A number of independent retailers have already expressed an interest in working with Henkel to manage their adhesives and sealants offer in store.
DIY Week has received some enthusiastic responses following the initial announcement of the project and entry is now officially open for any independent DIY retailer who hopes to partner with the adhesives and sealants expert.

As part of the project, Henkel will offer one chosen retailer category insight and business analysis, comparing the retailer's performance against what is going on in the market, before devising solutions to help manage its adhesives and sealants offer in store, as well as identifying opportunities for growth.

As part of the sales growth plan, Henkel will review space, layout and price architecture before taking steps to improve POS and merchandising, introduce relevant promotions, offer staff training, as well as plugging gaps in the retailer's offer, where necessary, with initial infill stock given free of charge. Henkel will also look at a programme of events to help drive sales, with the offer of a marketing investment fund for the retailer to help with activities, such as local advertising, leaflet drops or more tailored promotions.

The chosen retailer will have regular contact with Henkel throughout the process and is simply asked to be open minded and willing to embrace the manufacturer's suggestions to enhance the categories in store. "We'll become quite intimate with this retailer," said Henkel channel manager Paul Bagnall. "An added benefit is that we can look to see if any of those processes could help them in other areas of their business. Our products are unique but our approach to our products is not unique - that can be applied anywhere."

DIY Week will also be in touch with the retailer to chart the progress of the project and report on uplifts in sales in the categories, as well as to document the store's experiences.

Any independent retailer wishing to participate in the Hand it Over to Henkel project should email editor Fiona Garcia fgarcia@datateam.co.uk with their details, requesting an entry form. Please be sure to state Hand it Over to Henkel in the subject line.

All entry forms will be assessed by representatives from DIY Week and Henkel, with finalists invited for a short interview.