The Week In Retail Issue 56

RETAIL

THE WEEK IN

...MORE IF YOU PLEASE

VPZ LAUNCHES VAPE CLINIC WIN2GETHER WITH MARS WRIGLEY SCOTLAND’S DIET IN SPOTLIGHT

HOME DELIVERY

JISP AND NISA TEAM-UP

SHOPPING APP OFFERED TO 4,000 STORES NEWSTRADE

CHARLES WILSON’S MENZIES MOVE

EX-BOOKER BOSS COMES OUT OF RETIREMENT

+

STORE REFRESH

LOSTOCK HALL PRESTON FORECOURT GETS SPAR TOUCH

DRINK 124 PINTS TO SAVE OUR PUBS Commercial Partner:

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Issue 56 Wednesday 19th May 2021

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THE WEEK IN RETAIL

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

Wilson sees history repeat itself So Charles Wilson is off to Menzies Distribution then? I don’t think too many of us saw that one coming. Let it sink in a little, however, and starts to make some kind of odd Wilsonesque sense.

The general reaction among retailers has broadly been: why in the hell would he want to do that? Or, as Prestonpans retailer and news trade activist Ferhan Ashiq put it to me: “He must see something I don’t.”

The chances are, he almost certainly does. And that’s by no means a slight on Ferhan or any potential lack of foresight on his part. Charles has made a long career, a legion of admirers and a shedload of money out of seeing things that other people don’t.

Cast your mind back to when Charles took on the Booker challenge. It was saddled with the sort of debt that could have sunk a small country, never mind a wholesaling business, and was by all accounts quite literally a matter of weeks from having the plug pulled.

I’m sure if social media had been around then we’d have seen exactly that same reaction as we saw this week when it became public knowledge

that his next challenge is Menzies. History may be repeating itself. Certainly, Menzies should be hoping so. Charles took a basket case and sold it for billions just over a decade later. Menzies is hardy a basket case, but it has what you might gently term an image problem, particularly among retailers.

It’s also been interesting to watch the reactions of retailers this week who have some previous reasonably close experience of working with Charles under their belt. Retailers like Linda Williams in Edinburgh. Theirs is much more of a ‘bring it on’ response. “If anyone can fix Menzies, it’s Charles,” as she told me.

The big question, then, is what exactly is it that Charles can see? His solutions tend to be very simple and direct, as they were at Booker. Choice, price, service, anyone? And it’s a decent bet that if he does have a masterplan up his sleeve, it will be a deceptively simple one. One that nobody else has seen and has been staring us all in the face the whole time.

Whatever happens, it’ll be good to have him back and I’d be surprised if retailers don’t benefit from the move in some way in the nearish future.

ANTONYBEGLEY ANTONYBEGLEY ANTONYBEGLEY

ANTONY BEGLEY, EDITOR

WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 / ISSUE 56 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 3

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CONTENTS

WEDNESDAY 19 MAY 2021 / ISSUE 56 WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK

12

6

15

THIS WEEK’S NEWS IN BRIEF

STORE REFRESH: LOSTOCK HALL

CHARLES WILSON SURFACES AT MENZIES

Shopper value rises in April and the ACS urges MPs to get tough on retail crime.

James Hall & Co opens a brand new Spar store in Preston after a major overhaul of a forecourt site.

Former Booker CEO to join the Board of Menzies Distribution after buying a 10% stake in the company.

9 Covid-19 update

16 Picks of the week

25 Before you go...

The latest coronavirus-related news.

A look at the latest new products and

If you don’t fancy trying your hand at Urban

10 Home delivery: Jisp

marketing campaigns, including Diet

Axe Throwing you can always down 124

Nisa Retail announces Jisp as an official

Coke’s ‘Just Because’ activity and a brand

pints to save the hospitality industry.

delivered service provider for independent

overhaul for Lynx.

retailers nationwide.

11 Store refresh: Millennium View

23 Out the box: Vape clinics

A new service from VPZ, the UK’s biggest

Food-to-go sales increase by 25% after a

vaping retailer, focuses squarely on

refresh of a Nisa store in Coventry.

customers trying to quit cigarettes.

