The Week in Retail 103

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BUSINESS WILL RELAUNCH AT THE END OF MAY SERVICES

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Issue 103 Wednesday 4th May 2022

Spring is the season of

GROWTH

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

EDITOR’S COMMENT

Step by step The past week has been momentous for the industry in England and Wales, as the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act received Royal Assent on 28 April.

The act makes attacking an individual who serves the public an aggravated offence and has doubled the maximum penalty from 12 months to two years for those who assault retail staff.

This follows years of campaigning from retailers, trade bodies and unions to better protect shopworkers who face abuse when doing their job.

How the government has resisted passing a law to protect retailers and their staff for so long is baffling. The figures on the level of retail violence speak for themselves.

The Association of Convenience Stores’ 2022 Crime Report show that in the past year, 89% of colleagues working in c-stores have faced abuse in their job, with more than 35,000 incidents of violence taking place and over 16,000 incidents including the use of a weapon.

In addition, Usdaw’s latest annual Freedom from Fear survey of nearly 3,500 shopworkers found that nine in 10 reported verbal abuse, 64% were threatened with violence, and 12% were physically assaulted.

Polling conducted for the #ShopKind campaign shows that more than a third of consumers have witnessed violence and abuse against shopworkers.

Unfortunately, now that we have a law, the hard work doesn’t stop there. The industry needs Police and Crime Commissioners to prioritise crimes committed against retailers and their employees and we need the right interventions to be put in place to stop those with substance and alcohol dependencies from reoffending.

Meanwhile, Usdaw is continuing to call for legislation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, to make it a specific offence to abuse, threaten or assault a retail worker.

A specific offence covering abuse of shopworkers was introduced in Scotland in 2021; in its first three months almost 300 cases of abuse against shopworkers were reported to police.

Let’s just hope whatever happens next protects you and your employees. You don’t deserve to be attacked or abused just for doing your job.

LIZ WELLS, DEPUTY EDITOR

WEDNESDAY 4TH MAY 2022 / ISSUE 102 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 3

CONTENTS

WEDNESDAY 4TH MAY 2022 / ISSUE 103

6

10

23

THIS WEEK’S NEWS

COVER STORY

SYMBOL GROUPS

The £7bn takeover of Morrisons looks set to be approved, and a new law brings into force tougher penalties for those who attack shopworkers.

BP and Volkswagen Group team up to boost the adoption of electric vehicles by building a fast-charging network across Europe by 2024.

Irish convenience retailer Centra launches ‘Choices Define Us’, a new campaign that encourages consumers to choose wisely every day.

9

19 Business services

Covid-19 update The latest coronavirus-related news.

14 Trade associations The ACS raises concerns about Scottish Government proposals to restrict the promotion of vaping products.

15 Vaping C-stores ‘could do a lot more’ to support smokers considering a switch to vaping, says UKVIA.

26 Picks of the week

Post Office and Western Union expand

A look at the latest new products and

their partnership, with branches to offer

marketing campaigns.

cross-border money transfers.

20 Home delivery

30 Out the box: solar power Tesco trials 100% solar-powered

Nisa Heysham in Lancashire reaps the

refrigerated units that should save around

rewards of introducing a home delivery

five tonnes of carbon annually as part of its

service in response to the pandemic.

21 Store openings

long-term commitment to sustainability.

33 Before you go...

Kirkcaldy-based Eros Retail prepares

Asda’s latest home baking kit exposes the

for expansion, starting with a company

gap between expectation and reality, while

The lockdown gardening boom shows no

rebrand, new strategic values, and a new

The Week In Retail pees in Kellogg’s corn

sign of ending soon, according to Tesco.

Head of Retail.

flakes.

17 Business intelligence

WEDNESDAY 4TH MAY 2022 / ISSUE 103 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 5

NEWS DIGEST

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

FREE-RANGE EGGS RETURN Free-range eggs are returning to supermarket shelves after being unavailable for more

SUPERMARKETS

Morrisons takeover moves closer The CMA says it is “minded to accept” proposals from private equity buyer Clayton, Dubilier and Rice to sell 87 petrol stations.

than a month due to the UK’s bird flu lockdown, which saw the nation’s hens temporarily housed indoors. This meant eggs could no longer be marketed as free-range.

CO-OP’S ‘FREE FROM’ GONGS Co-op has been named the Free From Food Awards’ firstever ‘Convenience Retailer of the Year’. The Free From Food Awards are the UK’s only awards dedicated to celebrating excellence and innovation in the free-from food and drink industry. Co-op picked up five silver and three bronze gongs.

FAMILIES WASTE £800-WORTH OF FOOD A YEAR The average British family is wasting about £800-worth of edible food a year, with staples topping the bill of most binned items. A study by Tesco reveals 77% of UK households say they throw away unopened or unused food, 37% doing so on at least a monthly basis.

