More retail failures on the cards for 2020

| January 16, 2020

More retail failures likely in 2020 unless Aussie retailers evolve, according to insolvency specialist, Andrew Spring.

“Australian retailers need to evolve their business models – otherwise we’ll continue to see more retail insolvencies in 2020,” Mr Spring a partner with insolvency and business recovery firm, Jirsch Sutherland said. 

“Retail failures aren’t new and it’s not a situation that’s likely to change unless many retailers make changes.

 “Retail is a tough environment to be successful in over the long term. However, there are things that retailers – large and small – can do to set themselves up for success rather than failure.

According to Mr Spring a key issue is understanding obsolescence and the need for companies to read customer trends and evolve their businesses to stay ahead of the curve.

“You only have to look at well-known examples of companies like Encyclopedia Britannica, Blockbuster and Kodak, whose products became redundant because the companies didn’t keep on top of changing trends. A more recent example is the Australian textbook retailer, the Co-op Bookshop, which for decades used to be the place to buy your university textbooks but sadly went into administration after, among other reasons, over-the-counter textbook sales plummeted.”

Spring says a failure to adopt an e-commerce platform continues to hamper many retailers, particularly with the growth in online shopping. “E-commerce is a necessity, not a point of difference. However, some retailers are being left behind or have not sufficiently invested in their e-commerce platforms, and they find that the fixed costs of having a bricks-and-mortar presence alone are too high,” he says.

Spring’s top 10 tips for retailers to consider when starting or running an existing business:

  1. Understand what’s happening in the market – e.g. changing product demand
  2. Understand the barriers to entry
  3. Know who your target audience is
  4.  Develop a strategy for going to market and attracting customers
  5. Have a strategy for retaining customers
  6. Work out what you want to be known for or great at and know how to “tell the world”
  7. Know how to create brand loyalty
  8.  Know how to use data that you gather (e.g. through loyalty programs)
  9. Ensure you have strong back office management
  10.  Always take time to know your numbers and accrued liabilities such as taxes

“Not knowing your accrued liabilities can be a sleeping bear that could one day wake up and bite you,” adds Spring. “Ignorance is not a defence. Business owners have statutory requirements and if they don’t have the money to pay off their debts or meet statutory obligations, that can have a major impact on a business. It’s vital to be conscious of a positive cash-flow cycle, as it can be hard to manage.

Spring adds a final tip for retailers who find themselves in financial trouble.

“Seek help early – whether it’s discussing your issues with your accountant or an experienced insolvency specialist. There are options out there if you speak up early.”

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