Some Traders Need A Kick Up......

The one subject that traders are probably the most sick of reading about is retail change. We have almost become numb to the constant wailing about the need for change and that is ok as long as you are a trader who at some stage has listened and reacted. Those who haven't, really need to respond now.

A recent article on LinkedIn by a guy called Bob Nardelli (ex CEO of The Home Depot and Chrysler) talked about the end of 2-3 year business plans. He said that some plans today only last 2-3 days because the rate of change and uncertainty is so dynamic particularly in industries like energy (and not much less in retailing). Imagine setting a business plan based on the global price of oil just 6 months ago. That plan would now be in tatters and in fact if you didn't react straight away to that situation, you are probably no longer in business, unless you bet on a price fall.

Changes in retailing have been dynamic but there are still many market traders conducting their businesses in exactly the same way they were 5, 10, or even 20 years ago. The single biggest change of course is in the way shoppers shop. A recent article in the Harvard Business Review, "In The Future Of Retail, We're Never Not Shopping", just nails the problem for those retailers who haven't changed. Shoppers now have many different ways of shopping, and if you are still doing things they way you did 5 or 10 years ago you are only covering one aspect of modern retailing. If you are just waiting for shoppers to come past your stall, like we all used to do, then you are missing the shoppers who have discovered other ways of sourcing your goods. And it doesn't matter how much you complain, or how much you wish the old days would come back, or how much you blame others (management) for your dilemma - things are unlikely to change for you.

Ready for some reading? Here are some articles that might kick-start that change in your business and you can join all those traders who have already made a start.

6 Things Star Wars Can Teach Retailers - https://www.thoughtworks.com/insights/blog/6-things-star-wars-can-teach-retailers

Trends In Retailing http://www.tutorialspoint.com/retail_management/emerging_trends_in_retail.htm

Don't believe in change for changes sake? Well, here is an excellent article by a strategist called Jon Steel - http://www.wpp.com/wpp/marketing/digital/basic-instinct/ in which he cleverly compares age old methods of communicating with customers (would you believe graffiti from the ancient city of Pompeii) and how that ties in with modern communication. He doesn't believe in change for changes sake but he has some interesting observations on how to apply age old business principles in new ways.

Finally, we recently wrote about some great low cost business courses set up by Small Business Victoria. These could be a very effective way of embracing new retailing in your business. - http://www.victraders.com/2016/03/low-cost-digital-workshops-from-small.html 

The bottom line is that there is plenty of information out there to help traders who want to start determining their own future. 

Have Your Say - click here.

You Want To Be A Trader Representative Because...

You may have heard that a new election for Trader Representatives is in the air and sub-committees are currently working on a new representative structure to carry us forward into the exciting, yet daunting prospect of a market renewal. What are the desirable qualities for a Trader Representative? Are you a possible candidate for that role or do you have somebody else in mind? It is probably a good time to take a look at what makes up a Trader Representative.

You want to be a Trader Representative Because...........

- You believe traders can help achieve great things for the QVM.
- Traders need a clear voice to help influence the direction of our market.
- The future of QVM  will need collaboration of market owners and traders.
- At night, and early in the morning you think about market issues.
- You feel you can make a difference.
- The essential ingredient of retail expertise in the running of QVM needs to come from traders.
- You recognise that there are many stakeholders at QVM and any solution may involve some compromise.
- You are good at working with traders, management, bureaucrats, and similar groups who are intent on making your life really difficult.
- You can smile in the face of adversity.
- You realise that the best solution may not always be the most popular.
- You encourage others to get involved.
- You embrace Yoda's quote - "Do or do not, there is no try."