TWITTER.COM/SLRMAG

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SLRMAG

WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 / ISSUE 56 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 5

NEWS DIGEST

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

PRICEWATCH PICKS EDGEPOS

TRADING

supplier Henderson

Increased visits to c-stores caused rise in shopper value last month

Technology has won a contract

The convenience channel saw growth in April in shopper visit frequency and

to provide Pricewatch with its

weekly shopper value, says Lumina Intelligence.

EPoS software solution

EDGEPoS platform into 12 Power Petroleum branded forecourts. The contract will also see EDGEPoS Head Office installed at Clayhill Service Station to allow full control of all 12 sites from one central location.

NISA’S FIVER DEAL RETURNS Nisa’s £5 freezer deal is back and comprises Birds Eye Crispy Chicken 2pk, Birds Eye Chicken Burger 4pk, Birds Eye Alphabites 456g, Birds Eye Mixed Vegetables 340g, Walls Solero Exotic 3pk and Nestle Fab Strawberry 6pk. The

According to the latest insight from Lumina Intelligence’s Convenience Tracking Programme, compared to the 4WE 04/04, the UK convenience retail channel has seen growth in average shopper visit frequency and average weekly shopper value. In contrast, average basket size has fallen slightly.

In the 4WE 02/05, average visit frequency to a convenience store was 2.6 times per week (+8%), average weekly shopper value was £29.09 (+4%) and average basket size was 3.3 items (-3%).

Planned top-up remains the number one mission driving shoppers to convenience stores, however its share of visits has fallen -2.7ppts to 29.2% during 4WE 02/05. This change

has been driven by an increase in shoppers on a food to go mission, +2.1ppts to 12.6%.

The data also indicates an increase in the proportion of shopper using delivery and click and collect services.

The proportion of convenience store shoppers using delivery services increased +40% to 4.5% in the 4WE 02/05 and for click and collect there was an increase of 8% to 1.1%.

The proportion of convenience store shoppers purchasing price-marked packs or buying on promotion also increased. 55.2% of convenience store shoppers purchased on promotion in the 4WE 02/05 (+2.5ppts) and 46.5% purchased a price-marked pack (+2.4ppts).

promotion runs until Tuesday 1 June.

PLATINUM JTI Investors in People has awarded JTI UK the first ‘We invest in wellbeing’ Platinum accreditation. The award is for JTI’s ‘outstanding’ support for employees and exceeding its own stretch goals to reach the highest standards in corporate employee wellbeing practices.

6 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 56 / WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021

Local shops encouraged to promote cash acceptance The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) is encouraging local shops to promote their acceptance of cash through the ‘Cash Friendly Pledge’.

Launched at the end of last week

by Which?, the ‘Cash-Friendly Pledge’ is a public commitment from retailers which sends the clear message to customers that they can continue to

use cash as a payment method in their store.

Findings from ACS’ 2020 Local Shop Report demonstrate the vital role that local shops play in providing their communities with access to their cash, through cashback (68%), free-to-use ATMs (49%), pay-to-use ATMs (22%) and Post Offices (22%).

NEWS DIGEST

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

CRIME

ACS urges MPs to get tough on retail crime

HARD SELTZERS IN FOCUS The newest editions of Unitas Wholesale’s ‘Focus

The Association of Convenience Stores calls for tougher penalties for attacks

On’ by Plan for Profit mini

on shopworkers and more robust measures to tackle serial shoplifters.

category guides highlight the opportunities that the

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has called for amendments to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Bill to help the police and criminal justice system tackle repeat offending.

In evidence submitted to the Public Bill Committee on the PCSC Bill, ACS called for the inclusion of the following measures: ● Introduce tougher penalties for attacks on shopworkers, recognising their role in enforcing the law and supporting their communities ● Ensure that the new system of cautions is effective in dealing with repeat shop theft offences Figures from the 2021 ACS Crime Report show that there were over

energy drinks and hard seltzers categories present for independent retailers. Unitas partnered with CCEP and Budweiser for the guides.

SUGRO CONFERENCE A VIRTUAL SUCCESS Buying group Sugro UK’s

1.1m incidents of theft over the last year, many of which committed by repeat offenders with a drug or alcohol addiction.

ACS boss James Lowman (pictured) said: “Those who attack retailers and their colleagues must be dealt with properly through tougher sentences, and shop theft must be taken seriously.”

latest conference has been described by attendees as a “highly engaging, content rich and professionally delivered virtual event”. It was virtually attended by over 280 delegates, followed by over 800 1-to-1 virtual video networking meetings between members and suppliers.

