Davenport direct.

(From Off Licence News)

The findings of HIM's SOLTrack survey provide a much needed vote of confidence for retailers. While the survey does not claim to be reflective of the entire market, it certainly offers valuable insights. In many high street stores, there's no guarantee of any eye contact, let alone a "hello" , so for customers to give off-licences an average rating of 94% for staff friendliness is a ringing endorsement. Who doesn' appreciate a bit of courtesy when handing over their hard-earned cash? Customers also clearly appreciate a bit of advice, with 84% believing staff to be knowledgeable about the products on offer.

Such positive feedback is rare in other industries, and suggests many avenues which off-licences of all types should exploit. When you're in such a trusted position, the possib ilities for hand-selling more expensive wines and trading consumers up to premium beers are there for the taking.

There's hope yet Licensing minister Gerry Sutcliffe did not pull any punches when given the chance to comment on Alistair Darling's disastrous Budget. Suggesting the trade might be able to convince the Chancellor to drop his pledge to increas e duty by 2% above the rate of inflation for the next four years might ...