The Week in Retail 114

RETAIL THE WEEK IN

HOME DELIVERY

DELIVERY BATTLE HOTS UP

RETAIL CRIME

FAKE VAPES

ELFBAR STOPS A MILLION COUNTERFEIT VAPES

JISP HOOKS UP WITH PAYZONE

● Southern Co-op

expands ESELs roll out

● Kidderminster Nisa sees sales soar

BUSINESS

TREATS TAKE A HIT

● Camelot hails London

retailer

SHOPPERS BUYING LESS TREATS TO CUT SPENDING

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Issue 114 Wednesday 20th July 2022

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

EDITOR’S COMMENT

Hot, hot, hot Everyone might be bored of hearing about the weather, but I’m British, it’s in my genes.

As the UK broke temperature records this week consumers surged to their local stores looking for refreshment. Sadly, not me though, I continued to write by my fan as London burnt around me.

Sharlie Patel from Nash’s Premier Jaywick, in Clacton-on-Sea in Essex, is located just a three-minute walk from the beach. He told The Week in Retail that the store has been manic with a constant stream of customers coming in for soft drinks, slush products, ice creams, and chilled multi-packs of beers.

The store’s dedicated Beer Cave is also proving very popular, it’s chilled down to 6 degrees, and provides a wonderful place to cool off. It sounds like heaven to me. In addition, the store’s new Refresh drinks-to-go zone was a massive hit, selling more than 100 cups of Tango Ice Blast on the UK’s hottest ever day.

However, Sharlie said the high footfall and rate of sale meant that his staff had to work harder than ever to keep the store and self-serve Refresh zone clean and topped up. His staff were cleaning the machines every 15 minutes and topping up the slush after every fourth drink sold to keep the quality perfect.

PK Klair of Glenside Premier in Surfleet, Lincolnshire, also told The Week in Retail that his store has experienced a massive increase in footfall.

He said ice cream sales were great, both from the freezer and in-store Fwip machine. Also, soft drinks, especially plain bottled water and flavoured variants have also seen an increase in sales. He’s also sold more multi-packs of beer as shoppers planned get-togethers with family and friends in the warm evenings.

Meanwhile, data from PayPoint’s network of 28,000 convenience stores shows a 242% increase in ice cream and ice lolly sales overall, with Iced Snappers the top freezer pick.

The data shows that sales of ice creams and ice lollies increased most sharply in West Lothian in Scotland, where there was a 507% spike in sales over a typical Monday. This was followed by Merseyside (391%), Midlothian (382%), Lanarkshire (381%) and Angus (346%). Sales in London, where Heathrow Airport recorded the UK’s highest ever temperature on Tuesday afternoon, rose by 161%.

The good news is the rest of the week look’s like it’s going to be pretty hot too, so hopefully, footfall and sales will stay strong.

LIZ WELLS, DEPUTY EDITOR

WEDNESDAY 20TH JULY 2022/ ISSUE 114/ SLRMAG.CO.UK I 3

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CONTENTS

WEDNESDAY 20 JULY 2022 / ISSUE 114

6

10

17

THIS WEEK’S NEWS

COVER STORY

IN-STORE TECH

Inflation hits a 40-year high, Smiths hikes carriage charge, convenience to return to growth and ACS calls for caution on future wage rates.

The home delivery and click and collect battle continues to grow in intensity as the major players form new alliances.

Southern Co-op is rolling out digital shelf edge labels across all of its stores generating a saving of £220k a year for the business.

9

Covid-19 update

buying a wider range of brands than before

Over-50s eligible for Covid jab this autumn.

the pandemic, says NielsenIQ data.

12 NFRN e-bike deal

19 Treats take a hit

annual grocery bills, says the latest Kantar data.

25 Harrow hero hailed

NFRN members offered a £300 discount

Around 42% of shoppers are buying fewer

A Harrow retailer has been praised by

on a new Eskuta e-bike.

treats as they watch their spend,

the National Lottery for raising more than

13 Fake vape crackdown ELFBAR helps intercept more than a million counterfeit disposable vape bars.

15 Kidderminster refit success Sales soar by 55% after refit.

16 Chelmsford facelift Long-standing Nisa retailer gives his store a serious going over.

18 Bigger brand repertoire Some 60% of shoppers say they are

says TWC. 21 Ah, the smell of it...

Millennials and Gen Zs drawn to in-store bakeries ‘by the aroma’.

22 Income gap ‘widening’

£1/2m for good causes.

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

36 Out the box: Dementia app

The gap in salaries between low and

A new app promises to help shoppers with

high earners is growing, according

dementia manage their spend.

to new EY data.

23 Grocery bills ‘up £434’ Consumers are facing a huge increase in

39 Before you go...

An unusual delivery at a 7-Eleven and a retailer embraces his inner Banksy.

WEDNESDAY 20TH JULY 2022/ ISSUE 114/ SLRMAG.CO.UK I 5

NEWS DIGEST

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

WAITROSE PARTNERS WITH DOBBIES Dobbies is partnering with Waitrose to introduce a food

ECONOMY

Inflation soars to 40-year high

ONS data shows food prices increased 1.2% month-on-month in June, following similar increases in April and May.

offering at 50 of its garden centres by the end of 2023. The grocer will have a dedicated area offering 2,000 products with an initial launch in Edinburgh this month, followed

by Atherstone in Warwickshire, and Brighton in August.

NISA SEASONAL SAVINGS Nisa retailers are introducing new promotions spanning several in-demand categories. Retailers are offering savings on branded lines, such as Pringles, Magnum, Haagen-Daz, Fanta and Fruit Shoot, as well

Prices rose by 9.4% in June, up from 9.1% in May, according to new data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The data shows food prices increased 1.2% month-on-month in June, following similar increases in April and May. Food and non-alcoholic drink prices have risen by 9.8% in the year to June 2022 – the highest rate since March 2009.

The ONS said the largest price increases came from essentials such as milk, cheese and eggs, but big rises were also seen for vegetables, meat and other food products, such as ready meals.

In addition, the data reveals that the cost of motor fuels jumped by 42.3% in the 12 months to June.

Grant Fitzner, Chief Economist at the ONS, said: “Annual inflation again rose to stand at its highest rate for over 40 years. The increase was driven by rising fuel and food prices, these were only slightly offset by falling second-hand car prices.”

The Bank of England has predicted that inflation will spike at more than 11% in October, coinciding with Ofcom’s next review of the energy price cap.

as Co-op own brand. The promotion will be available in stores until 9 August.

M&S BINS BEST BEFORE DATES Marks & Spencer is set to remove best before dates from more than 300 of its fresh fruit and vegetable lines in a bid to reduce food waste. The change, which came into effect this week, covers 85% of the retailer’s fresh produce lines.

