The independent retail sector is fluid. Last year, 14,621 new shops were opened in Britain’s top 500 town centres, which sounds like very good news. However, 14,462 closed, meaning that at the end of 2016, there were only 159 more independent retailers than there were in 2015.

What this tells us is that in order to survive, independent shops have to provide something that no-one else does, and it all comes down to customer service.

Good customer service can be the difference between thriving and shutting up shop. We’ve all had poor experiences in shops, bars and restaurants and have left vowing never to go back again. And on the other hand, we’ve all got our favourite shops where we know we’ll get a friendly smile and warm welcome as soon as we walk through the door.

Creating a good customer experience

Here at The Radiator Centre, we pride ourselves on our excellent customer service. We know that in order to hang on to our reputation and five-star reviews, we’ve always got to prove we truly are: “A really professional, friendly and incredibly helpful team”.

St Albans Retailer of the Year

The oldest of our three showrooms is based in St Albans, a city that likes to champion its retail heroes. For the past 10 years, the St Albans Retailer of the Year competition has been held in order to recognise and support independent small businesses as well as promote the city. The idea is that customers nominate their favourite shop – closing date 24th November 2017 – and every nominated outlet will be visited by a mystery shopper to asses. A shortlist of the top retailers will be announced on 2nd January 2018 and the winner will be announced at a gala night on the 29th.

We would love it if you could take the time and trouble to nominate us. It’s very easy: all you have to do is email rachel.russell@london.newsquest.co.uk, or send it by post to Retailer of the Year Competition, Observer House, Caxton Way, Watford Business Park, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0NF. Nominations are also accepted by text – all you have to do is send “Retailer: The Radiator Centre” to 80360 (NB your text will cost 10/12p plus your normal operator text charge).

We have everything crossed for a successful start to the New Year!

If you love our customer service as much as our designer radiators, please recommend The Radiator Centre to your family, friends and colleagues. Tell them they can be assured of a warm welcome, in all senses of the word, by our experts in our St Albans, Brighton, Bristol, Leamington Spa, Clapham and Islington radiator showrooms.