Trader,
Bruce Pham, believes he has the new POD display in C Shed pretty much right after two
weeks of experimentation, and he has given us a bit of insight including how
sales are going.
Bruce
says he was surprised at how difficult it was to set up a new type of display.
He was keen to keep the new facility "pure", and not use any of his
old fittings from other stalls (Bruce's family operate other stalls in the
market). He already had some modern display signs to identify his business and
they fitted in well. He also engaged a merchandiser to help set up displays and
make the most of a more professional setting.
Some
Key Changes -
Setting
up and packing down times - Bruce finds he can set up in about 25 minutes and
pack down in 10 minutes (I can hear a collective sigh from traders reading this
article - Ed). When asked if would change any aspect of the design, Bruce said
he would put some fittings on wheels to simplify the process further.
Customer
attitudes - Bruce finds customers are more respectful and less likely to demand
discounts at the POD. A similar reaction was found by traders who moved to
String Bean Alley.
Cleanliness - Bruce can now put out pure white socks without fear of soiling.
Cleanliness - Bruce can now put out pure white socks without fear of soiling.
Bruce
has set up a TV display in a prominent position and screens an excellent video
about sock making and design, which has already gained thousands of views on
social media. He is also screening other videos and photos relating to his
business, and customers do stand and watch.
Sales
- Bruce says sales from the POD are already nearing the sales of his family's
other stalls and on one Saturday, the POD had the highest sales. Given its
position in "one of the worst aisles in the market", he thinks that
is a pretty good result.
We
appreciate Bruce's willingness to share his experiences in the POD.