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Giving the independent a voice
Rainham Sports is a well-respected business. When was it established?
The shop first opened its doors in 1981, changed owners in 1984 and then again in 2003. I've been working here as a manager for 10 years. I did start as a junior sales assistant in 86, before going off and perfecting my sales technique in other retail areas before coming back (I must be bonkers!).
I've seen a lot of changes to Rainham sports in that time.Myself and Ricky Martin (not the livin la Vida loca one) are the full timers, and we have a couple of part-timers.
How would you describe your store?
"The one stop shop".We cater for all your sporting needs – If what you want is not in stock we can probably get it for you.We give professional, unbiased, friendly advice and as we run as a small team we are able to keep that personal touch with our customers. This sometimes goes missing with the big companies. "For service and style we'd win by a mile", blimey that sounded good I may have to use that line again!!!
Talk us through your products.
We stock items for most sports like football, hockey, cricket, darts and swimming, to mention a few.We've recently opened our website which now allows us to sell the larger items that we can't stock in the shop but can order direct from the supplier to the customer, such as table tennis tables, basketball equipment and so on.
We are also school uniform outfitters. Sell cubs, brownies, scouts and beaver clothing as well as dance shoes and clothing.
What has trade been like so far this year? What are the busiest months and why?
Trade is ok, could be better could be worse.With the introduction of our website we are now trying to branch out further than just the A2 in the High Street. So hopefully we can build on what we've already achieved. So far so good. I would say our busiest times would be between July-September,with the back to school business, and the start of the football and hockey season, these months can be quite hectic.Having said that, the last few months have been mad this year because we've gone bigger with cricket.
Do you have any marketing strategies in place, such as linking up with local charities and schools?
We've donated prizes for fundraisers, to schools and local sports clubs. Sponsored a few football clubs.We also give club discounts; this adds as a good incentive to keep coming back. If I am honest though,word of mouth is the best advert for us.
Do you belong to any buying groups?
We've been in Stag (sports traders' alliance group) for a long time, over the years we've benefited from this.
Has the growth of online retail impacted on your shop sales in recent years? Yes and no really. The internet allows us to get out there and get noticed amongst all the competition. The down side is that's a lot of competition!!!!!
What about the might of the multiples, just how do you compete?
We don't compete really, no need,we've managed to keep going because we can stock the items we want and what the customer can't get from the "fashion sports" shops. That's why customers keep coming back.Why do wall to wall trainers and clothing? It wouldn't work in "likkle Rainham".
What sets the independent sports retailer apart from the rest?
Knowledge, service and attention to detail.
The sports goods industry has changed a lot over the years - is this for better or worse?
It's far more challenging to keep up,we've had to adapt. I would say it's harder these days. Stock has a much shorter shelf life, for example a football boot in blue; in a few months the new style would be green! No one will want the old colour; years ago you could only ever get black!! (Listen to me sounding old..im only 37!). Seriously though, you have to be so much more careful with what lines you do, and make sure you get the quantities right for the time you have to sell them before they're updated. With all what we do that's not an easy task I can tell you. Did I mention www.rsports.co.uk?
