RETAIL THE WEEK IN
ELECTRIC VEHICLES
CHARGING NETWORK POWERS UP
GRIDSERVE SECURES £200m INVESTMENT
● Proudfoot Group STORE OPENINGS
EDDY’S FOOD STATION EXPANDS
SECOND STORE FOR NEW C-STORE CHAIN
● PayPoint and
Love2shop help financially vulnerable
+
celebrates Yorkshire roots
● Retail footfall
stumbles in heatwave CASH
CASH MAKES COMEBACK POST OFFICE REPORTS RECORD WITHDRAWALS
TEIN M INSECT PRO O R F E D A M D PEALING’ FOO ‘VISUALLY AP
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Issue 117 Wednesday 10th August 2022
T H E W E E K I N R E TA I L
EDITOR’S COMMENT
Winter woes This morning I woke to the terrifying news that Britain’s food industry has been asked to prepare plans to avoid empty shelves as the UK braces for winter blackouts in January. A perfect storm of cold weather and gas shortages could lead to the implementation of organised blackouts that could impact on businesses and homes across the country. The Mail is reporting that people familiar with the government’s winter plans have suggested the “reasonable worst-case scenario” indicates electricity capacity could fall short by a sixth of peak demand. This could result in emergency blackouts, according to Bloomberg, which claims to have spoken to a source close to the government, although this scenario is not expected to happen. The food and drink industry has been asked to come up with plans to avoid empty shelves in the event of blackouts. Also, I’d suggest ordering plenty of candles, matches, tinned food, bottled water, and don’t forget loo rolls. In addition, energy sector representatives have been summoned to Downing Street for a ‘crisis meeting’ after consultancy firm Cornwall Insight forecast that the price cap would hit more than £4,200 in January – up from £1,971 today. The news has prompted home delivery company Getir to roll back prices on several household staples and treats to 1990s prices. It is reducing the cost of
products like Fairy washing up liquid and Cadbury Dairy Milk bars (45g) by more than 40%. The service lists 10 items that shoppers can save on, available across London, Birmingham, Manchester, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Liverpool, Southampton, Portsmouth, Leeds, Cambridge, and Leicester. The company said that new products will be added in the autumn. More positive news came from GridServe, which has secured £200m funding to support its drive to decarbonise transport through electric vehicle infrastructure. The investment will enable GridServe to deliver more than 5,000 high-power chargers by 2025, across both Electric Super Hubs and Electric Forecourts. The company will also expand development of its hybrid solar farms to generate and deliver net zero energy for its network. It’s great to see some new investment coming into developing the charging network, let’s hope it continues to flow, so that we are ready when the government’s ban on new petrol and diesel cars comes into effect from 2030.
LIZ WELLS, DEPUTY EDITOR
WEDNESDAY 10TH AUGUST 2022 / ISSUE 117 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 3
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CONTENTS
WEDNESDAY 10 AUGUST 2022 / ISSUE 117
6
10
21
THIS WEEK’S NEWS
COVER STORY
COMMUNITY
Spar Scotland extends its partnership with food waste app Too Good To Go, and Usdaw members have their say about the cost-of-living crisis.
Sustainable energy business GridServe secures a £200m investment to support its drive to decarbonise transport through electric vehicle infrastructure.
Spar becomes headline sponsor of the first Wylam on Wheels cycle sportive, which will raise funds for play equipment and sports facilities.
9
16 Retail footfall
20 Community
Covid-19 update The latest coronavirus-related news.
13 Business services PayPoint partners with Love2shop to
Footfall stalls in July as the heatwave
Proudfoot Group celebrates its Yorkshire
deters people from going shopping.
roots with an in-store tasting event that
17 Cash
help local authorities financially support
Britain “anything but a cashless society”
vulnerable people.
as Post Offices handle a record £801m in
14 Store development Nisa’s independent retailers successfully completed more than 100 store developments between January and June. 15 Store openings
also raised money for local good causes. 22 Picks of the week A look at the latest new products and
personal cash withdrawals in July.
marketing campaigns.
18 Retail sales
26 Out the box: alternative protein
Rising inflation is masking some ongoing
Scientists use 3D food printing tech to
dips in food and drink sales volumes.
create visually appealing dishes from a
19 Consumer spending
mixture of crickets and carrots.
New Scottish convenience chain Eddy’s
More Brits are feeling confident about their
Food Station opens its second store.
household finances.
29 Before you go... Our latest Retail Randoms.
WEDNESDAY 10TH AUGUST 2022 / ISSUE 117 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 5
E ar xhi SO ea bit LD is noion O w
UT !
NEWS DIGEST
THIS WEEK’S NEWS FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS, HEAD TO WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK/CATEGORY/NEWS/
Aviemore ‘22
! k c a B e We’r
Tradeshow
SUSTAINABILITY
Spar Scotland extends Too Good To Go partnership
The retailer has saved more than 7,200 meals going to waste and saved over 17 tonnes of CO2e in its trial stores.
Thursday 22nd September 2022 Thank you to our key sponsors!
