Price, place, promotion, product and people!

Natalie Kay facilitating Retail Ready People's retail training workshop at Rochdale Town Hall

Retail expert Natalie Kay was in town this week facilitating Retail Ready People's retail training workshops.

The five p’s of retail (price, place, promotion, product and people) were discussed and existing companies analysed to see how each one worked or didn't work on the 5 p’s model. The importance of 'key performance indicators' was also covered.

Trish Cartner said: "The first week of retail training has been exhausting. We have learnt a vast amount in such a short time and it has made us realise what a great opportunity we have been given. The skills we are learning now are invaluable and we are all bursting with excitement to apply them to retail projects we may be involved with in the future."

The young delegates also had a question and answer session with Rochdale Town Centre Management's Debbie O'Brien. Topics included location, busy times in the town, prominent shoppers in Rochdale and the times they are most likely to visit.

Ms O'Brien highlighted what she felt was missing from Rochdale and her belief that there is a massive gap for anything child friendly and interactive."

Retail Ready People has brought a 12 week skills development and volunteering programme to Rochdale. The charity has teamed up with vInspired and the Retail Trust to offer young people aged 16-25 in the borough the opportunity to enter or progress in the retail sector.