The Week In Retail Issue 2

RETAIL

THE WEEK IN

LEGISLATION

SOCIAL DISTANCING

2-METRE RULE BECOMES LAW

RETAILER INTERVIEW

HOW’S YOUR WEEK BEEN…

LINDA WILLIAMS?

SCAN, PAY, GO! THE LATEST NPD NFRN FUND HITS £200K

CORONAVIRUS TESTING

TESTING TIMES FOR LOCAL RETAILERS

+ WHAT WILL THE ‘NEW NORMAL’ LOOK LIKE? Commercial Partner:

Brought to you by:

Issue 2 Wednesday 29th April 2020

Symbol Partner:

More than meets the eye!

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THE WEEK IN RETAIL

EDITOR’S COMMENT SHARE YOUR NEWS AND VIEWS WITH ME AT ABEGLEY@55NORTH.COM

THESE ARE TESTING TIMES FOR LOCAL RETAILERS One of the highlights of the week has been the extension of the coronavirus testing programme to cover local retailers. Let’s be frank, local retailers are literally risking their lives every day of the week to provide communities with the products and services they rely on. The support offered to local retailers so far has been at best patchy – but we’ll focus on the positives and welcome this extension, something that will come as a relief for many.

In this issue of The Week In Retail we provide you with a nuts and bolts guide to how you go about arranging testing for you, your staff and the people they share their homes with. Bear in mind that the programme only covers those showing symptoms and the tests themselves are only guaranteed to be accurate for people displaying symptoms of Covid-19 – so bear that in mind to avoid adding any unnecessary pressure to an already overloaded testing infrastructure.

One dispiriting side-story to this development was the way the Scottish Government mismanaged the communication of the UK Government’s extension of testing on its website.

When the Scottish Government website was updated with the new rules it stated that testing would be made available to “staff directly involved in delivering other essential services” and went on to explain that food and drink retail staff fell within that group. Unfortunately, the wording specifically mentioned “supermarket workers” and specifically didn’t mention local retailers.

Cue a heart attack on Saturday for SGF Chief Executive Pete Cheema when he read it. Did that mean that convenience retailers were excluded?

Or was it just careless wording? He quickly wrote to the Scottish Government and, to their credit, they replied promptly on Monday morning stating that local retailers were indeed classed as ‘essential workers’ and would be eligible for testing.

It seems unlikely that the Scottish Government intended to actually exclude convenience retailers and more likely it was just careless use of language. But it’s careless use of language that demonstrates once again that Holyrood lacks even a basic understanding of the structure of the industry we work in.

ANTONYBEGLEY ANTONYBEGLEY @ANTONYBEGLEY

ANTONY BEGLEY, EDITOR

WEDNESDAY 29TH APRIL 2020 / ISSUE 2 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 3

RETAIL TH E W EE K IN

LEGISLATION

S O C IA L D IS TA N C IN G

2-M ET RE RU LE BE CO M ES LA W RETAILER INTE

RVIEW

H OW’S YO U R W EE K BE EN…

L IN D A W IL L IA M S? SC AN, PAY, GO! TH E LATE ST NP D NF RN FU ND HI TS £200K

CORONAVIRUS

+ WHAT WILL THE ‘NEW NORMAL’ LOO

Brought to you

by:

Commercial Partne

r:

Issue 2 Wednesday 29th April 2020

TESTING

T E S T IN G T IM E S F O R LOCAL R E TA IL E R S K LI K E?

Symbol Partner:

CONTENTS

WEDNESDAY 29TH APRIL 2020 / ISSUE 2 WWW.SLRMAG.COM

6

10

16

THIS WEEK’S NEWS IN BRIEF

CORONAVIRUS TESTING

NFRN’s Hardship Fund hits £200k mark and massive growth is forecast for the online grocery market.

Free testing is extended to local retailers – here’s what you need to know.

8

14

COVID-19 UPDATE

20

OUT THE BOX

HOW’S YOUR WEEK BEEN… LINDA WILLIAMS? Edinburgh retailer Linda Williams discusses record sales and a new Hardship Fund to help customers.

22

COMPANY UPDATE: LEES

A ROUND-UP OF THE LATEST CORONAVIRUS

UBAMARKET’S ‘SCAN, PAY GO!’ OFFERS

COATBRIDGE CONFECTIONER TREATS SICK

NEWS FROM THE LAST SEVEN DAYS.

SEVERAL USEFUL BENEFITS TO RETAILERS.

KIDS

LEGISLATION

OPINION

23

PICKS OF THE WEEK

LEGAL EAGLE MICHAEL MCDOUGALL

KAM MEDIA’S BLAKE GLADMAN PONDERS

25

FASCIA UPDATE: COSTCUTTER

DECIPHERS HOLYROOD’S UPDATED SOCIAL

WHAT THE ‘NEW NORMAL’ WILL BE POST

THE SYMBOL GROUP OPENS 20 POP-UP

DISTANCING RULES.