FSS focuses on Scotland’s diet Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has published its strategic ambitions for the next five years. It will place a renewed emphasis on improving the Scottish diet and associated negative health consequences.

‘Healthy, Safe, Sustainable: Driving Scotland’s Food Future’ for 2021-2026 is FSS’s second Strategy.

FSS plans to continue to take a robust evidence-based approach in its activities as a trusted source on food information and advice.

It will continue to work with others such as the food and drink and hospitality sectors, government and other key partners in order to deliver on its commitments.

CONSUMER SPENDING RISES New data from credit card terminal provider UTP Group has found consumer spending is up by a third (32%) across the UK since Covid-19 restrictions eased, compared to an equivalent period prepandemic in April 2019.

WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 / ISSUE 56 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 7

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NEWS SPECIAL

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

Glasgow and Moray miss out on relaxation

A late-in-the-day announcement saw Glasgow join Moray as the only areas in

MORRISONS DITCHES POINTS FOR APP

Scotland remaining in Level 3 this week

Morrisons is canning loyalty scheme and instead bringing in a new

The Scottish Government will review the position this week and continue to provide targeted support for businesses which have to remain closed or continue to operate under Level 3 restrictions.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “There are now grounds for cautious optimism that the situation in Moray is improving. Glasgow City is causing more concern at this stage as the latest available data shows that both cases and test positivity have increased.

“An additional and very significant factor in Glasgow is evidence suggesting that the outbreak – which is heavily centred at the moment in the southside of the city – is being driven by the so-called Indian variant.”

ACS: support must outlive pandemic The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has responded to a House of Commons Treasury Select Committee inquiry, to ensure that support for local shops is extended beyond the pandemic to enable recovery and growth in the convenience sector.

In its submission, ACS made a number of key recommendations to

the committee. These include extending the timetable for the National Living Wage’s target to reach two-thirds of median earnings and also mitigating the cost of wage increases through National Insurance Contributions.

The submission can be viewed in full on the here.

app-based My Morrisons programme giving customers instant money off at the checkout.

All savings are available to spend immediately and, as well as personalised offers, the My Morrisons app will also host other Morrisons online services including Morrisons.com, Food Boxes and the Morrisons Cafe Takeaway menu.

Further features will launch in the coming weeks, including

TECH SOLUTIONS

I

n a bitterly disappointing development for many, Glasgow joined Moray at the weekend on the list of Scottish areas that would be kept in Level 3 while the rest of the country moved into Level 2 on Monday.

Travel to and from these areas is prohibited for anything other than officially permitted purposes, due to a “high rate” of coronavirus cases.

Cases in both Moray and in Glasgow have remained high with the most recent data up to 11 May showing the weekly case rate in Moray was 69 cases per 100,000 people and in Glasgow was 80 per 100,000. This compares to 30 cases per 100,000 across the whole of Scotland.

its points-based More

the opportunity for customers to give back to the community.

WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 / ISSUE 56 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 9

HOME DELIVERY

JISP NISA PARTNERSHIP

J

Nisa partners with Jisp for home delivery

Nisa Retail has announced Jisp as an official delivered service provider for independent retailers nationwide.

isp, the all-in-one shopping app, has signed an official partnership agreement with Nisa Retail to offer its Home Delivery, Click & Collect and Scan & Go solutions to almost 4,000 stores across the country.

Nisa, part of the Co-op Group, will also be integrating with Jisp’s Epos system to provide retailers with up-to-date products, promotions, prices and stock levels for aligned sales through the app as well as in store.

Ian Bacon, Delivered Services Lead at Nisa, said: “We are constantly seeking out ways to provide our partners with all the tools they need to remain competitive and respond to shopper demand. Offering delivery to customers is now key to the convenience sector and so we’re very pleased to be partnering with Jisp to introduce the app to our independent retailers. We are now working with four delivered service companies which offer multiple solutions to our wideranging partner base.”

10 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 56 / WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021

Julian Fisher, CEO and Founder of Jisp, said: “A fantastic partnership and one which, once again, highlights the demand for Jisp’s bespoke solutions within the retail industry. We are proud that Nisa recognised us a great solution on the market, and we look forward to building a strong partnership for years to come”.