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Smiths News increases carriage charge Smiths News is to increase its carriage charge by 2.9% from 28 August in the face of soaring inflation.

As a result of the increase, a significant number of retailers will find themselves paying more than £63 per week for their news and magazines to be delivered.

The move

follows similar increases in carriage charges by Menzies Distribution and News UK earlier in the year. Menzies customers saw their carriage charges rise by 3.5%, while News UK Direct to Retail announced a 3% increase.

NFRN National President, Jason Birks, said: “Sadly, our members will have no option but to pass on these costs to their home delivery customers, which in turn could put this service at risk.”

NEWS DIGEST

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

MARKET REPORT

Convenience to ‘return to growth’

Lumina Intelligence forecasts that forecourts, symbol groups, and unaffiliated independents are all also expected to see growth.

CAMELOT GRANTED RIGHT TO APPEAL Camelot Group and International Game Technology (IGT) have been given

The UK convenience market is forecast to reach a value of £45.2bn in 2022, up 3.2% on 2021, new research from Lumina reveals. This follows a small decline in 2021 of 0.8%, as market growth slowed as a result of hospitality reopening and coronavirus restrictions easing.

The Lumina Intelligence UK Convenience Market Report 2022 shows the market is also expected to see positive, albeit modest, outlet growth at 0.6%, with a post-pandemic property boom creating greater prospects for operators to expand.

Co-operatives and convenience multiples are expected to grow turnover by 5.6% and 3.8% in 2022, respectively.

This growth will be underpinned by investment in store refits and physical expansion, as well as developments in

permission by the High Court to appeal the decision to award the fourth UK National Lottery licence to Allwyn Entertainment.

The appeal hearing is likely to take place in the week of 12 September.

delivery services. Forecourts (+1.6%), symbol groups (+2.9%) and unaffiliated independents (+1.7%) are all also expected to see growth.

The data shows that the percentage of UK adults that have had a convenience occasion stabilised at 64% in May 2022, with basket spend and basket size down 10.5% to £7.18 and 15.6% to 2.7 items year-on-year, respectively.

AMAZON MATCHES TESCO Amazon’s grocery arm is to take on Tesco with a new price match promise. The initiative will match and freeze hundreds of everyday groceries prices in line with discounts offered by the supermarket giant.

Amazon Fresh will start its Tesco Clubcard Price Match campaign

ACS calls for caution on future wage rates The ACS has called for a cautious approach to future National Living Wage rates and consideration of the significant challenges currently facing employers.

During an evidence session to the Low Pay Commission, ACS chief executive James Lowman, said: “It is vital that the government seeks to

set wage rates which avoid negative impacts on businesses and support the good quality employment available in our sector.

“We are urging the Low Pay Commission to take the current economic situation into context when setting future wage rates, looking at the significant disruption that businesses and consumers are experiencing as a result of the cost of living and cost of trading crisis.”

on Monday.

CO-OP ROBOTS Co-op has expanded its robot delivery service to Wellingborough, Higham Ferrers, and Rushden in Northamptonshire. The move will enable up to 45,000 residents to have their groceries delivered from four Co-op stores in as little as one hour.

WEDNESDAY 20TH JULY 2022/ ISSUE 114/ SLRMAG.CO.UK I 7

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NEWS SPECIAL

COVID-19 UPDATE

UNITED WHOLESALE SCOTLAND TEAMS UP WITH GOPHR

Over-50s eligible for booster and flu jab this autumn

United Wholesale Scotland’s delivery app Yuu has rolled out a new on-demand

Move follows recommendation from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

delivery service with Gophr in Glasgow.

T

Yuu is now working with Gophr to delivery items from over 70 convenience stores across Glasgow, with plans to roll the service out across Scotland by the end of 2022.

The partnership will offer a seven-day a week service, between 8am and 9pm, with users being able to track the progress of their delivery in real time.

colder seasons with people socialising inside, so the risk of getting COVID-19 is higher,” he said.

“It is absolutely vital the most vulnerable groups receive a booster vaccine to strengthen their immunity against serious disease over winter to protect themselves and reduce pressure on the NHS.” According to latest ONS figures, Covid-19 infections continued to increase in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland in the past week.

One in 17 people had Covid-19 across the UK in the week to 6 July 2022.

TECH SOLUTIONS

he government has accepted the independent advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JVCI) to offer the Covid-19 booster to people aged 50 and over.

The move also benefits residents and staff in care homes for older adults, frontline health and social care workers, unpaid carers, individuals aged five to 49 in clinical risk groups and household contacts of those who are immunosuppressed.

The Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay also announced that those aged 50 and over will also be eligible for a free flu vaccination this year, along with primary and secondary school children, as well as those in clinical risk groups, unpaid carers and household contacts of those who are immunosuppressed.

“Viruses spread more easily in the

Yuu Managing Director Chris Gallacher said: “We asked some of our retailers why they weren’t getting on the crest of the wave by moving into home delivery.

The biggest barriers were having to invest in their own delivery vehicle, getting a driver who is reliable and a platform that reflects the range we have in-store.”

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C OV E R

HOME DELIVERY /

Jisp hooks up with Payzone as home delivery battle hots up Jisp and Payzone are joining forces to offer integrated home delivery, click and collect, Scan and Save and loyalty services via the Payzone Plus device.

Antony Begley reports

J

isp and Payzone have joined forces to allow retailers to offer integrated home delivery, click and collect, Scan and Save and store specific loyalty services, in addition to accessing brand rewards and content.

Through the partnership, Jisp and Payzone will be offering thousands of retailers the integrated opportunity to use Jisp’s ‘Scan & Save’ solution, via the Payzone Plus device, helping them drive footfall, sales and increase loyalty locally at no additional costs to them.

Payzone retailers with Jisp will be able to build store loyalty every time shoppers use Scan & Save and redeem products.

Jisp will promote leading promotions in-app and online to drive shoppers to their local Scan & Save store. In addition, Jisp will provide exclusive 24hr deals and reward shoppers for referring friends and family to help them save money and increase loyalty.

In addition, Jisp Media and Payzone will raise cash for industry charity GroceryAid through its collaboration with FMCG brand partners by donating money every time a customer interacts with Jisp’s Scan & Save service in-store.

More information can be found at https://business.jisp.com/ scan-save-payzone

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HOME DELIVERY HUB Kilmarnock Best-One retailer Imran Akhtar is creating a new hub store in Hurlford focused solely on home delivery after hitting £1m in sales through Snappy Shopper.

Imran started offering the app to his customers in January last year and sales via the platform have since soared, and as a result he started to offer Snappy Shopper to customers at his second store, Premier Cairnhill.

