The Week in Retail 100

RETAIL THE WEEK IN

HARD UP COST OF LIVING

RISING INFLATION STARTS TO BITE FORECOURTS

FUEL PROTESTS

FILLING STATIONS IN SOUTH DRYING UP

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

GOING BROKE

SHOPPER CONFIDENCE HITS RECORD LOW

● POST OFFICE DATA

SHOWS CASH RECOVERY CONTINUES

●

JISP PARTNERS WITH GROCERYAID

●

ILLICIT TOBACCO HAUL FOUND IN EASTBOURNE FLAT

+

F IN C A NA DA F O S E K A T G H O P P IN H O LO G R A M S

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Issue 100 Wednesday 13th April 2022

T H E W E E K I N R E TA I L

EDITOR’S COMMENT

It never rains, but it pours It all feels quite depressing at the moment with the rising cost of living, the war in Ukraine, and potential fuel shortages on the horizon.

Yesterday (12 April), the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor revealed that food sales decreased 2.6% on a total basis, and decreased 3.1% on a like-for-like basis, over the three months to March.

Then today (13 April) the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) — the headline measure of inflation — increased from 6.2% to 7% – a level not seen since March 1992. And there are warnings that this rise only represents the ‘calm before the storm’ before April’s 54% rise in the energy price cap feeds through to the calculation.

It is also being forecast that the rise in CPI makes it more likely that interest rates will go up again.

The inflation data also came a day after the Office for National Statistics revealed that wages are not keeping pace with rising prices, resulting in predictions that the cost of living will continue to rise before it starts to ease at some point next year.

As you are very well aware, retailers are not exempt from these pressures, as the costs of transport, energy, raw materials and staff wages all

continue to rise. Indeed, Tesco has downgraded its profit forecasts for the year over concerns that households will look to cut back to protect their finances.

If things are difficult for you right now, please remember that GroceryAid is there for you, and can provide financial, practical, and emotional support. The free confidential helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year round on 08088 021 122.

Also don’t forget last week’s prediction that 63% of Brits are expected to spend money celebrating Easter this year, parting with a total of £892m on things like gifts and chocolates. Then after that comes summer, and more staycationing, and then Halloween and Christmas!

The Week in Retail hopes you have a good one!

LIZ WELLS, DEPUTY EDITOR

WEDNESDAY 13TH APRIL 2022 / ISSUE 100 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 3

STOCK UP NOW WITH AN

AWARD WINNING

BOTTLE OF BEEFEATER

E N J OY R E S P O N S I B LY

CONTENTS

WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2022 / ISSUE 100

6

10

17

THIS WEEK’S NEWS

COVER STORY

SYMBOL GROUPS

New measures to restrict access to corrosives and knives come into force, and forecourts in the south are hit by fuel shortages.

New NielsenIQ research reveals that consumers are starting to change their shopping habits in the face of rising grocery prices.

CJ Lang strengthens its independent retailer sales team to support growth of the Spar Scotland independent retailer network.

9

Covid-19 update

13 Crime Trading Standards Officers in Eastbourne uncover their biggest haul of illegal tobacco this year.

14 Home delivery Snappy Shopper’s Dael Links shares his

19 Shopper confidence Shopper confidence plummets to a record

One Stop launches an Easter activity book

low, according to IGD Shoppervista.

that will be sold in-store to help FareShare

20 Consumer spending Barclaycard reports consumer card spending up 17.7% in March.

21 Post Office

thoughts on the size of the home delivery

Post Office branches handled a record

opportunity for convenience retailers.

£3.2bn in cash in March.

18 Business intelligence

25 Community

24 Community

Footfall in March up 1.2% month-on-

Jisp joins forces with GroceryAid to raise

month, British Retail Consortium (BRC)-

awareness of the free, confidential welfare

Sensormatic IQ figures show.

services available to independent retailers.

provide food to struggling families.

27 Picks of the week A look at the latest new products and marketing campaigns.

31 Out the box: in-store holograms Shoppers in Canada can now get tips and information on Bothwell Cheese through a hologram brought to life by AI. 33 Before you go...

Our latest Retail Randoms.

WEDNESDAY 13TH APRIL 2022 / ISSUE 100 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 5

NEWS DIGEST

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

PREMIER SHOPPER DRIVES OFF WITH TOP PRIZE Premier has presented a new Mini to the winner of its recent

CRIME

New measures to restrict access to corrosives and knives The measures place new responsibilities on retailers and delivery companies

scratchcard promotion. During the 2021 Euro Championship, retailers gave away thousands of free scratchcards to over-18 shoppers for purchases over £5.

Prizes also included instant-win chocolate bars and snacks and electrical gadgets.

M&S SLASHES GROCERY PRICES Marks & Spencer has cut prices on some core grocery items amid rising costs. The retailer said a four-pint bottle of semi-skimmed milk now costs £1.15 while a loaf of sliced white bread costs 60p. A 500g pack of mince costs £3, 500g of spaghetti costs 70p, and 1kg of bananas costs 78p.

TESCO WAGES GO UP Tesco is to increase staff wages by 55p an hour to £10.10 an hour from 24 July.

In addition, its delivery drivers and click-and-collect assistants will get a 90p increase to £11 an hour. The pay rises brings Tesco in line with discounters Lidl and Aldi.

6 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 100 / WEDNESDAY 13TH APRIL 2022

New measures to prevent young people buying weapons and corrosive substances came into force this week, as part of the government’s continued efforts to tackle youth violence under the Beating Crime Plan.

The measures in the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 places new responsibilities on retailers and delivery companies during the online sale and delivery of knives and corrosives, as packages

containing these items are now only handed over to the recipient when it has been verified that the customer is over 18. The sale of corrosive substances has also been banned to anyone under the age of 18.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “Retailers should apply the Challenge25 policy to the sale of knives and corrosive substances as they do with the sale of other age restricted products and this should be done at the point of sale for in store purchases, on collection or at the point of delivery.”

Enforcement powers for trading standards bodies have also been strengthened for those who do not adhere to the new regulations.

