RETAILERS are being offered the chance to learn from the best at a series of new master classes.
Organisers from Cheshire Oaks Retail Academy (CORA) have launched ‘The Mary Portas Guide to Successful Retailing’, a series of courses designed to provide essential training within the retail industry.
Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) is subsidising the course, which means that each module is available at just £25 per person, as opposed to the standard price of £200.
CORA skills shop development manager Mike Power said: “With the support of West Cheshire College, these training courses will give small and medium retailers the chance to attend retail specific training and gain the knowledge to improve their businesses.
“From branding and business planning to marketing campaigns and sales plans, there are seven modules for retailers to choose from.”
Mary Portas, one of the UK’s foremost authorities on retail and brand communication, is best known from the BBC2 series, Mary Queen of Shops, in which she visits ailing stores around the country, helping owners to revitalise their businesses.
The first module ‘My Shop, My Future’, on Tuesday, July 6, will concentrate on creating the right vision for each business by covering three main areas – branding, targeting customers and setting the business apart from the competition.
The second module, ‘Retail Finance and Business Planning’, will be held on Wednesday, July 14, with the remainder of the modules following in weekly slots.
Other half-day sessions will cover ‘Buying for your Customer’, ‘Selling and Service Skills’, ‘Creating Desire’, ‘Marketing for more Customers’ and ‘You and Your Team’.
Anyone who wishes to book a place on one of these courses, should call Cheshire Oaks Retail Academy on 01244 670499. More information available at www.ches hire oaksretailacademy.com.