Latest Retail News – 7/4/2019

Latest Retail News – 7/4/2019
1. Labour plans national bag ban.
2. ARA wants banks to do more on tap’n’go payment processing.
3. New retail offer at Sydney Airport strong on local brands.
4. Ethnic households spend more on Fruit & Veg than non-ethnic. 
5. Fashion house, Robert Cavalli, prepares to liquidate.
6. Big W to close 30 stores.
7. RFG struggles with sell-off plans.
8. Retail sales rise in February.
9. Athlete’s Foot’s new flagship store in Melbourne features 3D printing.
10. Heritage Victoria rejects Apple Store for Federation Square.

QVM In The News - 7/4/2019

	Animal rights activists rally in Melbourne Yahoo News Australia About 500 protesters marched in an anti-clockwise route around the outskirts of the Queen Victoria Market on Saturday, with a speech and ...
	Save money and the planet by shopping plastic-free Herald Sun Step into Gewürzhaus (in Carlton The Block Arcade, Chadstone and Queen Victoria Market) and your nose will thank you. The fragrant spice ...

New plans have been announced to upgrade Queen Victoria Market Time Out The City of Melbourne has announced new reinvigoration plans for the city's iconic Queen Victoria Market. The plans are primarily focused on ...

	Queen Victoria Market revelopment faces planning hurdle in latest revamp plan Herald Sun A looming change to planning laws in central Melbourne could scupper a key feature of the city council's latest attempt to redevelop Queen Victoria ...
	Market saga 'like Brexit' say traders as council rubber-stamps revamp The Age The tortured, seven year process of trying to reach agreement on a facelift for the much loved but fading Queen Victoria Market reminds trader ...

QVM - A Productive Training Ground For Young Business Hopefuls

At QVM we should be proud of the grounding we have given to a number of successful business people.

There are many stories within our market of young aspiring business people who started as stall packers or shop assistants and went on to very successful careers.

At a recent social event we heard the story of a young student stall packer who displayed great working qualities and didn’t surprise his boss when he ended up as a partner at Price Cooper Waterhouse in New York.

Or the stall assistant who completed his business degree in Melbourne and went on to become Head of Finance at a large Asian company.

Many of those students, now successful business people, have maintained contact with their trader bosses. You don’t forget your roots.

Then of course there are those who made the ultimate leap and became Market Traders. Photographer, Tony Pierrakos, used to sell hammocks at our market. Ninh, trader of helicopters and other fascinating models, used to work for one of our knitwear traders and a leather jacket trader.

Queen Victoria Market teaches young business prospects how to be street wise, how to converse with a huge variety of different cultures and personalities, how to develop selling and financial skills that may be absent in the normal classroom, and gives them exposure across the full range of business activities and responsibilities, albeit at a micro level.

And then there is the social confidence gained from exposure to raw Aussie trader banter - the jokes, the jibes, the ribbing, and the genuine human respect that underlies much of that activity. A young person who survives everything the Queen Victoria Market throws up has a good grounding for the harshness of the outside business world.

Of course this is not one way. Many of these successful business people showed their worth early - hard working, willing to take on a variety of tasks, respectful to others, and quick to learn. These are dream qualities for market workers and highly sought after by traders.

It could be said that the contribution of young business people, and the things they learn at QVM, add to the rich worth of our great market.

Have Your Say – click here.

Oh What A Night!

Those of you who have not attended a Council meeting at Melbourne Town Hall May wish to put it on the agenda sometime. It can be an intriguing experience.

Last night’s Future Melbourne Committee (A special Committee that implements Council matters) we started off with questions on a very personal sexual harassment issue which has been in the press recently, moved on to an application for development of a heritage car showroom up on Elizabeth St. (Yes, car showrooms have been around long enough to gain heritage status) and then to the issue that was most relevant to the QVM community - Infrastructure and car parking at QVM.

