40 Years of Scout Shop
In June 09 the Eastleigh Shop will have traded continuously for 40 years. The first shop was setup with just £200, two old suitcases, a battered wardrobe in the corner of Le Becquet Venture Scout HQ and a small selection of new uniform shirts and trousers.
Today our business has an annual turnover in the order of £30000 and our stock level is estimated at £10-12000. We carry a full range of uniforms for all sections and most uniforms for leaders. In addition a full and comprehensive special order program for large or bulky stuff.
Another year has passed with profits continuing to grow beyond our expectations. Another year that we have been able to give back substantial funds to The District. Most, if not all, will be passed back to Groups by way of Membership discounts.
This level of business can only be maintained by lots or hardwork behind the scenes. Mike Clements and Paul Dovey do stirling work in checking and maintainint stock levels, dealing with customer accounts, staffing levels and banking. Both are working extensive hours, sometimes every day of the week.
We have never actively promoted the Scout Shop, and yet, year on year, we are getting busier and busier, as other Districts lose their own shop, and hear of ours. There has even been requests of a Mobile Shop, with a team taking our stock on the road – something that so far we have decided not to pursue.
With this increase in business, comes the problem of meeting the demand. The Saturday opening times are well maintained via a rota system amongst the groups within the District, and it is hoped that we can now expand this rota system to cover the shop’s opening on a Thursday evening.
Attached to this article are two outline Rotas – one for Saturdays in 2009 and the second for Thursday in 2009. We would like the groups of Eastleigh District to sign up to these rotas, or something similar, so that we can allow our ‘permanent’ staff to focus on the Back Office activities that keep the shop going.
Please take a look at the attached rotas, and contact Malcolm Young ( Email: malcolm.a.young ) with any questions/comments that you may have. Please also contact Malcolm if you feel that the planned days are achievable within your group (Remember, it does not have to be the same people on each occasion)
- Saturday Rota List (PDF File) : sat-rota-2009
- Thursday Rota List (PDF File) : thurs-rota-2009