6 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 103 / WEDNESDAY 4TH MAY 2022

The £7bn takeover of Morrisons is set to be approved after the competition watchdog said it would accept proposals from private equity buyer Clayton, Dubilier and Rice (CD&R).

CD&R, which also owns Motor Fuel Group (MFG), won an auction for Morrisons in October. However, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) began to investigate the deal over fears

Post Office strike

Post Office workers at 114 branches directly owned by the Post Office have staged a one-day strike in a dispute over pay. The strike closed the Crown Post Office, halting cash deliveries and collections from every one of the UK’s 11,500 sub-post offices.

Members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) are angry over a pay freeze in 2021-22 and a 2% rise for the following year.

it would create a group controlling more than 1,250 of the UK’s 8,000 petrol stations. The CMA concluded that the deal raises competition concerns in 121 local areas across England, Scotland, and Wales.

In order to address these concerns, CD&R has offered to divest 87 of MFG’s petrol stations to a purchaser or purchasers to be approved by the CMA. The CMA is now consulting on these proposals. If they are accepted, the deal would be cleared to proceed.

Colin Raftery, Senior Director of Mergers at the CMA, said: “The sale of these petrol stations will preserve competition and prevent motorists from losing out due to this deal, which is particularly important when prices have recently hit record highs.”

CWU Assistant Secretary, Andy Furey, said: “Our members delivered an astounding 97.3% yes vote, but Post Office bosses are ‘in denial’. They made an insulting offer for 2022 on top of the pay freeze for 2021, which just made our members’ determination even stronger.”

The union said it had a mandate for more strikes in coming weeks.

NEWS DIGEST

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

LEGISLATION

Law protecting shopworkers welcomed Common assault against anyone working in a retail store will now be classed as an aggravated offence under the new law.

EG IN COUCHETARD TALKS EG Group is reportedly in talks to merge with Canadian c-store giant Couche-Tard, which runs more than 15,000 stores

The amended Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act has received Royal Assent, which brings into force tougher penalties for those who attack shopworkers.

As part of the Act, common assault against anyone working in a retail store will be classed as an aggravated offence, carrying tougher penalties. It follows years of campaigning by the ACS, NFRN, and Usdaw.

NFRN’s National President, Narinder Randhawa, said: “The important thing now is that the police and the Crown Prosecution Service work together to ensure this new law is an effective deterrent and not just a piece of paper.

“It’s essential that retailers report all incidents to highlight the scale of the problem, and the police response

worldwide. The combined company would have over US$70bn in annual revenue and 21,000 fast-food outlets, petrol stations, and stores in more than 30 countries.

has to improve if retail crime is to be tackled head on.”

ACS Chief Executive, James Lowman, said it was vital that all incidents of abuse are reported. He added: “Police and Crime Commissioners must prioritise crimes committed against retailers and their colleagues. We must also put the right interventions in place to stop those with substance and alcohol dependencies from reoffending.”

Usdaw demands higher wages Retailers should pay a minimum wage of at least £12 per hour, as recent increases offer little respite against soaring inflation, trade union Usdaw urges.

In a vote at Usdaw’s annual meeting in Blackpool, delegates voted unanimously to increase the union’s demand from £10 an hour previously.

Usdaw General Secretary, Paddy Lillis, said: “Now, with inflation

soaring, the cost of everyday items increasing and energy bills skyrocketing, the call of £10 per hour needs to be refreshed.”

He added: “£12 an hour, as a step towards £15 per hour, is a figure we can build a campaign around. A figure we can take into our pay negotiations, take into Parliament and take into our discussions with the Low Pay Commission.”

HMRC SEIZES 1.1M ILLICIT CIGS An investigation is underway after 1.1 million suspected illicit cigarettes and 28 pallets of alcohol were seized by HMRC from an industrial park in West Lothian, on 27 April. The alcohol seized included vodka, whisky, and prosecco. A van and a forklift at the scene were also confiscated, plus £5,000.

TESCO TEAMS WITH UBER Tesco has teamed up with Uber to help expand its rapid grocery delivery service.

Uber Eats couriers will now be responsible for making deliveries of Tesco products ordered via the supermarket’s Whoosh service. The deal with Uber launches from 20 stores across the UK.

WEDNESDAY 4TH MAY 2022 / ISSUE 103 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 7

NEWS SPECIAL

COVID-19 UPDATE

Shop vacancies fall as retail bounces back from pandemic

STUDENTS LOVE DELIVERY ROBOTS Delivery robots supplied

by Starship Technologies

Figures show some businesses are growing and investing in repurposing and reopening empty units, especially in retail parks and high streets.

to more than 20 campuses across the US are overwhelmingly popular with students, according to new research.

The study reveals 78% of students say they love the robots and 28% say they like them on their campus. In fact, 25% of the students said the robots have improved their mental health.