For the QVM matter there was a presentation by city design chief Rob Adams followed by a number of speakers who are each given 3 minutes to have their say. Presentations were made by Stan Liacos, Leah Moore, Bruce Pham, Greg Smith, Matthew Vitale, Paul Ansaldo, and Marshall Waters. It could be said that all but one of those was positive and supportive of the proposal.

Paul Ansaldo was supportive of investment but questioned just how logistics were going to work for Fruit & Vegetable traders. The need for close consultation with traders was clearly identified in a number of comments throughout the night.

Bruce Pham managed to showcase some of his socks as he presented in favour of spending money on our market. Marshall Waters introduced some mirth as he compared QVM Renewal with Brexit, and urged that we get on with the job.

“Give me a shovel”

“Getting on with the job” was a theme from traders, management and councillors and is perhaps best encapsulated In Councillor Le Liu’s comment as he urged that we get the renewal process underway - “Give me a shovel!”

George Milonas was mentioned for his written submission asking that we "move forward."

There was clearly lingering disappointment in some quarters that the first proposal for an underground facility didn’t get across the line. Arron Wood, Marshall Waters and others considered that was the best for the market in the long term, but we move on, and it was agreed that the new proposal achieves much of the same intent for better infrastructure.

A unanimous decision by the Futures Committee to accept the QVM Infrastructure and Car Parking proposal was a very positive outcome. For those who want to get on with the job at QVM, this was a great night.

Have Your Say - click here.

A Turning Point For QVM - But Don't Get Out The Champagne Just Yet

Last night’s Future Melbourne Committee’s approval of new Infrastructure and Car Parking facilities was indeed a momentous occasion for QVM but it is just a start.

It has been 7 years since the first realisation that our market had been neglected, and significant investment was needed to ensure we were competitive in a very competitive retail world.

A few hiccups along the way (most notably the rejection of the primary underground proposal by Heritage Victoria) and now we have a proposal that will set a base for progress.

There have been many contributions to this point including

-     the People’s Panel and the multitude of traders and the wider market community who contributed to its findings, many of which have been taken up in the new plan.

-     QVM management who have taken up much of the load and championed the needs of the market.

-     CoM and it’s renewal team who have tirelessly presented and adjusted options to achieve an outcome.

-     City Councillors who have devoted so much time to QVM matters, suffered the same frustrations that everyone else has experienced, but continue to remain positive and up-beat and supportive of the project whilst being mindful of the impact on traders.

-     Traders who have pushed for progress.

BUT - this is just a base for moving forward. The retail revolution is not going to wait for us to get back of house in order. The rest of the retail world is charging ahead with innovation and consumers are revelling in their new found power. We have a lot to do. And the WE means traders and management. Traders need to find new ways to excite their customers and particularly meet their demands for convenience while management need to provide us with an environment that allows all that to happen.

I have the champagne ready but the cork doesn’t come out just yet.

By Greg Smith

Have Your Say - click here.

Market Enhancement Gets The Go Ahead

The Future Melbourne Committee met at town hall last night and unanimously approved the latest QVM Infrastructure and Car Parking proposals.

The torturous process of renewal, held up by Heritage Victoria’s refusal to allow the underground construction, is now back on track with a new proposal for storage, waste, and service facilities.

Queen St. will become the site of three new facilities with underground components, while Fruit & Vege traders will be asked to help design in-stall dry and refrigerated storage for their area.

Car parking will be split between the Munro site (500 spaces) and a new building at the Southern end of the market (up to 500 spaces). The current car park will remain in operation while these sites are constructed.

A number of concerns were raised about the distance of the Southern (Franklin St.) car park facility from the main market and it was pointed out that we would need to continually review our car parking over the years of construction while considering innovations like click’n’collect to assist some of our time-poor customers.

All this will be progressed over 6 years and still fit within budget and the requirements of the state government agreement.

In the meantime, the associated Munro development will progress while maintenance and other works will be conducted on our heritage sheds across the site and of course String Bean Alley will receive its upgrade this year.