CORONAVIRUS.

STORES IN HOSPITALS.

TWITTER.COM/SLRMAG

21

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SLRMAG

WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY 22ND APRIL 2020 / ISSUE 1 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 5

NEWS DIGEST

THIS WEEK’S NEWS FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS, HEAD TO WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK/CATEGORY/NEWS/

534% SNAPPY SHOPPER GROWTH

COVID-19

store home delivery platform

NFRN HARDSHIP FUND HITS £200K WITH £20K HANDED OUT IN FIRST TWO WEEKS

Snappy Shopper has

THE NFRN’S HARDSHIP FUND TO SUPPORT CASH-STRAPPED

reported a fivefold increase

MEMBERS HAS RAISED OVER £200K WITH OVER £20K HANDED OUT

in store numbers on the back

IN THE FIRST TWO WEEKS.

Dundee-based mobile app and web-based convenience

of demand from retailers and customers during the coronavirus crisis.

In the five weeks since lockdown, Snappy Shopper reported a 534% increase in platform sales in comparison to the previous five weeks.

Platform customers have increased by 360% over the same period and average basket spend has increased by 51%, from £21.52 to £32.49.

Contributions from key suppliers have sent the NFRN’s Covid-19 Hardship Fund soaring to £200,000 in just under three weeks. Having only opened on 6 April, the fund has already awarded grants totalling £20,000 to cash-strapped members.

Companies pledging support include Booker, Coca Cola European Partners GB and Japan Tobacco International.

NFRN districts and branches have also contributed generously to the Fund.

NFRN National President Stuart Reddish (pictured above) said: “The impact of coronavirus on the lives of independent retailers is unprecedented, and now more than ever they need as much help as possible.

“The Hardship Fund team is working diligently to quickly assess applications and to deliver the grants where they will make a real difference.”

Terms and conditions and the application form can be found on the NFRN website.

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NEWS DIGEST

THIS WEEK’S NEWS FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS, HEAD TO WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK/CATEGORY/NEWS/

COVID-19

CORONAVIRUS TESTING EXTENDED TO CONVENIENCE WORKERS

NEW SPAR UK MARKETING DIRECTOR Spar UK has appointed Suzanne Dover as its new Brand and Marketing Director

THE UK GOVERNMENT HAS EXTENDED CORONAVIRUS TESTING

following the departure of

TO COVER MANY MORE ESSENTIAL WORKERS, INCLUDING LOCAL

Michael Lawless.

RETAILERS, THEIR STAFF AND THOSE WHO LIVE WITH THEM.

Dover worked most recently at Hovis, supporting

The UK Government has extended Covid-19 testing to essential workers with symptoms and people who live with essential workers and have symptoms. This includes convenience retailers and their staff.

The Scottish Government has also confirmed that testing is being made available in Scotland, despite initially

publishing a document suggesting that only “supermarket workers” would be included in the programme.

The issue was quickly clarified in an exchange between the Scottish Grocers’ Federation and the Scottish Government.

To find out how to access the service, turn to page 10 for a full handson guide.

brand development initiatives and prior to this held senior marketing positions with Newell Brands, Mizkan Europe, Mission Foods and SMA Nutrition.

LOW AND NO THE WAY TO GO Sales of low and no-alcohol beer appear to have grown by 33% for the four weeks

ONLINE GROCERY MARKET TO ‘GROW BY A THIRD’ IN 2020

to March 21st with 16% of Brits saying they are drinking less or not at all during the coronavirus lockdown.

New research from Mintel has forecast that the online grocery market will grow by 33% in 2020 to reach an estimated value of £16.8bn, up from £12.7bn in 2019.

The rise follows four consecutive years of slowing growth: in 2019 growth fell to a historic low of just 2.9%. The market is set to be worth £17.9bn by 2024, growing by 41% over the five-year period.

The research also revealed a dramatic change in online shopping

habits over the Covid-19 lockdown period, habits that Mintel believes could prove lasting. In the very early days of the spread of the coronavirus, 7% of Brits increased the total amount of online shopping (both food and non-food). In the space of fewer than two months, online shopping has grown by 36%.

Meanwhile, 50% of Brits have tried to limit the time they spend in-store, while a further 9% have used click-andcollect more.

The data from Nielsen also found that in the four weeks to 11th April, sales of low and no alcohol beer continued to grow by 14.8%.

From 2013 to 2018, the category has grown by 232%.

WEDNESDAY 29TH APRIL 2020 / ISSUE 2 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 7

NEWS SPECIAL

COVID-19 UPDATE FOR ALL THE LATEST CORONAVIRUS NEWS, HEAD TO WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK/CATEGORY/NEWS/

NISA CHARITY SET FOR BUMPER DONATIONS

DEATH TOLL ‘TOPS 45,000’ The United Kingdom’s Covid19 death toll is already above 45,000, according to analysis by the Financial Times.