“The economy had fully reopened, with more city workers back in the office, and more tourists out on the streets. This allowed some businesses to grow and invest in repurposing and reopening empty units, especially in retail parks and high streets. Despite this improvement, the overall proportion of empty storefronts remains well above its pre-pandemic levels, especially in the north of England.

Dickinson added: “Much has changed with the cost of living rising and the conflict in Ukraine damaging consumer confidence. It remains to be seen how the increasing costs and the war in Ukraine will impact on businesses and the vacancy rate in the future.”

The study found 61% of the students place at least one order per week, 60% said they could study more because of the robots, and

TECH SOLUTIONS

The overall shop vacancy rate decreased to 14.1%, 0.3 of a percentage point down from the fourth quarter of 2021.

The figures from the British Retail Consortium and Local Data Company show all locations saw a decrease in vacancies in the first quarter of 2022.

High Street vacancies decreased to 14.1% in Q1 –down from 14.4% in the previous quarter.

In addition, Shopping Centre vacancies fell to 19.0%, down from 19.1% in the previous quarter. Retail Park vacancies also decreased to 10.6% in the first quarter of 2022, a 0.7 percentage point fall from the earlier quarter.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said:

64% said they didn’t skip meals because they didn’t have to wait for food.

WEDNESDAY 4TH MAY 2022 / ISSUE 103 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 9

C OV E R

ELECTRIC

10 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 103 / WEDNESDAY 4TH MAY 2022

S T O RY

VEHICLES

High voltage BP and Volkswagen Group team up to rapidly roll out a fast-charging network across Europe.

B

P is partnering with Volkswagen to boost the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across Europe.

The partnership aims to transform access to EV charging in key European markets by rapidly building a fast-charging network across Europe by 2024.

Volkswagen’s innovative Flexpole 150kW charging units, each of which feature two charge points, have an integrated battery storage system, overcoming one of the biggest obstacles

the end of 2024, up to 8,000 charge points could be available across Germany, the UK, and other European countries.

BP is rapidly expanding its EV charging network, including at its extensive and conveniently located network of retail sites. EV drivers will be able to charge in safe, well-lit stations with access to additional services such as food and drink for their journeys, as well as toilets.

Bernard Looney, BP’s Chief Executive, said: “EV charging is one of the key

When you bring together one of the world’s leading car makers and one of the world’s leading energy companies – the opportunity is huge. to the rapid roll-out of fast-charging infrastructure in Europe – the need for high-powered grid connections.

The Flexpole units can be directly connected to a low voltage grid, which removes the requirement for a dedicated substation and costly construction work, significantly reducing installation times while still providing fast charging speeds of up to 150kW, enough to deliver up to 160km of driving in as little as 10 minutes.

The first phase of the roll-out will see up to an additional 4,000 charge points at BP’s Aral retail sites in Germany and BP retail sites in the UK over the next 24 months. By

engines driving BP’s transformation to an integrated energy company.

“That’s why we’re so excited by our partnership with Volkswagen. When you bring together one of the world’s leading car makers and one of the world’s leading energy companies – the opportunity is huge. This is a significant step forward on our journey to accelerate the electrification of transport in Europe.”

Herbert Diess, Volkswagen’s CEO, added: “Volkswagen has been pioneering the transformation to e-mobility across Europe. Today we have the broadest offer of electric cars in the market and

sold more EVs in the region than any other car maker last year. Investing in everything from software to batteries and charging is part of our strategy to make individual mobility safer, more convenient and fully climate-neutral. The decarbonisation of Europe’s economy requires close collaboration across borders and sectors. We’re pleased to team up with BP to accelerate the roll-out of the fast-charging network across Europe.”

The charger locations will be integrated into the navigation and other in-car apps of VW, Seat, and Skoda vehicles, as well as into Volkswagen’s charging application, Elli, making it easier for drivers to find available charging points. Any EV driver will be able to use the new chargers as part of the AB Pulse and Aral pulse network enabling all EV drivers to sign up and collect rewards from BP/Aral loyalty programmes.

Thomas Schmall, member of the board of management of Volkswagen Group and Chief Executive of Volkswagen Group Components, said: “As we promised at our Power Day, we are driving the expansion of charging infrastructure in Europe at high speed.

Together with BP, we will bring thousands of fast-charging stations to life within a very short time. Rapid expansion of the charging network is crucial now. To make that happen, our pioneering flexible, fast chargers offer a perfect solution, since the time and costs required for installation are minimal.”

WEDNESDAY 4TH MAY 2022 / ISSUE 103 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 11

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

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GOLDEN WONDER

75 WONDERFUL 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!

T R A D E A S S O C I AT I O N S

VAPING

ACS raises concerns over proposed vaping regs The Scottish government is consulting on new regulations on the advertising and promotion of vaping products to ensure they are only used as an aid to stop smoking.

T

he Association of Convenience Stores has raised concerns about proposals from the Scottish government to tighten the rules on the advertising and promotion of vaping products, including restrictions on in-store displays.

