Are retailers missing out on a great untapped market?

THE spending power of blind and partially sighted people is often overlooked, and with an estimated 3000 people in the Lisburn City Council area living with severe sight loss their custom adds up to a significant contribution to the local economy.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Sep 2011, 10:23 BST

So why wouldn’t local retailers want to tap into this market? ‘The Good Practice and Standards Guide for Retailers’ will be launched in Northern Ireland on Thursday September 22 at the Lagan Valley Island Conference Centre.

The event starts at 10.30am and is being organised by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB NI’s) BIG Lottery supported project, Lisburn in Focus.

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Organisers say there are many unnecessary barriers faced by blind and partially sighted people during their shopping experience; from navigating around a shop, selecting the items you want, to paying for them independently. “Shopping is something we all take for granted - be it the mundane shop for bread and milk, or that more exciting special purchase” said a spokesperson. “However, if you have sight loss the simple task is often unfortunately quite challenging if staff are afraid to approach you or unable to describe their products or services fully. This is why RNIB NI has produced a Good Practice and Standards Guide for Retailers. The guide has lots of simple tips that will go a long way towards making the shopping experience more accessible. Small improvements will not only benefit business as a whole, but will have a positive impact on the shopping experience of blind and partially sighted people, creating loyal customers who will encourage their friends and family to shop where they shop.”

Invest NI Chief Executive Alistair Hamilton will be the keynote speaker - stressing the need for high quality customer service and the importance of staff training and development to achieve great customer service. Glyn Roberts from the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association will also be at the event and will give the Independent Retailers’ perspective on the Guide. There will be an opportunity to find out how the Guidelines were produced and to discuss with local blind and partially sighted people how your business can adhere to the guidelines without it costing a fortune. Retailers will also be given the opportunity to go shopping wearing simulation spectacles to give an idea of how blind and partially sighted people view the world.

To book a place contact Lisburn in Focus on 9260 0388 or email [email protected]

Related topics:OrganisersRetailersNorthern Ireland