- At all times you will abandon self interest in your decision making.
- You greet a 20 page document on any subject as an opportunity to better understand market problems and you hope it will have lots of deep analysis.
- Sound evidence and analysis are better than pure gut feelings any day.
- Traders are real people who deserve to be earnestly listened to, and their views carefully considered.
- Management are real people who deserve to be earnestly listened to, and their views carefully considered.
- You have reasonable expertise in modern digital communication.
- You prepare for meetings because you want to make a difference.
- You embrace meetings and discussions as an opportunity to reach useful conclusions.
- Achieving results is more important than just talking.
- You understand that success is sometimes a series of small steps.
- You have a positive view of our markets future and you want others to embrace that future.
- You care.

This is just one persons view of what makes a Trader Representative. Contributions welcome.

Greg Smith - Trader Representative.

Have Your Say - click here.

COMMENTS:
14/03/2016 15:47:06 trader representatives " As far as I'm concerned the present team of trade and representatives we have are the best we've had ever and I would like them to stay and keep going as long as possible thank you. 
You cannot please everyone at any time all of the time no matter who you are and no matter how good you are.there always be those who  will oppose anything ,  from anyone at any time .  It's the Sad nature I'm afraid of us humans .this goes back to Biblical times . As I recall  even  A man called Jesus was crucified." Andy

Thanks for your comments Andy.

Latest Retail News – 13/3/2016

Latest Retail News – 13/3/2016
1. Rebels second “accelerate” concept store opens at Chatswood in Sydney.
2. Australian lingerie retailer, Bras’ n’ Things, expands to South Africa.
3. Adidas plans 3000 new stores in China.
4. Penfolds announced as world’s most admired wine brand.
5. Lindt to open new store at Essendon’s DFO.
6. ABS and NAB say January retail sales up but online down.
7. Samsung opens its latest uber-trendy flagship in Manhattan but doesn’t sell anything.
8. Myer to close Brookside store in Queensland.

News Briefs:
Target To Open First New Generation Store In NSW -  Target’s new look is to be unveiled at Chatswood this week. The store will include styling experts, in-store café, click and collect service, a T-shirt printing station where customers can bring their own designs create their own fashion, on-site clothing alteration service and a digital photo kiosk.

Interesting Statistics On Meat Consumption

Roy Morgan research has revealed that the proportion of Australian grocery buyers purchasing their fresh meat at the butchers has declined over the last 3 years. The overall meat market is declining although butchers are the most affected.

Butchers still hold a significant share of the total fresh meat market with a higher average weekly spend than supermarkets - $37 versus $27 for Woolworths and $25 for Coles. According to the survey meat purchased at markets and delicatessens came in at $34 in an average seven days.

More details on the research can be found here - http://www.roymorgan.com/findings/6693-decline-of-the-butcher-201602232312

Have Your Say - click here.

Low Cost Digital Workshops From Small Business Victoria

A new listing for digital workshops has come out from Small Business Victoria. They are in both local and regional areas. The workshops are at a very low cost and run by professional facilitators and experts in the field. 

We suggest you go to the link below, key in the topic you are interested in or simply scroll through the categories.  

 http://www.business.vic.gov.au/events?topic=Online%20Business

Opportunity To Promote Small Scale Manufacturing

The City of Melbourne has joined with other near city councils to promote smaller manufacturing businesses through a special website and a number of QVM traders could make use of the service.

"makers.melbourne is a mapping site designed to create a community for small-scale urban manufacturers/makers to promote their products and services while contributing to valuable research conducted by the University of Melbourne."

Full details are available on line here - http://makers.melbourne/

"makers.melbourne provides the opportunity to support a vibrant and diverse manufacturing sector across metropolitan Melbourne. Local manufacturing encourages innovation, creates employment and contributed to the city’s character. Makers displayed on this site will also be participating in an important research project, called Urban Manufacturing, which looks at exploring trends and movement of Makers in and around Melbourne. Participation in this project is by completing the website registration and accompanying survey which will provide the data needed to support makers in the future.

Manufacturers can use maker.melbourne to:

• Promote their business and reach more consumers;
• Find other local suppliers and contractors;
• Extend into new supply chains.