The Scottish government is consulting on new regulations on the advertising and promotion of vaping products to ensure they are only used as an aid to stop smoking and prevent young people and adult non-smokers from the uptake of these products.

The consultation proposals would have a direct impact on convenience retailers by introducing restrictions on:

14 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 103 / WEDNESDAY 4TH MAY 2022

● in-store promotional displays and through distributing leaflets and flyers; ● advertising on billboards, advertising hoardings and placing adverts on moving video apparatus; ● distributing free or cut-price samples; and ● sponsoring an activity, event or person.

In its submission, ACS highlighted the lack of clarity in the proposals and urged the Scottish government to provide clearer definitions of in-store promotional displays, leaflets, flyers and moving video apparatuses, if they are to proceed with new regulations.

ACS Chief Executive, James Lowman, said: “We do not support proposals to ban in-store displays or use of leaflets and flyers that promote e-cigarettes.

These types of interventions have a disproportionate impact on local shops that have limited space to display products.

“Banning in-store promotions and other advertising mechanisms would also reduce access to vaping products, which are a growing category for retailers and are widely considered to be an important smoking cessation tool. The Scottish government should instead be focusing resource on enforcement activity to remove illegal e-cigarette products from the market.”

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

VAPING

C-stores ‘could do a lot more’ to support smokers

Research shows retailers could gain market share if they invested in developing the knowledge of their staff about the

V

ery few former smokers received advice from convenience stores when considering vaping as a method to quit their smoking habits, according to a new study by the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA).

The research reveals that only 2.8% and 1.1% got guidance from a supermarket and convenience store, respectively.

Specialist vape retail stores proved to be the main source of advice (48.9%), followed by friends and family (35.2%) and another vaper (22.7%).

In terms of quality of advice, 54.4% of those who had bought their first vape from a specialist vape store said that the support they received was extremely

informative and supportive and this compared with online retail (25%), convenience stores (14.8%), and supermarkets (14.3%).

Of the current vapers interviewed, 57.4% said that advice was instrumental in them quitting their smoking habits.

John Dunne, Director General of the UKVIA, said: “The whole retail sector has a key role to play in advising smokers on a successful switch to vaping which is considerably less harmful than smoking. However, our research suggests that convenience stores and supermarkets could do a lot more to support smokers who are considering transitioning to vaping.”

He added: “Convenience outlets and the multiples could gain more loyal vape customers and market share if they invested in developing the knowledge of their staff about the vape products that they sell. This will help smokers make informed decisions about the type of vape devices, nicotine content, and flavours that would give them the best chance of a successful quit.”

The low level of advice given out by c-stores and supermarkets was also reflected in where smokers-turned-vapers bought their first vape. Nearly 59% purchased from a specialist store compared to 15% (convenience) and just 4% (supermarket).

WEDNESDAY 4TH MAY 2022 / ISSUE 103 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 15

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BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

PLANTS

UK lockdown gardening boom continues despite return to work

Tesco says it has seen demand for bedding plants and shrubs rocket by nearly 50% in the past two years.

A

lockdown gardening boom that saw record demand for plants during the pandemic is continuing despite many people being back at work, according to Tesco.

The supermarket giant has seen demand for bedding plants and shrubs rocket by nearly 50%, with more than 75 million individual plants sold between March 2020 and now (29 April).

The Horticultural Trades Association says three million new gardeners emerged during lockdown, with 2.3 million still active this year.

In the past two years the top five most popular bedding plants have been

geranium, petunia, fuchsia, impatiens and dahlia. The boom has also helped the supermarket’s main bedding plant supplier, Bridge Farm Group, based in Spalding, Lincolnshire, to invest further in its business.Tesco, in partnership with Bridge Farm Group, last month announced its plans to be peat-free on all its British-grown bedding plant range from April 2023.

Tesco Horticulture Category Buying Manager, Alex Edwards, said: “Lockdown gave many people the opportunity to not only spend more time in their gardens but also hone their gardening skills.

“The feeling of wellbeing gained from nurturing and being amongst plants is one of the main reasons why lockdown consumers have kept their gardening bug even after returning to work.”

In addition, the Horticultural Trades Association consumer tracker survey in August 2021 revealed that just under two-thirds of British adults said they used their gardens for growing plants.

Bridge Farm Group Managing Director, Louise Motala, said: “When lockdown started, the interest in gardening was immediate. The extra demand has given us the confidence to invest in our facilities.”

WEDNESDAY 4TH MAY 2022 / ISSUE 103 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 17

Fort Matilda Industrial Estate, Greenock, Scotland PA16 7QF Tel: +44 (0)1475 721099 www.goldencasket.co.uk

enquiries@goldencasket.co.uk www.millionssweets.co.uk

BUSINESS SERVICES

POST OFFICE

Post Office, Western Union expand partnership

The in-branch service will drive footfall to branches, while at the same time doubling Western Union’s UK retail network.

