Some disappointing news again today I'm afraid, regarding a dealership closing its doors for the final time.
Today we must report that R C Setchfield have informed their customers that they will soon cease trading. The development is not a result of an insolvency of any kind, but rather due to an imminent retirement.
We've had many conversations so far this year, as to why dealerships have been dropping from the network. Whether you believe it has been part of a wider trend or part of the natural churn of business, it's always sad to hear of another dealer shutting shop.
One refrain that I have heard repeated from various sources is that 2024 is proving hard for some of the smaller, family dealerships. Perhaps even more so for those who do not a have blockbuster, big name brand to represent. Questions are being asked regarding what the future is going to look like for those companies?
Without a crystal ball no one can say for sure of course, but some industry experts who I've heard from are certainly expressing concern for just how tough circumstances are for those in the mid-market.
As we have said several times already in recent months, we wish all those involved with this latest closure all the best for the future - and hope that we do not lose skilled individuals to the industry.
Showroom set-up
Hopefully dealers of all sizes and all disciplines will be receiving as much support from their supplying manufacturers as they can to help them through any choppy waters. An interesting story today that illustrates something that one brand is doing, sees Husqvarna announcing their new modular store design concept for dealers.
With so much of today's discourse concentrated on online profiles and social media presences, I'm sure readers will be pleased to see a manufacturer placing such emphasis on showroom design and layout. Whenever we at Service Dealer visit the workplaces of our readers, it's clear that the customer experience in-store, holds masses of importance for specialists around the country.
How dealers display the marques they represent within their showrooms, and indeed how they present their own personal brand, is a topic that has been discussed repeatedly over the years - amongst dealers and their suppliers, at conferences and within our pages.
It's a cliche, but first impressions do count. A clean, well-organised frontage with clear signage gives customers a sense of the quality and professionalism they can expect from the dealership within. Those lucky enough to have a premises where outside landscaping is also possible can showcase machinery in action, providing a visual demonstration of the products' effectiveness.
Inside the showroom, experts in these matters will say that a strategic layout is essential for guiding customers through the space, whilst highlighting key products. A well thought-through layout will likely group products that different customer types will be interested in - for example professional equipment in one area and more homeower-oriented kit in another.
Chatting with dealers over the years, mowers and the like are notoriously tricky beasts to display in an attractive, eye-catching fashion. It's hard to avoid a sea of handles! So thinking of effective product displays that highlight the features and benefits of the machinery on show, is a key consideration. I know many dealers like to lift mowers off the ground, to bring them up to eye-level. Also effective signs giving detailed descriptions, including specifications, key features, and pricing are appreciated by many customers.
If a customer has entered a specialist's place of business in the first place though, it does follow that they are probably after more than simply purchasing a product. They want a personal service in a welcoming and comfortable environment. So seating areas, coffee machines, and the space to speak easily with staff for an engaged encounter are essential.
Of course the online image that is projected holds great significance too, so technological integration is increasingly common in modern retail environments. Digital displays can provide dynamic, up-to-date information about products and promotions, bridging the gap between online convenience and in-store expertise.
By spending time and effort on the design and layout of a showroom, it should follow that dealers can not only attract and retain customers but also build a strong, loyal community around their brand.
We know our specialist dealer readers take great care to make sure their showroom spaces are right for themselves and their customers. If you have any key tips you're willing to share with our community, regarding how you set up your premises, please let us know in the comments below.