Consumers can use makers.melbourne to:

• Find the latest in food, fashion, furnishings and other products from emerging designers;
• Reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable development by buying local; and
• Help create jobs in your community."

More Congestion But More Customers

The development of the northern end of Melbourne’s CBD is pushing forward at a frantic pace with supporters and detractors expressing their views on a regular basis.

The proposed Munro site development is reaching the final evaluation stage with two preferred candidates for the multi level high rise on Therry Street expected to be reduced to one by June. The latest development announcement close to the Queen Victoria Market is this week’s twin tower 79 story apartment and retail complex slated for 350 Queen St. which is located between A’Beckett and Latrobe Streets, just two blocks from the market.

Like other developments there are concerns being expressed about the possible over supply of apartments in the city and issues with the impact on infrastructure, concerns about wind, over shadowing, traffic flow, and the list goes on. Proponents talk about the measured development of Melbourne as a liveable city for a growing band of residents attracted to what the city has to offer. And for those in the northern end of the CBD what could be more tantalising than living close to our wonderful Queen Victoria Market.

At the risk of displaying some self interest it is noted that the new development at 350 Queen St. will include a staggering 1600 apartments which translates to a lot of potential market customers. A couple of years ago the then CEO of the City of Melbourne, Kathy Alexander, told a group of traders that the gradual loss of locals parking in our market car park would be replaced by huge growth in inner city apartment living. Is this the sort of growth she was talking about and is this enough to give traders a springboard for gaining new business opportunities in the future?

Have Your Say - click here.

Heard Under The Sheds

Sunglasses Needed Here - This is the second week in a row that we have had a photo of our illustrious cleaner, Pete, on Victraders.com and this time it is in reference to his new uniform which according to Tony Pierrakos is eye dazzling. I think we can see what Tony means.
Incidentally, the editor of Victraders was almost refused service at Romeo's Cafe this week for daring to suggest that Pete's job may be at risk with the QVM cleaning contract under review. See last week's "Heard Under The Sheds". Pete is obviously highly respected in many quarters.

American Doughnut Kitchen Seeks Photos - Karl from the American Doughnut Kitchen has asked traders to bring forward any historical photos of the iconic van as it enters its 65th year of operation at QVM and he also congratulates the organisers of the River Trial promotion during the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.

13/03/2016 06:31:44 History "A shout out to our fellow Vic Market traders. The American Doughnut Kitchen has a long history with 65 years of continuous trading at QVM. We are compiling a history of the business and need your help. If you have any old photos of the van or market activity with the van ""in shot"" we would very much appreciate a copy, or, if you have any stories that you would like to share with us. These can be dropped off at the van, please leave your name so that I can thank you." Karl,  ADK

13/03/2016 06:44:15 River Trail "Congratulations QVM on a well organized promotion at The Arts Center and a thank you to fellow traders for your hospitality over the three day event. " Karl ADK

Here are a couple of photos that we came across Karl - 

Our Easter Banner - this is a peek at the new web banner promoting Easter at QVM.

Sunday Car Boot Sale At QVM - here are the details shown on the QVM website.

DESCRIPTION

Wheel and deal your second hand wares at Queen Vic Market every Sunday!

On any given Sunday we have up to 35,000 visitors at the Market looking for great value bargains among clothing, jewellery, books, tools, antiques, crafts, pre-loved goods and more. Located at the Peel St end of C Shed, Car Boot Sundays is your opportunity to sell your pre-loved goods to these Market shoppers.

There are only 34 stalls available each week – so book online, drive in and sell your loot from your boot!

What is it?

· A new car boot sale at Queen Victoria Market every Sunday!

Where is it?

· Queen Victoria Market, Peel Street end of C Shed (drive-in entry from Peel Street)

· The Market space is fully undercover in our heritage sheds

When will it be running?

· Car Boot Sundays will run from 8am-3pm every Sunday excluding public holidays.  

