Merchant Retail Services

13/04/2020

Who’s looking after who during this crisis ?

It’s going to be interesting to see how supportive commercial managing agents and the bigger property groups will be with their tenants over time, including many months of social distancing

The current crisis (CoVid 19 hibernations ) has a crippling impact on almost every retail & hospitality’s business right across the country.

Managing Agents draw their fees (their profit) in part from their Landlords via Outgoings, Gross rents & property inspections along with Leasing fees & transactional sales with the latter two almost obsolete in the current marketplace,

Therefore the challenge for Agents in all of this is to somehow keep Tenants & Landlord’s that have been closed or severely impacted ... serviced in light of possibly not receiving a fee for said service ... or at best a reduced fee ...!

How does this impact their tenants & landlords .... ?

That’s the multi million dollar question ... with many Agencies geared as per the Commercial Tenancy Act to demand what’s due & payable every month, despite the Government’s plea’s for common sense & negotiation .....

There is a challenge facing those agents that rely more on procedures and less on face to face meetings in the short term..

Not understanding the potential CoVid business impacts and issuing demands for payments is only going to throw lit matches into a tank full of petrol ...

The answers for each of these situations are many and varied and unfortunately there is not a one size fits all solution ...

That’s where the sense in finding common ground is essential!

But issuing formal demands during these times whilst procedural, it’s professionally disengaging and one way to further lose tenants, businesses and if empty shells are your landlords aim ....

issue away ...

How’s your Managing Agent stacking up ? ...

For your businesses sake, the Government is urging them to be lenient and functionally practical ... at best impacted tenants need engaging & supportive solutions

We don’t need to see reports or repeats of the demand emails issued to tenants by a prominent residential agency filtering through commercial agencies ...

Time will tell ... the sooner we have sustainable solutions the less stress on diminishing cashflows will be . Which In turn will assist retailers sustaining their businesses during hibernation ....

It’s Common sense .... isn’t it ?

Chasing every cent’s (sic) may not guarantee you to land the Dollar ? *

* Especially during an enforced hibernation ... or for those operating in diminished turnovers ...

03/04/2020

One of the uncertainties facing businesses during these challenging times apart from impacts to cashflow and the uncertainty of trade is the very important need to continue to have those essential conversations with your Landlords, Financial & Bank advisories and keep abreast of changes to your particular business ... it’s easy to say “keep in touch” although it’s imperative to have the conversations in the first instance ... hopefully you can both work together .. both having understandings & agreements in place will ease the pressure and keep stress at bay ... now is the time for solutions and engage with your key relationships to hibernate your business or survive & adapt within a diminished marketplace ...

22/03/2020

In ever changing times, the importance within businesses is to adapt, adopt and make judgment calls whilst keeping the team focussed and our customers informed of the changes (in the first instance)

Stay safe & if you need any help or assistance within your business please don’t hesitate to message me directly or mobile 0407 984 780

We are in this together, stay safe, stay positive

Important Update:

Earlier tonight the Prime Minister announced further measures for social distancing Applicable to all States & Territory’s with far reaching impacts on most hospitality based businesses

As Such as of Midday tomorrow (Monday) the Cafe Merchant will be open for Take Away Business only and whilst we as business owners grapple with the implications of these measures we assure all of our Staff, Customers & Suppliers we will endeavour to provide our quality Coffee & Foods

Apart from being able to order anything off our menu as a takeaway,

We are planning to put in place new takeaway menu options

Phone orders are most welcomed

Please Call us on 9725 1501

We thank you for your continued support & trust together we stay safe on behalf of all of us at the Cafe Merchant and our Merchant Warehouse & Cafe Team 💕

26/02/2018

Creating relationships is essential for Small businesses, both to engage with their local communities, although, just as important is to engage with each other, our networks, like cupcakes are created with the efforts of many hands and enjoyed the world over.

How good are these teal cupcakes 💖 😍 💖

See the Cafe Merchant and Terrywhite Chemmart Eaton pages and share their cupcake story and let’s raise the awareness for Ovarian Cancer Research this coming Wednesday 28th February 🤗

It’s teal cup cake time again at the Eaton Fair with both the Cafe Merchant and TerryWhite Chemmart Eaton raising awareness for the Ovarian Cancer Association

The Cafe Merchant will be donating $2 from every teal cupcake to Ovarian Cancer.

Come down on Wednesday 28/2/18 to get your teal cupcake and enjoy with one of our delicious Tea’s and Coffee’s.

22/02/2018

Spot the difference

23/01/2018

There are many challenges facing businesses today, the most common involve the management of our cashflow, personnel and business planning, including the obligations within the Lease terms and conditions

Understanding these Lease obligations seems obvious, although there are times that the various Lease clauses appear confusing and end up being costly to both Lessee’s and Lessor’s in some cases out of a clear lack of understanding which in extreme circumstances can cause significant losses or unnecessary angst

It’s quite interesting to learn who owns what especially in regards to servicing, maintaining and replacing fixtures and fittings within the Premises both during the term of the Lease and more importantly as a result of breakdowns and malfunctions of for example Air Conditioning units, Hot Water systems

As a general rule most Leases contain specific clauses where Lessees service and maintain the Lessor’s fixtures and fittings contained within the Premises during the term of the Lease although should these fixtures be deemed beyond repair and past their usable life the Lessor may be obligated to replace.

In each case the Lease will be specific in this regard, although if there is confusion or doubt then seek advice early in the discussion

Should you have any queries with your particular lease and need these types of clauses clarified or would like some other assistance email me at vern@cafemerchant or call me on 0407 984 780

We are more than willing to Assist and arrange for an initial discussion, although, should you require ongoing advice we can assist you further and liaise with you or alternatively on your behalf with Managing Agents, Property Owners and or neighbours as required

Of interest the key issues we find concerning most Lessee’s involve market rent reviews, Lease renewals, Lease expiry obligations, Assigning a Lease and knowing your rights within the terms and conditions including each parties obligations

Vern Merchant
Merchant Retail Services

09/12/2017

Business can be tough on all levels - there are times we are on top and cruising, on other occasions we’re doing just fine, there are also times when the challenges become tough and decisions within the business, unclear and difficult.... it’s a roller coaster for all.... if you’re looking for help or need advice on marketing, social media, leasing and or business planning call me in 2018 ... it’s about time Merchant Retail Services became a reality ..... trust it’s going to be a great Christmas for you and your team looking forward to the opportunity to talk about your business and plans for the future in the new year

Contact me on 0407984780 Or [email protected]

14/02/2017

Merchant Retail Services focus on the individual needs of its business clients with their Property Management, Business, Personnel and Marketing Planning,

If you're a Retailer, Business or Property Owner who needs independent advice on any issues or alternatively your business needs assistance gaining local market share,

Having issues with a Lease ? Looking to increase sales and bottom line profits ? Understanding Social Media ?

Please call Vern Merchant on mobile 0407 984 780 for an initial discussion