Nisa retailers help make food allergies Nisa retailers are helping raise funds for the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, the cause behind Natasha’s Law, by purchasing from a range of products available through Nisa’s central distribution. To tie in with National Allergy Week, any lines bought from the Co-op Free From range between 13 April and 3 May will see a donation made directly to the charity.

Any Co-op Free From products purchased by Nisa partners during the threeweek period will generate a 10% donation to the Foundation.

The Co-op's Jonny Lambert said: “Food allergies can have life-threatening consequences which is why we are raising funds for the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation who invest in research whilst raising awareness.”

NEWS DIGEST

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

FORECOURTS

Forecourts hit by fuel shortages

Reports suggest filling stations in the south of the country are drying up.

WAGE SURVEY ACS is calling on retailers to take part in its annual National Living Wage Survey, which will inform its

The UK is being hit by fuel shortages following disruption by Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion protesters at oil depots in Essex and Warwickshire.

Filling stations in Greater London, the West Midlands, Suffolk, Oxfordshire, and Cambridgeshire are drying up, according to reports.

Howard Cox, Founder of the FairFuelUK Campaign, urged Prime Minster Boris Johnson, Transport Minister Grant Shapps, and Home Secretary Priti Patel to “get on top” of the protests.

He said: “Don’t let panic buying take over again with those long unnecessary queues we saw last year when you failed to act. Our economy and millions of daily lives depend on their vehicles.

There is no need to wait until it gets too late to act. So please secure the fuel supply chain now.”

submission to the Low Pay Commission’s consultation on future wage rates and be used in ACS’ ongoing employment policy work across government. Click here to take part in the survey. The deadline for responses is 6 May.

TESCO PROFITS UP Downing Street has promised to crack down on eco-activists using "guerrilla tactics".

The shortages come as Brits are collectively planning an estimated 21.46 million leisure journeys by car this weekend, the highest number for an Easter bank holiday since the RAC first started tracking motorists’ plans in 2014.

Tesco has reported pre-tax profits of £2.03bn, up from £636m the previous year, amid rising sales and a fall in Covidrelated costs. Retail sales in the UK rose by 2.3% yearon-year. The supermarket said its performance would be affected by the investment needed to keep prices down.

Oxford St raid clears shelves of illegal gooods Counterfeit and illegal goods worth around £100,000 have been seized in an operation to clean-up Oxford Street, Central London.

Officers from Westminster City Council and Met Police discovered nearly 4,500 disposable vapes containing excessive levels of nicotine or not conforming to UK standards. They also removed 23 products, which stated they contained cannabis, for testing.

Also taken in the raid were 420 counterfeit vapes and 2,366 Snus tobacco pouches with no English labelling. It is the second raid on an Oxford Street tourist “souvenir” shop in the space of a fortnight.

Raj Mistry, Executive Director of Environment & City Management at Westminster City Council, said: “We’ll continue to take action against such unsafe trading activities in order to keep our residents and visitors safe.”

SAINSBURY’S RAISES PAY Sainsbury’s is to pay the 'Real Living Wage' to all staff, making it the first major supermarket to do so. From 1 May, pay for Sainsbury’s workers in outer London will rise from £10.50 an hour to £11.05 an hour – the Real Living Wage level for London.

WEDNESDAY 13TH APRIL 2022 / ISSUE 100 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 7

ENT ER NO W! THE SLR AWARDS ARE BACK AND THEY’RE LIVE FOR OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY!

ENTR IES NOW OPEN LIV E EV ENT:

7 S EPT 2022 R ADIS SO N, GLASGOW

TO ENTER, VISIT SLRAWARDS.COM

ENTRY DEADLINE

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Scottish Grocers’ Federation

NEWS SPECIAL

COVID-19 UPDATE

Government extends Covid drugs trial

VAPE SUPERSTORE OFFERS SAMEDAY DELIVERY

Antiviral Paxlovid, which has been shown to reduce the risk of death or hospitalisation from Covid-19 by 88% in clinical trials, has been added to the government's community study.

Vape Superstore is partnering with delivery providers Stuart to offer same-day delivery for all London customers.

Stuart delivers the parcels in electric cars, meaning the order is emission-free and dedicated to “keeping London clean”.

Shoppers are texted a 30-minute delivery slot and can watch the courier’s journey in real time.

Director at Vape Superstore,

to access the treatment, which has been shown to reduce the relative risk of death or hospitalisation from Covid19 by 88% in clinical trials.

Chris Butler, from the University of Oxford and clinical trial lead, said: “The Panoramic trial is testing whether novel, promising antiviral treatments help people suffering from Covid in the community to recover faster and reduce the need for treatment in hospital.

“It is critically important that new treatments are tested on people and in the situation where they are intended to be used.”

said: “There has been a big shift in consumer behaviour

TECH SOLUTIONS

A

ntiviral Paxlovid has been added to the government-funded Panoramic national study, which looks at how antivirals work in the community.

Antivirals are treatments used to either treat those who are infected with a virus or protect exposed individuals from becoming infected. The government, through the Antivirals Taskforce, has procured 4.98 million courses of antivirals in total – more per head than any other country in Europe.

The introduction of Paxlovid will allow a further 17,500 patients to enrol

Edward Swain, Managing

and, with rising expectations around fast delivery, we were keen to offer delivery options that provide convenience and choice.

"Stuart's hub-to-home model has prevented the same amount of CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere that 513 trees could absorb in a year."

WEDNESDAY 13TH APRIL 2022 / ISSUE 100 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 9

C OV E R

NIELSENIQ

Inflation changes shopping habits NielsenIQ research reveals most consumers have experienced rising grocery prices, as inflation starts to bite.

M

ore than half of all Brits are noticing the increasing cost of their weekly grocery basket in the last six months, new figures have revealed. Research by NielsenIQ has identified five new consumer groups across the UK, based on the pandemic’s economic impact on their

financial security and associated spending patterns. These include the strugglers (19%), the rebounders (22%), the cautious (35%), the unchanged (16%), and the thrivers (8%).