Spar Scotland has expanded its partnership with food waste app Too Good To Go. Too Good To Go is now available in all Spar company-owned stores after a successful trial in several stores. The app enables users to search for a store taking part in the scheme, connecting local Spar stores with customers passionate about preventing food waste.Spar Scotland has saved
more than 7,200 meals going to waste and saved over 17 tonnes of CO2e in its trial stores. Central operations director, Sonya Harper, said: “As part of our fight against food waste and in alliance with our digital strategy, we are delighted to be in partnership with Too Good to Go to reduce food wastage across all our company-owned stores. Be sure to download the app and buy a magic bag from your local Spar Scotland store.” Spar Scotland had previously discussed its partnership with Too Good To Go on the Channel 4 television programme, Food Unwrapped. The episode discussed the retailer’s trial stores and the benefits of the partnership to both stores and customers.
Milford Haven gets Express fascia
To find out more contact the SPAR Scotland Tradeshow Team on 01382 512000 6 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 1XX / WEDNESDAY XX XX 202X
The Nisa Express Hakin in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, has undergone a complete refurbishment. Every fixture and fitting in the 950sq ft store has been replaced, apart from the flooring, and the layout of the shop changed. This has enabled owner Karan Balagrishna to incorporate a strong fresh and food-to-go offer that was previously not possible.
Balagrishna said: “Because of all the changes that we have made to the design, we have been able to increase the range. It is much more of a convenience offer now with so many more products. “I think it looks really good and our customers think so too. It was definitely a worthwhile investment, and the new layout really works well.”
NEWS DIGEST
THIS WEEK’S NEWS FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS, HEAD TO WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK/CATEGORY/NEWS/
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COST OF LIVING
Usdaw members speak out about the cost-of-living crisis
Usdaw’s cost-of-living survey shows 70% of respondents have relied on insecure borrowing and 60% of these are struggling with repayments.
Retail trade union Usdaw will this weekend campaign on the streets of Scotland calling for the government to take action to tackle the cost-of-living crisis. The move comes as Usdaw published statistics from its cost-of-living survey of more than 5,500 retail staff. Nearly 50% of respondents say petrol prices and travel costs impact their ability to get to work; 70% have relied on insecure borrowing and 60% of these are struggling with repayments; 25% are missing meals to be able to pay their bills; and nearly 75% report their mental health is being impacted as a result. Usdaw will be campaigning on George Street in Aberdeen; Kirkgate in Edinburgh and Silverburn in Glasgow. Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary, said: “These are the very real
• Up to 6% rebate • Delivery to your store – anywhere in Scotland • A smooth onboarding process including market leading aftercare support • Dedicated Business Development Manager contact to support your ongoing business needs
experiences of essential workers who were clapped during the pandemic and now seem to be forgotten. “The government has offered only sticking plasters that go nowhere near covering rising prices and bills, so there needs to be significant increases in minimum wage rates and fundamental reforms to end insecure work.”
S y m b ol G r o up o f t h e Yea r
W I N N ER
Entries open for 2022 Raj Aggarwal Trophy Entries are open for this year’s Raj Aggarwal Trophy, which is awarded to retailers who have been exceptional in community retailing and helping their fellow retailers. The trophy was launched in 2021 to mark the legacy of independent retailer Raj Aggarwal. Applications are welcome from any independent retailers and managers
of multiple-owned outlets, and retailers can also nominate other retailers. Applicants must submit a short film (maximum five minutes), which will show what they have done in the past year to support their local community and what they have done in the past year to support fellow retailers.
To find out more and join our award winning team email Recruitment Manager, Craig Lynn: craig.lynn@cjlang.co.uk SparScotlandOfficial @SparScotland
www.cjlang.co.uk
@SparScotland CJ Lang & Son Limited
www.sparscotland.co.uk
CJ Lang & Son Ltd, Longtown Distribution Centre, 78 Longtown Road, Dundee, DD4 8JU
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.
NEWS SPECIAL
COVID-19 UPDATE
Pandemic online shopping bubble bursts
CO-OP TECH RECYCLING TRIAL GROWS Co-op has expanded its
A new ParcelHero report reveals that e-commerce sales are at their lowest level since March 2020.
trial with tech-recirculation start-up, Spring, to help consumers cut e-waste and unlock the value in their old and unwanted phones and electronic devices. Spring first partnered with Co-op in October with the launch of its self-service Pods in 20 of the retailer’s c-stores in London. Spring’s Pods accept almost 14,000 different devices and customers receive payment
our entrenched pre-Covid shopping habits have reasserted themselves.” Jinks noted that online food sales have fallen by 13% compared to this time last year, while e-commerce giant Shopify laid off 1,00 staff after deciding to “go to a staffing level that it would be at if Covid wouldn’t have happened”. Jinks said online’s rapid growth in 2020 may be now responsible for its downfall, as many retailers weren’t prepared to scale-up their online operations. “This didn’t make a great impression on people attempting to create accounts and book orders for the first time,” he concluded.
The initiative has now been rolled-out to selected Coop stores in Birmingham,
TECH SOLUTIONS
E
-commerce sales in the UK have fallen to their lowest level since the online boom in March 2020, figures by ParcelHero have found. According to the home delivery company’s report, online sales have fallen from 37% of the entire retail market in February 2021 to 25% this June. ParcelHero’s head of consumer research, David Jinks, said that a drop in demand for online shopping was always expected “but it’s beginning to look as if the pandemic online bubble has burst.” He added: “As people’s fears around visiting High Street stores have subsided,
within 1-3 days.
