Alan Toft
- News
To the point: Alan Toft
Alan says a new report by a respected think tank ignores the community value of local shops
- Opinion
Formula for success
Alan Toft finds that some independents are showing the strain so it's time for some analysis
- Opinion
to the point
Alan Toft lays down a challenge after a chance meeting with a suppliers' sales director
- Opinion
is your wholesaler talking to you?
Alan Toft asks if your wholesaler makes you feel wanted - if not it is probably your fault
- Opinion
The leap forward - why small shops need to embrace technology
Alan Toft says independent retailers can't shy away from epos as the return on investment is better than any savings account
- Opinion
To the point
Alan Toft says suppliers should consult retailers more often, but store owners need to play ball
- Opinion
Short on sweets
Alan Toft believes there's an area of opportunity which could make a sweet point of difference
- Opinion
Grocery on the comeback trail
Alan Toft says the grocery category was once regarded as a poor relation, but times have changed
- Opinion
To the point: Wine is a magnet for shoppers
Retailers' fear of the wine category is impeding their profitability, says Alan Toft
- Opinion
To the point
Alan Toft wonders if consumers will bounce back to the multiples once the recession ends
- Opinion
To the point: Charging 10p for a bag is in, bogofs are out, and value does not necessarily have to mean cheap
Charging 10p for a bag is in, bogofs are out, and value does not necessarily have to mean cheap, says Alan Toft
- Opinion
To the point: local is now the key driver
The secret to surviving the hard times is to roll with the punches, advocates Alan Toft
- Opinion
To the point
Alan Toft wants retailers to show they’re the good guys when it comes to social responsibilty
- Opinion
To the point
Alan Toft puts the case for keeping your cool in the credit crunch and staying true to your aims