All consumer types have been noticing rising grocery prices, with 16% of all UK consumers having taken

10 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 100 / WEDNESDAY 13TH APRIL 2022

a radical approach and stopped buying certain products completely.

The biggest consumer group to make such changes is the strugglers (21%) – those who have been experiencing job or income loss – slightly below the global total for this consumer group (23%).

S T O RY

RESEARCH According to the most recent data, 21% of all UK shoppers select the lowest-priced product irrespective of brand, with this figure climbing to 27% for strugglers.

Meanwhile, thrivers are the least likely to make this choice, with 13% saying they choose to stick to their preferred brand (13%) irrespective of price.

What’s more, thrivers are the most likely to buy whatever brand is on promotion (21%), followed by the cautious (19%).

Thrivers are also more inclined (19%) to wait until their preferred products are on promotion to buy, just behind the strugglers (20%).

SHOPPING HABITS In line with the global total (69%), in-store grocery shopping at a hypermarket or supermarket remains the preferred method for UK consumers (61%), rising to 66% across the cautious (those who did not see an impact on financial security but are still cautious with spending), unchanged (consumers with no impact on their financial security and continue to spend as they normally did) and thriver groups.

However, when it comes to ordering online, this is most popular among the strugglers, with a combined total of 84% either ordering groceries online for delivery or pick-up at either a supermarket, local traditional store or from a pure-player like Amazon, NielsenIQ found.

This is above the global total (83%) as well as the overall UK total figure (66%), it added.

In line with the global total (69%), in-store grocery shopping at a hypermarket or supermarket remains the preferred method for UK consumers

Table 1

What have you been doing to manage household grocery expenses?

Total UK Total Global Monitor the cost of my overall basket of goods

20%

25%

Select lowest priced product from preferred repertoire

21%

25%

Shop online to get better deals

14%

24%

Buy whatever brand is on promotion

18%

21%

Select lowest priced product irrespective of brand

21%

20%

Buy a larger size of my brand e.g. economy pack

14%

19%

Wait until my preferred products are on promotion to buy

17%

18%

Weigh up the attributes that matter most

11%

16%

Stop buying certain products

16%

16%

9%

13%

Opt for private label/store brands

13%

12%

Stick to my regular brands, irrespective of price

12%

11%

Select lowest priced product even if I have to travel to a store further away

11%

11%

Buy a smaller size of my brand

7%

9%

I have not changed how I shop

14%

6

Only change brands if the price of my brand increases

(61%), rising to 66% across the cautious (those who did not see an impact on financial security but are still cautious with spending), unchanged (consumers with no impact on their financial security and continue to spend as they normally did) and thriver groups.

ORDERING ONLINE However, when it comes to ordering online, this is most popular among the strugglers, with a combined total of 84% either ordering groceries online for delivery or pick-up at either a supermarket, local traditional store or from

a pure-player like Amazon, NielsenIQ found.

“The last two years have seen an unprecedented level of uncertainty for consumers and the war in the Ukraine has only exacerbated sentiment about rising cost of living and inflation,” Rachel White, Managing Director, NielsenIQ UK and Ireland, said.

“In order to adapt to how consumers are reacting, retailers and manufacturers will need to forge new strategies and reinvent portfolios as they navigate these changing needs and priorities of a divided consumer landscape.”

WEDNESDAY 13TH APRIL 2022 / ISSUE 100 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 11

01.09.2022

Live music EVENT A musical celebration for grocery and convenience colleagues

TICKETS £

60+ VAT

SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE For more information visit groceryaid.org.uk/events/checkout-scotland or contact peter.steel@groceryaid.org.uk

BOOK NOW

Money raised from this event will go to GroceryAid, the grocery industry charity A Registered Charity Reg No. 1095897 (England & Wales) & SC039255 (Scotland). A company limited by guarantee. Registered in England & Wales No 04620683

CRIME

ILLEGAL TOBACCO

Biggest illegal tobacco haul this year found in Eastbourne Officers discovered cigarettes and rolling tobacco worth around £28,000 hidden in drawers in a flat in central Eastbourne.

S

pot checks on shops in the Eastbourne area, Sussex, led trading standards officers to uncover their biggest haul of illegal tobacco this year.

Cigarettes and rolling tobacco worth around £28,000 were found hidden in drawers in a flat in central Eastbourne.

The discovery, which included 18,500 illegal cigarettes and more than 19kgs of illegal hand-rolling tobacco, was made while inspections were being carried out by East Sussex Trading Standards officers, Sussex Police, and other agencies.

Councillor Rupert Simmons, East Sussex County Council’s lead member for economy, said: “This result shows our commitment to ridding the county of illegal tobacco which brings organised crime into our communities,

undermines efforts to discourage smoking and encourages tobacco use among young people due to cheaper prices.”

Richard Strawson, East Sussex Trading Standards Manager, added: “As well as seizing tobacco products with a retail value of £28,000, we have also gathered intelligence which will help us and other agencies target further work to tackle the criminality.

“I hope that this significant discovery sends out a warning to anyone else

involved in the sale of illegal tobacco that it is only a matter of time before we catch up with you.”

Further enquiries into the illegal tobacco haul will be carried out before considering criminal charges.

Darrell Gale, Director of Public Health in East Sussex, said: “This result helps protect local children from becoming dependent on tobacco.

“There are an estimated 57,000 smokers in East Sussex and, each year, approximately 1,000 deaths in the county are attributable to smoking.

Most smokers started before they were 18 and illegal tobacco is sold at pocket money prices getting local children, in the poorest parts of the county, addicted to tobacco, perpetuating the cycle of health inequalities.”

WEDNESDAY 13TH APRIL 2022 / ISSUE 100 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 13

HOME DE

SNAPPY S

Home delivery opportunity

Snappy Shopper head of B2B marketing Dael Links shares his thoughts on the size of the home delivery opportunity for convenience retailers and his top tips to help them achieve delivered success.

sales, with all online grocery sales growing by 75.2% in 2020 to reach £22.3bn and account for a record 11.4% of all grocery sales.

