Nationwide Store Surveys - Bluestones One

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2 April 2020

Summary

Bluestones One were proud to be offered the opportunity to support a key client in surveying 479 Food Halls of one of the UK\’s leading retailers throughout the UK.

We were asked to attend each location over a 15 day period to identify and record what equipment types the Food Halls had and the condition of the equipment. As well as front of house, we were asked to record the dimensions of the back of house Freezer and Warehouse racking and report back on a pre-agreed survey template and with an image of the in-store Bakery.

Challenges

The main challenge was ensuring that each of the team members we had identified to complete the surveys understood the reason for the surveys, what we were aiming to achieve, the equipment types they would come across and the reporting process. This was overcome with a full store briefing of the teams and ensuring they had a full understanding of each element.

Once this was complete, each surveyor had a specific route to follow. We have various options for reporting back on this type of activity, from client portals through to good old fashioned paper-based reporting. We agreed the best method for the client and the teams followed this to the letter.

Results

Bluestones One achieved the full 479 store schedule in 15 days and delivered all data back to the client as per their request.

Meet Richard Jones – Account Manager

Tell us about your role at Bluestones One My role at Bluestones One is Account Manager. How would you normally start your day at work? My day starts with touching base with teams, checking emails and reports from the previous day/night. What does a typical day at work look like for you? Liaising with customers either via phone, Teams meetings and site visits discussing existing and up and coming work. Interacting with the Installation and Merchandising teams on ongoing projects. Making sure the teams on the shopfloor have everything they need to complete the tasks onsite and supporting them throughout the day. Working with our Resource Planning team to ensure all future projects are planned as per the customer’s requirements. What do you find challenging? The changing nature of our industry can often be challenging, but has the added benefit of no two days being the same! What do you enjoy about the role? Everyday produces different challenges and I learn something new every day and enjoy interacting with different people. What’s the best thing about working at Bluestones One? Working with new and existing customers to achieve the required goal to deliver each project. I also enjoy working with

In memory of Harry Stringer

In loving memory of Harry Stringer On Monday the 7th March 2022, we lost one of our most loved site supervisors. Harry passed away suddenly after suffering a heart attack 1 week prior to his passing. Harry was a much loved and well respected mentor and friend in the retail merchandising world and in particular the D.I.Y sector. Harry made his debut in the retail industry working for Homebase in 1987 where he served for 20 years in roles such as Store Manager and in the later part of his Homebase career in the Store Format team. Harry then moved on to work for several Merchandising and Installation companies completing roles mainly working on Format Projects for B&Q. Harry was versatile and would do whatever role was required of him whether it be Site Supervisor, Retail Change Partner, Siers Supervisor or Team Leader. Over the last 12 years Harry worked for Dee Set and most recently Bluestones One. He will be sadly missed and we send our condolences to all of Harry’s family and friends. RIP Harry. Here’s what Bluestones One Director, Gary Lowe had to say shortly after Harry’s passing: “We are all shocked and devastated by the sad