Artisan Essentials 2025

@specialityfood 12 Stock smart Similarly, don’t downplay the power of product knowledge and smart stocking decisions. By providing a foodie cornucopia for customers to explore, you’ll not only increase customers’ time in-store but build a reputation for doing things differently – and so begins the path to destination status. MULTIPLES MAY BE CHEAPER, BUT THEY CAN’T MATCH THE DEPTH OF FLAVOUR OR CRAFTSTMANSHIP FOUND IN INDIES Make it personal Of course, for a truly bespoke offering nothing beats personalisation. “Personalisation used to be a novelty, but consumers now expect personalised goods and plans: from individualised packs to tailored skincare and health food plans,” says Jess. Small-scale businesses are at the forefront of this – so do check with existing suppliers to see if they can offer a personalisation service – and indie retailers can easily adopt the trend by providing build-your- own hampers (with expert guidance close to hand, of course). “Niche and start-up brands are the winners in this environment, but the next few years will likely see them become the norm, thanks in no small part to AI,” says Jess – so now is the time to act. Emphasising the quality and holistic value of what you sell is of great importance. “Multiples may be cheaper, but they can’t match the depth of flavour, freshness or craftsmanship found in specialist stores,” says Matt. They also can’t compete on the community front, so smart indies can reap the rewards of their hard- earned connections by “hosting supplier tastings, partnering with local businesses, and using social media to amplify their brand story.”