The January 2021 lockdown and slow roadmap out of the peak of the pandemic will give further opportunities for the online channel to capitalise, and this prolonged period of heightened demand will leave a legacy impact, with the market expected to be £4.9bn bigger in 2025 than our pre-pandemic expectations.

How has the easing of Covid restrictions affected home delivery?

To get things started, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your role at Snappy Shopper?

Sure. I joined in May of last year as the Head of B2B Marketing. Prior to taking the role, I followed Snappy’s journey from inception and became really excited about aligning with forward-thinking people – internally and externally. The role covers so many different aspects across the business,

but my team’s main focus is to acquire new retailers and to then engage them to produce the results we know they can deliver via Snappy Shopper.

In short, it hasn’t. Covid brought about a trend that will remain as restrictions completely ease. Post lockdown, the demand for home delivery and the desire to shop locally is greater than ever, but we believe the increasing number of anonymous dark stores is a threat to the local high street and convenience stores in particular.

Snappy Shopper’s mission is to ensure that retailers are educated about the benefits of an online presence and how to grow their customer base by developing an omnichannel business, using its technology.

How big is the home delivery opportunity for local retailers?

What are the secrets to home

Huge! The obvious impact of this uptick in consumer engagement in the online channel has been a rapid acceleration in

delivery success?

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Firstly, a retailer’s menu and range is so important. We strongly advise a great

E L I V E RY

SHOPPER

product range and to minimise substitutions, but if you do come across the need to, always advise the customer before delivery. Making your menu attractive is a vital pillar.

Another key area to success is making each delivery count; we encourage retailers to always deliver on time and to use that delivery to build rapport. Range and delivery are two operational points that we see successful retailers get right time and time again.

From a marketing perspective it’s all about strong and powerful branding inside and outside the shop – you’ve got to be visual!

In addition to that, we see the successful retailers working social media to their advantage – posting regular content that’s relevant to the local community.

How has Snappy Shopper developed over the last few years?

Exponentially and it’s evident when you take the numbers into consideration.

Between December 2020 and December 2021, the number of stores partnered with Snappy increased by 88% and the headcount at Snappy Shopper increased by 314%.

Numbers aside, our product keeps on developing but our mission remains the same: empower local retailers to compete effectively in this fast-growing home delivery market by enabling them to offer a great delivery service in their community.

The product is based on genuine partnerships with retailers and the principle of mutual benefit. It therefore evolves to suit their needs thus ensuring

retail partners have access to industry-leading technology every step of the way. It is this flexibility, commitment to service, and also commission structure, that differentiates us from the competition.

What would you say to retailers who are considering launching a home delivery service for the first time?

Do it! Simply, retailers cannot ignore their customers’ demands and the increasing trend for online shopping.

Public opinion aside, being able to add incremental sales to your turnover with little additional overhead makes complete business sense – the average sales of the top 20 stores using Snappy Shopper in the 12 months to June 2021 is in excess of £500,000.

WEDNESDAY 13TH APRIL 2022 / ISSUE 100 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 15

Aviemore ‘22

! k c a B e r ’ e W

Announcing our Tradeshow sponsors so far...

Have you registered yet for one of the biggest retail events of the year?

Thursday 22nd September 2022

To find out more call us on 01382 512 000 www.sparscotland.co.uk @SparScotland CJ Lang & Son Limited

@SparScotland SparScotlandOfficial

SYMBOL GROUPS

SPAR SCOTLAND

Spar Scotland grows indie sales team Spar Scotland, the leading Scottish wholesaler and convenience retailer, has strengthened its independent retailer sales team.

C

J Lang & Son, the Spar Scotland wholesaler and retailer, has strengthened its independent retailer sales team to support growth of the business's independent retailer network.

The move forms part of plans to grow the business and accelerate its transformation strategies.

Supported by its depot in Dundee, the family-owned business already services over 300 Spar Scotland stores and has a distribution network with a fleet of 55 vehicles covering countryside to coast.

BOLSTERED TEAM Several recent new additions have bolstered the sales team. Craig Lynn recently re-joined the business in the newly created post of Head of Recruitment. He will work with Wholesale Sales Director Steve Irons who leads the sales team and spearheads this new retailer recruitment drive. Newly appointed BDMs Neil Ogilvie and Jane McCulloch join the existing experienced team. McCulloch previously enjoyed seven years with the company and returns after four years with Costcutter Supermarket Group.

PEOPLE POWER CJ Lang retailers benefit from deliv-

from retailers across Scotland as we embark on this new recruitment campaign.”

TRADESHOW

ery to their stores, anywhere in Scotland, as well as up to 6% rebate. The company, however, believes that one of its true assets is its people, including a sales team which will facilitate a smooth onboarding process and what it describes as "market-leading aftercare support".

EXCITING Steve Irons said: “The transformation of our sales team is very exciting. We are always searching for great people who are sales driven and passionate about independent convenience retailing.

We want to give our retailer customers the best support, so they have the confidence to invest and grow their business with us. We are eager to hear

Irons also highlighted the return this year of the CJ Lang tradeshow.

After going virtual for the last two years, the 2022 tradeshow is set to return to face-to-face, promising to be one of the biggest and best retail events to take place in Scotland during 2022.

Taking place in the heart of Aviemore and the Cairngorms National Park, the event will be held at the MacDonald Hotel and Resort on Thursday 22 September 2022. The venue is the perfect destination in Scotland and is sure to be a huge hit for the 700-plus delegates due to attend.

Suppliers already signed up include event sponsors Graham’s the Family Dairy, Hovis, AG Barr, Brewdog and Coca Cola.

The Scottish wholesaler and convenience retailer, which recently won Symbol Group of the Year at the 2021 SLR Awards, is looking to recruit a significant number of new retailers from across the country.

To find out more, contact Recruitment Manager Craig Lynn.

WEDNESDAY 13TH APRIL 2022 / ISSUE 100 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 17

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

BRITISH RETAIL CONSORTIUM – SENSORMATIC IQ

UK footfall makes gradual improvement March saw consumers able to shop with a greater sense of normality, as the first full month without restrictions in England and Northern Ireland.

