New president for the CSNA
Carmel Felle is the new president of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association (CSNA). While running her own business in Blanchardstown, Co. Dublin, she has taken on this role in order to address the many issues faced by the independent operator including the cost of doing business in Ireland and the myriad of red tape that comes with this. She spoke to ShelfLife about her goals for her presidency.
Print13 August 2014
Carmel Felle in her shop with her son Shane Felle and daughter Eimear Felle
Can you give us a little bit of background on where you are from and about your own business?
I was born and raised in Harold’s Cross, Dublin 6. I come from a business background where my late parents owned a florist and painting contractors. From an early age I was very involved in the florist business where I learned all the skills required to run my own business. I own and run my own independent newsagents in Roselawn Shopping Centre, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 and have done so for the past 15 years. I employ 13 staff, two of which are my daughter and son. It is very important to have a good team round you and I feel I have that.
How long have you been a member of the CSNA?
I have been a member of the CSNA for roughly 10 years now.
How are you feeling about your recent appointment?
I am privileged to be president of such a great organisation as the CSNA. I know it will be challenging in the current climate of business today, but there is a great team within the CSNA.
Carmel Felle pictured at the CSNA Ball in May, the day she officially became president of the organisation
Are you the first woman to ever hold this position in the CSNA? If so, have you found this to be a challenge?
No, the CSNA has always been a very diverse organisation; I am the third female president. I do not feel being a woman is any more challenging than being a man as president in the current climate of things.
What in your opinion are the main problems in the retail trade today?
Retail trade is difficult nowadays particularly from the smaller retailer’s point of view. The consumer is very price conscious and is always looking for good value. As a result of this, businesses are being squeezed out of business because of rising costs and lower profit margins. They just can’t survive. It is very hard to get across to the consumer that shopping locally helps keep local people in employment. Your local shop does stock all your needs and it is unlikely that this would happen in the multiples.
What are your goals during your tenure?
Part of my goal as president is to fight for our members at every opportunity and to stop any extra expenses that may occur. During my presidency I will be meeting suppliers, politicians and civil servants and providing media interviews.
I also intend to travel over 10,000 miles this year meeting members and attending meetings on our members’ behalf which will involve over 70 days’ work.
Do you think Ireland is a difficult place to do business in from a small retailer’s perspective?
It is very difficult in Ireland for small retailers to do business. We have bank charges escalating to more than double than before. No downward rents which are putting a lot of small businesses out of business. The buying power of the multiples makes it difficult to have a decent profit margin. JTI has announced that it will not supply retailers direct from mid-August unless they buy more than 140,000 cigarette products annually.
In addition to this the Department of Health is trying to enforce a licence for selling tobacco which will add more cost to our business.
Carmel Felle outside her store in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15
What are the main advantages of being a member of the CSNA?
Being a member of the CSNA makes you feel a part of something that has your best interests at heart. There are a lot of challenges in business and it is great to know that there is back up for you no matter what the problem is, whether it is big or small. We have a great team at our office in Kildare headed by our CEO Vincent Jennings. We also have members’ deals which offer great money savings for our members.
How do you recruit new members?
We have a good field officer on the ground that covers all of Ireland. Through word of mouth, existing members make referrals gaining us new members. Also through exposure, we get articles in trade magazines such as ShelfLife. Naturally media exposure is of benefit to any organisation.
Describe a typical day in your life at the moment.
I’m taking Monday as a typical day in my life.
My day starts with opening my newsagents at 7.30am. After counting and putting out the newspapers, I do my stock cards and place my orders for the week. I check my emails concerning my business and the CSNA. I spend a lot of time serving and looking after my customers. It is very important to build up a rapport with one’s customers in a local business.
The wholesalers open late on Monday nights so I tend to go in the evening to replenish stock such as stationery, toys, party gear etc. My days can be long but I love the retail business because no two days are the same, which makes every day a new and exciting challenge. I love being at the front of the shop serving and talking to my customers.
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