More than 180 suppliers attended the Lifestyle Express annual supplier briefing where they were brought up to speed on the fascia’s plans for the coming year, its focus on core range compliance and its support package for retailers.
During the event, held recently in Coventry, Landmark Wholesale MD John Mills (pictured) and Retail Controller Stuart Johnson shared the latest updates from Lifestyle Express and its vision for the future.
Johnson revealed that three category-focused core range projects launched earlier in the year look set to provide an additional £1.3m in sales. “Our focus on filling core range gaps in our stores is really paying off,” he commented, adding that more categories would follow.
The event also covered the fascia’s plans for the future. “In the past few months, we’ve carried out a full audit of the estate and our focus is firmly on quality rather than quantity,” said Mills. “Our aim will be to work with engaged, committed retailers whose focus is on delivering excellent store standards and retail excellence for their customers.”
To do this, Lifestyle Express is introducing a new gold standard for Lifestyle Express retailers to drive up retailing excellence. “We’re going back to basics,” said Johnson. “We’re encouraging our retailers to focus their attention and investment on the four key pillars of retail: providing a clean and modern shopping environment, the correct range, great availability and providing excellent customer service.”
Johnson also detailed the support that Lifestyle Express provides for its retailers. “With the introduction of the Lifestyle Learning Academy, our free online training resource, our relaunched Lifestyle Express website and rebranded retailer magazine, Lifestyle Retailer, we’re equipping our retailers with the very best training, retail advice, information and support in the business,” he said.
“This, coupled with the fact that we’re creating our best ever formats, means that Lifestyle Express is firmly focused on delivering the best possible stores to serve local communities in the future. It’s a very exciting time.”
