Storage, sleeves and binders: the accessories margin

Accessories rarely make headlines, but for many shops they keep the lights on.

Shop owners describe a business that is increasingly built on three things: singles, organised play and a reliable supply of sealed product. When any one of them falters, the others have to carry the shop.

What we’re hearing

Footfall on event nights remains the strongest predictor of spend, according to the retailers we interviewed. Customers who play in store tend to buy more, and more often.

Event nights don’t always pay for themselves, but the customers they bring in do.

The practical effect is a shift towards singles and accessories, where shops have more control over their stock and their margins.

What it means for the trade

Several owners said they had changed their pricing to follow online sales data more closely, updating prices weekly rather than monthly.

We have contacted the companies involved for comment and will update this story when we hear back.

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