· Arrival and set up at the market must be between 6.30am- 7.30am, fully set up by 8am, so make sure you get in early to secure a good spot - Spots are allocated on the day!  See images below for location and site map of the market and stall areas.

How much are stalls?

· Stalls are $40 each including GST and the booking fee

How big are the stalls?

· Stalls are 2.4m (wide) x 7.5m (deep)

What can I sell?

• Second hand goods (household, clothing and footwear, collectables, fashion accessories, furniture, books, records etc.) and old or vintage wares

Have Your Say - click here.

Tourism – Opportunity For Traders To Engage With Industry

Destination Melbourne is conducting two April tourism workshops that could be of interest to traders looking to maximise their involvement with this important customer group. QVM have expressed an interest in attending with a group of traders. More information can be obtained from the links below or you may wish to contact marketing staff.

Tourism Explained Briefing

Date & Time:	28 Apr 2016 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Venue:	Citadines on Bourke Melbourne 131-135 Bourke Street Melbourne  VIC

Tourism Explained with Ray Schleibs & special guests

This Tourism Explained briefing is for anyone wanting to learn more about the structure of the tourism industry, the demographics and motivations of visitors to Melbourne and the opportunities to engage and network within the industry. It’s also a valuable session for businesses that may not traditionally see themselves as part of tourism but can foresee tourism as a growth opportunity for their business. Learn how to stay informed about visitors to Melbourne and ensure you capitalise on opportunities for increased visitation.

Cost: $30pp including GST.

More details are available here - http://www.destinationmelbourne.com.au/events/22141124700-tourism-explained-briefing/ 

Designing Visitor Experiences that Delight

Date & Time:	29 Apr 2016 9:00am - 4:30pm
Venue:	Citadines on Bourke Melbourne 131-135 Bourke Street Melbourne  VIC

When designing visitor experiences that delight, you first need to foster a deep understanding of your visitor and then apply the latest thinking, concepts and tools. This will help you to redesign your product offering and keep it aligned with visitor trends and needs.  With a competitive and forever changing tourism landscape, it’s increasingly important to create impactful visitor centric experiences that will delight the visitor, drive positive sharing and comments via social media and ensure business sustainability.

Cost: $200pp including GST.

More details are available here - http://www.destinationmelbourne.com.au/events/22245901089-designing-visitor-experiences-that-delight/ 

Editorial Control On Victraders.com

Apparently there was some ill-informed criticism of Victraders.com during a trader meeting this week and perhaps it would be a good time to identify the rules that govern posting on the trader’s website.

The criticism suggested that input from traders was edited before posting. Every public website has rules about posting that may involve some editing of input. Rules protect operators of websites and their readers from unsavoury action and the complete list of rules can be exhaustive but there are some common themes. It should be said up front that there is very little need for moderation on Victraders.com. Most input is of a civil and constructive nature and over 5 years of operation there would only be a handful of posts that have not been published. Some no-no’s for our website are -

Defamation – obviously defaming another person is unacceptable and, yes, there have been instances at Victraders.com.

Discrimination and Harassment – it is inappropriate to vilify any other person, including based on their race, ethnicity, religion or sexual preference. 

Bad Language – obviously unacceptable.

Trolling – the term used to describe attempts to inflame issues usually through personal attacks that incite an emotional response.

Shouting – writing in capital letters is described as shouting and, just as shouting is unacceptable in physical meetings, it is also unacceptable online.

False Identity – Victraders.com does not require signatures to posts. You may post anonymously and that does leave us open to false posts but we choose to make the process of feedback as open and easy as possible.

False or Misleading Statements – many websites ban input that has the potential to be false or misleading and this is a very grey area. Obviously we need to allow expressions of opinion but every contributor is expected to have performed due diligence on the information contained in their posts.
Personalising Issues - this is covered in a couple of the circumstances above but bears repeating. Attacking the person rather than the issue is unnacceptable. Any view has merit and deserves to stand alone from the person expressing the view. 

