Retailers seek clarity on Olympic arrangements
London Mayor Boris Johnson is being urged to improve the information being provided to retailers to help them contribute to the success of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.
Ahead of the opening of Westfield Stratford City today (Tuesday), the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has written to the Mayor to express concern about the quantity and quality of information businesses in London are being given about transport arrangements. The letter emphasises the need for local authority delivery restrictions to be lifted to enable shops to restock their shelves overnight. It also asks for detailed road plans to be provided by the end of October rather than December as is currently planned.
The BRC is holding a conference for retail members tomorrow (Wednesday) to consider the impact the Games will have on the retail sector and to help share what information there is.
British Retail Consortium Director General, Stephen Robertson, said: “Time to plan and prepare is a crucial part of making sure businesses enjoy a successful Olympics and are able to provide a top-quality service to consumers. Retailers are being encouraged to put plans in place for next summer but that’s difficult to do without a full picture of what the situation is going to be.
“The retail sector is always dependent on a good delivery network and that is even more true at times of increased demand. Retailers will have to make deliveries overnight during the Games in order to satisfy customer demand. We need to know the necessary steps are being taken to lift local restrictions, and to inform the public about what will be going on and why. Test events have also highlighted the need for a single source of information for businesses.
“The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are a great opportunity for London and the rest of the UK. Retailers want to play their part in making the Games a success. All we’re asking for is the information we need to help make that happen.”
