The Week in Retail Issue 60

RETAIL

THE WEEK IN

BUYING LOCAL

BUILDING A LOCAL BUYING LEGACY

NEW SCHEME AIMS TO PROLONG LOCAL BUYING TREND RETAILER SUPPORT

SCHOOL ESSENTIALS FUND OPEN NATIONAL LOTTERY

RECORD SALES, DIGITAL WORRIES LOTTERY SALES HIT RECORD BUT DIGITAL GROWING FAST

+

GROCERYAID GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR RETAIL WORKERS ASAHI LAUNCHES SELTZER UNCLE BEN’S RENAMED TLM KITS OUT MFG

#BEKINDTOWHOLESALE URGES RETAILER PATIENCE Commercial Partner:

Brought to you by:

Issue 60 Wednesday 16th June 2021

Symbol Partner:

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

EDITOR’S COMMENT SHARE YOUR NEW S AND VIEW S W IT H M E AT ABEGLEY@ 55N ORT H .C OM

It’s a Lottery, going forward Camelot’s latest sales figures were, on the face of it, very encouraging. Despite a very tough year, it will come as no surprise to anyone that sales of National Lottery products shot up by nearly £470m and smashed the £8bn barrier for the first time.

That’s great news for the Camelot, great news for good causes and good news for retailers. It’s also been pretty tidy news for the UK’s 389 new millionaires.

Around £1.2bn was officially given to good causes last year with the ultimate figure predicted to be closer to £1.9bn when unclaimed prizes are factored in. All of this fantastic charity cash is clearly a fantastic thing, and never more so than at the current time.

So far so good, but the deeper you get into the official press release the more concerning it gets for local retailers who were, for many years, the bedrock upon which the whole National Lottery franchise was built. I’m not suggesting for a second that progress can – or should – be avoided, but the major growth and the clear direction of travel is not around local independent retailers: it’s all

around, firstly, rolling the National Lottery out to what looks like any retailer that will take it and, secondly, digital.

The release explicitly mentions “new partnerships and national roll-outs with discounters, including Aldi and Iceland” and Camelot’s successes in “making it convenient to purchase a ticket in self-checkouts [and] at checkout tills” in retailers such as Asda and Tesco. That strategy is likely to continue in future.

That will undoubtedly disappoint many independent retailers, but of far bigger concern could be the stellar growth of digital sales – which entirely cut retailers out of the loop. Digital sales reached a record £3,509.5m last year. That’s impressive in itself. But even more remarkable is the fact that this figure represents an increase of £1,052m on the previous year. Within digital, mobile sales grew by £876.4m to an all-time high of £2,481.9m, with most of these sales via The National Lottery’s apps.

If that rate of growth continues, there may be another huge challenge on the horizon for local retailers.

ANTONYBEGLEY ANTONYBEGLEY ANTONYBEGLEY

ANTONY BEGLEY, EDITOR

WEDNESDAY 16TH JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 60 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 3

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CONTENTS

WEDNESDAY 16 JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 60 W W W.SLR M AG.C O.U K

6

10 THIS WEEK’S NEWS IN BRIEF

23 LOCAL SOURCING: SCOTLAND LOVES LOCAL

A news wholesaler increases carriage charges ‘by stealth’ and the police ‘must do more’ on retail crime.

STORE REFIT: TURVES GREEN A Birmingham Nisa store sees sales continue to expand through a rolling series of improvement initiatives.

Scottish retailers are urged to register for nationwide local gift card.

9 Covid-19 update

19 Wholesalers: #BeKindToWholesale

24 Picks of the week

13 Retailer support: School essentials

The Scottish Wholesale Association urges

Parents can apply to receive £150 per

kindness towards wholesale staff who are

school-aged child from GroceryAid.

operating under stressful conditions.

15 EPoS: TLM Technologies / MFG

20 Symbol spotlight: Nisa

TLM completes the rollout of its evoPOS system to the entire MFG estate.

A look at the latest new products and marketing campaigns.

31 Out the box: Closed cash loops

A new partner proposition and a fully

Improved cash handling can have a drastic effect on reducing or eliminating cash

updated rebate model offer two more

losses.

16 Financial results: Camelot

reasons for retailers to align with the

33 Before you go...

symbol group.

Lottery sales pass the £8bn mark.

TWITTER.COM/SLRMAG

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SLRMAG

Our latest Retail Randoms.

WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY 16TH JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 60 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 5

NEWS DIGEST

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

ICO FINES PAPA

NEWSTRADE

John’s £10,000 for sending

Northern Ireland news wholesaler increases carriage charges ‘by stealth’

nuisance marketing messag-

Retailers have responded with outrage as Northern Irish news wholesaler

es without the valid consent

Newspread is accused of increasing carriage charges ‘by stealth’.

The Information Commissioner’s Office has fined Papa

required by law. The ICO received 15 complaints from customers and an investigation found that between 1 October 2019 and 30 April 2020, Papa John’s sent over 210,000 marketing messages.

LONELINESS WEEK ACS is encouraging local retailers to get involved in this week’s official Loneliness Awareness Week to urge

Angry independent retailers in Northern Ireland have accused news wholesaler Newspread of increasing carriage charges ‘by stealth’. The rises, which average 3.5%, came into effect on 6 June but there was no official or advance notification. Retailers only became aware if they spotted the news in small print on their invoices.

The Vice President of the Federation of Independent Retailers (NFRN) Muntazir Dipoti, who is also Chairman of its news operations

committee, said: “Given that other news wholesalers have suspended their annual carriage charge reviews under the difficult trading conditions that all retailers have experienced over the past 18 months, the fact that Newspread has not only conducted a review but also increased its charges is a real blow.

“What makes matters worse is that many news retailers were completely unaware as the news was hidden away at the bottom of its paperwork.”

people to reach out and support those who may be feeling lonely. You can join in the conversation on social media by using #LetsTalkLoneliness in your posts and learn more here.

RECYCLING REWARDED Midcounties Co-op has partnered with green charity Hubbub to install a new first-of-itskind recycle reward machine at its store in Coleford. The machine produces a ticket for every can or bottle recycled in-store which customers can then exchange for a prize.

6 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 60 / WEDNESDAY 16TH JUNE 2021

Irn-Bru hijacks Wembley showdown Ahead of Friday’s Scotland match against England on Friday at Wembley, Irn-Bru will be taking over Bestway Wholesale’s Abbey Road depot, which sits near the stadium.

To ensure that there will be lots of Bru drinkers watching the game, Abbey Road is fully stocked-up with a full range of football-related promotional activities planned. As well as Covid-safe full can sampling, Irn-Bru displays and

merchandising, North London’s retailers can also take part in car park football for the chance to win cases of Irn-Bru and a football shirt.

Kenton Burchell, Group Trading Director of Bestway Wholesale, said: “As the Euros look set to enjoy record viewing figures, we wanted to support our retailers with some amazing deals to help drive more footfall and revenue streams.”

NEWS DIGEST

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

CRIME

Priti Patel: ‘Police must do more’ on retail crime

WORKERS WATCHDOG The UK Government has launched a new watchdog

Home Secretary Priti Patel has called for more to be done by police to tackle

which aims to protect workers’

retail crime.

rights in the UK. Responsibility for tackling modern slavery,

Home Secretary Priti Patel used a recent visit to a Costco in Chingford to voice her belief that the police “must do more” to tackle retail crime. Patel was speaking to food and drink wholesale representatives and stated that the police response to crime at wholesale premises is “not good enough”.

She went on to say that the police must do more to protect shop owners and their stock from criminals who target them on cash and carry premises.

She said: “I grew up in the retail world and I’ve seen the effect of having your stock stolen. Theft of high-value products like tobacco can decimate a business. They can destroy cash flow, and the goodwill of the business as well.

“The police have to do more. They have to come down to wholesale outlets

enforcing the minimum wage and protecting agency workers is currently spread across three separate bodies which will now merge.

DRS WELCOME The NFRN has given its ‘cautious’ support for a deposit return scheme (DRS) across the UK in response to a gov-

and work with wholesalers to make sure gangs are absolutely not preying on their customers. It’s important not only that we highlight the whole issue of wholesale crime, but actually that we work with police to ensure they work with wholesalers and retailers to stop this level of crime taking place.”

ernment consultation. However, it also warned that whether DRS can be delivered across the UK, excluding Scotland, in 2024 depends on several factors, including the speed at which the UK government gets parliamentary approval for the legislative framework.

ACS welcomes labelling exemption The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has confirmed that mandatory calorie labelling will be introduced only for large businesses in the out-of-home food and drink sector, a decision welcomed by the Association of Convenience Stores. The measures cover outlets where food and drink is prepared for immediate consumption

by the person who buys it. DHSC has announced that the measures will only be introduced for businesses with more than 250 employees.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman commented: “We will continue to engage with members about how they can increase and promote healthier ranges in store.”