T

otal UK footfall increased by 1.2 percentage points month-onmonth, British Retail Consortium (BRC)-Sensormatic IQ figures show.

However, total UK footfall decreased by 15.4% in March when compared to pre-pandemic figures. The UK’s figures were ahead of France (-25.5%), Germany (-37.5%), and Italy (-38.6%).

The figures show footfall on High Streets declined by 17.8% in March compared to pre-pandemic figure, but was 3.1 percentage points better than last month's rate, and an improvement on the three-month average decline of 19.9%.

Shopping Centre footfall declined by 35.8% on pre-pandemic figures, but were 4.3 percentage points better than last month's rate, and above the threemonth average decline of 38.9%.

The data reveals that Northern Ireland saw the shallowest footfall decline of all regions at -14.5%, followed by England at -14.9%, and Wales at -18.8%.

Scotland saw the steepest decline at -21.1%, the figures showed.

Helen Dickinson, Chief-Executive of British Retail Consortium, said: “March saw another gradual improvement to footfall levels across the UK. As the first full month without coronavirus

18 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 100 / WEDNESDAY 13TH APRIL 2022

restrictions in England and Northern Ireland, consumers were able to shop with a greater sense of normality, spurred on by some spring sunshine.”

She added: “There are many challenges on the horizon as consumer confidence fell to its lowest levels in 16 months. Consumers are now feeling the effects of rising living costs, increased food and fuel prices, and are also anticipating higher energy prices from 1 April. The impact on retail footfall and retail sales across both stores and online is yet to be seen, but as belts continue to tighten and prices continue to rise, it will be a difficult road ahead for consumers.”

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

SHOPPER CONFIDENCE

Plummeting confidence sees cautious consumers fall back to saving IGD Shoppervista reveals that shoppers are concerned about price increases and are beginning to shift their focus to saving money.

S

hopper confidence has plummeted in the past month, taking it to record lows, according to the latest Shopper Confidence Index from IGD Shoppervista.

The March Index score fell from -18 in February to -23, despite a slight peak mid-month when it looked like oil prices may come down.

Financial confidence in particular dropped to a score below the previous low during the initial pandemic phase in April 2020, IGD says.

The data reveals that half of shoppers now expect food prices to be ‘much more expensive’ in the year ahead, a rise from 12% a year ago.

In addition, a focus on saving money has grown, with a net difference of 27% more shoppers now focused on saving over buying quality.The index shows confidence among 18-34-year-olds dropped fastest this month, with older age groups ‘bottoming out’.

Meanwhile, London’s shopper confidence went from the highest to lowest of all regions, dropping from -15 to -25 in the month.

Rhian Thomas, Head of Shopper Insight at IGD ShopperVista, said:

“Shoppers are rightly concerned about prices increasing and beginning to shift their focus to saving money. This will obviously have an effect on the way they shop, so it goes without saying that businesses should be focusing on their value proposition and how they can support shoppers during this period.

Thomas said that one positive to be taken from the current situation is that trust in the industry remains strong: "Shoppers are aware that these challenges are external pressures, rather than industry-driven, so there is an opportunity to engage with shoppers during these turbulent times.”

WEDNESDAY 13TH APRIL 2022 / ISSUE 100 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 19

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

BARCLAYCARD

Consumer card spending grew 17.7% in March Barclaycard data shows rising food and fuel prices dampened consumer confidence in March.

C

ard spending grew 17.7% in March compared to the same period in 2019, as people took advantage of sunnier weather and the lifting of all remaining Covid restrictions in England.

Data from Barclaycard, which sees nearly half of the nation’s credit and debit card transactions, reveals that spending on essential items grew 18.1% in March, the highest uplift since September 2021. This was largely driven by spend on fuel, which soared 26.1% as prices at the pump continued to climb.

In response to rising petrol and diesel prices, 41% of drivers say they are

changing the way they travel. Of these, 54% are walking more often, 38% are cutting back on long car journeys, and 22% are opting to cycle instead.

The data shows supermarkets saw a 16.9% jump in spending – higher than the growth recorded in January (15.5%) and February (16%) this year – likely due to inflation. Feeling the pinch, 58% of shoppers are looking for ways to stretch their weekly grocery budget – 52% of this group are cutting down on luxuries, and 48% are switching from branded to budget or own-label goods.

Many are also buying in bulk to offset increasing prices; more than one-third

20 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 100 / WEDNESDAY 13TH APRIL 2022

of respondents admit to stocking up on everyday items such as tinned and dried products (13%), household supplies (11%), and tea & coffee (10%).

José Carvalho, Head of Consumer Products at Barclaycard, said: “Rising fuel prices and household bills are clearly starting to influence consumer behaviour, with many Brits changing their travel and shopping habits to save money. While this may dampen growth in the months ahead, we shouldn’t overlook the expected heatwave later in April, and the fast-approaching Easter holidays, both of which are likely to boost non-essential spending.”

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

POST OFFICE

Post Offices handle record £3.2bn in March

New figures highlight the continued recovery in the use of cash and there are high hopes for the Easter period.

P

ost Office’s 11,500 branches handled a record £3.2bn in cash in March, highlighting a continued recovery in the use of cash, new figures reveal.

The data shows personal cash deposits were up 15% month-on-month and totalled £1.31bn in March.

In addition, business cash deposits were up 15% month-on-month and totalled £1.09bn in March.

Personal cash withdrawals at Post Office counters were up 20% monthon-month and totalled £779m in March.

The increase in personal cash withdrawals coincided with Post Office exceeding its £250,000 fundraising target for the Trussell Trust. Since 30 November,

1p from every cash withdrawal at the counter has been donated to the charity.

Post Office customers raised £295,000 for the charity by the end of March.

Martin Kearsley, Banking Director at Post Office, said: “Postmasters handling a record £3.2bn in cash, in a single month, demonstrates just how vital being able to deposit and withdraw cash, securely and conveniently, is for millions of people. This is a difficult period for people with rising bills and we’re proud to have raised almost £300,000 for the Trussell Trust who will be supporting people over the coming months.