If the analysis is accurate, that figure represents 21% of coronavirus deaths globally, even though the UK population is just 0.8% of the world population.

RETAILER ABUSE DOUBLES The average UK shopworker has been verbally abused,

BIG INCREASES IN SALES OF NISA AND CO-OP OWN LABEL PRODUCTS IN RECENT WEEKS ARE SET TO SEE HUGE INCREASES IN THE SYMBOL GROUP’S DONATIONS TO ITS CHARITY.

H

threatened or assaulted every week during the coronavirus emergency, according to a survey by trade union Usdaw.

uge increases in sales of Co-op and Heritage own-label products across the UK in Nisa stores are set to significantly boost income for the symbol group’s Making a Difference Locally charity.

Such was the increase in sales that the charity’s income saw an uplift of

30% in March versus the previous month, and a huge 87% increase when compared with March 2019, with retailer donations also up this month as a result. Since its formation in 2008, Making a Difference Locally has raised over £11.5m and supported charities and other good causes with over 12,000 donations.

A similar Usdaw poll for 2019 found the average was nearly once a fortnight, suggesting incidents have doubled in the last month.

TRDP PARTNERS WITH BASKET The Retail Data Partnership has partnered with shopping app Basket to offer retailers a minimum fuss and competitively priced Home Delivery/Click & Collect solution. Basket’s technology provides retailers with an online store.

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BESTWAY CALLS FOR ‘FAIR SHARE’ Bestway Wholesale boss Dawood Pervez has urged suppliers to reconsider their priorities as the wholesaler faces ongoing issues getting hold of retail stock during the coronavirus outbreak.

Pervez thanked suppliers who have “wholeheartedly supported” Bestway but asked those who are still basing volumes on pre-coronavirus numbers to consider the massive change in shopping habits.

“The role of the independent local community store has never been more important,” said Pervez. “We’ve

been working with our suppliers and campaigning on behalf of independent retail stores and community shops to stress the importance of supply through our sector, so that vital products can directly reach people’s homes whilst staying local in the face of social isolation.”

To further help vulnerable shoppers, Bestway has fast-tracked enrolment of stores onto the Uber Eats convenience home delivery programme; over 2,000 orders have been placed in the last few weeks.

NEWS SPECIAL

COVID-19 UPDATE FOR ALL THE LATEST CORONAVIRUS NEWS, HEAD TO WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK/CATEGORY/NEWS/

STURGEON ADVISES CUSTOMERS TO COVER FACES WHEN SHOPPING

STAY SAFE GUARDS

THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT HAS RECOMMENDED PEOPLE COVER

S

THEIR FACES IN ENCLOSED PUBLIC SPACES SUCH AS SHOPS.

cotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon stated earlier this week that there could be “some benefit” in covering their faces while shopping but she said it was “not a substitute” for existing lockdown restrictions.

UK ministers are considering the scientific evidence for proposing similar advice.

The guidance is not mandatory and will not be enforced. Sturgeon did emphasise that the advice related to cloth items such as a scarf rather than

Shop equipment firm UK POS has a range

medical grade facemasks.

She admitted that evidence about the usefulness of face coverings was limited, but that there may be “some benefit if you enter an enclosed space where you will come into contract with multiple people and safe social distancing is difficult”.

The main benefit, she added, was in preventing people who have the virus but are unaware of it from spreading it unwittingly to others, including local retailers and their staff as well as other customers.

of sneeze guards and screens available to suit most purposes and available in a range of sizes with branding options available. Prices start at £51.86.

DISTANCING SOLUTIONS The Big Display Company has a wide range of POS to help retailers communicate social

LOTTERY MAKES £600M AVAILABLE Charities and organisations affected by the coronavirus outbreak in the UK are being given access to a £600m package by The National Lottery to help some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

The money has been “repurposed” to help fund good causes that combat loneliness and isolation, provide support for the elderly, or projects that support physical and mental health in the community.

The package will benefit the arts, community and charity, heritage, education, environment and sports sectors.

To find out more about the funding visit The National Lottery Good Causes website.

TECH SOLUTIONS

distancing requirements in-store. Much of it is customisable and brandable.

To find out more click here.

WEDNESDAY 29TH APRIL 2020 / ISSUE 2 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 9

NEWS SPECIAL

COVID-19 UPDATE TESTING EXTENDED TO LOCAL RETAILERS

COVID-19 TESTING:

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO FREE TESTING FOR CORONAVIRUS HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO INCLUDE LOCAL RETAILERS - AND HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO GET YOU AND YOUR STAFF TESTED IF THEY ARE SHOWING SYMPTOMS.