All these circumstances are rigorously controlled on forums and websites across the globe. Victraders.com is in fact a little softer than most. As an example we allow posts from Vince, David, and Michael who are in reality the same person.  Obviously this person understands that an anonymous post has less impact than a signed post so they choose to use fictitious names. On most websites and forums that would be unacceptable behaviour. Maybe it should be here as well.

It is suspected that this week’s criticism comes from one of the many conspiracy theories that unfortunately abound at QVM. Hopefully this explanation will allay any fears you may have about contributing to Victraders.com. This website has a very useful role to perform in informing traders and giving them an opportunity to express their views. If you have any comments to make we would love to hear from you. And your post will be published unedited, as long as you don’t defame, troll, shout etc.

Have Your Say - click here.

10/03/2016 15:36:59 Comments from Traders "Put your name to it so  we know who is writing This article" A&J Renwood E Shed
Thanks for your input Alby & Jillian. The article was written by Greg Smith, Editor of Victraders. - Ed 

15/03/2016 20:48:01 Victraders "I for one am proud to sign anything that I post. I welcome any comment or discussion that may come out of a post. Victraders is one of the few vehicles we have to communicate on a broader scale. We are all busy in our own trading and it is difficult to catch up with a few let alone many. In case you may be unaware the ADK on my signature is American Doughnut Kitchen." Karl.    ADK
Thanks Karl. Your input is much appreciated - Ed

A New Measure For An Old Foe Of Market Trading

Back in 1979 a small group of traders discussed the impact of the Iranian revolution, particularly the rise of Ayatollah Khomeini. They talked about the way his rise to power had suddenly sucked the life out of retail trade as the fear of world conflict took hold. That is the first time I can remember thinking about global uncertainty impacting directly on my sales at QVM and now the Reserve Bank of Australia is actually measuring that uncertainty in its economic analysis.

Measures of consumer confidence have been around for years but this uncertainty index tracks the cost of different factors such as international events and government policy decisions on the economy. The RBA’s model found that increases in uncertainty of a fairly modest amount - such as 30 basis points - are associated with a downturn characterised by lower employment growth, weaker retail sales growth, and a fall in consumer confidence.

Past "uncertainty" events include Prime Minister Keatings "recession we had to have" speech, the September 11 terrorist attacks, and Lehman Brothers bankruptcy. It is not yet clear how this knowledge will influence the actions of the Reserve Bank but the direct correlation between fear and economic activity is a clear lesson for those responsible for activating and communication corrective action. It is nice to know that these disruptive events are being measured and strategies formulated to minimise unnecessary impacts. As Franklin D Roosevelt famously said "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself".

Have Your Say - click here.

Latest Retail News – 3/6/2016

Latest Retail News – 3/6/2016
1. Woolworths announces Brad Banducci as new CEO.
2. Wesfarmers completes takeover of UK based home improvement chain, Homebase.
3. Billabong posts first half loss.
4. Hugo Boss CEO takes blame for declining sales in China.
5. Amazon tackles UK super markets on home turf.
6. Grays E-commerce exits fixed price retail strategy.
7. Super Retail Group reports higher profit.
8. Moody’s cuts Woolworths credit rating.
9. Pumpkin Patch expects sharp drop in profit.
10. Australia’s chilled meat exports expected to grow.
11. Wesfarmers unites K-Mart and Target businesses under Guy Rosso.
12. Watchmaker, Omega, to open its flagship store at Sydney’s Martin Place.
13. NZ company buys operator of 42 KFC stores in NSW for $82.4 million.
14. Watchmaker, Seiko, opens first Australian boutique store at Sydney’s Queen Victoria Building.
15. Contactless payment by mobile phones growing fast.

Other News:
Aldi Closes Online Liquor Store – Aldi will be closing its online liquor store 3 years after it was launched as they concentrate on their core supermarket business. Key competitor, Woolworths, has announced that its Dan Murphy’s liquor business has recorded strong double-digit growth in online sales.