P

ost Office and Western Union are expanding their partnership, which will see a minimum of 4,000 branches offer cross-border money transfers for the first time.

Previously, Western Union customers could only use the Post Office website for money transfer services.

The new in-branch service will drive footfall to branches, while at the same time doubling Western Union’s UK retail network.

Nick Read, Chief Executive of the Post Office, said: “I am delighted to be expanding our partnership with Western Union, allowing customers to choose whether they want to use the

money transfer service digitally or prefer to do it face-to-face. Postmasters are knowledgeable, reliable and can provide that assurance that a transaction has gone through with a printed receipt which many of our customers still value.

Furthermore, this expanded partnership helps drive footfall into 4,000 of our branches providing postmasters with increased remuneration opportunities.”

Devin McGranahan, Western Union President and Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted that Western Union, one of the world’s biggest financial networks, and UK Post Office, the UK’s biggest retail network, are expanding our collaboration, aiming to serve our

customers better in a transformed post-pandemic environment.

“At the same time, today’s announcement shows how we at Western Union continue to see our leadership in retail as critical to our success, and as a critical element of our omni-channel offering. As we continue to expand our global network, we will seek not only to improve access, but also, importantly, working with our partners, to truly transform the retail experience we offer our customers, in the UK and across the world.”

The in-branch money transfer service with Western Union is planned to roll out from autumn 2022.

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H O M E D E L I V E RY

NISA HEYSHAM

Stand and deliver

Lancashire retailer James Brown has seen customer demand for home delivery continue to grow.

J

ames Brown, who owns 850sq ft Beech Stores in Heysham, Lancashire, is reaping the rewards of introducing a home delivery service in response to the pandemic.

The retailer has seen customer demand continue to grow, with 22% of weekly turnover now coming via delivery orders.

Brown said: “We realised that we needed to do more to support our customers, especially the vulnerable so we set up a home delivery service where customers could order by phone and have their shopping delivered to their homes with minimal contact.

The service was very well received by customers.”

Brown now promises a 30-minute delivery window, enabling shoppers to place their orders and receive their shopping within half an hour.

The retailer has also upgraded the store’s ordering system and invested in a technological solution to further improve the service to shoppers, as well as make it more efficient to manage.

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Brown said: “We researched options and decided to partner with Zeus Labs to integrate an app into our Facebook page, speeding up the process and freeing-up staff to pick the products and serve customers.

“It’s easy to use, there are no surcharges to the customer and no need to inflate prices to cover the costs. This means that we can offer everyday items at the same prices regardless of whether they are being delivered or collected by the customer.”

In addition, the store now operates two branded vehicles, promoting the service and the 30-minute delivery promise.

“The store is a vital part of the local community, and we aim to provide fantastic customer service – be that in the store itself or via our delivery service,” said Brown.

S TO R E O P E N I N G S

EROS RETAIL

Eros gearing up for growth Eros is relaunching the company at the end of May, introducing new company values, and has appointed a new Head of Retail.

S

cottish-based convenience retail chain Eros Retail is readying for expansion starting with a company rebrand, new strategic values, and a new Head of Retail.

After launching its ‘Greens’ fascia in 2016, Eros is relaunching the company at the end of May as Greens Retail, and introducing its new values as ‘People, Place, Product and Planet’.

In addition, Greens has unveiled David Bateman as its new Head of Retail, starting with the business in June.

Bateman brings a wealth of experience having spent 27 years in the wholesale and convenience retail sector with Woolworths, Palmer & Harvey, and Bestway. He joins Greens from Nisa Retail.

He said: “Having worked closely with the management team at Greens Retail for many years, I am delighted to be joining as Head of Retail during such a pivotal and exciting phase of growth. In particular, I look forward to overseeing the retail and trading teams, as well

Harris Aslam

as working with wider colleagues and partners within the sector with whom I have built a tremendous relationship over my many years in the sector.”

Greens Retail has 10 new store openings planned over the next two quarters, leading to forecast annualised retail sales of about £40m, and an expected headcount of approaching 500 colleagues.

New store locations include Kirriemuir, Shettleston, and Fraserburgh, with openings starting from 31 May. The company is looking to invest significantly in the sector, as it aims to reach £100m annualised sales within the next 24 months.

Harris Aslam, Group Managing Director, said: “We look forward to welcoming David to lead our retail proposition and are excited to work closely in ensuring we are growing in a sustainable manner which ensures delivery of not only our financial plans though also our newly introduced core values.

“Over the last six years we have worked with David, we have first-hand seen his excellent leadership and personnel skills, as well as his deep convenience retail experience and our mutual passion for the sector. I am confident David will put this to excellent use at Greens.”

WEDNESDAY 4TH MAY 2022 / ISSUE 103 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 21

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SYMBOL GROUPS

CENTRA

Celebrating choice

Research to mark the launch of the campaign shows an increase in awareness of the environment and sustainability.