The new retail hub will enable Imran to meet surging customer demand for online ordering, as more and more of his customers opt for the convenience of home delivery. He is investing £40k in the new store and predicts the move will result in 25% incremental growth.

The store is processing on average 730 online transactions per week and is increasing customer loyalty with 90% repeat customers ordering through Snappy Shopper.

Imran said: “The new hub will allow me to provide 100% availability to my customers on the platform with a dedicated delivery fleet and staff packing the orders. Joining Snappy Shopper has future-proofed my business, so my store can reach a whole new customer base who shop online”.

Dael Links, Head of B2B Marketing at Snappy Shopper, added: “Imran is a great example of a retailer who has embraced the opportunity of home delivery, offering an outstanding service and growing his business in the process. This new store is a testament to his continued success on the Snappy Shopper platform.”

DAEL LINKS

WISH LIST Collect+, part of the PayPoint Group, and global e-commerce marketplace Wish, have signed a partnership that will allow consumers to click and collect parcels from Collect+ retailers.

R S T O RY

CLICK & COLLECT

With millions of buyers and hundreds of thousands of merchants using the Wish marketplace, this partnership provides further convenience for online shoppers, who can now rely on parcels being delivered to a nearby safe and secure location whenever they are out of home. It also provides more opportunities for independent retailers to take advantage of increased footfall and opportunities to earn via their own partnership with Collect+.

The service will initially be rolled out to select stores across the UK and comes at a time when the e-commerce sector has been booming, following a sustained shift in online consumer purchasing habits over the past two years.

Michael Gnaedinger, Europe Director of Logistics at Wish, said: “We are thrilled to enter into this strategic partnership with PayPoint as it more than doubles the number of available pickup locations for our customers in the UK.”

IMRAN AKHTAR

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DELIVERIES

E-BIKES

NFRN gets on its e-bike

NFRN members are being offered the chance to electrify their delivery service with a £300 saving on an e-bike.

T

he NFRN is partnering with e-mobility brand Eskuta to offer its members the opportunity to electrify their delivery service with a £300 saving on SX-250 e-bikes.

The deal is aimed at convenience store owners who are looking to start or expand their current grocery delivery service while reducing their fuel costs and carbon footprint. The offer will mean members of the NFRN will be able to purchase one of Eskuta’s electric delivery bikes for £1,350 plus VAT compared to the RRP of £1,662 plus VAT. T he bi ke is bu i lt us i ng

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motorcycle-grade components, giving it a robustness perfect for delivery, yet it is legally classified as an Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle, meaning it is subject to the same laws as a regular pedal cycle and can be ridden anywhere a regular pedal cycle is permitted to.

The EAPC status also means it does not require any tax, licence or insurance to ride, so the bike can be ridden by anyone over the age of 16.

A custom branding option can also be applied to the bike and delivery box.

Eskuta Managing Director, Ian O’Connor, said: “Our aim is to empower

store owners to take control of their own delivery service and not rely on costly third-party companies.

“This means retailers retain their profit margins, which means they can scale their delivery service, and maximise their store’s exposure through the branding of the bikes in their local area.”

National deputy vice-president Mo Razzaq, who has bought one of the bikes, said: “The SX-250 e-bike is really good.

It’s quicker on deliveries because you don’t have to find a parking space and you can take shortcuts. It saves around 40% in time on deliveries.”

R E TA I L C R I M E

FAKE VAPES

ELFBAR stops over a million counterfeit disposable vapes The brand has been working closely with Chinese authorities to close down more than 20 counterfeit factories and fake websites.

D

isposable vape brand ELFBAR has intercepted more than a million fake vapes bearing its product names.

The company has been working closely with Chinese authorities to close down more than 20 counterfeit factories, which were found to have collectively produced over a million counterfeits.

Victor Xiao, Chief Executive of ELFBAR, said: “We are working actively with the authorities in China in cracking down counterfeits of our products and have made good progress. ELFBAR, as a socially responsible brand, will continue the efforts to defeat counterfeits and protect the health of our customers.”

The counterfeiters have also created fake websites that look identical to the official ELFBAR website. Domain names created by the fraudsters include Elfdar. com, Elfbar-tech.com, Elfba.com, Elfbar. link, and Elfbar-teoh.com.

Xiao added: “Whilst we are locating spoof sites and taking them down, we caution our customers that the fraudsters may continue to set up new domains. “We have a zero tolerance to counterfeits as they impact on our reputation, and more importantly bring major health hazards to the vapers and those transitioning from conventional cigarettes to vapes due to their lack of quality control. The counterfeit products

do not meet our quality standards, which comply with robust regulatory requirements as set out in the Tobacco Products Directive and The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations.”

The company is asking retailers to be alert to the issue and has started to provide distributors with visual information on how to spot fakes.

Said Xiao: “For retailers and consumers, we suggest that they verify products by scanning the QR code on the package and ensure it takes them to the official ELFBAR.com domain for verification. If you suspect the product you bought is fake, please drop us a note at legal@elfbar.com, and we will take appropriate action.”

WEDNESDAY 20TH JULY 2022/ ISSUE 114/ SLRMAG.CO.UK I 13

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

NISA

Kidderminster retailer sales up 55% after development Store owner Jordha Sanghera worked with Nisa’s store development team to design a significantly improved shop.

B

ells of Habberley in Kidderminster, a dual-branded Nisa Local fascia store, has seen sales rocket by 55% year-on-year after investing in a major development programme.

The original store was moved to larger premises further down the same parade of shops, which has been in the Bells estate for more than 15 years. It offers increased selling space and storage, enabling the retailers to introduce a host of new products to their range.

Store owner Jordha Sanghera worked with Nisa’s store development team to design a “significantly-improved” store.

He said: “Before we opened the new store, we carried out market research

to find out what our customers truly wanted and needed. Once we had established the fundamentals, we focused our efforts on amplifying the product offering by diversifying the range from the brands found in local multiples.

“We also wanted to ensure that our brand’s ethos of being customer-centric was communicated as a part of the

re-launch which we did with help from our strapline, ‘trusted community grocers’.”

New hot food counters, which offer a choice of lunchtime food such as pasties, sausage rolls, and potato wedges, are well used by students and other shoppers on the go.

In addition, the growing relevance of fresh food and chilled products has been recognised with chiller space more than doubling from seven metres to 16 metres. Sanghera added: “We’ve gone from strength to strength and as well as exceeding shopper expectation, after our first year of trading we saw the strongest sales since we opened our business more than 15 years ago. I’m really proud.”

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S TO R E R E F I T S

NISA

Essex Nisa gets facelift The mini refit of the Nisa Local in Chelmsford was carried out over a two-week period with support from The Jordon Group and Impact Signs.

L

ong-standing Nisa retailer Paul Cornell has given his store in Chelmsford, Essex, a facelift.