Heard Under The Sheds

Should the Worlds Longest Lunch Have Been Held At QVM?

This week's Melbourne Food and Wine Festival includes the famous Worlds Longest Lunch event. A trader asked why this event wasn’t held at QVM and the response from one of our trader representatives was that it probably could have been. Earlier last year, trader representatives were asked about the prospects of conducting the world’s longest lunch in C Shed. Trader Representatives ascertained that 80% of C Shed traders would be happy to move for the event assuming they were given an equivalent alternative location. We are not sure why, but the proposal didn’t go any further.

Guru Pete Receives Job Offers –

With the QVM cleaning tender up for grabs, and Pete’s position a little uncertain, he has

been receiving job offers from traders who are keen not to lose his talents around the market. In true Pete fashion he is keeping the details of the job offers close to his chest.

Sparrows and Health at QVM

A recent newspaper article warned of the health hazards associated with our feathered co-tenants at QVM particularly the risks of infection from bacteria in their droppings. Sparrow numbers seem to be on the rise and we know that measures have been taken in the past to control their numbers. Maybe it is time to address the problem again. As much as we wish no harm to wildlife generally, there is an obligation to provide a healthy, clean environment for customers and ourselves.

Recruiting New Traders

One of our traders has suggested that Trader Representatives should be on the selection panel for new traders. Determining the experience and skill qualities of new applicants would be greatly enhanced by a public market trading expert i.e. an experienced current market trader.

Have Your Say - click here.

COMMENTS:
06/03/2016 17:22:26 E Shed Plasic Chairs "Would it be possible for management to get rid of those filthy plastic white chairs from the the top of E Shed?
Management would like for all stallholders to lift their game is there any chance that management could lead by example?" Thanks for your input - plastic chairs can look pretty tatty -  Ed

How Should We Organise & Source Trader Representatives?

Trader Representatives at QVM perform important tasks in the operation of the market. They act as a communication channel for information that flows to traders from management and other sources, information that flows from traders to management and other destinations, and of course, information that flows between traders. How can we maximise the impact of Trader Representatives particularly when it comes to communication?

Current Set-up – we currently have 11 trader representatives positions organised as follows –

2  to represent General Merchandise (PE traders)

2  to represent General Merchandise (SL traders)

1  to represent Dairy Produce Section

1 to represent Fruit and Vegetable (PE traders)

1 to represent Fruit and Vegetable (SL traders)

1 to represent Meat, Fish and Rabbit Section

2 to represent Leaseholders (including F Shed and food caravan operators)

1 Trader appointed by the traders association.

Although there are 11 positions, only 8 representatives regularly attend meetings which means that a significant number of traders are unrepresented.

There are probably two key considerations here. Are there enough representatives? Renewal is going to bring with it a huge workload. Casual traders don’t have a specific representative, nor do night market traders. 60 or so leaseholders have 2 representatives while 400 or so specialty merchandise traders in the top end have only 4 representatives. More representatives would help spread the load.

The other key consideration is how we organise representatives. Currently we do it by trader category. Should we perhaps do it by geographical areas? One of the important issues for current trader representatives is how to maximise contact with their constituents, and that is an ongoing battle. In the Dairy Hall and Meat, Fish Hall, category and location are easier to co-ordinate. Representatives are located in clearly defined areas close to their constituents. The Fruit & Vegetable sectors are split so that is not so easy. In the top end, representatives have a much larger area and traders move their locations from day to day so the logistics of being close to your constituents becomes very difficult. Would it be practicable to have two representatives for J,K,L Sheds and SBA, and two for C,D, and E Sheds and perhaps the F Shed shops?

There has been a suggestion to locate a Trader Representatives office in the top end which would give traders a clearly identifiable location for information exchange. The information flow then becomes more reliant on traders going to a representative’s office and less on representatives going out to traders. There has also been consideration of having a paid administrator to handle this process on a fulltime basis.