There was a common theme in the room at Town Hall last night - We have taken too long with this renewal - it is time to move on and get it done. Fortunately Council delivered on that sentiment.

Have Your Say

Fooled?

April Fools jokes get a bit of a bad rap these days as communication correctness causes many jokers to think twice about their plans.

Tesla’s Elon Musk famously got himself into hot water when an April Fools prank caused a significant dip in his company’s share price. Microsoft took the unusual step of advising its employees not to get involved in April Fools jokes this year because of the unpredictable results of a joke gone wrong.

But of course that didn’t stop some organisations from having a go, and our gold star goes to Kia for proposing a new steering wheel designed for tablet users and gamers – you swipe left on a screen to go left, and swipe right to go right. It is called a Finger Operated Optimum Lever.

We steered clear of April Fools jokes on Victraders but if we had indulged, maybe something like this?

Guru Pete's new cleaning cart ready for conversion of car park to parkland.

If you have an idea for an April Fools joke please let us know. We might be game enough to use it next year.

Have Your Say – click here.

Heard Under The Sheds - 31/3/2019

Renewal Proposal - There has been plenty of discussion under the sheds about the new renewal proposal with hardly any complaint about most of the infrastructure components - more and better storage, updated waste disposal, management offices onsite, and so on. But car parking - can there ever be enough? (See separate article on trader parking).

Buses - Thursday this week apparently produced good business for some in the Upper Market and the presence of tourist buses up on Peel St. was cited as a reason. One trader said “Can someone please push the bus button every trading day.”

Car parking - with the news that Coles are taking up with eBay so they can use their delivery infrastructure, one trader is suggesting that we should find a way to offer free or subsidised delivery to our customers. “We certainly wouldn’t need as many car parks and it would remove many of the reasons for a customer saying no to a purchase.” 

A couple of traders commented on a new stall selling cotton shopping bags. The bags have  colourful prints depicting Melbourne and Australian icons including our own pallet tree. “It is nice to see fresh new products adding to the mix.”

A trader is asking when are the QVM cleaning contractors are going to supply paper rubbish bags in line with our sustainability policy.

A tourist customer commented that when he walked into a stall it was cold wet and windy, but when he walked out there was sunshine with a nice warm breeze. “Welcome to Melbourne mate!”

Queen St. traders are nearing a deadline to make way for seating and landscaping adjacent to the sheds. According to one trader there may be strong resistance.

Have Your Say - click here.

Latest Retail News – 31/3/2019

1. Big W may need to close 60 stores according to Macquarie Report.
2. Just Water in recyclable Tetra-Paks launched in Australia.
3. New 93 stall fresh food market given approval in Point Cook.
4. Union concerned at sexual harassment in retail.
5. Renting expensive clothes may disrupt clothing industry.
6. Deloitte forecasts retail turnover will fall in 2019.
7. Bunnings planning full online offer.
8. Coles adds everyday essentials to Uber Eats.
9. Myer axes 50 management staff.
10. Pandora told to fix refund policies.
11. Debenham refinancing could hurt investors.
12. Coles signs deal that will double home delivery capacity.
13. Kraft looks to sell Australian coffee brand Cerebos.
14. QVM launches new advertising campaign.
15. US moves to ban cashless stores.

Happiness And Avoiding Burnout

For some reason a number of articles have crossed our desk this week concerning happiness in small business and the risk of burnout.

Maybe the stresses of business, particularly retail, are being felt generally right now, but whatever the reason we felt each of the following articles might be worth a look for you or someone you know.

Avoiding burnout using a Bill Gates strategy - https://www.inc.com/julian-hayes-ii/if-you-want-to-avoid-burnout-adopt-this-simple-habit-from-28-year-old-bill-gates.html

Some tips from Yale's most popular class ever (Spoiler- some Specialty Merchandise Traders will not like some of these techniques)  https://www.businessinsider.com.au/im-taking-yales-class-on-happiness-already-working-2019-3?r=US&IR=T

Happiness is a choice - https://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/why-you-actually-can-choose-to-be-happy.html

The Missing Piece Of The Trader Storage Survey.