Cornell has upgraded his Nisa Local in Sandford Road to the latest Evolution fascia and updated the interior of the store with the installation of new retail and separate Post Office counters, new flooring, and updated woodwork.

The mini refit in the 2,000sq ft store, completed with support from The Jordon Group and Impact Signs, was carried out over a two-week period and

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has rejuvenated the store Cornell has operated for the past decade.

He said: “For me, making an investment in my store is less about making more money in sales, and more about me showing the community that we care about the shop and want to look after it for our customers. There are lots of things we can do but it all goes some way to helping retain our shoppers.”

The new fascia has replaced the previous white and blue Nisa signage and the imagery in the windows has also

been replaced with more contemporary designs.

The old cream floor tiles have been replaced with new grey ones, giving a fresh and clean look to accompany refreshed internal signage and POS. “The things we have done are quite simple, but really effective and it keeps customers interested. I find if we spend a little on the store, every few years with small refreshes, it keeps the store in good condition and we stay fresh and up to date,” added Cornell.

R E TA I L T E C H N O L O G Y

SOUTHERN CO-OP

Southern Co-op to roll out electronic shelf edge labels

The retailer estimates the technology will save it around £220,000 each year in paper and consumable costs

S

outhern Co-op is to roll out electronic shelf edge labels to all of its stores following a successful trial.

The regional, independent co-operative started trialling two different types of electronic shelf edge labels (ESELs) in December 2020 before gradually widening the trial to a total of 15 stores over the past 12 months.

Taking into account the demand, the accuracy and the positive feedback, Southern Co-op has agreed to invest further into the technology with a rollout to all of its stores towards the end of 2022 and throughout 2023.

Adam Skiller, Store Manager of The Southern Co-op’s Stockbridge Road store in Chichester, which has had the

ESELs for 19 months, said: “We are lucky really that the business is investing, looking forward and exploring how to make tasks easier in the store. We used to get through around 40 packs of paper for shelf edge labels a year so that is a huge saving in paper and financially.

“Overall, we really benefit and all the colleagues love it. Replacing all the paper labels – the job always fell to the same people and it is incredibly monotonous. So it does help with morale and it looks clean, tidy, and organised.”

It is estimated that around £220,000 will be saved each year in paper and consumable costs such as printing.

The technology is manufactured by SoluM, a Samsung-invested company,

and is run in partnership with Cambridge-based technology integrator Herbert Retail. The installation programme was delivered in partnership Scotmid Co-op, which is hoping to complete its ESEL installation programme to all of its stores later this year.

Mark Barnett, Southern Co-op’s Retail Transformation Project Lead, said: “It’s a big investment but it’s worth it as our stores will have increased efficiency, assured pricing and product information, reduced paper wastage, and an enhanced store team morale It means promotions can change over as soon as a store opens its doors. Plus the larger electronic labels can display legal information such as allergens.”

WEDNESDAY 20TH JULY 2022/ ISSUE 114/ SLRMAG.CO.UK I 17

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

BRANDS

Consumers varying brands more than before pandemic

Research shows almost 60% of UK consumers feel that if they look hard enough, they can find a brand that fits their exact needs.

A

lmost half of UK consumers (46%) say they’re buying a greater variety of brands than they were before COVID-19, new data from NielsenIQ shows.

The research shows consumers are also largely in search of their perfect brand match, with 58% of UK respondents feeling that if they look hard enough, they can find a brand that fits

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their exact needs.

The analysis also highlighted:

than big brands. ● 58% think that small brands are

● 50% of UK consumers prefer to

usually more expensive, but con-

buy locally made products from

sumers are prepared to pay a bit

small businesses in their area.

more – this is higher than the

● 48% try to support small brands where possible, but are finding it harder to find them on the shelf. ● 51% feel that small brands are more authentic and trustworthy

global average (47%).

Lauren Fernandes, Global Director of Thought Leadership, said: “Despite being largely ‘unfamiliar’ by respondents in terms of notoriety, small and medium brands have a great opportunity in today’s changed consumer landscape. Our data shows that price pressures and the ongoing pandemic have changed consumer needs, and their relative expectations of brands of different sizes.”

Among the list of reasons to buy a brand, good value for money (92%) availability (87%) and product quality (85%) are of utmost importance when making their purchasing decisions. As prices continue to rise across categories, affordability is a top reason backing this trend in functional buying.

Fernandes added: “Today’s macroeconomic environment has created a perfect storm for small and medium-sized businesses to connect with consumers.

“But that same storm could shadow smaller brands before than can scale.

The key will be finding the right levers, based on the right consumer data, to innovate in meaningful ways.”

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

CONSUMER TRENDS

Treats take a hit as shoppers tighten their belts TWC data reveals that convenience stores are holding up well, with over half of consumers saying their usage of the channel has stayed the same.

M

ore than 42% of consumers are buying fewer treats in a bid to reduce their spending, new research from digital and data experts TWC has revealed.

The TWC Trends research reveals that trading down by buying cheaper groceries was next, with 40% agreement; followed by reducing other retail spending such as clothes and homewares (39%); and fewer days or evenings out (31%).

Just under a third of consumers (29%) said they were opting to shop for groceries in cheaper stores, which

aligns to a similar proportion saying they are shopping in the discounters more than they were six months ago.

The research shows that convenience stores are holding up well, with more than half of consumers saying their usage of the channel has stayed the same. While 15% say they are using c-stores less than six months ago, this is balanced out by a similar proportion who claim to be using them more.

Sarah Coleman, Communications Director at TWC, said: “It is really reassuring to see that convenience stores are continuing to prosper despite the current

pressure on prices and household budgets. Beneath the surface we are seeing an interesting trend with consumers in London more likely to be increasing their use of convenience stores– reinforcing the role smaller stores play in cities as well as rural communities.”

“We are also seeing younger consumers and those with children are more likely to be increasing their use of c-stores. Given that we know that these consumers are more likely to be under financial pressure, convenience stores need to ensure that they offer value to retain these customers.

WEDNESDAY 20TH JULY 2022/ ISSUE 114/ SLRMAG.CO.UK I 19

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Scottish Grocers’ Federation

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

BAKERY

Millennials drawn to in-store bakeries by ‘the aroma’ Research shows the choice of purchasing a Danish pastry is more than taste- quality is key.

M

ore than 40% of under 45s are picking-up Danish pastries on a weekly basis, according to new research from Lantmännen Unibake UK’s Schulstad Bakery Solutions brand. The research shows that the appetite for danish pastries among younger audiences is there, with 50% of Millennials and Gen Zs also open to shopping the category.

The data shows that 60% of under 45s claim freshly baked items are the biggest incentive to purchase.

