Technology helps 128-year-old independent store reach six million local shoppers

11th November 2024

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The latest episode of Bira's popular podcast series "High Street Matters" explores how high street retailers are turning Google searches into store visits with incredible success.

In episode 5 of the podcast, host and journalist Steve Dyson, interviews Nick Brackenbury, co-founder and chief executive of Near St, who explains how the company's technology helps make retailers' stock visible online, updating every 15 minutes to show what products are available in local stores through platforms including Google, Facebook, Instagram, and Uber. 

Jane Taylor, manager of Morris Mica DIY hardware store in Redditch, shares her experience of implementing the technology, claiming that her 128-year-old business has seen its products appear in six million local customer searches since doing so. "We're getting one to two people a day in both shops come and say 'I've seen this on the Internet' and show us a picture of a Google search. We're getting all manner of people from all walks of life using it," she says.

Mr Brackenbury says, "Something like 95% of all in-store inventory data still isn't actually visible online. We're helping retailers show exactly what is in stock right now at their store, so customers can easily discover that their needs can be solved at a shop that's just down the road."

The podcast delves into several critical aspects of local visibility technology, exploring how independent retailers can connect their inventory to online platforms. It examines real-world examples of increased footfall from local searches, with detailed insights into how the technology integrates with existing stock systems.

The episode also demonstrates how independent retailers can effectively compete with larger chains by making their inventory visible to local customers searching online.

Throughout the episode, retailers and technology providers share practical experiences of implementing these systems, offering valuable insights for other independent businesses looking to enhance their local visibility.

The 'High Street Matters' podcast series, which is available on all major streaming platforms, continues to explore crucial subjects impacting independent retailers.

Read more about the Bira podcast HERE.


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