Green Shoots.... A mis-gnomer?

So despite the billions invested in Miracle-Gro, propagation and no little amount of manure being spread around, we still find ourselves in negative growth for the sixth consecutive quarter. Whatever happened to those green shoots? It seems even some of our so called experts were caught out by an early frost. Political commentators we do not pretend to be but we certainly recognise the need to understand the markets in which we operate.
Down at the Gnome’s Retreat on Saturday night reflecting on the state of the economy, business was brisk, the dandelion and burdock was flowing and despite the Landlord’s special (drink one get one free) there were no takers for the hemlock shooters. A demonstration, if one were required, that it is ever more vital to respond the needs of the customer through clear understanding of the market and brand propositioning.
Although clearly there are significant regional variances with some locations faring better than others and further disparity amongst market sectors, there’s still cause for optimism. Whilst some operators are looking somewhat bleakly at a long hard winter there remains the perennials that continue to thrive as well as new entrants looking to respond to market opportunities.
So as we approach, perhaps for many, the most important trading period of the year it is interesting to see who is doing what. Here at Epoc we are delighted to have just taken instructions from New Look, Poundland and Lloyds Pharmacy who are all continuing to expand their portfolio and grow their market. A clear indication that demand remains for those businesses that continue to provide a value offer allied to strong customer service levels.