When consumers were asked what they like best about a Danish pastry, its 24 layers of crisp, flaky pastry came out on top (48%). This suggests that

for Millennials and Gen Zs, the choice of purchasing a Danish pastry is about more than taste alone; quality is key.

In addition, 56% of Millennials and Gen Zs confirm that a hot or cold drink and a Danish pastry pairing would increase their desire to purchase.

The research also highlighted that 29% of consumers are likely to make a purchase more frequently with price promotions. The study also shows that consumers are split almost equally when asked whether smaller (34%) or larger (28%) sizes would help convince them to make a purchase.

Likewise, they were split over whether multipack (28%) or individual

pastry (31%) options were their preference. The research shows that by far the most popular format is the Danish Pastry Swirl, with 54% of consumer choosing this as their preferred option.

Meanwhile, 32% of consumers enjoy cinnamon, and 27% prefer maple flavours.

The study also shows that there is an opportunity for retailers to customise these products with additional toppings.

Consumers were drawn to products with dark, milk or white chocolate (50%) while customising with additional nuts, chocolate pieces or sweets help create the ultimate Danish Pastry for a further 40% of consumers.

WEDNESDAY 20TH JULY 2022/ ISSUE 114/ SLRMAG.CO.UK I 21

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY

Gap between higher and lower income consumers widening Research by EY shows consumers across all income groups are making more economical and sustainable choices.

I

nflationary pressures and economic uncertainty are widening the gap between low and middle-income consumers and high-income consumers, according to the latest EY UK Future Consumer Index.

The 10th edition of the survey of more than 1,000 UK consumers found that 37% of low and middle-income consumers are only purchasing the essentials, compared to 26% in the last

22 I SLRMAG.CO.UK/ ISSUE 114/ WEDNESDAY 20TH JULY 2022

survey in February 2022.

A third of these consumers (32%) are now switching brands to try cheaper alternatives, up from 26% in February.

Affordability has also risen in importance since February 2022, with 27% of all consumers now adopting an ‘affordability first’ mindset, an increase of 8%.

The EY research also found significant levels of pessimism among low-income consumers, with 46% saying that

they feel financially worse off compared to February this year.

In addition, 44% expect their financial situation to be worse in 12 months, while only 39% feel in control of their lives.

A significant minority of middle-income consumers are also bracing themselves for tough times with 33% expecting their financial situation to be worse in 12 months.

Conversely, just 15% of high-income consumers expect to be financially worse off in the next 12 months with 61% of this income bracket saying they are excited about spending money on things that will improve their lifestyle.

Silvia Rindone, EY UK&I Retail Lead, said: “Our research reveals that instead of consumer behaviour staying relatively consistent, we are seeing consumers drifting towards two extremes.

At one end are cash-strapped consumers who are watching every penny, at the other are those who are willing to spend and want retailers and brands to excite and entice them to do so.”

Across all income groups, consumers are making more economical and sustainable choices. Of those surveyed, 90% said they are trying not to waste food and 55% are paying more attention to the environmental impact of what they purchase.

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

GROCERY PRICES

Consumers facing £454 increase in grocery bills

Consumers are now facing a huge increase in their annual grocery bills, according to new data from Kantar.

S

upermarket sales rose by 0.1% in the 12 weeks to 10 July 2022, the first time the market has registered growth since April 2021, new figures from Kantar reveal. The research shows supply chain issues have driven costs up across the industry and like-for-like grocery price inflation now stands at 9.9% over the past four weeks.

The data shows grocery prices continue to soar to near record-breaking heights and have jumped by another 1.6 percentage points since last month. This is the second highest level of grocery inflation since Kantar started tracking prices in this way in 2008. With grocery

price inflation at almost 10%, people are now facing a £454 increase to their annual grocery bills.

Fraser McKevitt, Head of Retail and Consumer Insight, Worldpanel Division, said: “All this means that people will be feeling the pinch during our first restriction-free summer since 2019.

Taking a barbecue as an example, buying burgers, halloumi and coleslaw for some al fresco dining would cost you 13%, 17% and 14% more than it would have this time last year.

“Buying enough for a typical family barbecue, shoppers will have to put aside £9.94 rather than the £9.01 they

spent last year.”Supermarkets’ own lines are growing by 4.1% this period, according to the data, while sales of branded items have fallen by 2.4%.

McKevitt added: “It’s a complex picture and the grocers are busy negotiating with their suppliers to mitigate impact at the tills as far as possible. We’ve seen this play out in the headlines in recent weeks, with some well-known brands temporarily disappearing from supermarket shelves over pricing disputes.”

In addition, the research reveals that over the past four weeks, sales of ice cream and suncare products have soared by 14% and 66%.

WEDNESDAY 20TH JULY 2022/ ISSUE 114/ SLRMAG.CO.UK I 23

THE NATIONAL LOTTERY RETAILER REWARDS PROGRAMME

Enter SITE STOCK SELL ONLINE via the TNL Retailer Hub for a chance to be entered into the quarterly draw for £10k*

PLUS…ENTER EACH MONTH AND EARN £10!

Upload photos of your lottery standards in store via the TNL Retailer Hub

Score 8,9 or 10 *Score 8, 9 or 10 to be entered automatically. Eligible retailers only. Ts&Cs apply.

COMMUNITY

NATIONAL LOTTERY

London retailer wins National Lottery recognition

Retailer Dipak Gokani and his customers received a special plaque for raising more than £500,000 for good causes.

H

arrow East retailer Dipak Gokani, the proprietor of Weald News, and his customers have been recognised for raising more than £500,000 for good causes through selling National Lottery products.

Gokani was awarded a National Lottery Good Causes plaque by Bob Blackman MP at a presentation at the store, with local Camelot Retail Sales Team representatives also in attendance.

Blackman said: “I was delighted to visit Weald News in Harrow this month to present a plaque in celebration of the huge contribution the store has made to

National Lottery Good Causes.

“Shop owner Dipak has been at Weald News for more than 18 years and is a well-known pillar of the community. It is important that where possible we support local businesses, helping them build back stronger following the pandemic.”

Camelot Divisional Sales Manager, Karl Southworth, added: “Independent retailers are central to The National Lottery’s ongoing success, having been the face of The National Lottery for almost 28 years in high streets and communities across the UK. “With the ongoing challenges retailers

are facing, it is more important than ever to recognise those who go above and beyond to serve their customers and communities. Thanks to National Lottery retailers and players, over £30m is raised every week for Good Causes across the UK – going to people, projects and communities at a time where funding has never been more needed.”

Gokani said: “I am very proud that my customers have been able to help raise such a huge amount for National Lottery Good Causes, especially given that the money goes to local projects here in Harrow and right around the UK.”