Much has been made of the survey conducted to establish trader storage needs. The results of the survey have guided aspects of the latest renewal proposal which will be put to Council on Tuesday. But it was what the survey didn’t ask that is now causing concern.

Traders were effectively asked what their storage needs were. They were asked to list their box storage, dry goods and refrigerated needs and predict future needs. That is fine but they were not asked about their vehicle storage needs. (Note: We understand there was an option for “Other” storage but few traders would have associated that with vehicle storage. Perhaps it could have been made clearer.) Vehicle storage may mean simply parking a vehicle after it has been used to replenish stock held at an outside location (often home). Or some traders may use a vehicle as a store of goods during the trading day either on the stall or nearby.

For many traders none of this will be an issue. Traders in fixed locations or with regular delivery arrangements may not have a legitimate need for a stock vehicle. But if a trader legitimately uses a vehicle to regularly deliver stock (perhaps to simply replace the previous day’s sales) then there is a vehicle storage issue.

According to some attendees at Thursday’s meeting presentation it was suggested that the market would becomes a vehicle free zone - trader’s vehicles would be parked elsewhere, away from the market. It should be noted that while we understand the long term aim of QVM will be to remove vehicles from trading areas,  this not a short term or even medium term priority. Clearly there will be time for QVM to work through issues and find workable solutions for traders.

 And getting back to storage of the actual vehicle - parking in Melbourne is a very expensive exercise. Traders currently use free parking at the back of the open sheds, discounted voucher parking in the main car park, and some low cost street or multi-level car parking at discounted prices on the weekend. Even $10 or $15 per day parking becomes a significant cost impost over a week.

The public is encouraged to use public transport for their shopping needs but traders generally don’t have that option. Many traders with small trading areas and set up/pack up arrangements require regular daily top-ups and easy access. A vehicle is an essential delivery tool for many traders and those vehicles require easy access parking. 

There will be more to consider on this matter as we move forward.

Have Your Say - click here.

QVM In The News - 28/3/2019

Biggest public square in Melbourne planned for Queen Vic Market The Age A new public space larger than Federation Square would replace the open-air carpark at Queen Victoria Market under the latest proposed ... Queen Victoria market revamp plans revealed - Herald Sun Full Coverage

Queen Victoria Market renewal to spark $1b development The Australian Financial Review A mixed-use development worth nearly $1 billion forms a financial linchpin in the City of Melbourne's latest effort to rejuvenate the popular but ageing ...

Car-lovers beware: Lord mayor flags wider footpaths, more bike lanes The Sydney Morning Herald Cr Capp said there was a “live situation at the moment at our beloved Queen Victoria Market” where instead of a reduction in car parking spaces the ...

New Proposal For QVM Infrastructure

A new plan for QVM infrastructure and car parking is to be put to Council for decision next Tuesday. This plan follows the rejection of an initial proposal involving underground facilities at ABCD sheds. A 40 member People's Panel recently made recommendations on market infrastructure and car parking. 

A media release and accompanying video was put out today and the essential elements are as follows -

- $6 million will be invested to create cool and dry storage at fruit and vegetable trader’s stalls. There will be extensive consultation with traders to get the designs right and consultation with Heritage Victoria.  

- A $19 million investment to provide up to 500 customer car parks on a future Southern Development Site on Franklin Street.

- Another 500 customer car parks already being delivered as part of the Munro development in 2021.

- The existing asphalt carpark will become a 1.5 hectare public open space called Market Square, larger than Fed Square.

- Further design and costings to consider storage and waste facilities in Queen Street with new “Operations Hubs”. An accompanying video shows one hub to be located at the Southern end of Queen St., one at the Northern end, and one at G Shed. The hub at the Southern end is designated as “Queen’s Corner”.