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NEWS SPECIAL

COVID-19 UPDATE TESTING EXTENDED TO LOCAL RETAILERS

TEST RESULTS

T

he UK Government has extended Covid-19 testing to essential workers with symptoms and people who live with essential workers and have symptoms. This includes convenience retailers and their staff.

WHEN TO GET TESTED? Q Testing is targeted at key workers who are self-isolating because they are symptomatic, or have household members who have symptoms.

Q Tested should be done in the first three days of coronavirus symptoms appearing, although testing is considered effective up until day five.

Q The test will confirm if an individual who is showing symptoms of the virus actually has it. It will not confirm whether they have had it and have now recovered.

Q Results are communicated to individuals directly by text message.

The target for sending results is by text within 48hrs.

NEGATIVE TESTS Q Even after a negative result, it’s important to still apply caution. If everyone with symptoms who was tested in their household receives a negative result, the employee can return to work if they are well enough and have not had a fever for 48 hours.

WEDNESDAY 29TH APRIL 2020 / ISSUE 2 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 11

NEWS SPECIAL

COVID-19 UPDATE TESTING EXTENDED TO LOCAL RETAILERS

ARRANGING A TEST Testing under the UK programme in Scotland is currently conducted in drive-through sites operating at: Q Glasgow Airport Q Edinburgh Airport Q Aberdeen Airport Q University of the Highlands and Islands campus in Inverness These facilities are run by private sector organisations on behalf of the UK Government.

This guidance will be updated as additional testing capacity is deployed. A limited number of home test kits are also available.

EMPLOYER PORTAL Q A new website has been established to improve the process of booking tests.

Q Local retailers can register and refer staff for appointments. Alternatively staff can book a test directly for themselves or members of their household.

Q After they have entered their details on the portal, individuals will receive a text or email the same day inviting them to either book an appointment or get sent a home self-testing kit.

Q Those using self-referral can indicate their preference prior to registering details.

Q The UK programme is expected to include an option for booking a home-test to be delivered where attendance at a drive through centre is not practicable.

Q A call centre is available by phone, to help people with the process and deal with test result queries.

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OBTAIN A LOGIN FOR THE EMPLOYER REFERRAL PORTAL Q To obtain a login, employers should email portalservicedesk@dhsc.gov.uk with two email addresses that will primarily be used to load key worker contact details.

Q Once employer details have been verified, two login credentials will be issued for the employer referral portal.

Q Employers should then login at coronavirusinvite-testing.service.gov.uk/DaraTestDemand/ Login to make referrals.

NEWS SPECIAL

COVID-19 UPDATE TESTING EXTENDED TO LOCAL RETAILERS

SELF-REFERRAL PORTAL Q Go to self-referral.test-for-coronavirus. service.gov.uk to sign up if you are a key worker and you or a member of your family is symptomatic.

Q Any questions from employers or key workers about accessing testing, the website, or results should be made through opshub@dhsc.gov.uk.

SGF’S VITAL 11TH HOUR INTERVENTION When the announcement was made that Covid-19 testing was to be extended to essential workers, the original Scottish Government advice included retailers within a group designated as “staff directly

HOME TESTS Q Home test kits are an option where staff are unable to attend a drive-through centre, subject to availability.

Q Staff who have completed a self-referral may have the option, depending on available capacity, to book a home-test kit.

Q Amazon and Royal Mail are the commercial partners being used to deliver Home Testing nationwide. They do not have access to the results or any health data.

involved in delivering other essential services”.

The advice, however, specifically referred only to “supermarket workers” and did not include those working in the vital convenience retailing industry in Scotland.

The wording was spotted on Saturday by the SGF and its Chief Executive Pete Cheema immediately wrote to the Scottish Government highlighting the issue.

The Scottish Government responded on Monday confirming that local retailers and

HOW HOME TESTING WORKS Q After staff complete a self-referral and order a home-test kit, the test will be delivered the next day, and the worker or household member would self-administer the swab, packing it up as per the included instructions.

Q A Royal Mail courier will arrive the day after to collect it and take it to the lab. The aim is that results will then be received via text within 48 hours.

their staff are indeed classed as essential workers in Scotland and would therefore be included in the extended testing programme.

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LEGISLATION

SOCIAL DISTANCING RULES

BY MICHAEL MCDOUGALL, ASSOCIATE, TLT SOLICITORS

SOCIAL DISTANCING:

THE RULES FOR RETAILERS

THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT HAS RECENTLY CONFIRMED AND EXTENDED ITS RULES AROUND SOCIAL DISTANCING. MICHAEL MCDOUGALL OF TLT SOLICITORS OFFERS A CLEAR GUIDE TO WHAT THIS MEANS FOR LOCAL RETAILERS.