WEDNESDAY 20TH JULY 2022/ ISSUE 114/ SLRMAG.CO.UK I 25

THIS WEEK NURISHMENT BELHAVEN BREWERY FLORETTE IRN-BRU HAVANA CLUB LUCOZADE SPORT KP SNACKS OTHERS

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – NURISHMENT

NURISHMENT LAUNCHES SUMMER CAMPAIGN The brand’s summer campaign will focus on its affordability and rejuvenating benefits of the nutritionally-enriched milk drink.

Nurishment, the nutritionally enriched milk drink, has launched a four-week summer campaign to

Nurishment is made by Grace Foods UK, the supplier of Caribbean food and drink to the UK.

remind consumers of its “rejuvenating benefits.”

Vandu Patel, Marketing Manager for Grace

Including radio, billboard, trade and consumer

Foods UK, said: “Our studies have shown that

advertising, the brand’s summer campaign will

people chose Nurishment historically because of

feature the tagline ‘Smash 3pm, you with the

the unique can, the value price point, currently on

10am vibe’.

special price pack promotion at only £1.29 a can

The campaign, which also focuses on the

in selected independent stores, and because the

brand’s affordability, is the first of its kind for Nur-

taste is so good: it has a rich, velvety, comforting

ishment in a number of years.

quality.

The brand hopes that the new campaign will

“But many are not aware that it also contains

help to grow brand awareness with new audi-

100% of the daily recommended intake of vitamins

ences, in advance of the launch of new flavours

A, D and C, and includes five vitamins and minerals

early next year.The brand is currently available in

which help reduce tiredness and fatigue.

four different flavours and is sold in eye-catching pastel-coloured cans and bottles.

“This means it is a great choice for giving people an energy nudge to get them through the long hot

The ‘Smash 3pm you, with that 10am vibe’

summer afternoons - it’s the perfect mid-after-

refers to the 13 vitamins and minerals, protein and

noon pick-me-up drink. And it’s also fantastic for

calcium, which enrich the drink.

gym-goers.”

26 I SLRMAG.CO.UK/ ISSUE 114/ WEDNESDAY 20TH JULY 2022

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – BELHAVEN BREWERY

BELHAVEN REMINDS SCOTLAND OF THE BEST OF TIMES IN TV AD The campaign is the brewery’s first for several years and is part of an ambitious 2022 plan.

Scottish ale brand Belhaven Best is launching a

of a new Visitor Experience at its Dunbar-based

new advertising campaign, reminding drinkers of

home on the beautiful East Lothian coast.

the simple pleasure of sharing a beer with friends and family in the pub.

The heart-warming 30-second film transports viewers to a typical Scottish local, where catching

Fiona Matheson, Brand Manager at Belhaven Brewery, said: “After the past few years, people really value the simple things in life, like coming together over a drink.

up with old pals, putting up with dad jokes, and

“Belhaven’s beers have been at the heart of this

savouring a pint and a quiet moment with the dog

moment for over 300 years in fact, which is longer

are all on the menu.

than any other Scottish Brewery. As we enter the

The campaign, which is set to run on TV and

summer months and everyone’s thoughts turn to

online throughout July, marks the role that a pint

enjoying a bit of downtime in the sunshine, this is

of Belhaven Best plays in these shared moments

our tribute to Scotland’s pubs, its people and the

across the nation.

nation’s favourite ale, which is everything you need

This is the first TV campaign from Belhaven

to enjoy the best of times.”

Brewery for several years and is part of an ambi-

The ‘Best of Times’ campaign has been pro-

tious 2022 plan designed to make the most of

duced in collaboration with STV as part of their

recent successes - including Belhaven Best’s

Growth Fund, which provides advertising support

number 1 position in Scotland’s on-trade, a host

to Scottish businesses to help them effectively

of prestigious global award wins and the opening

connect with consumers.

WEDNESDAY 20TH JULY 2022/ ISSUE 114/ SLRMAG.CO.UK I 27

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – FLORETTE

FLORETTE RECRUITS HORTICULTURE EXPERT TO SHOWCASE BRAND The alliance forms the first part of Florette’s campaign which seeks to reposition the brand, highlighting its farmer-owned credentials and passion for sustainably produced, fresh and tasty salads.

Florette, the prepared salads brand, is partnering

credentials such as Florette’s farmer owned status

with gardening influencer and TV presenter

and sustainable, environmentally conscious farming

Michael Perry – better known as Mr Plant Geek.

credentials have not been the focus until now.

he collaboration will see Perry come on board

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Michael

as Florette’s horticultural expert, producing exclu-

who shares our passion for all things plant based

sive content for the brand alongside sponsorship

– whether that be agriculture and the food we

of The Plant Based Podcast, a series produced

grow, to inspiring recipes that are fresh and deli-

by Perry and co-host Ellen Mary.

cious. With his incredible following across The

The alliance forms the first part of Florette’s

Plant Based Podcast, television and social media,

campaign which seeks to reposition the brand, high-

demand for Florette will only increase as shoppers

lighting its farmer-owned credentials and passion

continue to seek out brands with genuine passion

for sustainably produced, fresh and tasty salads,

and authentic credentials in their field.”

in turn inspiring shoppers to trade up to the brand.

The partnership follows the launch of Florette

Martin Purdy, Commercial and Marketing Direc-

(Immune Support) Superfood (120g RSP £1.80),

tor at Florette UK, said: “We know that consumers

which appeals to the growing number of shoppers

don’t just buy a product, they buy into brands that

looking to lead healthier lifestyles. Launched in

share their values. While we successfully communi-

May, it champions the nutritional benefits of the

cate the freshness and convenience of our products,

carefully balanced salad mix, with each portion

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NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – IRN-BRU

BARR HELPS RETAILERS DRIVE INCREMENTAL SOFT DRINKS SALES Activities will include outdoor and digital advertising, in-store theatre and a huge sampling campaign.

Barr Soft Drinks is aiming to deliver incremental

of total Irn-Bru sales. Now worth over £16m and

sales in Scotland’s fast-growing £180m flavoured

growing at 10% versus last year, Irn-Bru Xtra is

carbonates market with a £1m brand investment

a must-stock variant for all Scottish retailers and

in Irn-Bru Xtra.

this £1m brand investment will create massive

The activity will start in August with heavyweight outdoor and digital advertising, complemented by

visibility for the product, driving education and trial with shoppers.”

in-store theatre. This will be followed by a huge

The activity is part of a £6m annual brand

sampling campaign in September, getting more than

investment throughout 2022, driving total incre-

500,000 cans into the hands of Scottish shoppers.

mental brand sales of Irn-Bru.

Adrian Troy, Marketing Director at Barr Soft

Barr Soft Drinks is urging retailers to use its

Drinks, said: “Irn-Bru Xtra is the fastest growing

impactful POS to create in-store theatre and drive

variant of the iconic brand, delivering Extra Taste

sales while brand and product awareness is at an

with No Sugar, and now accounts for over 20%

all-time high.