FAGS AND BOOZE Unitas Wholesale has launched its latest Plan for Profit category guide, covering licensed and tobacco. Printed copies are available in selected member depots now and can also be viewed digitally at www.planforprofit.co.uk or via the Plan for Profit app.

WEDNESDAY 16TH JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 60 / 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/

‘Freedom Day’ put on ice for a month

AMAZON ‘WALK OUT’ TECH REACHES FULL SIZE GROCERY STORE

The UK Government has pushed ‘Freedom Day’ back a month, despite protests from across the business world.

Despite rising optimism and fervent hopes, Boris Johnson has pushed so-called ‘Freedom Day’ back until 19 July. The original and often repeated original date for the lifting of all legal restrictions on social contact had been 21 June.

The new date will, however, be reviewed in two weeks’ time.

The delay in England is over concerns around the Delta variant of Covid with cases growing by about 64% a week, said Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

As a result of the decision, a number of restrictions will remain in place for the moment including limits on the

Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology is being implemented in a full size grocery store for the first time.

A brand new 25,000 square foot Amazon Fresh store in

number of people who can mix indoors and outdoors, hospitality venues still having to operate within capacity limits, limited numbers at sporting events and nightclubs remaining closed.

Washington features the technology, signalling a new era in the rollout of the company’s marketleading tech.

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that “there will be no changes this week to the Covid levels of protection that currently apply to different parts of the country”. The Scottish Government had hoped that the entire country would move to Level 0 on 28 June but that now looks highly unlikely.

Sturgeon confirmed at her recent briefing that cases are continuing to rise with 6,651 new cases reported over the past week, a rise on the previous week’s figures of 5,475. Cases “are now

more than five times higher than the situation in early May,” she said. This is largely down to the Delta variant which accounts for the overwhelming majority of new cases being reported.

TECH SOLUTIONS

Sturgeon confirms status quo

WEDNESDAY 16TH JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 60 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 9

C OV E R

LOCAL SO

SCOTLAND LO

Scottish retailers urged to r nationwide local gift

Local retailers in Scotland are being urged to register for Scotland Lo

national campaign encouraging Scots to think and choose loca

S

cottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) is urging local retailers across the country register for Scotland Loves Local, a national campaign encouraging Scots to think and choose local first, thereby supporting local businesses in communities, town centres and high streets across Scotland to get back on their feet after Covid-19. SGF is backing the campaign and is encouraging retailers to register their business now so that they can start to receive payments through the MasterCard network.

The Scotland Loves Local Gift Card is being rolled out across every region of Scotland. It is a localised product unique

10 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 60 / WEDNESDAY 16TH JUNE 2021

to each region, aimed at driving footfall to local businesses and keeping spend local for longer. The programme has full operational support and merchant care from the Town & City Gift Card providers Miconex, who will provide all purchase and fulfilment functions.

When the Gift Card is officially launched, all registered

S T O RY

OURCING

OVES LOCAL

register for card

oves Local, a

al first.

GROWING SPEND Miconex says the average purchase price of a gift card is £34.56 but recipients of a gift card see this as ‘free money’ and will spend up to an additional 65%, supporting not only local shops, but cafes, restaurants, leisure and cultural attractions too.

They will also be more experimental, trying out new businesses which they may have never used before.

The mechanics of the system guarantee that cards can only be accepted within the region for which they are branded, ensuring it is a true grassroots benefit to the local economy. The Scotland Loves Local Gift Card is a great way to support your local area, from individual family gifts, to corporate reward and incentive schemes which ensure that the spend supports local jobs and communities.

PHIL PRENTICE Chief Officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership

businesses will appear in an online directory and customers will be able to spend their Gift Card at any of these businesses.

Scotland Loves Local can also provide stores with promotional materials including window stickers and social media content.

Find out more information or contact clientsuccess@ mi-cnx.com if you have any questions.

“I truly believe that life after lockdown needs to have localism at its heart. We all now appreciate more now the need for a strong, safe, sustainable local life. Growing our economy from its grassroots is in the national interest.

“Please be kind and considerate to those working in your local businesses as you return and do not forget these same firms when shopping online. Research by the team here at STP last year found that more than two-thirds of companies have the capacity to take online orders.

“So many of our local businesses – and the people who work in them – have been there for us in remarkable ways since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. We must continue to be there for them not just now, but forever.”