Brighton, Leeds and Manchester. Mark Matthews, Co-op’s director of innovation and format, said: “By making it easier for consumers to make small changes to their everyday lives, together, it can add up to make a big difference for our environment.”
WEDNESDAY 10TH AUGUST 2022 / ISSUE 117 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 9
C OV E R
GRIDS
Power
New investment will help accelerate GridServe’s plans to advance its Sun-to-Wheel mo
G
ridServe, a tech-enabled sustainable energy business, has secured an initial £200m investment from infrastructure equity investment company Infracapital to support its drive to decarbonise transport through electric vehicle infrastructure. GridServe is transforming the EV charging experience and accelerating the decarbonisation of transport with its Electric Highway charging network, supplied by net zero carbon energy. The GridServe Electric Highway covers 85% of the UK’s motorway service areas and some of the UK’s busiest retail destinations; it is already charging more than 100,000 electric vehicles every month. GridServe and Moto recently launched its seventh Electric Super Hub this year at Moto Wetherby, North Yorkshire, on the A1(M) at junction 46. The charging facilities have 12 high power chargers, making it the largest public high power charging facility in Yorkshire. Moto Wetherby takes the total number of Electric Super Hubs to eight across the country including Rugby, Burton-in-Kendal, Exeter, Thurrock, Heston West, Severn View, and Swansea. In addition, Plymouth City Council recently approved the development of a GridServe Electric Forecourt in the city – the region’s first all-electric vehicle charging station. GridServe has also submitted a planning application to Liverpool City Council for an Electric Forecourt development that would serve
as a sustainable transport gateway to the city. The Infracapital investment will help accelerate GridServe’s plans to advance its Sun-to-Wheel model, which encompasses generating energy through hybrid solar farms, distributing energy through its charging network of Electric Forecourts and Electric Hubs, and accelerating the uptake of electric vehicles. In addition, the investment will enable GridServe to deliver more than 5,000 high power chargers by 2025, across both Electric Super Hubs and Electric Forecourts.
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The company will also expand the development of its hybrid solar farms to generate and deliver net zero energy for its network. Every acre of UK solar farms that GridServe delivers can generate enough zero-carbon energy every year to drive approximately one million miles in a modern electric car. In addition, GridServe Car Leasing will also continue its growth. Toddington Harper, GridServe chief executive, said: “Through this investment partnership with Infracapital, we’re excited that our plans can accelerate, and it’s evident we now have the
S T O RY
SERVE
ring up
odel and enable the company to deliver more than 5,000 high-power chargers by 2025.
momentum we require. They are the perfect partners to join our business as we move to the next level as a company. Their commitment to clean tech, infrastructure, and ESG gives our collective organisations deep-rooted synergies around a shared mission. “Investment in the future of our planet has never been so important and the IPCC’s latest dire warnings solidify the reality that we are in last chance
territory, and we therefore need to take action as quickly as possible. This investment partnership will enable GridServe to continue to rise to this challenge and deliver maximum impact without delay.” Andy Matthews, head of greenfield at Infracapital, added: “We are delighted to have invested in GridServe, as part of our ongoing drive to enable positive change and to make a meaningful contribution to the energy transition while delivering value to our investors. GridServe is leading the charge in the decarbonisation of the UK’s transport system and is led by an experienced management team that has already made great progress in expanding GridServe’s platform. We look forward to working with the GridServe team as the business moves into this next phase of growth.”
“We’re excited our plans can accelerate, and it’s evident we now have the momentum we require.” WEDNESDAY 10TH AUGUST 2022 / ISSUE 117 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 11
THE SCOTTISH BUYING GROUP FOR INDEPENDENT RETAILERS SINCE 1976 Scotland’s best kept retail secret, working with independent retailers for over 40 years providing access to one of the leading convenience retail groups while allowing you to run your store, your way with great ranges and great support delivered direct to your store. Delivery direct to store, small minimum order quantities. 14,000 SKU count across all categories including Food to Go Access to the excellent Co-op Fresh Range 3 weekly promotion cycle available Year round Seasonal sales opportunities Fascia and branding opportunities through the well established brand Rebate scheme for qualifying members, spend level applies Extensive supplementary Direct to Store ranges and services Central Invoicing*, 1 weekly statement and 1 Direct Debit
If you want to remain independent and have the support of PGMA behind you, drop us an email at pgma@pgma.co.uk or call Martin Devlin, Commercial Manager on 0131 343 7607.
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BUSINESS SERVICES
PAYPOINT
PayPoint and Love2shop help support financially vulnerable The new service follows the success of PayPoint’s Cash Out offering that disburses up to 210,000 emergency fund vouchers per week.
P
ayPoint is expanding its range of solutions to help local authorities financially support the most vulnerable people in their communities. The Love2shop Essentials Range was developed in partnership with Appreciate Business Services, the home of Love2shop. Its launch follows the success of PayPoint’s Cash Out offering, which disburses up to 210,000 emergency fund vouchers at a value of £16m per week. The addition of the Love2shop Essentials Range to the PayPoint emergency funds proposition means local authorities have even more options to provide immediate access to funds for food, clothing, and electrical goods.