C

onvenience retailer Centra, which has 481 stores in Ireland, has launched a new campaign that celebrates choices.

‘Choices Define Us’ encourages consumers to think about choice and to choose wisely every day.

Ray Kelly, Marketing Director at Centra, said: “This is a defining time in our lives where people are making more considered choices than ever. At Centra we take great care to understand what choices people are making and the impact that those choices will have on

how people live, work, and eat so we can continue to adapt and evolve our retail offers and experiences to meet the needs of communities across Ireland.”

To mark the launch of this campaign, Centra commissioned an in-depth study to provide a deeper understanding of the choices people are making in Ireland in this period of revaluation, forced by the pandemic.

The research points to an increase in awareness of the environment and sustainability; people are already making very conscious choices to minimise buying

products with excessive packaging. In addition, 87% claim to be much more mindful about what they buy, about composting, and about reducing food waste.

Professor Maureen Gaffney, leading psychologist and author, said: “This research shows that people are pondering on the value of what they are doing: ‘Am I making the right choices about how I live?’”

The Centra Choices campaign which goes live today (4 May) encompasses TV, audio, out-of-home, cinema, podcasts, PR, and social media.

WEDNESDAY 4TH MAY 2022 / ISSUE 103 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 23

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NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – PHILADELPHIA

PHILADELPHIA FINDS PLEASURE IN SIMPLICITY The brand’s new campaign will run across digital, social, video-on-demand channels, as well as in-store advertising.

Philadelphia has unveiled a new consumer campaign to help boost retailers’ sales.

The campaign is supported by a significant spend on out-of-home activations in high-traffic key

Within the cheese market, processed cheese

locations and at roadsides. It will also run across

is growing at 2.8%, and brands are playing a huge

digital, social, video-on-demand channels, as well

part in this. Cream cheese products such as Phil-

as in-store advertising, reaching 94% of UK adults

adelphia Light, which has the same great taste as

from now through to July.

Philadelphia Original enable consumers to make

Last year the brand announced a move to

quick, convenient, and great-tasting lunches. In

recyclable packaging for Philadelphia Snack and

fact, the brand’s ‘Better for You’ range of lower

Mini Tubs range, making the entire retail range

fat products is in growth of 4.3%, making these

of Philadelphia fully recyclable and labelled with

products a must-stock for retailers.

OPRL – the UK’s most-recognised recycling label,

The brand said: “The ‘Deliciously Simple’ campaign aims to make Philadelphia synonymous with simplicity, while keeping the importance of taste and the lunch occasion at its core.

to encourage consumers to dispose of packaging in the most responsible and sustainable way.

This focus on sustainability is part of the brand’s ‘Pack Light and Pack Right’ strategy, which sup-

“The high-impact campaign creatives will

ports its 2025 global goals to achieve 100%

encourage busy shoppers to make their lunchtimes

recyclable packaging and labelling with recycling

easy but delicious with Philadelphia.”

information.

26 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 103 / WEDNESDAY 4TH MAY 2022

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – KP SNACKS

KP SNACKS CONTINUES CRICKET PARTNERSHIP The company’s leading brands feature across the team shirts of eight men’s and women’s teams competing in The Hundred tournament.

KP Snacks has revealed the details of this year’s

KP Snacks is also bringing back its ‘Everyone

partnership with The Hundred, the 100 ball cricket

In’ online hub to offer families free and easy ways

competition. As the Official Team Partner of The

to get involved. The platform includes engaging

Hundred, KP Snacks’ leading brands – popchips,

content featuring cricketing stars, as well as no

Butterkist, Pom-Bear, Tyrrells, KP Nuts, Hula

purchase necessary opportunities for consum-

Hoops, McCoy’s and Skips – feature across the

ers to win bats and balls. The hub will also help

team shirts of eight men’s and women’s teams

families with how they can get involved in cricket

competing in the tournament.

by providing information on their local clubs and

KP Snacks has also launched a ‘Win and Get

national programmes.

Active’ on-pack promotion as part of its ‘Everyone

Kevin McNair, Marketing Director at KP Snacks,

In’ campaign. The promotion runs across Eat Now

said: “We’re delighted to be supporting our con-

formats for the eight brands, giving shoppers

sumers in getting active through our partnership

the chance to win thousands of bats and balls.

with The Hundred. Cricket is the perfect sport to

Shoppers will also have the chance to win sports

get families moving and sharing special moments

bundles, gift cards and tickets to The Hundred

this summer, and we’ve got plenty of activities

final via a series of promotions. In addition to this,

planned to continue driving interest in the sport.

the Hula Hoops, McCoy’s and Tyrrells ranges will

Over the course of our five-year partnership with

feature engaging cricket-themed designs to further

The Hundred, we aim to help thousands of families

promote the partnership.

across the UK get more active together.”

