IPSWICH local retailers were treated to a night of insights and inspiration last week, with one of Australia’s leading retail marketing experts and academics in town for a visit.
Dr Louise Grimmer spent the week in Ipswich meeting with more than a dozen local participants in the ‘Made You Look’ program and presenting to a wide range of local businesses at an information session on Tuesday evening.
“I have spent the past few days marvelling at the unique and niche offerings that are right here in Ipswich,” Dr Grimmer said.
“There is so much for your local retail scene to be proud of and it is an absolute pleasure to be here to help you take it to the next level.”
Louise is the founder of Shopology, a retail consultancy that works with local government and individual business owners to create retail experiences with impact. She has turned her lifelong obsession with retail into a career spanning both academia and consulting.
“I am so impressed with the local retailers here and the planning and placemaking that has gone into the different hubs here in the city – both Top of Town and the new Nicholas Street Precinct,” Louise said.
“From our research, they tick all the boxes for what Australian shoppers are looking for in their main streets – whether it’s cleanliness, security and amenities to the kinds of stores and experiences shoppers are looking for.
“What a gift to have these spaces in the city and I’m thrilled to see what else is planned for Ipswich.”
Louise’s passion is small, local stores that shape our cities. The message she imparts across every city, speaking event and boardroom she’s in is this: “In a world where you can shop anywhere – shop local.”
“Independent stores are what make any town or city special, and that is certainly the case here in Ipswich Central,” Louise said.
At the event on Tuesday night, Louise shared insights on consumer shopping trends, Main Street shopping research, and shopfront ideas she had collected everywhere from Launceston to Paris.
From tips about making sure at least one chair was always available in store, to the evidence behind the impact plants can have on shoppers, there was something for everyone to take away and implement in their business.
“I’m sure it is no surprise to anyone here that there is a lot of pressure on household budgets at the moment, in particular on discretionary spending,” Louise shared.
“Consumers are thinking more carefully about what they buy and how they spend, so it has never been more important to differentiate yourself from other large and small retailers out there.
“While times are absolutely tough and retailers are constantly having to adapt to change, the data shows us that physical retail is alive and well.
STORE SHOPPING STILL STRONG
“There has definitely been a surge in online shopping in response to COVID-19, but 4 in 5 retail sales in Australia are still being made in store.
“I can dispel the myth for you that retail has all gone online, and Australians overwhelmingly want the experience of shopping in a store and being able to touch and feel a product before they buy.
“It’s about offering both – online shopping is not the threat to retail that we thought it once was.
“The retailers that survive are the ones that link their physical to digital, differentiate themselves from others, and are constantly adapting and being nimble.”
Kim from HeavyW8 Barbers & Fattboy Apparel in North Ipswich was one of the local businesses who attended the event with Louise last week.
“I have been to a few of these events now that council puts on to help local businesses and I always get such great value out of them,” she said.
“You’d be silly not to take advantage of the support that’s offered as there’s always something helpful to come out of it, even if just connecting with others in the local industry.”
Dr Louise Grimmer was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship and is a Senior Fellow of the Institute of Place Management. She has a PhD in Retail Marketing and a Masters in Public Relations and Communications.
Her research on consumer behaviour, retailing and how retailers can respond to changes in shopping behaviour is published internationally.
Her love for retail started as a child where she would empty the pantry of her family home and ‘sell’ the contents back to her mother and grandmother. As a teenager, she worked at the first seven-day supermarket in Adelaide, then moved to roles overseas.
“I am a hedonic shopper – it brings me complete joy to be in a store and it’s now my life’s work to help stores bring that joy to their customers,” Louise said.