"Cash has been around for centuries and is the tried and tested way of

managing a strained budget. People can always withdraw the amount of cash that they need to the penny at any of our 11,500 Post Offices.”

Over last year’s Easter Bank Holidays, Post Offices saw £30m worth of cash withdrawn over its counters, and current trends suggest cash withdrawals this Easter will be higher as people holiday around the UK. Kearsley added: “Bank branches are typically closed over the Easter weekend and some cash machines, particularly in tourist hot spots, can run out of cash.

Thousands of post offices are open across the Easter weekend ensuring those that need cash have somewhere to get it.”

WEDNESDAY 13TH APRIL 2022 / ISSUE 100 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 21

ER

RS A

N

•1947-2022•

E

WO

D

FUL

Y

WE’RE CELEBRATING SO GET THE CRISPS IN!

LOOK OUT FOR OUR EXCITING ON-PACK PROMOTION supported by social, digital and trade activity

DON’T MISS THE SALES & PROFITS PARTY

STOCK UP NOW!

GOLDEN WONDER

CELEBRATING 75 YEARS

Golden Wonder is celebrating… so get the crisps in!

This year, Golden Wonder is celebrating 75 years as a much-loved British snacking icon.

T

his year, Golden Wonder is celebrating 75 years as a much-loved British snacking icon. Founded by baker William Alexander in Stockbridge, Edinburgh in 1947, it’s been an unforgettable family favourite ever since.

Matt Smith, Marketing Director at Tayto Group (owners of Golden Wonder) says: “We really felt 75 years of delivering fully-flavoured crisps and snacks is a major milestone worth celebrating – particularly in Scotland where the brand was born. We wanted our devoted consumers to be part of the celebration by giving them just what they want – their favourite flavours in packs that bring back wonderful memories – as well as offering them the opportunity to create some new memories.”

Flavour is at the heart of this year’s anniversary celebrations. Loyal fans recently voted to bring back their all-time favourite flavours. Beef & Onion and Chip Shop Curry will return to the Golden Wonder range this month, initially on a limited edition run, in classic 1970s packs.

Cheese & Onion, Golden Wonder’s flagship flavour which launched in 1962, will also join this heritage range in impulse pack and six-pack multipack formats. Both formats

feature an on-pack promotion to win one of 75 experience vouchers. And there’s also 10% off at experiencedays.co.uk for every entrant.

The on-pack promotion is also running across Golden Wonder’s recently launched £1 crisps range which is performing ahead of expectations.

Golden Wonder’s big anniversary comes at a time of resurgence for the brand – particularly in Scotland. Over one-third of Golden Wonder’s total sales are in Scotland – where they over-trade in symbols and independents.

Matt shares the secret to 75 years of success for the much-loved brand: “Our fans say, ‘I buy Golden Wonder because it tastes better, the flavours are stronger, they are unique.’ The fact we’re still here 75 years after we started is a testament to us making brilliant products. It’s all about flavour for us – we won’t put our names to anything that doesn’t taste great!”

“And we have no plans of stopping! So here’s to another 75 years – or more – of fully-flavoured crisps and snacks with more punch per crunch!”

The promotional packs are available now and the campaign is being promoted across social, digital and trade channels throughout 2022.

Find out more here

DON’T MISS OUT ON THE PARTY – STOCK UP NOW!

COMMUNITY

JISP

Jisp partners with GroceryAid Jisp will donate money every time a customer interacts with its Scan and Save service in-store, which could generate up to £12,000 in donations.

J

isp has joined forces with GroceryAid to increase awareness of the free, confidential welfare services available to independent retailers, and raise funds for the industry charity.

Jisp Media, the new platform that help brands engage more effectively with retailers and customers, will raise money for GroceryAid through its collaboration with wholesale and FMCG brand partners by donating money every time a customer interacts with Jisp’s Scan and Save service in-store.

The initiative is forecast to grow to 500 stores by the end of the year, generating up to £12,000 in donations.

Awareness of GroceryAid will also be communicated directly to independent retailers through Jisp Media.

Ilann Hepworth, Managing Director of Jisp, said: “GroceryAid provides a wide range of emotional financial and practical support for independent retailers, employees and their spouses/partners and dependents across the UK, so we are delighted that this initiative will get the GroceryAid message to retailers and their employees.”

Steve Barnes, Chief Executive Officer of Grocery Aid, said: “In the last 12 months, we have seen a 163% increase in calls from independent retailers to our

24 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 100 / WEDNESDAY 13TH APRIL 2022

Helpline, which proves that awareness of GroceryAid is increasing. Working with Jisp on this initiative will raise further awareness of GroceryAid so that independent retailers know we are here for them.”

GroceryAid has been providing emotional, practical, and financial support for colleagues since 1857. Anyone working in the grocery industry can access the charity’s emotional and practical support, plus financial advice, from the first day of their employment. After six months of continuous employment, colleagues may be eligible for one of our non-repayable financial grants.

COMMUNITY

ONE STOP

One Stop and FareShare tackle hunger this Easter The symbol group is launching an Easter activity book that will be sold in-store with all profits going towards helping FareShare provide food to struggling families.

O

ne Stop will work with FareShare, the UK’s biggest charity fighting hunger and tackling food waste, over Easter.

One Stop launched its partnership with FareShare at the end of last year, with an £80,000 donation that supported vulnerable families over the festive period and February half term this year.

The symbol group is launching an Easter activity book which will be available to purchase in-store for £1 from 4-18 April. All profits from the sale of the books will

go towards helping FareShare provide food to families that are struggling to get enough to eat.

The limited-edition book will be available to purchase in all One Stop stores and includes colouring pages, word searches, dot to dot, and has a story running through it, with characters to find.

In addition, One Stop is donating 2p to FareShare from every individual and multipack of fresh fruit and vegetables sold, helping to increase fundraising and provide food to people going hungry across the UK.

The promotion will run from 11-22 April.

Liz Fox, Head of Sustainability and Social Responsibility at One Stop, said: “It is a sad fact that in today’s society, people are reliant on these charity networks to survive, much of which was escalated during the pandemic. As a community-based retailer we want to do as much as we can to assist.

