Retailers make Olympic efforts to boost trade

Retailers located near Olympic venues are implementing major changes to their businesses in a bid to fully capitalise on the Games this summer.

Weymouth retailer Steve Bassett plans to make the most of his store’s site near the Olympic sailing events by accepting Euros. He has used software to adapt his till to accept both Euro coins and notes and work out the change in sterling. “There’s a real opportunity to make margin there,” he said. “If I can get 5-10% margin then I’m happy.”

The initiative was not only expected to be a success with Olympic teams and tourists, but also with locals looking to change up their holiday money.

In East London, Raj Chauhan has switched from Spar to Londis in preparation for the Games. A number of events will be hosted at the Excel Centre, a few hundred metres from his store.

He said the factors influencing his decision to choose Londis included its “more consistent pricing policy” and “brighter fascia”. “Londis also offers retro back bonuses and it has really improved its fresh range,” he added.

Raj is expanding his food-to-go offering to cater for the expected crowds and the steady stream of builders working on the new Thames cable car, due to open ahead of the Games.

His next step is to plan for deliveries. “For an eight-week period some of the roads may be closed so we will consider taking deliveries at night, which is what the Olympic Delivery Authority is encouraging.” He is also planning to stay open until midnight during the Games.