S

ocial distancing is one of the government’s key measures in keeping people safe during the Covid-19 emergency. The Scottish Government and health advisory bodies have been absolutely clear that making sure that people remain two metres apart at all times is crucial to reduce the spread of coronavirus and therefore protect public health and the NHS. The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 were introduced on 27 March 2020, which every business that remains open needs to be familiar with both now and as and when they are reviewed and amended.

The regulations originally mandated that businesses that remain open to the public (such as food retailers, petrol stations and so on) must implement reasonable measures to: Q make sure that a distance of two metres is maintained between any persons on the premises; Q limit the number of persons on the premises to allow social distancing; and Q make sure that social distancing is maintained in any queue for the premises.

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LEGISLATION

SOCIAL DISTANCING RULES

BY MICHAEL MCDOUGALL, ASSOCIATE, TLT SOLICITORS

The above requirements do not apply where two persons are from the same household or someone is being accompanied by a carer.

It is vital that businesses make this their top priority – not only due to the public health emergency but also because failing to comply with these requirements without a reasonable excuse is a criminal offence. Police and local authority trading standards officers are proactively checking compliance across Scotland and any failure to comply could result in a prohibition notice or a fixed penalty.

Retailers are very much on the front line when it comes to implementing these social distancing requirements. It is recommended that businesses prepare written policies and risk assessments setting out how they will comply with the rules. It may that the store itself requires to be altered or new policies put in place. Considerations many include: Q limiting the number of persons in the store at any one time; Q marking out two-metre distances on the shop floor; Q identifying the best place for a queue – both inside and outside – and managing it appropriately; Q installing screens between customers and till assistants;

Q training staff; and Q putting up clear signage around the store.

We are already seeing technological innovations to minimise the risks of customers not keeping two metres apart, such as increased use of app-based home delivery services as well as apps facilitating virtual queuing. This allows users to book a time to enter the store, reducing the number of people queuing outside the premises.

It is important to note that the regulations require that Scottish Ministers review the need for these restrictions and requirements at least once every 21 days. Having carried out the first review on 16 April 2020, the Ministers decided to expand the requirements so that they apply to all businesses that are still operating, not just open to the public. Therefore, the need to maintain social distancing now applies to warehouses, offices and so on.

You should carefully review any back office or supply functions to make sure that your staff can stay two metres apart at all times.

We can expect further amendments as the situation develops over the coming weeks.

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RETAILER INTERVIEW

LINDA WILLIAMS PREMIER BROADWAY CONVENIENCE STORE, EDINBURGH

HOW’S YOUR WEEK BEEN…..

LINDA WILLIAMS? THIS WEEK WE CATCH UP WITH EDINBURGH RETAILER LINDA WILLIAMS AS HER STORE RECORDS RECORD SALES AND HER FANTASTIC HARDSHIP FUND IDEA TOPS £9,000.

putting out fresh sandwiches that our customers could help themselves to if they were struggling. I put out a Facebook post to let people know about the Fund – and suddenly I started getting a flood of offers from people wanting to help by making contributions or paying for the bread or the ham or whatever.

WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? HOW’S YOUR WEEK BEEN LINDA? It’s been another tough and challenging week, that’s for sure, but we also saw a record sales week.

RECORD SALES? Yes, our weekly sales were the highest they’ve ever been in 37 years in this store! It’s pretty remarkable. Not only that, we’ve also topped £9,000 for our community Hardship Fun which is even more remarkable in some ways.

CAN YOU TELL US A BIT MORE ABOUT THE HARDSHIP FUND? It all started about a month ago when

it dawned on me that some of our customers were probably struggling to even feed themselves. I started

16 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / WEDNESDAY 29TH APRIL 2020 / ISSUE 2

We decided to start a Facebook page to let people donate if they wanted to so my daughter Sophie and I set up a collections page. We set our target at £300 and even then I wondered if that would look a bit cheeky and high. But within 40 minutes we’d hit the target and by the end of that day we’d hit £1,500. My husband Dennis and I then decided to put £1,000 in ourselves and it’s just snowballed from there.

We’ve raised over £9,000 in just a few weeks between Facebook and with donations made in the store. There have been quite a few tears along the way! We’ve just been overwhelmed by how generous and kind people have been, even people that don’t live in our community.

RETAILER INTERVIEW

LINDA WILLIAMS PREMIER BROADWAY CONVENIENCE STORE, EDINBURGH

“Our weekly sales were the highest they’ve ever been in 37 years in this store!”

neighbours or family. We’ve recently started getting more formal referrals from the Housing Department, the Social Work Department, the local schools and the local Health Visitor.

In one way it’s fantastic to be able to help, but it’s also sobering to realise how many people need help just to get something to eat and to pay their utility bills.

IT’S SURELY AN IDEA OTHER RETAILERS COULD REPLICATE? HOW DO YOU USE THE MONEY? We’re very careful about how we do it and I think we’ve handed out over £1,000 already but we do it in small amounts. It’s typically £20 or £30 worth of shopping or electricity or gas vouchers for customers that really need our help. And we definitely see it as help, not charity. We all need a little help sometimes.

