Like many newsagents I know I love looking at other retail businesses for inspiration, to secretly critique them and to people-watch.
In looking at what other retailers do, if I find something I like, the first question is could I do that? That question is really about whether I have the space, the skills and other resources to pull off such a terrific display or some other engagement I have seen.
The question is complex as it is more than copying something good you have seen in another business. You have to implement the idea in a way that fits into your business, it needs to blend and have a commercial purpose beyond looking good.
Having a business foundation for any such move is vital as this will include a commercial goal and time triggered measurements to ensure the learnings implemented are having the desired effect.
The best ideas I find are the simplest: visual merchandising tips, enticing signage, product adjacencies I had not thought of, a counter layout that is genuinely fresh, shop floor shopper engagement that is exciting and drives sales and an overall environment that makes me happy. It is a thrill to discover fresh ideas that challenge what you have done for years in your business.
The most enjoyable ideas I discover are in retail businesses outside the traditional newsagency channel. When I travel I seek out retail that is nothing like what we do for this reason as I know I will find fresh ideas. I especially like looking at local artist businesses as these tend to be less influenced by mass retail trends. That said, some mass retailers are brilliant and offer lessons in every store.