NEWS
10 ASIAN TRADER 17 OCTOBER 2025
September’s end marks more
than autumn’s arrival—it
signals the start of the Golden
Quarter, the most commer
cially significant period in
retail. For independent
retailers, this isn’t simply
about Christmas shopping. It’s
about capitalising on a
continuous wave of celebra
tions, from Halloween
through Diwali, Bonfire Night,
Black Friday, and into the New
Year festivities. Each event
brings fresh opportunities to
connect with customers and
drive revenue.
Understanding this extend
ed celebration season is
crucial. Consumer spending
patterns have shifted dramati
cally. Shoppers now spread
their purchases across
multiple occasions rather than
concentrating solely on
Christmas. This creates
numerous touchpoints where
independent retailers can
shine, offering curated
selections and personalised
service that larger chains
simply cannot match.
Preparation separates
success from missed opportu
nity. The retailers who thrive
during this period are those
who plan their stock, promo
tions, and communications
now. Consider your product
mix carefully—are you
catering to all the celebrations
your customers observe?
Halloween costumes, firework
night gifts, Diwali decora
tions, and Christ
mas essentials all
deserve space in
your planning.
Your storefront
and digital presence
must work in
harmony. Window
displays should evolve
throughout the quarter,
reflecting each celebration
whilst maintaining your brand
identity. Meanwhile, social
media offers the perfect
platform to showcase gift
ideas, behind-the-scenes
preparations, and the personal
stories that make independent
retail special. Consistency
across both channels amplifies
your message and keeps your
business front-of-mind.
The Black Friday debate
continues, but there’s no
single right answer. Some
indies embrace it; others
create alternative campaigns
that resonate more authenti
cally with their customers.
What matters is having a
strategy that feels genuine to
your brand. Perhaps it’s a
“Support Local Weekend” or
exclusive member previews.
The key is standing out, not
simply following the crowd.
Customer experience
becomes paramount during
busy periods. When footfall
increases, so does the opportu
nity to convert browsers into
loyal customers. Train your
team to manage the rush
whilst maintaining the
warmth and expertise that
defines independent retail.
Small gestures—gift wrap
ping, product recommenda
tions, or simply remembering
a regular customer’s prefer
ences—create the memorable
moments that build lasting
relationships.
Cash flow management
deserves particular attention
during this period. Whilst
revenue increases, so do costs.
Stock investment, additional
staffing, and marketing
expenses all require careful
planning. Bira’s resources and
advice lines can provide crucial
support in navigating these
financial considerations.
The Golden Quarter
represents more than com
mercial opportunity—it’s
when independent retailers
demonstrate their irreplacea
ble role in communities.
You’re not just selling
products; you’re helping
customers create memories,
celebrate traditions, and find
the perfect gifts for loved ones.
As we embark on this
crucial trading period, I wish
every independent retailer
across Britain a successful and
rewarding Golden Quarter.
Make it count.
This month, in his regular column, Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre explores
why independent retailers must seize every moment of the Golden Quarter
- a season of multiple celebrations that can define the year’s success.
Beyond Christmas –why
Beyond Christmas –why
the Golden Quarter
the Golden Quarter
matters more than ever
matters more than ever
Asda store fined for
Asda store fined for
unsafe food
unsafe food
Asda stores in Huyton, Merseyside
has been fined by the local council
for selling unsafe food.
The case follows inspections of
the Asda Superstore in 2024 and
20 March 2024 by an Environmen
tal Health Team, when officers
found 59 items of food on sale
after the use by date had expired.
Asda Stores Ltd appeared
before Liverpool and Knowsley
Magistrates’ Court and pleaded
guilty to six charges of breaching
the Food Safety and Hygiene
(England) Regulations and was
fined £130,000 with additionally
£11,000 in costs to the Council.
FareShare unites with
FareShare unites with
Felix Project
Felix Project
FareShare is joining hands with
The Felix Project to form a bigger
organisation with greater national
impact.
By combining FareShare’s 30
years of nationwide reach and
strategic partnerships with Felix’s
London expertise, the two will be
able to pool resources, create
more collaborative and efficient
ways of working and be part of a
stronger, joined-up solution to
tackling food waste across the UK.
Through its 17 independent
partners, FareShare works with the
food industry to rescue good-to-
eat surplus food and get it to over
8,000 charities nationwide.
Go Local Extra opens in
Go Local Extra opens in
Southampton
Southampton
Independent retailer Ashish Gajjar
has launched the first Go Local
Extra in Southampton, marking a
milestone in Parfetts’ south of
England expansion.
The new 1,600 sq ft Palmerston
Road store opened recently, before
Parfetts unveiled its first cash and
carry depot in Southampton.
Working with Parfetts’ develop
ment team, Ashish has converted a
heritage building that was previous
ly a local store catering mainly for
students into a modern conveni
ence store that serves local
residents, students and visitors.
Ashish has six other conveni
ence stores in Southampton.
By Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira
(British Independent Retailers
Association)