WEDNESDAY 20TH JULY 2022/ ISSUE 114/ SLRMAG.CO.UK I 29

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – HAVANA CLUB

HAVANA CLUB AND BURNA BOY CELEBRATE CULTURE AND COMMUNITY A new limited-edition Havana Club 7 Years is available from a number of wholesalers and exclusively to the convenience channel throughout July.

Havana Club has teamed up with Nigerian singer,

of Burna Boy’s signature.Alongside the bottle,

songwriter and record producer Burna Boy for

Burna Boy and Havana Club have also released

its latest creative collaboration: a limited-edition

a campaign film which shows the interconnection

Havana Club 7 Years bottle (RSP £26.99).

between Lagos and London. Featuring a voiceover

It is available from a number of wholesalers, includ-

by Burna Boy, the film reveals the common culture

ing Bestway, exclusively to the convenience channel

and shared values people have in the good times

throughout July before a full rollout into grocery.

they spend together.

Inspired by cultural headgear of Southern Nige-

Marnie Corrigan, Brand Director at Pernod

ria, the bottle label features illustrated tassels along

Ricard UK, said: “We’re incredibly excited to reveal

its top edge. The rest of the label features an ‘Aso

our latest collaboration with the King of Afro-fusion,

Oke’ background, a handwoven textile worn for

Burna Boy, and continue the message of commu-

special occasions in Nigeria.

nity championed during our previous partnership

Palm leaves crown the logo as a nod to the

with Skepta.

African Union Emblem, whilst the bottom part of

“We’re confident this campaign will further

the label showcases the Rivers State region of

accelerate brand growth and cement Havana

Nigeria, where Burna Boy was born. Each of the

Club 7 Years as a street culture icon amongst

72,000 limited-edition bottles also carries a print

Generation Z.”

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NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – LUCOZADE SPORT

RETAILERS CAN WIN FOOTBALL KIT FOR THEIR COMMUNITY Lucozade Sport campaign is being supported by in-store POS and advertising activity, including social media and online content.

Lucozade Sport has partnered with The Football

achieve their goals and fulfil their potential through

Association to give both shoppers and retailers

sport. The money raised will enable the charity

the chance to win a host of football-related prizes,

to hire new project leads, helping to deliver more

topped off by an Ultimate Football Experience.

grassroots campaigns and educate the next gen-

The winner of the money-can’t-buy top prize

eration of athletes.

and a friend will enjoy an England team training

Lucozade Sport is also running a competition

session at St George’s Park to get game-ready, as

just for retailers. By scanning the QR code on

well as pitch-side access, prior to an international

POS material in depot when buying any case of

match, with full hospitality and signed merchandise.

Lucozade Sport, retailers can win a full football

In-store POS materials encourage shoppers

kit for their community. This includes exclusive

to text ‘WIN’ to 62123 for their chance of netting

Lucozade Sport-branded player kits, as well as

a prize. The campaign is also supported by PR

push-up bars, resistance kites, skipping ropes,

and advertising activity, including social media.

cones, and more. The prize contains everything

For every entry received, Lucozade Sport will

a local team needs to train and play.

donate 10p to Football Beyond Borders (FBB).

Tom Bell, Head of Marketing for Lucozade

FBB is an education and social inclusion charity

Sport, said: “We wanted to bring something special

that uses the power of football to change the lives

to retailers’ stores to help them make the most of

of disadvantaged young people, helping them to

the sporting occasion this season.”

WEDNESDAY 20TH JULY 2022/ ISSUE 114/ SLRMAG.CO.UK I 31

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – KP SNACKS

KP MARKS THE HUNDRED TIE-IN WITH WHOLESALER EVENTS Five wholesalers will each be provided with themed theatre displays, POS materials, and a virtual reality cricket game from the brand, alongside prize giveaways with stock vouchers.

KP Snacks, the Official Team Partner of The

partnership with Bestway, which offers retailers the

Hundred cricket competition, is to hold five event

opportunity to win a ‘money can’t buy’ experience

activations at four major wholesalers – Bestway,

at The Hundred this summer.

East End, Parfetts, and United Scotland.

Matt Collins, Trading Director of KP Snacks,

The five depots will each be provided with

said: “At KP Snacks, we know how important

themed theatre displays, POS materials, and a

our wholesale partners are and we are thrilled to

virtual reality cricket game from KP Snacks, along-

be engaging them and retailers with our exciting

side prize giveaways with stock vouchers, and The

depot activations. With great prizes available and

Hundred merchandise up for grabs.

fun theatre displays, these events are perfectly

Depots will also receive in-store POS bundles, which will be available for retailers to takeaway and use in-store to promote the KP Snacks’

positioned to engage independent retailers and drive CSN sales.”

The remaining event days take place at Best-

The Hundred on-pack promotion. Launched

way Park Royal on 27 July, Parfetts Stockport on

in May, the on-pack promotion is running across

10 August, Partfetts Aintree on 11 August, and

leading brands: popchips, Butterkist, POM-BEAR,

United Scotland on 16 August.

Tyrrells, KP Nuts, Hula Hoops, McCoy’s and

The Hundred partnership is part of KP Snacks’

Skips, all of which feature on the team shirts of

mission to inspire healthier lifestyles and the depot

the eight men’s and women’s teams competing

activations support this ambition by driving retailer

in the tournament.

awareness. KP Snacks is driving interest in cricket

The themed event days are running in addition to an exclusive initiative KP Snacks is running in

32 I SLRMAG.CO.UK/ ISSUE 114/ WEDNESDAY 20TH JULY 2022

and making it easier for families to get involved in the sport through its ‘Everyone In’ campaign.

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK

SAVOUR IT!

BLUE RASPBERRY

POTTED PORRIDGE

Country Choice has launched

Au Vodka has released a new

Premier Foods has entered the

bake-in-pack Savour It! Toasties.

pre-mixed Ready to Drink can

on-the-go breakfast with the

The individually wrapped toasties,

combining its Blue Raspberry

launch of Ambrosia ready-to-eat

which come frozen and ready-as-

vodka with a premium fizzy soda,

porridge pots. The pots, which

sembled in ovenable film, are

with a 5% ABV. The cans are avail-

are available across the whole-

available in four flavours: Four

able from select convenience and

sale and convenience channel,

Cheese & Onion Toastie, Ham &

wholesale stores across the UK

are available in Original, Rasp-

Cheese, Tuna Melt Toastie, and

and pre-order on the Au Vodka

berry, and Golden Syrup flavours

BBQ Chicken.

website – www.auvodka.co.uk.

and can be eaten hot or cold.