With Jisp’s unique packages and 0% on commission and transaction fees, all retailers across the group will retain 100% of their sales while potentially increasing their basket spend by up to 400%. Nisa stores will benefit from free access to Social Media Hub for bespoke assets as well as hands-on marketing support and increased exposure on a local level through Jisp’s own Brand Ambassador Programme.

Nisa retailer Paul Cheema, owner of Malcolm’s Stores in Coventry, said: “The platform is so easy to use not only for the consumer but also for the retailer.”

Nisa retailers can register their interest by contacting sales@jisp.com or going to www.jisp.com/sign-up/nisa.

STORE REFRESH

MILLENNIUM VIEW, COVENTRY RICKY & AMRIT DOUGALL

Food to Go refresh delivers results Food to go sales have increased by 25% after a refresh of a Nisa store in Coventry.

A

n independent Nisa retailing family has revamped their award-winning city centre store to respond to changes in customer demand and has seen instant results with food to go sales up by 25% since the changes and sales across the store up 30% YOY. Brothers Ricky and Amrit Dougall have introduced an array of new services to the Millennium View store in Coventry to appeal to the transitional demographic that makes up a large proportion of the store’s custom.

The store, which is located across the road from the bus station in the very heart of the city, was launched in February 2019 and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

A serve-over food counter originally installed on the shop floor has been replaced by a bank of machines including f ’real, Tango Ice Blast, Rollover, fwip, PG Tips, a second Costa Coffee as well as self-serve hot food.

Ricky said: “Customers didn’t want to wait for their food.

We had to change that whole idea to fit in better with the

transitional customers we mostly get in the store. The bus drivers especially were demanding something faster and more efficient from the food to go.”

A further chiller was added to the store at the end of last year to enable additional chilled food to go sales and the mini overhaul has also seen a re-lay of the general flow of the store.

The licensed section has been opened up to better show off the wide-ranging offer and new signage has been erected to the exterior of the shop to better advertise the 24-hour opening hours.

Ricky said: “It’s working much better for the shoppers now and our food to go area is much more viable for us because it’s less expensive to run and we don’t need to staff the area.

“We have seen an increase in spend in food to go since the alterations and adding in the new machines has definitely added incremental sales as well with a 30% increase year on year across the store.”

WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 / ISSUE 56 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 11

STORE REFRESH

LOSTOCK HALL, PRESTON JAMES HALL & CO

Bigger, better and bolder

L

James Hall & Co has opened a brand new Spar store in Preston after a major overhaul of a forecourt site to allow for a larger store and additional facilities.

ostock Hall residents are benefitting from a brand new Spar store after a major overhaul of the former Lansdown Garage site on Brownedge Road, Preston.

James Hall & Co, Spar wholesaler for the north of England, has reconfigured the forecourt site to allow for a larger store and additional facilities for local residents.

The 3,000 sq ft. store features an extensive range of everyday essentials alongside a brand new Graham Eyes High Class Butchers counter, Clayton Park Deli, Tango Ice Blast machine and Cheeky Coffee offering.

Graham Eyes High Class Butchers offers a range of fresh meats and handmade ready meals, while Clayton Park Deli has a selection of made-to-order sandwiches, hot and cold deli products, and freshly-baked bread. Also featured is Fazila Foods, a Bolton family business that produces Asian spiced deli products, sandwiches and ready meals.

Fiona Drummond, Company Owned Stores Director at James Hall, said, “We are thrilled to unveil the new Spar

12 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 56 / WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021

Lostock Hall site and are confident that customers will enjoy the additional facilities and modern feel of the store.

“As many supermarkets are closing their deli and meat counters, we have found an increase in Spar customers looking to pick up high quality meat and fresh foodto-go from their local convenience store, and Graham Eyes’ trusted family brand has proved very popular with Spar customers in Warton and our company-owned Southport stores.

“With LED lighting and energy-saving fridges, this store is an investment for Lostock Hall’s community for years to come and we look forward to welcoming new and existing customers to their new store.”

The new store and forecourt site has created 28 jobs for local people and is open 06.00 – 23.00 seven days a week, including lottery and Paypoint services.

The forecourt site includes four Shell fuel pumps, nine car parking spaces, and air and vacuum facilities.