- On-site restoration of current sheds.

- Therry St., Queen St., and the current car park designated as public spaces.

Have Your Say - click here.

Heard Under The Sheds - 24/3/2019

Caricaturist’s license suspended- when we asked Ivano if we could announce his departure from QVM he said on condition that we used this provocative heading. In fact Ivano is taking a European sabbatical, getting  back to some of the environments where he first started caricaturing and incidentally where he used to be offered rent free spots at markets because of the uniqueness he brought to the mix. We will miss the “professor” and his educated perspective on market matters. We are already looking forward to his return and wish him all the best.

No spare seats here - E Shed Food Court Sunday 24th March 2pm

“You can lead a horse to water, but........” -  one trader’s response to Sunday’s crowd in the Upper Market. There were plenty of people, queues at many food outlets, and a variety of tourists.  For some traders the buzz did not translate to sales, for others it was OK and in these tough times OK is most welcome.

Customers reported a big crowd down at the Food & Wine Festival on Southbank over the weekend.

A positive forecast from one trader who says the racing cars have gone, the AFL jumpers are out, and now we can expect a build in sales towards Easter.

RMIT marketing student liaisons with traders have started and expectations are high that linking high tech students with usually low tech traders might just get some interesting results. This is all part of a program run by the Small Business Mentors.

A trader remarked that Night Market trading is great but it is very nice to have a two week break. (The Summer Night Market season finished this Wednesday.) He is expecting to look a little more presentable on a Thursday morning, at least for two weeks. The Europa Night Market re-commences on 10th April.

A trader from the Upper Market who relies on locals tells us that most days he could go home at noon without much impact on sales. His customers generally do morning shopping for food and visit him on their way out. His neighbour on the other hand relies on tourists and he expects more consistent sales throughout the day often with a rush at the end.

One trader’s sales philosophy - “Know when to step in, know when to step back, read their mood, don’t push, but always be helpful, and when they can’t decide say “Don’t worry, I’ll be here next time you come in.”” He adds, “usually they do come back.”

A trader is impressed by the number of traders handing out recyclable paper carry bags. He was initially concerned by the higher cost of paper but says customers will often refuse a paper bag and choose to use the bags they already have. He didn't experience that refusal when using plastic bags.

Have Your Say - click here.

Lord Mayors Commendations Back For 2019

Lord mayor Sally Capp will oversee the 2019 small business commendations program with a fresh new identity and streamlined application process. The program has acknowledged many market traders over the years and maybe this is the year for you. Details as follows - 

"Melbourne is fortunate to call itself home to a diverse range of independent small businesses who contribute to the economic prosperity and vibrancy of the city. Established in 2005, the Lord Mayor’s Commendations program recognises the longevity and commitment of these hidden gems and well-loved characters,without which Melbourne wouldn’t be the same.

This year the program is back with a fresh new identity and streamlined application process, making it easy for your business to get celebrated. It is free to apply and open to small business proprietors who have been operating in the City of Melbourne for ten or more years. Each successful applicant will be invited to an exclusive event hosted by the Lord Mayor, Sally Capp.

Other benefits include:

• Promotional opportunities via City of Melbourne marketing channels

• Inclusion in a photographic exhibition

• Networking opportunities

• Insight into a range of small business initiatives and support programs

• Membership of a growing alumni of commendation recipients

Our categories are: 10+, 25+, 40+ and 50+ years of operation, as well as a 3+ generations Generational Family Business Commendation. Past recipients are welcome to reapply if they are eligible for a new category.

We look forward to receiving your application and giving your business the recognition it deserves.

Apply Now

Applications close: 26 April, 2019

You can contact the Lord Mayor’s Commendations team at lmcommendations@melbourne.vic.gov.au "

Some Past Trader Recipients:

 

Peoples Panel Feedback - Market Infrastructure Options

Options related to the People’s Panel Report and the recent trader storage survey will be put to Council early April and traders can get advance notice of the proposal at a special meeting next Thursday 28th March .