HOW DO CUSTOMERS REQUEST HELP? Some people are happy to just ask us, others get referred to us by friends,

100%. I don’t know why more retailers aren’t doing it but we’d be happy to help if anyone wants to find out more about how we did it so they can do it in their own stores.

AND YOU’VE BEEN DOING HOME DELIVERIES? Yes, we’ve always done that on an informal basis but recently we’re doing a lot more of it to help vulnerable customers or those who have been forced to self-isolate. I’d say we’re doing maybe 10 or 12 a day now and our customers really appreciate it.

WEDNESDAY 29TH APRIL 2020 / ISSUE 2 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 17

RETAILER INTERVIEW

LINDA WILLIAMS PREMIER BROADWAY CONVENIENCE STORE, EDINBURGH

LOVING IT:

COMMUNITY HARDSHIP FUND

Linda and her daughter Sophie first set up the Hardship Fund on 3 April with a Facebook donations page and a target of £300, a figure she hoped wouldn’t be “too cheeky”. Within 40 minutes, however, she had smashed the target and by the end of the first day the store had amassed over £1,500 in donations.

Linda and her husband Dennis added £1,000 themselves and since then the Fund has snowballed.

A donation from Booker as well as countless others via the Facebook page and in person in the store have taken the total to over £9,000 and counting.

So far, around £1,000 has been handed out to local customers in need. These have mostly for £20 or £30, usually in the form of a bag of free shopping or a free gas or electric voucher.

HOW IS THE STORE DOING IN GENERAL?

Struggling customers can make requests personally

As I say, we’re doing record sales, up about 35% against our typical weekly sales, even though footfall is down about 15%. People aren’t coming as often but when they do, they’re spending big. The home deliveries can also be quite big basket spends. We had one order for £165 from Ratho which is quite a distance away. It just shows you how important community stores are for people.

to Dennis and Linda while anyone can refer people who need a little help to the warm-hearted pair.

Recently, the store has started receiving more formal referrals from the Housing Department, the Social Work Department, the local schools and the local Health Visitor – highlighting the scale of the problem in the area.

This is a fantastic idea that could easily be replicated in other stores and communities across Scotland and Linda would be happy to share what she’s learned with any retailers interested in starting their own Community Hardship Fund.

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ANY NEW FACES ACROSS THE DOOR? Absolutely. We’re seeing new people every day, even though our total

RETAILER INTERVIEW

LINDA WILLIAMS PREMIER BROADWAY CONVENIENCE STORE, EDINBURGH

footfall is down. I think maybe some people just didn’t know we were here or assumed that we’re just a wee newsagents and they wouldn’t be able to do a full shop, but they’ve learned otherwise, so hopefully a lot of them will stay with us for the long term. I also think people just don’t want to queue up at supermarkets so they use us for convenience and because we have a great range and pricing.

WILL YOU RETAIN THEM POST-CORONAVIRUS? I reckon we will. There will always be some who will return to their old ways but this pandemic is serious and longterm and I think it will have long term consequences. I think more people are realising the real value of a great

community store and how committed we are to our customers.

ARE YOUR CUSTOMERS BEHAVING? They’ve been brilliant. The one thing I have noticed however is that they are having to be reminded a little bit more about social distancing in the last week. At the start they took it very seriously and complied really well but we’re seeing a few more instances of people getting a bit more laid back about it, presumably because they forget or they’ve just had enough of the whole thing.

THAT MUST BE DIFFICULT FOR STAFF? It is. It’s stressful enough to be at the

till because you’re properly in the front line. We have screens up now and plenty of gloves and handwash and so on, but it’s hard enough to serve all day without having to challenge customers who aren’t distancing properly. But as a general rule, our customers have been exceptionally kind and caring and I think we will all learn a lot of important lessons during this crisis.

ANY ODD REQUESTS? We can’t sell flour quick enough, like every other retailer, but we’ve also had a lot of requests for decorating materials like paintbrushes and rollers and so on, and we’re getting asked for flowers and gardening stuff too.

Everybody’s houses and gardens are going to be immaculate this year!

WEDNESDAY 29TH APRIL 2020 / ISSUE 2 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 19

NOW THAT’S A GOOD IDEA…

OUT THE BOX SCAN, PAY, GO!

SHOP SMARTER AND SAFER WITH SCAN, PAY, GO! RETAIL TECH FIRM UBAMARKET’S ‘SCAN, PAY GO!’ SOLUTION OFFERS A RANGE OF QUICK AND USEFUL BENEFITS TO RETAILERS AND SHOPPERS THAT ARE PARTICULARLY ATTRACTIVE AMID THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC.

WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA?

WHO’S USING IT IN CONVENIENCE?