“Our store colleagues know their customers incredibly well and find ways to help them on an individual basis, every day. However, our relationship with FareShare on a national level enables us to consolidate some of these efforts into a campaign that will raise additional funds and drive awareness of this superb charity.”

Point of sale materials and digital marketing activity will promote the FareShare p ar t ne rsh ip i n stores.

Plans are already in place to produce a third activity book, which will be launched in summer 2022.

WEDNESDAY 13TH APRIL 2022 / ISSUE 100 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 25

BO O K NO W! THE SLR AWARDS ARE BACK AND THEY’RE LIVE FOR OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY!

LIV E EV ENT:

7 S EPT 2022 R ADIS SO N, GLASGOW

TICK ETS AVAILABLE NOW TAB LE OF 10 £ 125 0 EX VAT TICK ET £ 14 0 EX VAT

Scottish Grocers’ Federation

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – MARYLAND COOKIES

MARYLAND RELAUNCHES KOOKIE CAMPAIGN The brand is also unveiling a new look and has made its entire core cookies range under 100 calories per portion.

Maryland Cookies is bringing back its Keep it

kookiness, it’s liberating.” The campaign coincides

Kookie campaign later this month. The campaign,

with the launch of a new pack design, created to

which was launched by Burton’s Biscuit Co last

modernise the brand and introduce Keep it Kookie

year as part of a major brand repositioning,

onto packs.

celebrates individuality.

Maryland has also made its entire core cookies

The four-week £750,000 campaign, which

range under 100 calories per portion (two biscuits)

launches on 19 April, leads with TV and is amplified

with the brand’s choc chip product now only 97 cal-

with in-store and online activation. The brand is

ories per serving. Needham added: “Shoppers are

also launching a Keep it Kookie microsite, where

looking to meet their portion-control requirements

consumers will be encouraged to ‘Share Your

with new products outside the traditional 'healthy'

Kookie’ and vote for their favourite kookie quirks.

sphere that still meet their indulgence needs.

Burton’s Biscuit Co’s Marketing Director Kate

“Our plans this year show that Maryland Cookies

Needham said: “This year’s evolution of Keep it

can stand apart from other biscuit brands. We’re

Kookie highlights that just like Maryland Cookies,

proud to be a cookie in a world of biscuits and we

no two people are the same. We’re asking shop-

want to shout about our kookiness. We’re confident

pers to join us in shouting about what makes us

the campaign will bring new shoppers into the cat-

all different – because when we’re open about our

egory and drive frequency with current shoppers.

WEDNESDAY 13TH APRIL 2022 / ISSUE 100 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 27

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – OATIBIX

OATIBIX UNVEILS PIRATE-THEMED TV AD The advert is part of a wider £2m marketing investment also including on-demand, social, digital, and shopper marketing.

Oatibix has returned to the TV for the first time in

mulation for the Original biscuits in February. Oatibix

more than 10 years with a campaign to encourage

packs are now category-unique green in colour.

Brits to start the day well.

Gareth Turner, Head of Marketing at Weetabix,

The TV advert, which airs from 11-24 April, is part

said: “The ‘natural and wholesome’ segment of

of a wider £2m marketing investment also including

cereals has continued to grow in the past year,

on-demand, social, digital, and shopper marketing.

so it’s been the perfect time to give some love to

The activity is expected to introduce Oatibix to

Oatibix. Shoppers are already loving Oatibix’s new

600,000 new households this year, with ambitions

look and crisper and lighter taste, and the new,

to grow the brand by more than 30% by 2023.

playfully pirate-themed TV advert showcases the

The advert incorporates a light-hearted pirate

fun nature of Weetabix‘s oat-filled sibling.

theme, playfully pointing to the benefits of Oatibix,

“Alongside the refreshed pack designs and deli-

as a shipmate’s final plea for a bowl of Oatibix

cious new flavours, this is a major investment into

miraculously saves him from walking the plank.

the Oatibix brand, so it’s a product to look out for

The ad signs off with the iconic ‘Have you had

in 2022. As the whole Oatibix range is HFSS-com-

yours?’ line.

pliant, we will be putting our full support behind the

The advert follows the recent brand refresh with Oatibix unveiling new packaging and a recipe refor-

28 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 100 / WEDNESDAY 13TH APRIL 2022

relaunch – raising awareness of the Oatibix brand and driving sales in the months ahead.”

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – COCA-COLA COMPANY

COCA-COLA DEMYSTIFIES PLASTIC RECYCLING

The company has created a stop-motion film featuring an animated likeness of American science icon Bill Nye who explains the end-to-end recycling process.

The Coca-Cola Company is breaking down

Nye said: “As we know, we need to reuse plas-

plastic recycling to demystify the process in a

tic. That’s why I’m partnering with The Coca-Cola

new animated film narrated by William Nye, better

Company to show the science behind the process

known as Bill Nye the Science Guy.

of recycling and how we can continue to address

The stop-motion film features an animated—

the global plastic waste crisis, together.”

and recycled—likeness of Nye who explains the

Christine Yeager, Sustainability Director, North

end-to-end recycling process. The film takes view-

America Operating Unit, The Coca-Cola Company,

ers on the circular journey of a plastic bottle,

added: “Recycling can be confusing for consum-

starting from the time it’s placed in a recycling bin

ers. We need to be able to articulate, in a clear,

to returning to the shelf as a 100% recycled bottle.

easy-to-understand way, how recycling helps drive

The film was shot on a set made with recycla-

a circular economy by using and reusing materials

ble and recycled materials. Plastic bottles, labels

again and again. That brought us to the idea of

and cardboard were incorporated into all aspects

using Bill’s knack for communicating about com-

of the production – from Nye’s puppet caricature

plex topics in a simple way. We wanted to make

made from cut-up plastic Coca-Cola bottles to trees

this process more digestible for consumers, so

made from green Sprite labels, to conveyor belts

they understand the science behind recycling

designed from recyclable cardboard.

and hopefully feel inspired to take action with us.”

