Alex Polizzi?s Fixer Karl to speak at GCA conference

by | Dec 20, 2016 | News | 0 comments

Retail consultant Karl McKeever who appeared on BBC TV?s ?Alex Polizzi ? The Fixer? will be speaking at the Garden Centre Association (GCA) annual conference in January (2017).

Garden centre chiefs and their teams who attend the event on January 23 will be offered advice by Karl on how to improve their customer experience and their commercial performance.

Iain Wylie, chief executive of the GCA, said: ?Following his work helping to transform the fortunes of the Wimbledon-based pet store, Creature Company, on the well-known BBC 2 TV show ?Alex Polizzi ? The Fixer?, Karl has gone on to share his visual merchandising tips to help improve other retailers? businesses nationwide.

?Karl is very well-known in the retail world and has worked for some of the world?s biggest brands. He was established as the retail consultant that global brands trust before his TV appearance but has reached an even greater audience since working on the programme.

?He?ll be sharing his inspirational expertise on shopping psychology and giving us all an insight into what our customers actually want and how we can provide it.

?His presentation to delegates will include the importance of thinking like a shopper and helping shoppers avoid choice and navigation angst during their purchase journey. He will also give his advice on how to create some instore theatre and the value of upcycling existing fixtures, for those on a small budget, to revitalise the shopping experience they offer.?

Karl McKeever will be speaking at the GCA?s 51st annual conference on Monday, January 23.

The organisation represents nearly 200 garden centres nationwide.

Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.

The GCA?s annual conference will be held at St Andrews in Scotland between January 22 and 25, 2017. More than 300 delegates are expected to attend the event.

For other information, please call 01244 952170, visit www.gca.org.uk, log on to www.facebook.com/pages/GardenCentreAssociation or? follow the organisation on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GC_Association.

 

more latest news ➡

Steve Morgan

GCR PROFILES STEVE MORGAN, CHAIR OF ZEST OUTDOOR LIVING

A popular and well-known figure in the garden industry, Steve Morgan is the sort of person you would want to be on your side. In many ways he built Zest and the wider P & A Group of which he is also Chair, to the same model. It’s a family business, where the...

autumn

Moving From Summer to Autumn Without Confusing Customers

Seasonal transitions are among the most delicate moments in retail. For garden centres, where atmosphere and emotion drive purchasing decisions, the shift from summer to autumn must feel natural, not abrupt. Customers should sense continuity, not contradiction....

Engineering before technology

Engineering Before Technology

Commercial organisations across the UK are navigating a rapidly changing energy landscape. Energy systems are evolving, regulation is tightening, costs remain challenging,and expectations around sustainability and resilience continue to increase. In this...

Christmas

Why August Matters More Than October for Christmas

For decades, October was considered the unofficial start of Christmas retail, the moment when festive displays appeared, stock arrived, and customers began to think ahead. But in today’s supply‑chain reality, October is no longer early; it’s reactive. The smartest...

spirits

Craft Spirits, Gifting, and Seasonal Tasting Events

Craft spirits have evolved from niche indulgence to mainstream fascination, and garden‑centre retail is increasingly embracing this shift. With customers seeking authenticity, provenance, and experience, craft spirits offer a natural extension of the lifestyle and...

deli and bakery in garden centres

Bakery & Deli Freshness, Display, and the Power of Smell

Few retail experiences are as instantly evocative as walking into a garden‑centre bakery or deli. The scent of freshly baked bread, the sight of golden pastries, and the hum of conversation around the café create an atmosphere that feels both indulgent and...

footwear

The footwear conundrum: A Year‑Round Opportunity

Footwear has quietly become one of the most consistent performers in garden‑centre retail. Once seen as a functional add‑on, it now represents a category that bridges lifestyle, leisure, and practicality, appealing to customers across seasons and demographics. From...









Subscribe ToThe Wednesday Word

Subscribe To
The Wednesday Word

 

Get all the latest news, events & more straight to your inbox every Wednesday.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This