More than 20 household brands are available to Essentials Range beneficiaries, including Argos, Asda, Marks & Spencer, Primark, Sainsbury’s, and Tesco. Local authorities apply for the funding on behalf of a resident which will be delivered as an e-code via SMS, email or in the post. Once the recipient activates the e-code it can be redeemed at any of the partnering brands. Danny Vant, client services director for PayPoint, said: “This new scheme is simple for both the local authority and for the recipient of the funds. If a resident needs urgent help purchasing a new fridge, for example, the council will set up the e-code to be used in one of four
high street electrical retailers. However, if they need help buying food the e-code can be allocated for use in any one of five main supermarkets. With the costof-living crisis deepening, this type of flexible support is more important than ever, and it needs to be provided quickly to ensure the funds are available to help people immediately.” Frank Creighton, Director of Business Development at Appreciate, added: “By enabling vulnerable communities to receive critical funding to support them at a time when they need it most, local authorities can rely on the Love2shop Essentials Range to deliver funds quickly, securely, and safely.”
WEDNESDAY 10TH AUGUST 2022 / ISSUE 117 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 13
S TO R E D E V E LO P M E N T
NISA
Nisa retailers focus on store investment
They symbol group’s retailers developed 106 stores in the first half of the year, which generated an average uplift in sales of more than 17% post conversion.
N
isa’s independent retailers have successfully undertaken more than 100 store developments in the first half of the year. A total of 106 stores were completed between January and June 2022, which generated an average uplift in sales of more than 17% post conversion and included more than 60 Nisa Local Evolution symbol store formats. The symbol group says that the volume of new recruits into the business has resulted in the number of new store developments increase by 40% year-on-year. In total, at the end of June 2022, there were 1,061 Nisa symbol group stores across the UK including 19 trading under the Nisa Express format. Nisa’s format team also supported the development of 28 stores with independent fascias, while the remaining projects were dual-branded. The projects range from brand-new builds and full refurbishments of existing stores to smaller developments, such as the installation of a new fascia or internal modernisation with new fixtures, fittings, and signage. Garage forecourts, holiday parks, compact convenience stores, and supermarkets have formed the work conducted by the team of store development managers at Nisa, supported
by the wider team. Head of format and category development at Nisa, Darren May, said: “Whilst times are currently challenging with the cost-of-living crisis, Nisa retailers remain keen to invest in their businesses to future proof them, ensuring they are fit for purpose and can continue to serve the communities in which they operate. “We work closely with retailers to create the store that works for them, at a budget that they can afford. A key focus for us is identifying innovative
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solutions that help our retailers to evolve their convenience offer whilst ensuring it remains cost-effective through reducing overheads wherever possible. “Typically stores have seen an average sales increase of around 17.5% post development, which is down to a combination of factors including introducing new and extended ranges as well as improved customer experience and shopper confidence.”
S TO R E O P E N I N G S
EDDY’S FOOD STATION
Eddy’s Food Station launches second store
The store, which opened earlier this week, is set to undergo huge renovations in the coming months.
E
ddy’s Food Station, the new venture from Stephen Thompson, has opened its second store at 14 South Street in Greenock. Best known as a Spar store, the site was successfully run by husband-andwife duo Billy and Margaret Kay for more than 40 years before they retired earlier this year. The store still looks familiar to customers but will see huge renovations in the coming months, transforming the space into a bright, modern-day convenience store, in line with Eddy’s inaugural Alloa location. The overhaul will also see a food-to-go offer introduced. Stephen Thompson, chief executive at Eddy’s Food Station, commented: “The opportunity to operate a successful chain of convenience stores is very promising right now and this acquisition is the next extremely exciting step in the long journey for the Eddy’s Food Station brand. “This is our first store in the west of Scotland and the Greenock location is undoubtedly an excellent site for Eddy’s Food Station’s expansion. With a population of over 40,000 in Greenock alone, South Street sees strong footfall daily. “Mr and Mrs Kay have built up a loyal customer base over the last four decades, which we will proudly continue to serve, with an enhanced offering.”
The chain has plans to open 30 stores, creating 500 jobs across Scotland, over the next five years. Thompson added: “Expansion is very much front and centre for the brand so we’re continuing to scope out further sites for future stores in convenient locations across Scotland.” Mike Leonard, head of retail at Eddy’s Food Station, said: “This next opening and the quick development of this new group of convenience stores is an indication of how strong the convenience
sector is. It’s brilliant to see the beginning of the Eddy’s Food Station journey progress so quickly with many other exciting launches imminent. “The success of the Alloa store and the growth of the brand is testament to Stephen and his expertise in the sector.” Leonard concluded: “I’m thrilled to be a part of a story which will continue to create significant new jobs and provide valuable services to Scottish communities.”
WEDNESDAY 10TH AUGUST 2022 / ISSUE 117 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 15
BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE
RETAIL SALES
Food and drink value sales ‘flattered’ by inflation Rising inflation is masking some ongoing dips in food and drink sales volumes, says IGD.
F
ood sales increased 2.3% on a total basis and 1.8% on a like-for-like basis over the three months to July, according to the latest BRC-KPMG retail sales monitor.The data shows that total retail sales increased by 2.3% during the month, ending three consecutive months of decline. Susan Barratt, chief executive at IGD, said: “July’s food and drink value sales were again flattered by inflation, masking some ongoing dips in sales volumes. Shoppers are genuinely tightening their belts by buying fewer items in addition to switching stores and buying more private label products.”
