A letter from Julian Richer
Dear valued customer,
While this year has been tough for us business-wise, there have been many encouraging things that have kept my spirits high in a post-lockdown world. Covid is still with us and, while we can take joy in the freedoms we’ve regained, there’s no doubt that the world still has many challenges. As shopkeepers, we are being clobbered with rising costs at a rate not seen in my lifetime and the public’s discretionary spending has been squeezed by inflation like never before in recent history. If we owed the banks money and didn’t own our freeholds we would be really worried, and we feel sorry for those not in our fortunate position.
On a more positive note, we still really appreciate those of you who are able to visit our stores for that personal shopping experience we’ve enjoyed giving you for so many years. We like customers to be able to see and hear their choices ‘in the flesh’ and take the time to discuss their entertainment needs with our passionate and knowledgeable enthusiasts.
I was delighted that Richer Sounds topped the ‘Best Tech Stores’ section of the Which? Consumer Association ‘Best and Worst’ shop survey in November. We scored 5 stars in every category, and Which? commented, “Simply put, it’s the place to go when you need to buy tech”. I’d like to thank everyone who voted for us and, of course, our amazing colleagues, who make the business what it is.
We are continuing to scour the market to add to our range of ‘inflation-busting megadeals’, as we call them, at minuscule or no profit, and will be sure to include them in our regular emails so those on tight budgets or feeling the pinch can still treat themselves in these lean times. Click here to find out more.
We trialled an email ‘pause’ over the Black Friday season, which some of you took advantage of, as we appreciated that some customers would not want to receive multiple emails, and we’ll keep reviewing what we do to give our customers control as to how they wish to interact with us.
In the same vein, we have also added some more benefits to our VIP Club. Now, you can also get £10 off any pre-order item; an extra 10% off Clearance items all year round (not just in our Clearance sale); free parking for 1 hour when you visit us; use of our in-store VIP bar for hot and cold drinks (non-alcoholic, alas) and biscuits and we’re still happy to provide a free brolly if it’s bucketing down. We also encourage VIP customers to ask for extra discounts… if we can, we will. If you are not a member yet, please do consider it. I hate giving my email out to pushy sales assistants so I was determined that if we asked for customers’ emails, we must make it worth their while. Joining our VIP Members club takes just seconds, membership is free, we don’t share or sell your data, and customers do receive real benefits.
This year, I’ve worked harder than ever in the business, but some of my spare time and focus have been taken up with a new initiative that I founded, called The Fairness Foundation, run by a terrific guy called Will Snell.
I believe that we urgently need to address inequality in our society, which, in turn, will hopefully lead to increased harmony, wellbeing and opportunities for all.
The Fairness Foundation hopes to change the terms of the public debate about fairness, and to inspire citizens, the media and decision-makers to create a fairer society. The Foundation focuses on the key areas of democracy, education, the environment, health, housing, justice, social security, taxation, wealth and work as the core issues that we feel need addressing in order to make our country fairer.
It’s not affiliated to any political party – in fact, we have consulted with politicians on both sides of the house, as well as leaders and academics from all types of institutions and organisations. Please feel free to visit our website here.
As the year draws to a close, I’d like to thank you for your continuing support and wish you and your loved ones a very happy and prosperous new year.
With best wishes,
Julian Richer
Julian Richer,
Founder and Managing Director
(Please feel free to contact my office if we haven't lived up to your expectations in any way. I will oversee your correspondence and arrange for one of our senior team to help, if needed.)