Top Merchants blog

Hal Wilson, managing director of Cambridge Wine Merchants, shares his views on why independent retailers must work together.

Top Merchants business advice; get your story across

Top three ways to ... get your story across, by Helen McGinn from Helen McGinn Associates (helenmcginnassociates.com)

Indie merchants shortlisted for awards

Independent merchants from across the country are in the running to win a series of accolades at the inaugural Harpers Awards, taking place at London's Honourable Artillery Company on May 22.

Oxford Wine Company expands with new shop

The Oxford Wine Company’s expansion continues as the indie merchant opens a new shop in Cirencester.

The Suits to play at Harpers Awards Dinner

Harpers' very own Top Merchant Hal Wilson from Cambridge Wine Merchants will be performing at our awards bash later this month.

The best of California in the spotlight

The Vineyard Cellars and the Wine Treasury will be holding a tasting of Californian wines on May 14.

Bordeaux 2011: Lafite price down on last year

News that Château Lafite has dropped the price of its 2011 vintage on last year will have little impact on what other chateaux choose to do, according to top merchants.

Harpers Awards 2012: how to enter

Anyone interested in taking part in the inaugural Harpers Awards 2012, which looks to reward the very best in the on and off-trades and wine and spirits industry, can do so now by entering relevant categories at the dedicated website

De Bortoli latest big name to join Harpers Best Practice Guidelines for independents

De Bortoli Wines is the latest major supplier to sign up to the Harpers Best Practice Guidelines for independent wine merchants designed to bring greater channel transparency to the wine industry's fastest growing retail sector.

Your chance to be a winner at first Harpers Awards 2012

The inaugural Harpers Awards 2012, which looks to reward the very best in the on and off-trades and wine and spirits industry, will announce the winners at a special awards night at London's Honourable Artillery Company on the Tuesday of the LIWF, May 22. Here's how you can get involved and make sure your company is there on the night:

Take part in our Independent Retailer Survey

Harpers is carrying out exclusive research into the size, specialisms and successes of the independent sector in conjunction with the Specialist Importers Trade Tastings.

Take 5 With - SITT special

In the first in a new series talking to specialist independent suppliers appearing at this year's SITT, we get the low-down from Miguel Leal at Casa Leal.

Take part here in consultation on independent and supplier relations

Harpers Wine & Spirit is continuing with its consultation with independent wine merchants to determine what points of principle they would like to see suppliers follow when serving the independent sector and whether they would like to see a supplier code of practice.

Jamie Hutchinson: Fighting for independents

Harpers Debate: indies and suppliers go head to head

Leading independent wine retailers and suppliers will come together next month to debate whether a suppliers' charter should be established to regulate how wine is sold.

UK riots: £80m in lost sales for retailers

The cost of riots across England is put at £80 million in lost sales for retailers, according to research from Kelkoo.

£20 million fund to help businesses caught up in UK riots

The Prime Minister has made £20 million available and unveiled a series of emergency measures to help businesses affected by riots.

Jamie Hutchinson calls for suppliers' charter

Independent wine merchant Jamie Hutchinson has called for a suppliers' charter to be set up for any business serious about servicing the independent sector.

Suppliers hit back at Hutchinson's 'leakage' claims

Suppliers have hit back at Jamie Hutchinson's claims they have not been supporting independents, and say there are enough wines for all sectors to choose from.

Jamie Hutchinson calls for suppliers' charter

Independent wine merchant Jamie Hutchinson has called for a suppliers' charter to be set up for any business serious about servicing the independent sector.