An end-to-end shopper app that provides a host of functionality, many of which are extremely relevant to the current retail environment.

The solution is live in Warner’s Budgens and has just been launched in three Henderson Group Spar and Europspar stores in Northern Ireland, enabling quicker service and aisle sat-nav. The tech was introduced by Henderson Technology, the Group’s tech division, to improve the convenience shopping experience for their customers.

SUCH AS? Ubamarket’s Scan, Pay, Go! app allows customers to build shopping lists ahead of planned store visits to see what is in stock, be guided around the store and scan products as they shop. Other benefits include allergen and dietary alerts for every product and sustainability information regarding the recyclability of any plastic packaging associated with each product.

HOW DO RETAILERS BENEFIT? The app has been shown to reduce overheads, increase basket size and improve loyalty uptake while it also allows retailers to collect transactional and behavioural data to drive better marketing and relevant, personalised messaging.

HOW DOES IT HELP WITH COVID-19?

IS IT EASY TO INSTALL?

Scan, Pay, Go! completely removes the need for timeconsuming queues, unhygienic checkouts, complicated store layouts and confusion about where products are and whether they are in stock – all of which are key contributors to the spread of coronavirus.

It works with existing hardware, integrates with existing loyalty schemes and helps future-proof stores.

HOW DOES IT WORK? Shoppers can build a shopping list before they arrive, check availability, scan products as they shop (and see a running total) and then use the app to pay – so no need to queue at the till. They can also earn, redeem and keep track of loyalty points earned through the app and receive realtime offers from the store – and add them to their next shopping list with a single tap.

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WHAT IS UBAMARKET SAYING ABOUT IT? Will Broome, Founder of Ubamarket, says: “The effort and resolve shown by key workers as time is extremely admirable, and it is great to see that stores are actively trying to improve hygiene and safety in-store, but we cannot stop there.

There are now a number of technologies which could be easily implemented by retailers to dramatically reduce the spread of coronavirus, and it is incumbent upon them to make the shopping experience as safe and convenient as possible for all of their customers.”

OPINION

THE ‘NEW NORMAL’ BLAKE GLADMAN, RESEARCH & STRATEGY DIRECTOR, KAM MEDIA.

WHAT WILL THE ‘NEW NORMAL’ LOOK LIKE? COVID-19 IS CHANGING THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT – BUT WHAT DOES THE ‘NEW NORMAL’ LOOK LIKE?

L

WE INVITED KAM MEDIA’S BLAKE GLADMAN TO OFFER HIS THOUGHTS.

ast week Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab stated that the UK must find a ‘new normal’ to ease lockdown. We’re all aware how much the world has changed in the last few months but what is this ‘new normal’ and does it mean convenience retail has changed for good?

The phrase used by Raab struck

connections between businesses, competitors and consumers. It’s a unique situation in which a virus that has forced us to stay apart can, in some ways, bring us closer together.

We are seeing amazing examples of this, from local retailers working together with local charities to ensure the more vulnerable members of their

“Businesses and brands will be remembered long after this crisis is over by their words and their actions now.” a particular chord with me as KAM Media published an insight whitepaper just a few weeks ago with the very same title: The New Normal: The Post Corona Consumer.

The Covid-19 pandemic is not just impacting our health, it’s impacting the very fabric of our existence. From how we shop, how we work, how we socialise and how we interact with other people. The report highlights six trends which will impact the consumer when lockdown ends. One of them is the increase in collaboration and

communities are looked after, to the larger companies such as Bidfood and Brakes working together, sharing information and processes, to ensure their joint supply chain is stronger in order to get the necessary foods to their customers and local communities.

The ethics and ethos of a company have been a megatrend for some years already, with consumers looking to connect with brands and retailers on more than just a straightforward transactional level. Just as with our friends, we want to associate with

people, businesses and experiences that share the same values. This really could be one of the most impactful trends to come out of this crisis. With the greatest challenges come the greatest opportunities. What moves can you make now to serve your customers, employees and partners better for the longer term? Which growth avenues could you pursue? What new partnerships could you develop?

Businesses and brands, just like people, will be remembered long after this crisis is over by their words and their actions now. The key is to not think of these changes as temporary but as an evolutionary change towards a new normal. What was an exception will soon become an expectation.

WEDNESDAY 29TH APRIL 2020 / ISSUE 2 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 21

COMPANY SPECIAL

LOCAL HEROES LEES OF SCOTLAND

LEES HANDS OUT TREATS FOR SICK KIDS IN THE SCHIEHALLION WARD

I

n light of the current coronavirus situation, it’s crucial that everyone plays their part in supporting local communities and the NHS at this time. A small gesture can make a big difference and spread some happiness.

That’s why Lees of Scotland generously arranged to work with

nurses at the Schiehallion Ward at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow to ensure free Lees Snowballs and Teacakes were on the snack trolley for their patients.

