As a keen road cyclist, it is always satisfying to take a well earned coffee break half way round the planned route. Yesterday was no exception for me and after pedalling through country lanes for a respectable few miles, I eventually ended up in an old picturesque market town for my half time refreshment stop. There is a delightful pedestrianized cobbled square in the town centre and in accordance with the latest Covid lockdown restrictions, the pubs and restaurants all around the square were closed. However, there was a choice of three retailers from which I could buy a take away coffee and flapjack from, two of which were well known national coffee shop chains. The third option was a small independent mobile kiosk being run by a local entrepreneur. Each retailer had prominence although it could be argued the mobile kiosk was perhaps in the most visible location.
Since the weather was pleasantly mild for the time of year, there was a real buzz of people in the square just enjoying the atmosphere with a coffee in hand. After choosing to buy my coffee from the mobile kiosk, I sat down and just observed where others were choosing to buy their take away coffee from. Incredibly, despite how important it is now more than ever to support small local businesses, I was somewhat surprised to see how most people were buying their coffee from one of the branded chains.
Whilst the independent retailer offered the same choice as the two chain retailers using the same equipment behind the counter, for me, the quality was perhaps better from the independent because it was a more personal service.
Nobody will ever dispute how good for business brand value can be. However, the real danger for us all right now though is that our choice as consumers is being rapidly eroded. We are already living in a world where a small number of established technology and internet brands are dominating the market place and controlling our buying habits.
Will we still have a choice in a few years time or can more be done now to protect competition?
With a passion for helping SMEs to grow and the experience of working in a variety of e-commerce, retail and distribution businesses within the fast moving consumer goods sector in particular, I decided to set up Fluid FD Limited to offer my experience and support on a part time or interim basis. For a free initial chat about how I may be able to assist you in your business, either message me on Linkedin or email me directly at paul@fluidfd.com.