This week Adam took his questionnaire to Amit Jain, manager of Shepherd Foods on Regents Park Road. Shepherds has been a local staple for over fifty years and Adam wanted to know the secret to their success. Here’s what he asked, and how Amit responded…
- How was Shepherd Foods established?
Shepherd Foods was established in 1968 and the name came from the surname of the owners.
- How does Shepherds get involved within the Primrose Hill community?
We get involved by attending the PHA as much as possible, we also donate to the Christmas lights and other such events.
- What have been the highlights of Shepherds being open on Primrose Hill?
The highlights have been to serve and look after the community, village togetherness, and try and help with offering a 10% pensioner’s discount.
- How does Shepherds benefit from being open in Primrose Hill?
Not only do Shepherd foods benefit from being in such a niche location but so do our customers for having a community store where they can buy all their essentials and all good things for the larder.
- Which famous celebrities from the past and present have been inside your shop?
Andrew Marr, Roger Moore, George Michael, Naomi Campbell, David and Ed Miliband, Jamie Oliver, Daniel Craig, Kate Moss, Lily James, John Snow, and many others.
- Which products sell the most in your shop and why?
Freshly baked bread and freshly baked morning goods, beers and wines, dairy products like milk, salmon, fresh meat, chocolates, pasta, soft drinks, reason why is because we have a fantastic range and quality products.
- Which products sell the least in your shop and why?
Condiments, spirits, – condiments pretty seasonal and spirits perhaps high value.
- What are the problems and challenges that your company faces from being open in Primrose Hill and within your own organisation?
The challenges we face are high rent, high rates, high energy costs, shop lifting and recruiting staff after Brexit.
- Where else can we find Shepherds stores in London, and which one is the most successful?
We have 4 branches, 2 Shepherd stores, other one in Blackheath Village, we have 2 Partridges stores which are our sister company based in SW3 AND SW7. I would say all our branches do ok.
- What are the future plans for Shepherds and which direction do you think that it will be going in the future?
To stay focussed on the branches we have, longevity is key as to why in the current climate, it is not prudent to expand but to maintain and to keep and build upon on our existing stores.
Shepherd Foods, 59-61 Regents Park Road, NW1, 020 7586 4592, Insta: @shepherdprimrosehill
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