Obviously there are many options and now we need your help. What do you think of these proposals? What other ideas do you have? What would work best for you as a trader?

Have Your Say – click here.

Why Is This Supermarket So Popular?

Most of our readers will never have heard of Wegmans but they are a supermarket phenomena on the East Coast of the US and they are setting new grounds for customer adoration.

A business journal recently asked its readers if Wegmans deserved all their hype and a staggering 70% said they were. So what is it about  a humble supermarket that earns this following?

By US standards, Wegmans chain of 88 stores makes it pretty small. But they stock nearly

twice the average number of products (up to 70,000) and have a higher level of gluten free and organic content than their competitors. They engage in a lot of theatre with specialty food displays, cooking and preparation demonstrations, and employees in work aprons.

However, Wegmans claim their employees are the secret ingredient and although that sounds like a bit of PR hype, reviews from customers suggest they place the employee presentation and attitude well above normal supermarket standards.

Have Your Say - click here.

Another Trader Ideas Session With 4 Key Themes

The last after-market ideas session on 1^st February produced some great marketing ideas from traders and the follow up takes place next Tuesday 8^th at 3:30 in the Engagement Hub on Queen St (the building with the big green Forever sign).

This time there are going to be four key themes all designed to find ways for management to give better service to traders. Think of QVM as the service provider and you as the customer. Here are the themes –

• Management/trader communications
• Enforcement of rules
• Retail customer experience
• Trader support/development

It is ok to bring other issues to the table if you like. You will find the atmosphere quite relaxed and conducive to open and transparent discussion. The building is air-conditioned if you want to cool off after a hot days trading and refreshments will be provided.

Here are the details –

When: Tuesday 8th March 2016 – from 3:30pm to 5:30pm.
Where: Engagement Hub – 452 Queen Street.
RSVP: by no later than midday on Monday 7th March for catering purposes.
By email: info@qvm.com.au
By phone: (03) 9320 5822
In person: at F1 Information Centre

Have Your Say - click here.

Increase Your Profit and Stop Asking Your Customers What They Want.

We spend a lot of our time and energy as traders trying to find what our customers want but there is a good body of work that suggests we might become more profitable by doing something else.

Henry Ford had a famous saying - “If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses". He suggests we shouldn't be asking our customers what they want but rather finding things they hadn't thought of – things that might do a better job of meeting their needs.

Steve Jobs, the inspirational leader of Apple, used to talk about designing products that customers hadn't thought of - "This is what customers pay us for - to sweat all these details so it's easy and pleasant for them to use our computers. We're supposed to be really good at this. That doesn't mean we don't listen to customers, but it's hard for them to tell you what they want when they've never seen anything remotely like it."

If you design or make your own products then this concept has particular relevance but what about the grand body of retailing that is buying and selling other people's goods? Well, you can probably apply the same philosophy to your range of goods and the way you merchandise. Finding new products and new ways of displaying can open up opportunities for your customers that they may never have thought of. And the beauty of operating a small business is that we can experiment to our hearts content without taking huge financial risks.

So rather than asking customers what they want perhaps we should be doing the hard work, thinking outside the square, and finding things that will excite them in a whole lot of new ways.

HaveYour Say - click here.

QVM Does A Pop-Up Market On Banks of Yarra

As part of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival River Graze QVM will be setting up a number of stalls at the Arts Centre Melbourne forecourt over March 4^th – 6^th.

“ Come and enjoy a glass of Sangria and some mussels or relax with a cheese platter and a cup of Chai. And, of course, it wouldn't be a Queen Victoria Market pop up without the American Doughnut Kitchen and their iconic hot jam doughnuts!”

The following market businesses will be involved –

American Doughnut Kitchen Curds & Whey The Original Chai Co. The Mussel Pot Merlo Coffee

Books for Cooks M&G Caiafa Joe Leuzzi Flowers Simply Spanish Market Juice

There will be live entertainment, free cooking demonstrations and guest appearances. Sounds like it will be worth a visit.