WEDNESDAY 4TH MAY 2022 / ISSUE 103 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 27

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – STRONGBOW

HEINEKEN UK LAUNCHES BIGGEST-EVER NATIONAL MARKETING CAMPAIGN The £12m campaign moves cider advertising out of the traditional heartland of orchards and the West Country.

Heineken UK has launched its biggest-ever

who are unwilling to compromise on great taste

marketing campaign to support Strongbow Ultra

for a lower calorie drink.

Dark Fruit’s roll out to grocery and convenience channels in March.

Heineken Cider Brand Director, Rachel Holms, said: “This is Strongbow’s latest innovation and we

Strongbow Ultra has been launched to grow

are being more daring and disruptive than ever

cider penetration from its current 45.4% level and

before to drive awareness and show that Strong-

flavoured from 30.9%. The 4% ABV fruity cider

bow Ultra Dark Fruit is worth the hype.

is sold in slimline 330ml cans at 95 calories and

There is a heavyweight nationwide out-of-

with natural berry flavourings. It is targeted at 18

home campaign, which features some iconic

to 40-year-old men.

takeovers of Oxford Circus Tube Station and

The ‘Drink the G.O.A.T.’ campaign centres around

Manchester Piccadilly. The campaign will

a purple goat, which casually nods along to garage

spread across television, social media, vid-

music, moving cider advertising out of the traditional

eo-on-demand and through a 500,000 mini can

heartland of orchards and the West Country.

sampling drive and will also see the famous

The marketing campaign launched with an Oxford Circus Tube Station takeover, dominated by the aforementioned purple goat.

Strongbow Yard at the Isle of White festival have an Ultra makeover.”

Holms continued: “With 59% of consumers

The campaign’s aim is to encourage people

looking for lighter choices when shopping and 60%

to discover a different way of drinking cider and

of Brits saying taste is the most important factor

is designed for a generation of drinkers who love

when buying a drink, there is a clear gap in the

the excitement of trying something new. Ultra is

market for a lower calorie, flavourful cider, which

perfectly positioned to target those consumers

Ultra fills as a market pioneer.”

28 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 103 / WEDNESDAY 4TH MAY 2022

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK

TASTY BITES

PANCAKE STACK

SAUCY CHANGE

Fridge Raiders is to launch a

Rustlers is expanding its break-

HP Sauce and Heinz Salad

vegetarian version of its Tasty

fast offering with the introduction

Cream are both to be temporarily

Bites. Made with fava beans,

of an All Day Breakfast Pancake

re-named this year, to celebrate

the meat-free Tasty Bites will ini-

Stack. The product features three

the Queen’s platinum jubilee. The

tially be available in Slow-roasted

buttermilk pancakes, served with

brands’ owner, Kraft Heinz, said

and Katsu variants in 45g and

a sachet of maple syrup-style

specially labelled “HM Sauce”

65g packs. They are in Sains-

sauce. The morning goods cat-

and “Heinz Salad Queen” packs

bury’s this week and available

egory is currently experiencing

will be available from 3 May while

to c-stores later in May.

11% year-on-year growth.

stocks last.

TRUFFLE TASTE

BERRY BLAST

COCKTAIL HOUR

Marmite is launching its most

WKD, SHS Drinks’ market-lead-

Funkin Cocktails has unveiled

“decadent and deluxe spread

ing RTD range, has launched a

new Peach on the Beach and

yet” – Marmite Truffle. The var-

limited-edition Berry Blast vari-

Long Island Iced Tea variants.

iant is packed with an umami

ant with the same 4.0% ABV as

Peach on the Beach is available

flavour and aroma, along with

the brand’s regular RTDs. It rolls

in a 200ml nitro can (ABV 5%,

the iconic Marmite taste. Jars

out in both 700ml (standard and

RSP £2) and in a 700ml bottle

RSP at £4.50 and are available

£3.39 price-marked packs) and

(ABV 10%, RSP £9). Long Island

exclusively in Sainsburys now,

275ml glass bottles (for inclusion

Iced Tea rolls out in a classic

with a nationwide roll-out in June.

in WKD mixed 10-packs).

250ml can (ABV 5%, RSP £2).

WEDNESDAY 4TH MAY 2022 / ISSUE 103 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 29

NOW THAT’S A

OUT TH

Tesco sh

The supermarket giant is trialling 100% solar-powered refrigerated un

WHAT’S THE STORY? Tesco has fitted a 13.6m refrigerated trailer with 12 lightweight solar panels and lithium batteries.

WHAT’S THE POINT? The move, which will help to power the unit with clean energy, should help to slash the HGV’s overall diesel usage by around 2,000 litres a year. It should also save around five tonnes of carbon annually.

WHO’S TECH IS THIS? The 100% solar powered trailers have been fitted with the Titan system from Marshall Fleet Solutions (MFS).