The children on the ward are not allowed to go to the shop for a treat at the moment so by bringing the treats to

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them it meant they didn’t have to miss out!

Lees wishes to thank the nurses working on the Schiehallion ward for their help and for sharing this photograph. Hopefully they’ll also got to enjoy some of the treats too!

Stay safe everyone.

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK TO GET YOUR PRODUCT LISTED PLEASE CONTACT RAITKEN@55NORTH.COM

LYNX AFRICA HITS 25

SEABROOK

LOGIC EPIQ EXPANDS

Soberingly, Lynx Africa is

CELEBRATION

JTI has expanded its Logic

now 25 years old and owner

Seabrook Crisps is celebrating

EPIQ range to include nicotine

Unilever has unveiled a limited-

its 75th anniversary with a

salts (18mg) and 70/30 (3mg)

edition range of the cult classic

limited-edition Fish & Chips

e-liquids for a more enhanced

– Body Spray, Body Wash and

flavour taking the brand back

vaping experience. Flavours

Anti-Perspirant – backed by a

to its original chip shop roots.

include Coconut Macaroon,

£6.5m campaign.

Available in 6-pack and 150g

Mint Royale, Berry Crumble

RSPs: Spray £3; Wash

sharing pack.

and Cherry Apple.

£2.84; Anti-Perspirant £3

RSP: £1.29

RSP: £2.99

SWEETSTAKE 2020

TAKEAWAY GIVEAWAY

PAW PATROL SNACKS

Mars Wrigley UK has

Golden Wonder is running

Calbee UK has teamed up with

launched its Sweetstake 2020

a ‘takeaway giveaway’ on-

Nickelodeon to launch Paw

promo with charity National

pack promotion partnership

Patrol oven-baked pea snacks

Emergencies Trust. The on-

with Deliveroo supported by

in 6x15g multipacks as well as

pack promo offers millions of

a TV and Video on Demand

19g single bags in two child-

prizes, with top cash prizes

campaign. Customers can win

friendly flavours: pizza and

of £20k and a target donation

win free takeaways for a year.

cheese.

of £500k. In-store activation

RSP: £1.00

includes POS and overlays.

WEDNESDAY 29TH APRIL 2020 / ISSUE 2 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 23

Time to Make the Change to Costcutter Peter Juty, Costcutter Meopham

It’s time to make the change from operating on your own, to having the expert help and support required to grow your business.

Unique Shopper First insights to tailor your store to attract new shoppers Fantastic support with the best BDM to store ratio in the sector Amazing range, including Co-op Own Brand products n Unmatched commercial terms including a rebate of up to 6%

Time to ! e g n a h C e h t t e k c o P Peter Juty joined Costcutter in late 2019 and has already grown his sales by 15%

join our thriving community of independent retailers Y To get in touch at www.freshstart.costcutter.co.uk

SYMBOL SPECIAL

SUPPORTING THE NHS COSTCUTTER

COSTCUTTER OPENS POP-UP HOSPITAL STORES

20 Symbol group Costcutter has opened 20 pop-up stores in hospitals around the UK to help feed under-pressure NHS staff.

C

ostcutter has shown its commitment to supporting the NHS by building 20 pop-up stores in NHS hospitals to serve doctors and nurses who are unable to get to the shops due to workload.

The symbol group is working in partnership with foodservice specialist Compass to open the pop-ups, with the new stores occupying lets that have been temporarily closed due to retail lockdown restrictions.

The pop-up stores will provide NHS key workers with access to everyday essentials such as bread and milk. The stores, which are unbranded, are being manned by hospital restaurant staff and generally make use of existing equipment within the hospitals.

The move ensures that NHS staff at these hospitals can easily get hold of essential grocery and household products.

Bill Randles, Head of National Retail Accounts at Costcutter, says:

“With a number of retail units forced to close due to the Covid-19 crisis, it is vitally important that the NHS staff at these hospitals can easily get hold of core grocery and household products that they need.”

Andrew Jones, Compass UK & Ireland’s Managing Director of Healthcare Retail, adds: “By putting in place these pop-up stores, we can take away a small amount of the pressure they are feeling at this challenging time.”

WEDNESDAY 29TH APRIL 2020 / ISSUE 2 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 25

n ee b er ev n s a h s es en r a w Lees’ brand a

B awarrand eness

76%

**

of Scots like Lees Snowballs *

Our delicious snowballs and teacakes have been family favourites for almost 90 years. Following last year’s TV campaign, awareness is at its highest level ever, with 76% of Scots surveyed saying they liked Lees Snowballs and 44% buying Lees products every month.

There’s never been a better time to stock up.

Scotland loves Lees 01236 441 600

sales@leesofscotland.co.uk *Source: JLral. Post TV Campaign Evaluation- Sept 2019 **Refers to Scots who viewed the 2019 TV ad