STORE REFRESH

LOSTOCK HALL, PRESTON JAMES HALL & CO

WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 / ISSUE 56 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 13

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COVER STORY

CHARLES WILSON MENZIES DISTRIBUTION

A

Wilson surfaces at Menzies Distribution Former Booker CEO Charles Wilson is joining the Board of Menzies Distribution after buying a 10% stake in the company.

fter retiring from Booker earlier this year having led a remarkable transformation of the wholesaler, Charles Wilson has returned to the fray with a 10% stake in Menzies Distribution and a place on the Board as a non-exec director. The move surprised many in the industry prompting widespread speculation about his vision for a business that rarely features near the top of retailers’ Christmas card lists.

Wilson led Booker for 15 years overseeing its transformational growth to a leading UK wholesaler and merging with Tesco in 2018 at which point he joined the Tesco executive team.

Wilson, who was diagnosed with throat cancer three years ago but remains in remission, had retired in February after deciding it was “time to take things a little easier”.

In a letter circulated to newspaper publishers, Menzies said: “Charles joining Menzies is a fantastic endorsement of our growth and diversification strategy to be the national partner of choice to the publishing and retail markets.

“Charles’ wealth of experience across both retail and publishing markets will support Menzies execute our growth strategy, widening our service offer and geographical coverage for your benefit.

“We are looking forward to the insight that Charles will bring to support our ambition of customer growth through our unique set of services and capabilities.

“Menzies’ commitment to our newstrade partners to secure the long-term sustainability of the newstrade endto-end supply chain remains paramount. Our successful diversification underpins your route to market and remains at the heart of everything we do. To this end, we will continue

to invest nationally in new and innovative newstrade capabilities.”

The Federation of Independent Retailers (NFRN) welcomed the announcement.

Commenting, National President Stuart Reddish said: “This is a hugely positive move.

Charles has been a good friend of independent retailers and on behalf of the NFRN, I very much welcome his appointment to the Menzies board.

“Charles is extremely well respected within the independent retail sector and will bring with him a wealth of retail experience and expertise. At Booker, his ethos was always about the customer, seeing retailers as individuals rather than numbers.

“We hope he will bring some fresh thinking and a proactive approach towards addressing the issues faced by independent news retailers.

“The NFRN now looks forward to working closely with Charles and with the rest of the Menzies board to ensure that the needs of our members are a high priority on the news wholesaler’s agenda.”

In 2020, Wilson was presented with the SLR Special Recognition Award to mark his achievements in convenience retailing.

WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 / ISSUE 56 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 15

NPD AND MEDIA

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

DOOM BAR ROLLS OUT NEW FRIDGEPACK The cask and bottled ale brand taps into growing consumer demand for larger pack formats with the launch of a 10 x 440ml fridgepack.

Doom Bar, the UK’s best-selling cask and bottled

effort during their shop, and taps into the growing

ale, has launched a new Doom Bar ‘fridge pack’

consumer trend towards fewer, but bigger grocery

across the UK off-trade, to tap into growing

shops.

demand for convenient multipack formats.

The 10x440ml cans fridge packs have been

James Nicholls, Sharp’s Brewery’s Marketing Controller,

said:

“With

changing

shopper

rolled out in stores across the UK this month.

behaviour, consumers are looking for trusted

The cans are encased in a recyclable cardboard

brands that offer larger pack formats at great

sleeve, and include an easy to carry handle and

value, making it easier for them to be stocked up

quick tear-open fold, giving consumers a new,

for longer.

convenient way to enjoy the UK’s number one premium bottled ale.

The format caters to the growing demand for products that help shoppers save time and

16 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 56 / WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021

“We’re delighted to welcome another addition to the Doom Bar family, providing convenience as well as the usual great quality beer for Doom Bar fans across the country.”

NPD AND MEDIA

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

LYNX UNDERGOES FULL BRAND OVERHAUL Unilever has given is Lynx brand a complete overhaul to drive “the new Lynx effect”, particularly among the Gen-Z audience.

Lynx, the UK’s leading men’s toiletries brand,

fragrance”. With three out of the top 10 fastest

has undergone a complete brand repositioning

growing male deodorants being sport based

to drive relevancy amongst the Gen-Z audience.