FRUIT CUPS

SODA REFORMULATION

SKINNY FRIES

Dole Sunshine Company, the

Mash Direct is adding Skinny

global market leader in pack-

Soft drink challenger brand Soda

Fries to its range. The product

aged fruit products and healthy

Folk has reformulated its Root

features Mash Direct’s home-

snacks, has added two new fla-

Beer flavour to ensure it is com-

grown potatoes thinly cut, coated

vours to its Fruit in Juice cups

pliant with England’s upcoming

in a light crispy batter, and fried.

range. Mango in Juice and Pear

HFSS legislation. The new formu-

They can be oven-cooked in 15

in Juice arrive to complement

lation will see the sugar content

minutes from chilled, are glu-

the existing range. The products

of the Root Beer variant reduced

ten-free, and are low in saturated

come in a handy four-packs.

by 63%.

fat, salt and sugar.

WEDNESDAY 20TH JULY 2022/ ISSUE 114/ SLRMAG.CO.UK I 33

NOW THAT’S A

OUT TH

Fixing dementia spending woes A new card and app is promising to help people with dementia manage their money.

A British woman has developed a flexible debit card and app designed to help families living with dementia to safely manage their daily spending.

Sibstar is Jaybe Sibley’s brainchild, who developed the solution when she noticed her mother who lives with Alzheimer’s disease was finding it difficult to manage her spending. Sibley’s mother June

34 I SLRMAG.CO.UK/ ISSUE 114/ WEDNESDAY 20TH JULY 2022

started making numerous cashpoint withdrawals, giving money away and falling for scams – losing thousands of pounds in the process.

Commenting on the initiative, Jaybe said: “And then she started giving away cash to homeless people. My mum is a kind-hearted, generous lady, but there was no way she could sustain this level of spending and giving.”

After trying all sorts of solutions

– including asking the bank to set withdrawal and spend limits or scratching the code out on the back of the card – Jaybe had no choice but to stop her mother accessing her finances, but this meant her mother lost her financial independence.

Her dad was also diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia in 2011, seven years before her mother was also diagnosed with the disease.

A GOOD IDEA…

HE BOX

“There have been lots of challenges, but by far the hardest has been keeping my parents’ day-to-day spending under control and secure,” she added.

HOW DOES IT WORK? With Sibstar, users can load the card with their chosen amount of money and then manage how and where that money can be used within the app.

Sibstar allows users set daily spending limits, switch cashpoint or online payments on or off, and freeze and unfreeze the card.

Users can also receive spend notifications.

Sibstar is now backed by Mastercard, while the Alzheimer’s Society is also partnering with it for 12 months through its Accelerator Programme.

“We aim to provide people who have dementia with a way to remain financially independent whilst keeping their money safe and secure.”

“As well as investing in the company, we are working with the Sibstar team to continue to develop and promote their product,” Alzheimer’s Society said.

“We have supported them to work directly with people with dementia and their families who have shaped the features included in the product and fed into the development of Sibstar’s brand to ensure it appeals to potential customers.”

Sibstar will be launching soon, but interested parties can pre-register to hear when the card rolls out.

There is a £4.99 set-up fee and £4.99 monthly subscription fee, while cardholders will have one free ATM withdrawal per week, then 99p thereafter.

A total of 7.5% of profits go directly back to Alzheimer’s Society.

IS THIS REALLY NEEDED? The number of people with dementia is projected to increase rapidly over the next several decades, largely due to increases in life expectancy and population demographics.

Currently there are an estimated 517,000 people living with dementia in the UK, which is projected to rise to 1.6 million by 2050. This year 209,600

will have developed this progressive illness, which is one every three minutes, and the affected are not just the elderly.

INDUSTRY SUPPORT In the past couple of years ACS has worked with the Alzheimer’s Society to help convenience retailers and their employees better understand and support customers living with dementia.

The charity’s Dementia Friends programme is the biggest ever initiative to change people’s perceptions of this debilitating illness and convenience retailers have thrown themselves behind the initiative, and it’s because of this partnership, we can see Sibstar really being supported in the sector.

WEDNESDAY 20TH JULY 2022/ ISSUE 114/ SLRMAG.CO.UK I 35

01.09.2022

George Bowie • DJ Cassi • Pretty Ugly Simon Cordiner • Rebecca Vasmant BOOK NOW

For tickets and information visit groceryaid.org.uk/events/checkout-scotland

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

G O L D PA R T N E R S

S I LV E R S U P P O R T E R S

BEFORE YOU GO

RETAIL RANDOMS

Y R E V I L E D Y R E C GRO (BUT NOT AS YOU

As you know by know, c-stores provide a wide range of services and in many cases, serve as a beacon and lifeline for communities.

Well, one outlet (or at least, the car park of one) saw new life coming into the world earlier this month when a woman gave birth in her car outside a 7-Eleven store in West Virginia, USA. Allie Sayers, a now mother of three, had a planned C-section on the calendar for her third child, but two days before the appointment, she went into labour.

Sayers was being taken to the hospital when she asked her fiancé, Chase Bush, to pull their car over. “I was like, ‘No, this baby is coming,’ “ she told a local TV station. “There’s no way he’s waiting.”

“And my fiancée delivered our baby in the front seat of the car with our other two kids in the backseat at 3:30 in the morning,” Sayers added.

The little one, named Waylon Bush, weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces, and was

19 inches long at the time of his birth, apparently.And the date of his birth? 11 July. And a 7-Eleven baby born on July 11 didn’t go unnoticed by the chain, as they offered Sayers, Chase and baby Waylon a few perks.

“Baby Waylon now shares a 95th

KNOW IT)

birthday with the convenience store retailer,” said 7-Eleven in a statement.

“To celebrate this serendipitous event, 7-Eleven is gifting Allie and Chase with seven years of FREE coffee to help them stay awake on their latest nights (or earliest mornings!).”

CANVAS-ING RETAIL OPINION? Art uses many mediums, and takes many forms, but it is good to see the side of a convenience store has been added to Tracey Emin’s unmade bed, a shark pickled in formaldehyde and numerous other unusual examples as an example of art being taken to the masses.

I think it is fair to say what is pictured is not a Banksy, though. It is, however, possibly a different way of advertising what you offer in-store.

Have many people seen Oyster and PayPoint advertised before the way this shop in South Norwood, South London, is doing it? Possibly not. Do many people care? Again, possibly not. But we thought we would mention it anyway.

WEDNESDAY 20TH JULY 2022/ ISSUE 114/ SLRMAG.CO.UK I 37

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“It’s already helped us to grow our sales in such a short period of time” Samual, Valley Convenience Store Manager and the latest winner of a £1,000 Buy A Gift Voucher

scan the QR Code to access a digital copy of the membership brochure

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