“Our Shopper Confidence Index improved a little in July, no doubt boosted by England’s Lionesses successful Euro 2022 football campaign. Plus, the heatwave and one-in-four families receiving the first cost of living payment, fewer were impacted by rising energy bills. However, with food price inflation forecast to increase in the coming months and Ofgem expected to announce a significant increase in the energy price cap at the end of August, there are still significant challenges ahead.” Paul Martin, UK head of retail at KPMG, commented: “The sun came out for retailers in July, as like-for-like
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sales grew 1.6% on last year. Against a backdrop of the cost-of-living crisis and ongoing reports of low consumer confidence actual sales are still holding up.” He added: “However, the summer could be the lull before the storm with conditions set to get tougher as consumers arrive back from summer breaks to holiday credit card bills, another energy price hike and rising interest rates. With stronger cost of living headwinds on the horizon, consumers will have to prioritise essentials, and discretionary product spending will come under pressure.”
BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE
CONSUMER SPENDING
Consumer confidence rising Research reveals that more Brits are feeling confident about their household finances and ability to live within their means each month.
C
onsumer card spending grew 7.7% year-on-year in July and 1.6% month-on-month, according to new figures from Barclaycard. Data from Barclaycard, which sees nearly half of the nation’s credit and debit card transactions, reveals that spending on essential items rose by 7.0% year-on-year, greater than the 4.0% rise recorded in June. The increase was driven largely by fuel and supermarket shopping, which grew by 29.9% and 2.1%, respectively, as the prices of petrol, diesel and everyday items continued to climb. Meanwhile, average spending on utility bills rose by 43.9% year-on-year, even higher than last month’s growth of 39.6%. At the supermarket, 89% of Brits report seeing increases in the prices of everyday items, with the majority noticing that butter (53%), milk (51%), and meat (47%) are more expensive than they were in June. This comes as 45% of shoppers say they are looking for ways to get more value from, or to reduce the cost of their weekly shop. Over half (52%) of this group are paying closer attention to the prices of items they buy regularly, and the same proportion are cutting down on luxuries or one-off treats. In addition, 37% are purchasing certain items on a need-to-buy basis to save money and avoid waste, resulting in an emerging trend for smaller
basket sizes, and more frequent trips to the supermarket to restock when items run out. The average value of a supermarket transaction has dropped from £23.67 in January 2021 to £19.33 in July 2022, while the average number of monthly supermarket purchases per person increased from 8.70 to 11.91 over the same period. José Carvalho, head of consumer products at Barclaycard, said: “We know
that this is a really challenging time for many consumers, so it is reassuring to see that more Brits are feeling confident about their household finances and ability to live within their means each month. “This shows that, faced with difficult circumstances, many are finding ways to budget and manage their finances successfully, to cope with ongoing inflationary pressures.”
WEDNESDAY 10TH AUGUST 2022 / ISSUE 117 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 17
BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE
RETAIL FOOTFALL
Footfall stifled by heatwave Data shows there was some respite in the last week of July as people stocked up on food and drink ahead of the Women’s Euros final.
T
otal UK footfall decreased by 14.2% in July compared to pre-pandemic figures, 3.7 percentage points worse than June, according to new BRC-Sensormatic IQ data. The figures reveal footfall on high streets declined by 15.9% on pre-pandemic figures and are 2.0 percentage points worse than June’s rate. Shopping centre footfall declined by 24.8% on pre-pandemic figures, 0.7 percentage points worse than June’s rate, and above the three-month average decline of 25.1%. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland saw the shallowest footfall decline of all nations at -12.3%, followed by England
at -14.0% and Wales at -15.8%. Scotland again saw the steepest decline at -16.5%. Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “Following four months of steady progress, UK footfall stalled in July as record temperatures and the rising costof-living deterred people from visiting local shops. “There was some respite in the last week of July, ahead of the Women’s Euros finals, as people stocked up on food and drink to watch the Lionesses bring footfall home.” Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions, added: “July delivered a smorgasbord
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of summer disruption for retailers, as the ongoing rail strikes derailed footfall gains and the UK’s record-breaking heatwave saw shoppers shun the shops for several days as the temperatures soared. Add to this the ongoing cautiousness we’re seeing among the costof-living consumer, it made for a bumpy month for shopper traffic performance. “And amidst the tailwinds of economic uncertainty, comes possible policy changes as the Tory leadership contest plays out; retailers will be listening closely to how the next Tory leader plans to help the High Street, whilst hoping shoppers vote with their feet in August.”
BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE
CASH USE
Record high for cash withdrawals
Post Office says its latest figures clearly show that Britain is “anything but a cashless society”.
