As figures have just been released that the UK economy isn’t expected to grow as much as the old government predicted, the retail industry is going to be focusing even harder on driving footfall to stores or websites all year round. Gone are the days when the prime push was over the festive period. Here, Sales & Marketing Director of UK POS, Debra Jamieson, comments on the increase in retail seasonal promotions and how it has affected the POS industry, 12 months out of 12.

The run up to Christmas has always been renowned for being the busiest period in the POS industry – retailers racing to make sure their promotions are more prominent than their competitors, offers on everything you can think of from candles to crackers, and customers always looking for new and innovative ways to present their offers to entice the public off the high street using point of sale accessories such as Pavement Signs and A Boards.

Until recently, POS companies will have spent most of the year preparing for the Christmas rush and hoping for mini booms throughout the remaining 10 months. Over the last few years, however, a transition has occurred in the marketplace, seeing seasonal promotions taking pride of place throughout the year. Easter, Bank Holidays, the World Cup, Wimbledon, summer holidays, back to school, Halloween, Bonfire Night… the list goes on but the theme remains the same – retailers are realising that customers are keen to take advantage of offers all year round.

The effect this has had on the POS industry is phenomenal, with retailers trying even harder to bring customers in by standing out from the crowd, even in the notoriously quiet 1st quarter. To support the industry, it is the job of POS professionals to make sure the solutions on offer are relevant, in terms of style and price, and will ultimately meet the client’s objectives of drawing customers in.

At UK POS we are recognising the change and have launched a series of new products to suit to tie in with the World Cup, and summer holidays, for example. Advising on how best to use POS is also key – some retailers need guidance on where they should place their offers and what message they should be portraying. Depending on the type of product on sale and the location of the store, this could vary from in-store POS to window displays to outdoor POS, with either cheap and cheerful offers or a more exclusive product to portray a higher quality brand.

Whilst there is still an inclination on the behalf of the consumer to be more cautious with their spending habits, retailers know there is a way to draw them in if they are more strategic with their offers. This is where we, as POS experts, come in to provide current and flexible display solutions to meet all budgets and try and give the retail industry a much-needed boost.

For more information on this story, please contact Amy Gregory at Manifest Communications on 01484 469601 or email: amy@manifestcomms.co.uk

Established in 1989 and with its head office in Stockport, UK Point of Sale Group Limited (UK POS) is a leading manufacturer of innovative point of sale display systems. Already a preferred partner to some of the biggest names in supermarket, department store and high-street retailing, it offers over 3,000 quality items - ranging from acrylic and PVC Leaflet holders to Snap Frames. The majority of these items are made in the UK at the company’s own manufacturing facility and all are available for next day, nationwide delivery. The company also offers bespoke solutions and continues to invest into the latest plant and machinery to keep its capabilities abreast of the very latest PoS advances.

For further information visit: www.ukpos.com