30 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 103 / WEDNESDAY 4TH MAY 2022

Available exclusively from Marshall, the Titan system’s design is capable of providing 100% free power to all makes of on-board refrigeration units and tail lifts on all vehicles sizes from vans, small trucks, to heavy commercial vehicles – both single- and multi-temperature.

It is available for new vehicles, and is also suitable for retrofitting to existing wagons.

MFS Managing Director, Mark Howell, commented: “With a significant trailer fleet, the successful use of solar powered refrigerated trailers within the Tesco distribution operation cannot be underestimated, in terms of its significantly positive environmental impact.”

WHAT IS TESCO SAYING ABOUT IT? Tesco’s Fleet Engineering Manager, Cliff Smith, said: “We’ve got 4,200 trailers in our distribution fleet transporting fresh goods.

“Around 3,000 of those are refrigerated and, with a goal to bring carbon emissions to net zero by 2035 and the imminent removal of red diesel entitlements, we’ve had to look at the way our food gets to stores and customers.

“As a business we have looked at various options and through our long-standing relationship with Marshall Fleet Solutions we decided to trial the use of the Titan system on our fleet.

A GOOD IDEA…

HE BOX A new feature from Farmstead reminds you what’s in your refrigerator to reduce food waste.

hines on

nits on the road as part of its long-term commitment to sustainability.

“So far we are finding that there is no detriment to operational performance, 100% saving on diesel costs and a good ROI.”

THEN WHAT? The first trailer is based at Tesco’s Peterborough Distribution Centre, with three more planned for the site later this year.

WHAT ELSE IS TESCO DOING TO REDUCE CARBON EMISSIONS?

Earlier this year Tesco also launched the UK’s first commercial fully electric articulated HGVs in partnership with international freight forwarding company FSEW. Since January 2022, two electric heavy freight articulated trucks have been transporting products emissions-free from Wentloog rail terminal outside Cardiff, to Tesco’s distribution centre in Magor, Wales.

The first two lorries are expected to replace around 65,000 diesel-fuelled

road miles with clean green energy, removing 87.4 tonnes of CO2e per year.

To power the new service FSEW has installed charging points at its site in South Wales that provide enough energy to power these large vehicles for 100 miles before needing to charge again.

WHAT IS THE LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY GOAL? Tesco has a net-zero target for operational emissions by 2035 in the UK and other markets.

POWER UP YOUR SALES

HIGH CAFFEINE ENERGY DRINK WITH THE INDESC

RIBABLE TASTE OF IRN-BRU

FROM THE N0.1 SCOTTISH GROCERY BRAND *

*Source: Kantar World Panel, Value Sales, Take Home Non-Alcohol Brands, MAT to 06.09.21, Total Scotland

WEDNESDAY 4TH MAY 2022 / ISSUE 103 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 31

Let’s create a great recycling experience.

The deposit return scheme (DRS) is coming to Scotland.

Make it easy with TOMRA.

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BEFORE YOU GO

RETAIL RANDOMS

MIND THE GAP

Stress, it has been said, is the gap between expectation and reality.

It follows therefore that the person tasked with rustling up a sample batch of Asda Sloth Biscuits for the supermarket’s corporate website must have been stressed right out of their box making them.

CRUNCH TIME

Available in Asda’s home baking aisle, “these super cute cookies are perfect for family baking in the kitchen, or simply for an adorable treat”.

Adorable is not the word The Week In Retail would use to describe the hapless baker’s attempts. Stoned-looking, perhaps. Creepy, definitely.

The Board of Kellogg’s must be pretty stressed out too, what with the company’s laughable lawyering-up over the UK Government’s forthcoming HFSS legislation.

The Week In Retail almost spat out its Crunchy Nut when it heard the breakfast cereal giant had launched a legal challenge against new rules that will stop some of its products being prominently displayed in stores.

Kellogg’s says the legislation doesn’t take into account the nutritional value of the milk that most people pour on their cereal.

Its logic is that added milk reduces the proportion of salt

Asda clearly has a bit of thing for anthropomorphism at the moment, so it’s a shame it’s not very good at it.

The biscuits follow a a so-called Easter Bunny Pizza, which appears to have been designed by someone with, shall we say, more than a passing interest in abstract expressionism.

and sugar in an overall serving, compared to the dry product.

The Week In Retail’s logic is that a 50g bowl of Frosties contains 18.5g of sugar. That’s more than four teaspoons. Pour some milk on it and it still contains 18.5g of sugar. Plus any sugar that’s in the milk.

Does anyone consider a doner kebab healthy because it comes with a sweaty bag of salad?

Sorry to have to pee in your cornflakes Kellogg’s, but maybe you should call off the lawyers and think of a plan B? Making the products in question healthier would be a start.

WEDNESDAY 4TH MAY 2022 / ISSUE 103 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 33

01.09.2022

Live music EVENT A musical celebration for grocery and convenience colleagues

TICKETS £

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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