WEDNESDAY 13TH APRIL 2022 / ISSUE 100 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 29

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK

ZERO WINE

CLOUD BUSTING

VIMTO VARIANTS

Hardys has launched a non-al-

Mars Wrigley is expanding into

Nichols is extending its Vimto

coholic wine range called Hardys

the ‘gummy’ category with new

range with two new flavour for-

Zero, available in three varieties

Skittles innovation Squishy

mats. Sparkling variant Vimto

– Shiraz, Chardonnay and Spar-

Cloudz, which combines gummy

Cherry, Raspberry & Blackcurrant

kling. A new marketing campaign

and marshmallow with the same

will be available in both 2L and

will focus on driving awareness.

fruity flavours as Skittles. The

500ml bottles from April. New

Hardys Zero is available from

range is available in two variants

still Vimto Blackberry, Raspberry

June at a recommended retail

– Fruits and Crazy Sours – in 94g

& Blueberry 500ml will also be

price of £5.50.

and 70g tear-&-share packs.

available from April.

BROOKLYN BEER

TROPICAL GIN

NEW NIBBLIES

Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing

Halewood Artisanal Spirits’ pre-

Pladis has launched a lighter,

Company will launch its Brooklyn

mium gin brand Whitley Neill

lower-fat version of its Jacob’s

Pilsner into the off-trade in Sep-

is expanding its range with the

Mini Cheddars, available in

tember in single 660ml bottles

launch of new Pineapple and

Cheddar & Smoked Paprika

(RSP £1.90) and in 12x330ml

Peach variants as it continues to

and Double Gloucester & Chive

packs (RSP £14). The launch

tap into the tropical flavour trend.

flavours. Jacob’s Mini Cheddars

will be supported by a multi-mil-

Both variants are available in a

Nibblies is available in 6x17g

lion-pound national marketing

70cl format, with an ABV of 43%,

multipacks and 115g sharing

campaign.

and an RSP £26.

bags with an RSP of £1.50.

30 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 100 / WEDNESDAY 13TH APRIL 2022

NOW THAT’S A GOOD IDEA…

OUT THE BOX

Hologram shopping Shoppers in Canada can now get tips and information on Bothwell Cheese through a hologram brought to life by AI.

Bothwell Cheese has teamed up with metaverse company Nextech AR Solutions to create an interactive experience for shoppers utilising holograms.

WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA? Holograms have been all the rage for decades, but other than scientific applications, they were reserved for video games and geeky hobbies.

Now, Nextech’s platform has been tied up with Bothwell Cheese to allow a QR code be placed on five of its products distributed at stores across Canada.

The platform has been designed to let brands interact with consumers on a more personal level through the use of holograms of brand ambassadors, product demonstrators, trainers,

professors, chefs, mixologists, performers and more.

HOW DOES IT WORK? The hologram is triggered by a QR code placed on the product’s packaging, which – when scanned – brings up a hologram of a person who then provides information on the cheese.

“By scanning the QR code on the packaging, consumers will be introduced to Bothwell’s own chef John via a floor anchored human hologram, who will walk them through our lactose-free cheese portfolio, and explain the key benefits of our new products,” Milena Zekic, Marketing Manager at Bothwell Cheese said.

“Additionally, consumers will be prompted to download a $1 off digital

coupon, that can be redeemed at any store in Canada where the product is listed, along with an option to review the recipes made with our lactose-free cheeses.”

ARE SHOPPERS KEEN? “The global megatrend of shopping online with ecommerce is rapidly expanding towards highlighting products in AR,” says Nextech AR Chief Executive Evan Gappelberg – and he might be right in some respects.

However, this kind of tech is heavily dependent on consumers being literate in this kind of platform. It requires downloading an app, finding enough shop floor to target the hologram on and then spend some time listening to the information.

WEDNESDAY 13TH APRIL 2022 / ISSUE 100 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 31

BEFORE YOU GO

RETAIL RANDOMS

FOOLWORTHS Remember Woolworths? That muchloved retail institution where you could snaffle some pick ‘n mix sweets, browse the latest releases at the record bar then buy a quarter pound of gammon – freshly sliced before your very eyes.

Don’t get too excited. It’s not making a comeback. However, in Australia it’s never gone away.

In fact, Woolworths Group is the country’s largest retailer, responsible for an Uluru-sized heap of supermarkets and other grocery stores. Technically, it’s not the same Woolworths – the Ozzie version was originally just a blatant cash-in on the original FW Woolworth, which didn’t operate in Australia or bother to register a trademark there.

Not content with blagging its name, Woolworths has also taken a shine to the loyalty card concept, but then, which supermarket hasn’t?

And one of its more enterprising customers – Ralph Rivera – has went to the bother of tattooing his Everyday Rewards Card barcode onto his arm.

The line trodden between genius and insanity is a fine one but, after

watching the TikTok video, one can only wonder what possessed Mr Rivera to get inked on a part of his body that requires him to practically dislocate his collarbone accessing the scanner.

A WAFER LONG? If you’re a fan of Tunnock’s Caramel Wafers – and quite frankly, who isn’t? – you’ll be pleased to know you can now holiday in a static caravan themed around the iconic Scottish biscuit.

The cunningly titled Tunnock’s Caravan Wafer is situated on the idyllic shores of Loch Goil in the Drimsynie Estate Holiday village.

Alongside the usual amenities like central heating, a fully equipped kitchen and flat-screen TV, the three-bedroom caravan is

decked out with Caramel Wafer, Log and Teacake cushions from Scottish designer Nikki McWilliams, as well as other Tunnock's accessories. It’s unclear if any biscuits are included in the rental price.

The striking exterior design also makes blundering into the wrong caravan after one shandy too many down at the social club a thing of the past.

We can only wonder if the park’s operator, Argyll Holidays, has any plans for a follow-up – the Tunnock’s Caramel Log Cabin perhaps?

WEDNESDAY 13TH APRIL 2022 / ISSUE 100 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 33

£6m BRAND ON TV INVESTMENT FROM MARCH