P
ost Offices handled a record £801m in personal cash withdrawals in July, up almost 8% month-on-month. The figure comes as Brits increasingly rely on cash to manage their budgets and a large number take staycations. New Post office data reveals that in total, a record £3.32bn in cash deposits and withdrawals were handled at Post Office’s 11,500 branches – £100m higher than in June. Personal cash deposits totalled a whopping £1.35bn, up 2%
month-on-month, and business cash deposits totalled £1.13bn, an increase of 1.9% month-on-month. In addition, Post Office also processed more than 600,000 cash pay-outs for people eligible to receive energy bill support from the UK Government in July. This totalled around £90m and provide people with an opportunity to pay energy bills, top up gas and electricity meters or use the cash to budget. Martin Kearsley, banking director at Post Office, said: “Our latest figures
clearly show that Britain is anything but a cashless society. We’re seeing more and more people increasingly reliant on cash as the tried and tested way to manage a budget. Whether that’s for a staycation in the UK or if it’s to help prepare for financial pressures expected in the autumn, cash access in every community is critical. “Postmasters handling over £3.3bn in a single month demonstrates just how vital being able to deposit and withdraw cash, securely and conveniently, is for millions of people.”
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COMMUNITY
PROUDFOOT GROUP
Retailer celebrates Yorkshire heritage with tasting event Scarborough-based Proudfoot Group celebrated its Yorkshire roots with an in-store tasting event for customers that also raised money for local good causes.
S
carborough retailer Proudfoot Group celebrated its Yorkshire roots with an in-store tasting event for customers at its Newby store to mark Yorkshire Day. The popular annual event, which returned after a three-year break due to the pandemic, took place at Proudfoot’s Scalby Road supermarket and showcased food and drink from a wide variety of local suppliers, including Beacon Farm Ice Cream, Cooplands, The Original Baker, Wold Top Brewery, Masons Yorkshire Gin, and McCain.
Shoppers also had the opportunity to sample foods from Proudfoot’s own deli and butchery counters, as well as a tempting selection from the Co-op own brand range. Valerie Aston, co-director of the Proudfoot Group, said: “We’ve always been proud to support Yorkshire suppliers and our annual Yorkshire Day event showcases some of the quality, local produce available, whilst encouraging the local community to celebrate our wonderful county with us and sample some of the best of what Yorkshire
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has to offer.” The day also offered prize draws, giveaways, and face painting, as well as a raffle that raised £412.75 for the store’s Making a Difference Locally fund, which supports local causes with donations. “The event allows customers to meet the passionate people behind the local produce they’re enjoying, and we received some fantastic feedback from customers and suppliers alike, with them commenting on what a great atmosphere and lovely experience it was on the day,” added Aston.
COMMUNITY
SPAR
Spar saddles up for community bike ride
All monies raised through the cycle sportive will help fund play equipment and sports facilities.
S
par has become the headline sponsor of the first Wylam on Wheels cycle sportive, around the Tyne valley, in September. Organised by the Wylam Sprockets Cycling Club, with all monies raised going to the sports facility Wylam Jubilee Field, the event on 18 September will see cyclists of all abilities tackle varying routes. There will be three courses to choose from: ‘Couch to 25k’ for novice cyclists, ‘Couch to 50k’ for those who have got out of the habit of cycling, and a hillier ‘60k Challenger Route’ for those who
cycle regularly. Those participating will cycle on relatively quiet roads, on a fully signposted and marshalled route, with feed stations along the way. After completing the ride, cyclists can enjoy an afternoon tea served at the Wylam Jubilee Field where the event starts and finishes. Doug Bergstrand, owner of the Spar Wylam store for almost 30 years, was keen to support the village event and make it a success with a helping hand from James Hall & Co – Spar UK’s primary wholesaler and distributor for the North of England.
Bergstrand said: “It’s fantastic that Spar has stepped up to sponsor the Wylam on Wheels event through James Hall & Co, and by covering the event’s costs, it will make a big difference to the village as all funds can go towards the playing field. Tom Murphy, marketing manager at James Hall & Co, commented: “Doug is a long-standing Spar independent retailer rooted in the community of Wylam. We were very keen to help out when he approached us, and we hope the event raises a brilliant amount for the village.”
WEDNESDAY 10TH AUGUST 2022 / ISSUE 117 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 21
NPD AND MEDIA
PICKS OF THE WEEK – BREWDOG
BREWDOG LAUNCHES BIGGEST-EVER GIVEAWAY The competition runs across 4-packs of Punk IPA, Lost Lager, Hazy Jane and Punk AF, 10-packs of Lost Lager, 12-packs of Punk IPA and Hazy Jane and Mixed 8-pack. BrewDog is giving away more than 13,000 prizes with its latest promotion, Access All Areas.
Alex Dullard, Head of Customer Marketing at BrewDog, said: “We want to reward our customers
To enter a free prize draw, shoppers need to
for their continued loyalty, whilst also driving trial
scan the QR code on-pack or on promotional POS
with new shoppers. That’s why we are launching
then sign up to Planet BrewDog. Entrants will be
Access All Areas – the biggest giveaway we have
notified immediately if they have won.
ever done.
Prizes include bar tabs at BrewDog bars, free
“With a simple entry mechanic, thousands of
beer, subscriptions to BrewDog and Friends,
great prizes on offer and a widespread marketing
vouchers, t-shirts, and glassware.
campaign, we’re hoping the promotion will help
The competition runs until 31 October across
drive overall footfall and beer sales for our cus-
4-packs of Punk IPA, Lost Lager, Hazy Jane and
tomers, throughout the remainder of the summer
Punk AF, 10-packs of Lost Lager, 12-packs of Punk
and into the autumn.
