Services

Triple R Model

Key words

Rural retail, consultation, mentoring, networking, development, business

What is the product/service for? What main challenge does it address?

RRR Model aims to improve service quality in small communities by supporting the survival, development and growth of rural retail shops. By that the project is enhancing economical growth of the regions. The vision is multifunctional stores running in participating regions. A multifunctional store refers to a store, which provides a wide range of services in addition to groceries. The shop has the ability to survive also in regions where the population is diminishing. The services can be both public and commercial. Due to the multifunctionality of such rural stores the merchants must be able to handle a variety of tasks. It is important to develop the merchants’ abilities. They must be good merchants, of course; however they must also deal with different issues associated with social services, entrepreneurship and the various multifunctional services which are offered in addition to the regular grocery store merchandise.

Target group(s)

Rural retailers, business developers, education providers

The service process involves study of the current situation of the shop, and analysis and discussion of the best ways to increase competence of the shop. The process may continue by providing the shopkeeper some of the following services: networking, which could involve meetings with other shopkeepers or business developers or other actors who could consider working in cooperation in the region; consultation in a specific area, or for example, assistance in developing a good business plan for following years; or training in marketing, management or other topic. Project partners have developed regional support networks, training contents, consultation services and an eLearning platform to assist shopkeepers in their development. Elearning platform includes material for example on following topics: Business Planning & development, Finance, Human Resources, Marketing, Management, and Merchandising. Access to services, for example eLearning platform, is free of charge, but there could be fees concerning recommended services or activities that are not developed or run during and within the project.

Where to get the solutions for networking, training and consultation?
Contact Details
Eila Seppänen, Project Manager
Lapland University of Applied Sciences (former: Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences)
Address: Kauppakatu 58
City/Town: Tornio	Postal Code: 95400
Country: Finland
E-mail: eila.seppanen@lapinamk.fi
Telephone: +358 10 383 5324
Website: www.lapinamk.fi
Barney McLaughlin, Area Manager, Community and Enterprise
Donegal County Council
Address: Public Services Centre, Drumlonagher
City/Town: Donegal Town
Country: Ireland
E-mail:
Telephone: 074 9724400
Website: www.donegalcoco.ie
Instructions: CDs are available from Donegal County Council which contains the full training materials of the Retail in Rural Regions Project
Olga Biskopstø, Project Manager
The Research Center for Social Development
Address: Vágsvegur 48
City/Town: Vágur	Postal Code: 900
Country: Faroe Islands
E-mail: olgab@setur.fo
Telephone: +298 604070	Work mobile: +298 292592
Website: www.socdev.fo
Kirsty MacColl
Community Retailing Network
Address : Gorten, Arivegaig
City/Town: Acharacle, Argyll	Postal Code: PH36 4LE
Country: Scotland
E-mail: info@communityretailing.co.uk
Telephone:  0845 217 8978
Website: www.communityretailing.co.uk
Instructions: Information about the Project can be found on the Community Retailing Network website : www.communityretailing.co.uk Further information can be obtained from Kirsty MacColl (CRN Development Co-Ordinator) : info@communityretailing.co.uk
Barry Quinn
University of Ulster
Address: Cromore Road
City/Town: Coleraine	Postal Code: BT52 1SA
Country: Northern Ireland
E-mail: b.quinn@ulster.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 28701 24168
Website: www.business.ulster.ac.uk/nirural/
Instructions: Contact Barry for further information