading “When a Brand goes Direct to your Customer” →

3 Reasons to Put on a Sale

On By philbarnardIn Retail advice, ThoughtsLeave a comment

Discounting stock for the wrong reasons will cost your business dearly. In fact, without a strategy in place, sales can even be dangerous to your business: lowering your Average Sales Price (ASP) and reducing overall profits. To maximise the opportunities of a sale, retailers need clear objectives, says Phil Barnard.

Some might say that you don’t need a reason for a sale. We know customers love a bargain, (who doesn’t?), and sales are something most retailers do intermittently throughout the year.  However, sales need to be planned as part of your business strategy, and with specific reasons in mind. Putting on a sale because ‘it’s that time of year’, could have a negative effect on your bottom line.

So how can you ensure your sale will bring the maximum benefits to your business?

Continue reading “3 Reasons to Put on a Sale” →

Brexit: what should I do now?

On By philbarnardIn Retail advice, ThoughtsLeave a comment

It’s been a busy time as the dust settles following the vote several weeks ago. What was considered by most as an unexpected result has had a big impact on the UK already – a new Prime minister, a new cabinet and a tumbling currency has left most most people scratching their heads as to what it all means.

Across the globe it has created endless news pieces, on thousands of TV channels as everyone recovers from the shock. Commentators in France, Germany, the USA, Hong Kong and China to mention but a few have all been hard at it, chewing the fat. Lots to talk about but no real understanding as to what happens next.

Continue reading “Brexit: what should I do now?” →

Do you know your customer?

On By philbarnardIn Retail adviceLeave a comment

Phil - green 011

Earlier this year – as the rain was drowning much of the UK – lots of the European golf trade was making its annual pilgrimage to Orlando, to escape the winter weather and attend the PGA merchandising show. The Orange County Convention centre in central Florida hosts the world’s largest golf trade show. Around 60,000 attendees go to see hundreds of stands spread out over 10 miles of show floor. It’s a pretty impressive site.

Continue reading “Do you know your customer?” →