IPA and Hazy Jane and Mixed 8-pack. The campaign is supported from mid-August by in-store, digital and out-of-home activities.
22 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 117 / WEDNESDAY 10TH AUGUST 2022
“It also provides an ideal opportunity to reach additional shoppers with the busy August bank holiday approaching.”
NPD AND MEDIA
PICKS OF THE WEEK – BRITVIC
TANGO TEAMS UP WITH PRINCE’S TRUST The partnership will see an on-pack takeover across Tango Orange and Dark Berry Sugar Free flavours, with 5p from each pack sold donated to the charity.
Britvic’s flavoured fruit carbonates brand Tango
Young people are among the hardest hit coming
has agreed a long-term partnership with The
out of the pandemic, and as a key target audience
Prince’s Trust, the UK’s largest youth charity,
for Tango, the partnership will support youth cul-
to support young people with employment and
ture. With £3.1m spent on Tango by under-28s,
education opportunities.
the collaboration will inspire shoppers and support
The partnership is the latest milestone in Brit-
in driving purchase among those who want to
vic’s broader People and Culture strategy, which
make an impact on young people in the UK, a
includes learning and development for young peo-
key demographic for flavoured fruit carbonates.
ple alongside supporting healthier communities.
Britvic says the credibility of The Prince’s Trust
The activity is spearheaded with an on-pack
charity and the fame of the Tango brand will sup-
takeover across Tango Orange and Dark Berry
port in making a difference among the one in three
Sugar Free flavours, with 5p from each pack sold
young people who say more self-confidence would
donated to The Prince’s Trust – up to £100,000 in
help with achieving their goals in work or education.
the first year. A QR code featured on pack leads
The partnership will be live until 30 September
to a designated landing page that shares further
and will be supported by paid digital, influencers,
information about the partnership, as well as a
PR, and POS to drive awareness of the partner-
referral button to sign up to a Prince’s Trust course,
ship and encourage young people to “find their
or to donate.
fearless”.
WEDNESDAY 10TH AUGUST 2022 / ISSUE 117 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 23
NPD AND MEDIA
PICKS OF THE WEEK – KP SNACKS
KP SNACKS EXPANDS £1 PMP RANGE The new products, which are rolling out to stores this week, expand KP’s £1 price-marked pack
KP Snacks has launched two new £1 PMP SKUs – Butterkist Crunchy Orange Chocolate Flavour Toffee popcorn (70g) and Nik Naks Scampi ‘N’ Lemon (75g). Rolling out into stores this week, the new products expand KP’s £1 pricemarked pack range to 35 SKUs. Nik Naks Scampi ‘N’ Lemon has been absent across singles formats since 2008 and multipacks since 2019. KP Snacks says the Nik Naks brand is growing +5.3% and is one of the top 10 bestselling £1 PMP ranges. KP Snacks says the two new products are “well-positioned” to boost retailer sales by capitalising on the strength of £1 PMPs in CSN, worth £221.8m, and growing in value by +17.1%. In addition, KP Snacks says that Butterkist Crunchy Orange Chocolate popcorn £1 PMP bridges the gap between popcorn and chocolate confectionery, and is “perfect for a sweeter and more indulgent snacking occasion”. Butterkist is the nation’s favourite popcorn brand, enjoying a 35.4% market share. Matt Collins, Trading Director at KP Snacks, said: “As costs of everyday items continue to rise, consumers will be searching for great value products so PMPs will be an increasingly important format. We are delighted to be supporting our retail partners with a strong and growing £1 PMP range designed to excite shoppers and drive impulse purchases.” “We are also catering to shopper demand by bringing back Nik Naks Scampi ‘N’ Lemon as a £1 PMP. The return of this well-loved flavour after so many years without it, will engage and ignite interest from shoppers, boosting sales for retailers.”
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NPD AND MEDIA
PICKS OF THE WEEK
HEALTHY IMPULSE
FROZEN TREAT
PLANT-BASED LOVE
Epicurium has launched seven
Spirits brand Au Vodka has
Plant-based chocolate brand
on-trend impulse ranges this
launched a new Blue Rasp-
LoveRaw has launched a new
month. The ranges include vegan
berry-flavoured ice lollies line,
Caramelised Biscuit Cre&m
protein brand Misfits, breakfast
marking its venture into the frozen
Wafer Bar. The bar, which is
range Fuel10K, and new fruit
category. Available to order now,
filled with a biscuit cream with
and nut impulse packs from
the product comes in liquid form
a caramel layer and crunchy
Forest Feasts. Other additions
and requires freezing before use.
biscuit crumb, is free of palm
include Livia’s, Pulsin, and Purely
The lollies (5% ABV) have an RSP
oil, dairy products or artificial
Plantain.
of £2.99.
ingredients.
ORANGE CUSTARD
FISH LINE
COCKTAIL CANS
Ambrosia’s Chocolate Orange
Spanish importer and whole-
Edinburgh Gin is expanding its
Custard is returning as a per-
saler, Mevalco, is to roll out a
RTD cocktail range with the addi-
manent addition to the brand’s
range of tinned fish fillets and
tion of Lemon Spritz and Negroni
range, due to demand from con-
roe. New products include Her-
Spritz. The brand’s classic G&T
sumers. The product features
pac Canutera Frigate (125g),
has also relaunched with a
100% natural flavours and no
Herpac Mackerel fillets or roe in
new look, and a higher ABV. All
added colours or preservatives.
olive oil (125g), and Cadiz Mar-
three are available in 12 x 250ml
It is available in a 400g can with
inated Sardines Fillets (20 fillets
bundle packs from the brand’s
an RSP of £1.49.
to a tin).
website.
