Malcolm
McCullough’s resignation from The Queen Victoria market will raise many
questions but his short tenure has produced a list of influential improvements.
Car Parking
– Successive managements have battled with car parking fees. The devil of
market income versus the angel of attracting consumers, has dogged traders and
management for years. But Malcolm’s “First hour free – second hour for $5”
struck the mark very effectively and certainly favoured the angel.
ATM’s – the
introduction of ATM’s in key top-end
locations may seem a small thing but they
are worth their weight in gold even if just to prove to customers (and some cynical
traders) that modern conveniences are appropriate in a traditional old setting.
Yes, we can retain the immense charm of an old market, but combine modern
convenience – and the world has not come to an end.
Retail Plan
– Malcolm’s arrival timing was impeccable. We had plenty of planning documents
in place (Renewal Plan, Business Plan) but we were waiting on the all important
Retail Plan and we can be grateful that this influential document was created by an experienced and competent retail executive and retailer in Malcolm.
Streamlining
Market Functions – trader engagement (rent payments) and customer service
functions have received attention under Malcolm’s regime and there has
been criticism from some traders on both counts. However, responding to change, and gaining efficiencies and cost
savings (that allow expenditure in other areas) are inevitable in any pro-active organisation.
And there
are more – Trader Bulletins worth reading, a night to remember with the
inaugural Traders Awards Night back in November, and so on.
Malcolm
achieved a rare feat at QVM. He was still on a honeymoon with traders after 14
months. Yes, there were criticisms along the way but Malcolm had given us a
taste of what an innovative retailer can do at the helm of a great market. It is a shame his involvement was so brief. We wish him every success for the future.