MSYS retailer activists David Kirwin and Linda Williams brought the annual FWD conference to life with their support for the MSYS campaign.
David Kirwin, owner of two Manchester shops and former president of the National Federation of Retail Newsagents, urged delegates at the annual conference of the Federation of Wholesale Distributors to "beef up" the MSYS campaign of which they should be proud.
"NFRN is the one association which in my opinion fits hand in glove with the MSYS campaign. It engages with the 36,000 independently owned newspaper and magazine retailers for which NFRN provides a voice," he said.
He congratulated FWD for its foresight in launching MSYS which had become the leading independent industry initiative in today's marketplace. It was the "jewel in the FWD crown," he added.
Linda Williams, who with her husband Dennis runs the Broadway Premier Convenience Store in Edinburgh, was applauded with enthusiasm by a packed audience after describing how they implemented the MSYS campaign and NIW in their store.
"In 2006 we had a fun day which was a great success. Last year we decided to go for it and held four days of activities. We increased sales by 10% in the week and we are trading healthily.
"We would not even consider not being involved in MSYS and NIW. Our customers are already asking what we plan to do this year," said Linda, adding that PRAG was an essential forum for the campaign.
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