Why it is rewarding to be an independent business in Melton
It’s fair to say that running an independent business on the high street is challenging, but it can also be rewarding in equal measure.
Do it right and you can earn a living, but that’s only half the story.
The real job satisfaction comes from serving the local community and being part of something bigger.
I opened Melton Sports, in King Street, in summer 2014 because there hadn’t been a sports shop in the town for a number of years and I thought there should be one.
My aim was to become your ‘go-to’ multi-sports retailer, your first choice for running and fitness, ball and racket sports, swimming and more.
To stay active you have to find something you enjoy doing, whatever your age, fitness and ability level.
That’s made easier if you have somewhere on your doorstep with a passion for sport and physical activity, where you can discuss your needs, compare products and try things on.
Real beats virtual every time and this approach is summed up in our catchphrase, ‘for beginners to winners’.
I believe our unique selling points are our quality service and product knowledge, helping customers (many of whom become friends) to make better, more informed decisions.
But that doesn’t come at a price, for while Melton Sports is proudly independent, we are also a member of a buying group called Stag, giving us access to top brands at fair prices.
On top of this, we operate a ‘Shop Local’ reward card, offering a rolling 10 per cent discount on the RRP/online price all year round.
We are also backed by Europe’s No 1 sports wholesaler (Nottingham-based Reydon Sports) which carries over 9,000 product lines.
If we don’t stock it, there is a very good chance we can get it quickly.
Being independent has other advantages, too, meaning we can be more than just a sports shop.
We can introduce exciting new brands and products, offer additional services, such as teamwear (with a full design, printing and embroidery service), racket restringing and school sportswear, and stock Scouts and Guides uniforms and kit on behalf of local clubs.
And we are always here, ready to support your club, team, school, charity or fundraising.
We donate more than 50 gift vouchers a year, take our ‘pop-up’ shop out on the road to support your events, support the Let’s Get Moving Awards and volunteer with Melton in Bloom.
Melton does need a sprinkling of national chains to provide a good retail mix overall, but I believe it is the independent retailers which help give the town its character and distinctive appeal.
In the end, we get the high street we deserve, so I would urge readers of the Melton Times to shop and support local.
Melton is growing, so if you have a bright idea for a new retail business, go for it, and be part of something bigger.
**The sports retailer choice in Melton Mowbray has increased with the recent opening of a new Sports Direct store in Nottingham Street.