[Nielsen, Apr 2021], Lynx is also launching a new

Including product upgrades across all formats, the

trio of sports products to help retailers tap into this

brand will feature a revitalised new look and feel

growing sector. The range includes a deodorant

as well as innovative technology and is setting

body spray, antiperspirant and three-in-one body,

its sights on making fans and newcomers to the

face and hair wash – available now.

brand ‘smell iconic’ with ‘the new Lynx effect’.

The £12m media campaign is running across

Supported by a £12m ATL campaign, Lynx

TV, video on demand, OOH and on social to help

will continue to champion ‘the everyday guy’,

drive mass reach for the brand, encouraging

helping them to smell and feel their best as they

shoppers to smell iconic,. The campaign features

navigate the world of attraction. This comes with

boxer Anthony Joshua, chart-topper Aitch,

a refreshed, respectful approach that doesn’t rely

YouTube sensation Calfreezy and rap battle star

on gender stereotypes, which will be mirrored

Chunkz.

across the entire brand.

Across the entire portfolio, the new packaging sports a new design created in collaboration with

Fastfacts

street artist and illustrator, Ben Tallon, previously

● Overhaul of entire brand

known for his prolific work with fashion brands

● New look and feel

such as Nike, Dr. Martens and Adidas. New

● New technologies and ingredients

technologies and ingredients promise “the

● £12m ATL campaign

delivery of enhanced freshness and superior

WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 / ISSUE 56 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 17

NPD AND MEDIA

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

©

©

10/01/22. .

13/08/21 – or Affiliates draw for entries . @2021 Mars . Wrap Up – 12/08/21 2getherpromo.com runs 05/04/21 T&Cs visit www.win promotion and full per day. Main For prize details pack. per person, one entry entry. Retain *UK18+. Max required. NI free Internet access

WIN2GETHER WITH MARS WRIGLEY

*UK18+. Max one entry per person, per day. Main promotion runs 05/04/21 – 12/08/21. Wrap Up draw for entries 13/08/21 – 10/01/22.

Internet access required. NI free entry. Retain pack. For prize details and full T&Cs visit www.win2getherpromo.com. @2021 Mars or Affiliates.

Mars Wrigley UK is kicking off the summer of sport with a new Win2Gether on-pack promo.

As the nation gets ready for a summer of sports,

● Maltesers

Mars Wrigley UK is offering football fans across

● Twix

the nation the chance to win major prizes for both

● Galaxy Ripple

themselves and a mate.

● Snickers

A host of rewards and experiences are on offer such as a VIP trip to Wembley Stadium, the chance

● Starburst ● Skittles

to meet a footballing legend and cash prizes of up to £1,000.The Win2Gether promo will offer

Brenna Mulholland, Bars Senior Manager

thousands of prizes every day and is supported

at Mars Wrigley UK said: “For the first time

by in-store merchandising. It will also feature as

ever, Mars Wrigley UK will be sponsoring

part of a Snickers-led campaign for the upcoming

both the England and Scottish FA teams at

summer of football.

the Euros. While rivalry may be fierce, the

Promotional codes can be found on the back

promotion this year means that everyone’s a

of packs across some of the nation’s favourite

winner, as the Win2Gether® promotion means

confectionery brands:

that consumers can win rewards for both

● Mars

themselves and a friend.

● Revels

“Retailers should ensure they’re ready to tap

● M&M’s

into the summer of sport, and the Win2Gether

● Galaxy Minstrels

promotion is the perfect opportunity to score big!”

18 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 56 / WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021

NPD AND MEDIA

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

DIET COKE: JUST BECAUSE

Diet Coke’s latest TV ad celebrates the “unapologetic attitude" of the brand’s fans who love what they love and don’t justify doing things their way.

Diet Coke has launched a new campaign called ‘Just Because’ to “honour the mischievous and lighthearted mindset of its fans”. The ad celebrates individual authenticity and fans who love what they love and don’t justify doing things their way.

Directed by Oscar-nominated Autumn De Wilde, the TV ad aired for the first time this week, and features a refresh of the well known jingle by Grammy Award Winning artist Thundercat.

The

integrated

campaign

includes multi-screen AV, with OOH, social, digital, PR support and POS activation. In addition, fans of the brand will also be given the opportunity to access online activations via a digital engagement content.

Amber Topalcik, Senior Brand Manager at Diet Coke said: “We are really excited to announce the

launch

of

Diet

Coke’s

new campaign. With a broad, passionate, and loyal fanbase, this campaign celebrates them - people that challenge and embrace their lives in a positive way, with the confidence to do things their own way, Just Because.”

WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 / ISSUE 56 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 19

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NPD AND MEDIA

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

WHITLEY GROWS

NEW PIMM’S

HAPPY GRAZE

JJ Whitley Vodka has extended

Pimm’s is welcoming in the

Graze has launched a new

its range with the addition of

summer with a refreshed

and improved Wow Bakes

new 35cl and 20cl formats

design for Pimm’s No.1

range in Lemon Drizzle,

across its best-selling variants,

bottle, a brand-new marketing

Chocolate Hazelnut and

including JJ Artisanal Russian

campaign ‘We will summer’

Salted Caramel flavours,

Vodka and Raspberry Vodka.

and a new raspberry and

available in Sainsbury’s now

The range is distilled in St

redcurrant aperitif: Pimm’s

and in Waitrose from 24

Petersburg using quality

Sundowner (18% ABV).

May, followed by Tesco in

Russian ingredients.

RSP: £15

June and Morrisons in July.

CHEESE TRIO

STOUT DEAL

JUMBO JAFFA

Jacob’s Mini Cheddars has

The RFU has extended its

McVitie’s has fused a Jaffa

rolled out £1 105g price-

partnership with Guinness

Cake and a doughnut to create

marked packs for three of its

for four more years.

Jaffa Jonuts –a ring of light

most popular flavours: Red

This will see Guinness

sponge with a layer of crackly

Leicester, Nacho Cheese

continue as the Official

dark chocolate on top, and a

& Jalapeno and the newly-

Beer Partner of England

tangy, gooey, orange-flavoured

launched Ploughman’s

Rugby and maintain its

filling.

Cheshire Cheese.

rights as Exclusive Stout at

RSPs: £1.99 (4 x 43g) /

RSP: £1

Twickenham.

60p (43g snack pack)

WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 / ISSUE 56 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 21

RETAIL TH E WE EK IN

GRA ZE DEBUTS ON TV RUS TLE RS UNV EILS ‘COO K IN BOX’ ALD I IN COP YCAT ERP ILLA R BAT TLE

...MO RE IF YOU PLEA SE

GROCERY

CO UL D AM AZ ON ST EA L CO-O P’S 6T H SP OT?

TWC SAYS AM AZ ON CO UL D BE CO ME SIX THLARGE ST GROC ER

COVID-19

SC OT LA ND ST EP S UP EA SIN G HO SPI

TAL ITY AND RETAIL TO RE-OPE N ON MO NDAY

SUSTAINABILITY

MO LS ON CO OR S RI NG S TH E CH AN GE S BRE WE R DUM PS RIN GS FOR CAR DBOARD

+ WIN FREE STOCK IN OUR READER COMPETITIONS! Brought to you by: Commercial Partner:

Issue 52 Wednesday 21st April 2021

Symbol Partner:

NOW THAT’S A GOOD IDEA…

OUT THE BOX VPZ

‘Vape Clinic’ focuses squarely on quitters A new ‘Vape Clinic’ service from VPZ, the UK’s biggest vaping retailer, focuses squarely on customers trying to quit cigarettes.

WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA? A ‘Vape Clinic’ service to help people quit smoking.

WHO’S DOING IT? VPZ, the UK’s largest vaping retailer.

HOW DOES IT WORK? Many smokers have successfully used vaping to get off the ciggies but this new service is squarely and openly targeted at those keen to quit. The Vape Clinic concept will create a network of ‘Smoking Cessation Coaches’ across its 150-strong UK store footprint, offering expert, personalised advice to customers on cessation. The service is particularly poignant as the NHS has been unable to offer smoking cessation services for more than a year.

WHY NOW? The launch was prompted in part by a huge increase in demand for sales of the Edinburgh-based company’s ‘New To Vaping’ kit sales. Sales increased by 165% in in the first week of re-opening following the relaxation of lockdown measures. The company believes the uptake and demand for stop smoking

services underlines and re-affirms VPZ’s recent calls for vaping stores to be classed as an essential retailer during the pandemic.

WHAT ARE VPZ’S GOALS? To play its part in helping the UK achieve its ambitions to be a tobaccofree nation by 2030, set out by the Government in 2017.

