Greengrocer

[Steve WWS]

Can anyone help. I am seriously considering starting a greengrocer business in my village.
I believe there is a high demand for quality produce not just cheap and cheerful or organic.
I am currently running 2 seperate businesses so am not a complete novice but this is out of my comfort zone. Can anyone offer any advice or tips. Much appreciated.

 

[marketingquotes]

Hi Steve,

Well done you - I am sure it will be 'fruitful' in that most people do prefer the local store over the supermarket.

How big is the village, is there scope for you to take the risk?

Regards,

Marketing Quotes Support

 

[Steve WWS]

Thanks for your reply.

The village has approx 800 houses ( basically a housing estate in a field rather than your typical British village)and there are several surrounding villages with no amenities. It is not situated on a through road but there are already several retail units including a general store, Cafe, Beautician and hair dresses. i think it is viable as both a shop and delivery service.

 

[warnie]

Lots of people will tell you it's a great idea, and in theory it sounds great. But your biggest challenge is changing peoples habits in your village of getting everything from the supermarket. Probabley over 90% will tell you they would like a local green grocer, but in reality a very small percentage will use you regulary.

But my big worry would be the size of the village, with only 800 houses how many do you predict will buy weekly from you?

edited to say sorry I miss read your post about there being surrounding villages as well, with that in mind things are looking a little better!

 

[Podge]

With any perisable goods stock control is of vital importance if you wish to maintain quality.

 

[vvaannmmaann]

Do your homework,do your sums then do your sums once more.There was a guy posting on here who was doing veg box deliveries.I think he gave it up.I'll see if I can find his threads.

Some stuff here,bit basic,but it may help.
http://www.scavenger.net/product.php?productid=1918

https://www.alliance-leicestercomme...s/full/greengrocer/parkes-market_research.asp

http://www.startups.co.uk/greengrocer-s.html

 

[vvaannmmaann]

Not the thread I was thinking of,but it's a start.
http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=214876&highlight=veg+deliveries

This is the guy I was thinking of.Ask in this thread if you can PM him,he may be willing to help you.
http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=216526&highlight=week+1

 

[matt seymour]

I think the success or failure of independent greengrocers depends entirely on location.

I can think of many that have gone to the wall and disappeared in my area over the years, but there are still one or two that have survived. I dare say that the continued success of these stores does have something to do with a hardcore of long standing customers though.

Fact is, many people use their nearest out of town supermarket these days and that is why many high street shops are disappearing. Gone are the days of going to separate butchers, greengrocers and bakers for your weekly provisions. We live in a world where convenience is everything and these big supermarkets with their big old free car parks right outside the front door are becoming more and more dominant. It's a brave soul who takes them on in my opinion.

If you are going to do it, maybe try and do something really old school. An old fashioned shop front with a little bell that rings when you come through the door, locally sourced produce in pretty little wicker baskets, maybe some homemade jam and chutney made by your local WI or something and good old fashioned customer service? Just an idea. Give your customers something the local supermarket can't possibly give them.