WEDNESDAY 10TH AUGUST 2022 / ISSUE 117 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 25
NOW THAT’S A
OUT TH
A side of 3D carrots and crickets
Insects are a great source of protein, but can we really stomach them? Some scientists think we now could.
A team of scientists has engineered a way to incorporate alternative proteins, such as crickets, with vegetables, including carrots, and print them in 3D.
CAN YOU MAKE THAT MAKE SENSE? The idea is relatively simple; consuming insects as an alternative protein is becoming an attractive solution to a lot of questions around sustainability but making them palatable has always been a difficult conundrum. Now, scientists have used 3D food printing to mix carrots and crickets to create a visually appealing dish. “The appearance and taste of such alternative proteins can be disconcerting for many. This is where the versatility of 3D food printing rises to the challenge as it can transform the way in which food is presented and overcome the inertia of consumer inhibitions,” Prof Chua Chee Kai, co-author from the Singapore University of Technology and Design, said.
WHAT’S THE INNOVATION? 3D printing in food has been around for some time as a concept, but the approach used by Kai and his peers allows them to optimise protein ink formulations (from insects).
The team used crickets, larvae and a few other protein-rich insects with commonly-eaten vegetables, such as carrots to improve the overall flavour. Carrot powder helped provide mechanical strength, as well as taste, nutrients and colour to the formulated inks. Meanwhile, they also experimented with alternative proteins such as soy, spirulina, cricket, black soldier fly larvae, and sericin.
26 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 117 / WEDNESDAY 10TH AUGUST 2022
BUT WHY INSECTS? The demand for protein-rich foods has sparked a big debate in the era of chasing carbon-neutral goals and climate change. According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation, animal agriculture accounts for 14.5% of all anthropogenic greenhouse-gas emissions – giving just an idea of how much we could salvage just by eliminating this from the equation.
A GOOD IDEA…
HE BOX A new feature from Farmstead reminds you what’s in your refrigerator to reduce food waste.
However, the nutritional benefits of protein-rich foods are undeniable, and this is where insects come in. According to reports, mealworm protein is thought to have a greenhouse gas footprint 1% the size of beef.
HOW CAN YOU SELL THEM? We’re not there just yet, but with a little bit of good marketing and perhaps a change of mindset, it’s possible we can start talking about stocking insect snack products.
In the UK – amazingly – there are a few food brands already doing it, including Eat Grub, Crunchy Critters, and others. In addition, the European Food Safety Authority recently provisionally deemed the lesser mealworm to be safe for human consumption. Closer to home, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has received a joint application to introduce house crickets to the UK
market from over 30 edible insect companies. Meanwhile, an FSA survey has found that a quarter of UK consumers would try edible insects, citing environmental and sustainability reasons (31%). However, 67% said that “nothing could make them try edible insects”. Perhaps some good, old 3D food printing of cricket carrot would help turn public opinion around?
WEDNESDAY 10TH AUGUST 2022 / ISSUE 117 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 27
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
A E R O K N O Y R R CA Eating garlic has long been known to be good for you, helping to combat high blood pressure for one thing. But now it’s having the opposite effect in South Korea, with a garlic-promoting video getting the nation’s collective blood boiling. The 30-second clip –showcasing garlic grown in the country’s Hongseong County – has been floating about on YouTube for a couple years now but recently came to wider public attention when it aired on electronic billboards in capital city Seoul. In a scene reminiscent of a Carry On film, the video shows an excited woman stroking a man’s thigh and saying things like “very thick” and “hard”. Ooh err missus. It should be pointed out that the chap has a massive bulb of garlic for a
head and his companion’s descriptions apparently refer to the quality of Hongseong’s fine produce. In a joint statement the Korean Peasants League and the Korean Women Peasants Association said: “The video
ED G U L L -T Y A S C H A R G
offended the people who watched it” and “sexually objectified” garlic. Oddly enough, Carry On star Kenneth Williams couldn’t stand innuendo. If he ever saw some in a script, his first instinct was to whip it out immediately.
Footage reveals Steven brazenly ignoring a ‘Thieves beware’ sign as
New ONS data reveals shoplifting
he marches in to pinch what other
has soared by more than 20% year-
media outlets have described as
on-year. The cost-of-living crisis is
a croissant, before hot-webbed-
blamed for this sharp rise, although
footing it back out the door. Steven
The Week In Retail has uncovered
remains at large but once appre-
another reason: seagulls.
hended authorities say the gull fac-
More specifically, a one-bird
es a lengthy spell of in-tern-ment.
crime wave that is plaguing the Late Stop 24 store in the Welsh seaside city of Bangor. Named Steven by the store’s staff, presumably after 90s action movie star Steven Seagal (see what they did there?), the bigbeaked blagger was caught on camera twice in one day last week pilfering from the premises.
WEDNESDAY 10TH AUGUST 2022 / ISSUE 117 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 29
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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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