WHAT ARE VPZ SAYING? Director Doug Mutter says: “We are investing to help smokers quit and to support the country in its ambition to be a tobacco free nation by 2030.

We are excited to be launching the Vape Clinic concept following strong demand and recognising the need for an enhanced level of service since reopening our doors. Our specialists are trained and have expert knowledge, giving our customers a dedicated oneto-one consultation to help smokers begin their quit journey.

“The huge reduction in NHS stopsmoking services, through Covid-19 and local authority cuts have been devastating in the country’s efforts to reduce smoking rates. Couple this with

the fact that vape stores were deemed unessential has meant that rather than 2020 being the year the country makes massive strides in reducing the number of smokers – we have actually seen an increase and lost huge momentum in the UK’s ambitions to be smoke-free by 2030.

“Smoking rates and consumption are on the rise and there is a real fear that we are sleepwalking into another public health crisis, which really underlines our continued calls for the government to engage with us in relation to vaping stores to be listed as essential retailers.”

WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 / ISSUE 56 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 23

SUPPORTING GROCERY COLLEAGUES The GroceryAid Covid-19 Fund is designed to help colleagues who need support now and throughout the full impact of the pandemic.

Grocery colleagues have access to:

“Amid the huge challenge of Covid-19 our trade has done a great job of keeping the nation fed. GroceryAid has raised a special Covid-19 fund to help our industry colleagues at this time of need. The 24/7 Helpline will deal with concerns and assist with financial stress caused by this terrible virus.”

- Charles Wilson, GroceryAid President

Mental Health Support Offering ‘in the moment’ emotional and practical support for colleagues dealing with shock, anxiety and stress through BACP trained counsellors, our Health and Wellbeing portal and Woebot, our AI Robot App. Bereavement Financial Assistance Providing financial assistance for the loss of a loved one through Covid-19. Available to colleagues who lose a partner or the immediate family of a colleague who has passed away as a result of Covid-19 whilst working in our industry.

Crisis Grants Non-repayable grants, designed to help with financial emergencies. This is available for colleagues experiencing unexpected financial difficulties due to Covid-19 with a year’s industry service.

GroceryAid Helpline: 08088 021 122 Visit: www.groceryaid.org.uk Follow us:

BEFORE YOU GO

RETAIL RANDOMS URBAN AXE THROWING / DRINK FOR BRITAIN

Escape room firm has axe to grind As the country tentatively starts to take its first faltering footsteps back to some semblance of normality, the Scots firm which opened the country’s first escape rooms has addressed the coronavirus-induced flaw in its business model – i.e. no one in their right mind now wants to locked in anywhere ever again – by preparing to launch axe throwing experiences across the UK. Edinburgh-based Escape has established ‘Game of Throwing’, set to open in Chelmsford, Hull, Newcastle and Plymouth. Urban axe throwing is apparently a global trend which originated in Toronto, Canada, and is set to take the UK by storm as indoor entertainment returns following the lifting of lockdown restrictions.

The urban axe throwing experience involves groups of up to six booking their own enclosed and safe throwing lane or lanes, which come with a coach who will teach everyone how to “throw an axe safely” in just 15 minutes.

Despite this, players are warned to wear “closed-toe” shoes only, although we’re pretty sure your severed digits won’t care whether you were wearing sandals or sneakers when they parted company from the rest of your foot.

Drink for Britain If the thought of spending an evening locked in an escape room or dodging axes in opentoed sandals is driving you to drink, then there’s some great news from Company Debt.

Whilst taking a break from rescuing failing businesses, the insolvency services provider has worked out how much Brits would need to drink to haul the hospitality industry, which it says has lost at least £25.66bn due to Covid-19, back to a pre-pandemic level of profitability.

The answer is 124 per pints per adult, based on a figure of 52 million grown-ups in the UK. The company was obviously too lazy to factor

in the large number of underage drinkers the nation has to offer.

“Pubs will need additional financial support for years if they are to recover from this,” Dave Mountford, a publican and campaigner at the Forum for British Pubs, commented.

Don’t worry Dave. We’ve made our own quick calculations and reckon that if everyone in Britain were to go on just one stag/hen weekend to Whitley Bay then the hospitality industry would be back on its feet in two days, and the rest of us would be flat on our backs.

Please drink responsibly.

WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 / ISSUE 56 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 25

More than meets the eye!

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