The options for market infrastructure follow some great input by traders on the People’s Panel.  Details below -

Info session: Market infrastructure options
An information session will be held for traders on Thursday 28 March at 3 – 4pm to provide an overview of the proposed market infrastructure options being presented to Council following the People’s Panel Report and trader storage survey. The session will be held at the Renewal Office, Munro Warehouse, Rear 128 – 130 Franklin Street (enter via laneway beside the Party Shop on Queen Street).

Competitor Sneaks Up On Trader

Trader Ivano has been seen on these pages in the past but usually it is because another prospective groom has chosen a caricature session at QVM to propose to his partner. Ivano draws the couple with a suitable romantic theme and then the groom-to-be pops the question - all very romantic and exciting.

On this occasion Ivano was doing a caricature of an international visitor who revealed himself as another caricaturist from Brunei. They ended up swapping caricatures and maybe there will be some work for Ivano in Brunei as part of his upcoming sabbatical.

New Workshop Program For Traders

Queen Victoria Market –Grow your Business Program

QVM Grow Your Business is a new program specifically designed to provide REAL hands-on skill development sessions and on-going support through one-on-one mentoring sessions, available to business owners operating a business at Queen Victoria Market and is delivered as part of the Trader Connect Program.

The program provides 5 x 2 hour workshops (held between between 3.30-5.30pm), all tools/templates/workbooks on key topics that are essential to business success.

First Workshop:

Date	Thursday 28th March, 2019 (First Workshop in Series)
Time	3.30pm to 5.30pm
Venue	Queen Victoria Market - Trader Connect Lounge
Address	266 Victoria Street Melbourne, Opposite Queen Victoria Market
Pricing	Free

Workshop schedule:

Grow your Business 1 – Setting Your Compass – Thursday 28 March 2019

Grow your Business 2 – Decide Your Income– Thursday 18 April 2019

Grow your Business 3 – Customer Focused Marketing – Thursday 2 May 2019

Grow your Business 4 – Customer Focused e-Marketing – Thursday 23 May 2019

Grow your Business 5 – Managing for Success – Thursday 6 June 2019

Small group for personalised support

*Participants MUST commit to the FULL program due to limited participant numbers offered

REGISTER HERE –

http://bit.ly/GYBWORKSHOP
or email qvm@sbms.org.au

Heard Under The Sheds - 17/3/2019

It would be difficult to find two more competitive traders than Joe & Mino but that didn’t stop them from sharing a comrade moment this week.

While a trader sat watching Opera In The Market recently he caught himself thinking how many customers paying $169 could fit into a standard market stall. And he came to two conclusions - firstly, that he can see why QVM might be interested in running more events under the sheds, and secondly, perhaps he should be taking singing lessons.

Speaking of business opportunities, one of our traders has proposed standing outside the toilets at the top of SBA and charging a small fee to dry the hands of customers because after 10:00am there are never any paper towels left (Not another toilet story - Ed)

There are many wonderful photo opportunities around our market and Ronnie’s van must be one of the most popular. Karl’s American Doughnut Kitchen might just claim top billing in the most photographed category but both are wonderful tourist magnets.

Sticking with Ronnie's van - a trader suggests that Ronnie should invest in a red Ferrari to attach to his van during Grand Prix week.

Forget the Grand Prix - one of our traders is suggesting that we might get more mileage (excuse the pun) out of St. Patrick’s Day than the Grand Prix which seems to drain the Northern end of the city. A Guinness stall in every aisle?

Another trader has a contrary view and says this is the first year he can remember that Grand Prix attendees were clearly evident in his sales tally on GP weekend.

And finally, there have been a few side bets on where Betty Jennings might end up when she makes way for the new containers in String Bean Alley. The shortest odds are on Betty getting just the spot she wants.

Have Your Say - click here.