WEDNESDAY 16TH JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 60 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 11

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:

R E TA I L E R S U P P O R T

SCHOOL ESSENTIALS GRANT GROCERYAID

GroceryAid School Essentials Grant open for applications Parents employed in convenience and grocery can apply to receive £150 per school-aged child from GroceryAid and applications are now open.

Criteria You can apply online for a School Essentials Grant if: Y ou are currently working in the grocery industry and have been employed for the last six months with the same company Y ou have a school age child aged 4-18 as of September 2021 for whom you receive Child Benefit

C

onvenience retailing industry charity GroceryAid has announced that applications are now open for the GroceryAid School

Essentials Grant.

The Grant was extremely popular last year and is being brought back once again this year to help reduce the financial impact on low-income families working in the convenience and grocery industry when children go back to school in

Y ou receive either Universal Credit (breakdown shows child element) or Child Tax Credits H ousehold savings are below £4,000.

September. Parents employed in convenience and grocery who have been with their current employer for at least six months can apply to receive £150 per school-aged child, up to a maximum of three children per household.

The grant will close on 30 September 2021, or sooner if the fund has been spent.

Everything that you need to know about the criteria and how your colleagues can apply can be found here.

GroceryAid has also created a toolkit for retailers to use within internal communications which includes:

30 second animated explainer film Social Media images and copy Press release and copy that can be used for

internal launches

Branded one pager that can be used for internal emails.

Download the toolkit.

WEDNESDAY 16TH JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 60 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 13

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EPOS

TLM TECHNOLOGIES MFG

TLM completes evoPOS rollout

T

TLM Technologies has completed the rollout of its evoPOS system to the entire MFG estate.

LM Technologies has announced that it has successfully completed of the rollout of its evoPOS system to MFG’s entire estate. The project kicked off in October 2019 with the first phase seeing 473 sites converted to evoPOS. Phase 2 saw the install of evoPOS to MFG’s existing Iridium2 (legacy Oracle system) estate, a further 445 sites.

In addition, all sites were linked to TLM’s evoHeadOffice solution allowing MFG to control product ranging, pricing and promotions across its estate.

Working with its partners, Oxhoo, Celestra, PLM Global and MDT, the project was completed last month and saw: 918 sites upgraded 1604 evoPOS installed 918 back offices installed.

The average store closure time was just over two hours.

Bob Laidlaw, Operations Director at TLM Technologies, said: “We learnt many lessons on the journey, not least how to cope with two national lockdowns, critical stock being delayed by congestion at Felixstowe container port, new import restrictions as a result of Brexit, a global shortage of semiconductors and to top it all – the equipment earmarked for the final tranche of sites being marooned on the Ever Given in the Suez Canal!

“We are therefore extremely proud that we still delivered this project ahead of time and exceeded customer expectations.”

TLM has also begun to install the pilot phase of its evoBackOffice solution to MFG sites, enabling it to aggregate data from all its back-office systems.

Paresh Patel, IT director at MFG, commented: “We are delighted with the evoPOS rollout across our entire estate. It’s reliable with a modern user interface that needs minimal training on.”

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WEDNESDAY 16TH JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 60 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 15

N AT I O N A L

ANNUAL

NEW

CAMEL

Lottery sales br £8bn for first tim

C

Despite the challenges of the last year, sales of the National Lottery

£470m, taking them through the £8bn barrier for the fi

TAKE A BITE OF OUR

amelot has revealed record National Lottery sales of £8,374m for the financial year to the end of March, an increase of £468.8m, taking total sales through the £8bn mark for the first time.

As a result, the amount of money donated to good causes across the UK also hit a record high of more than £1bn.

Camelot Chairman Sir Hugh Robertson said: “This is the fourth consecutive year of rising sales since our strategic review in 2017.

The National Lottery has delivered for the UK again this year, with the highest-ever returns for Good Causes from sales alone. A remarkable £1.2bn has been distributed to help the country respond to the impact of coronavirus.

Without this money, many organisations would have ceased to function.

“I would like to thank government, the National Lottery Distributors, our retail partners and, most importantly, National Lottery

AnthonyCanty KatieSullivan

16 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 60 / WEDNESDAY 16TH JUNE 2021

players – without who cess story would not h With unclaimed £1,887.5m was gener 2020/21 – the equivale With approximately profit by Camelot unde and 4% spent on ope period, The Nationa return around 95% of ners and society – del Announcing the Nigel Railton said: “I partners in retail who to serve their commu Lottery Distributors w door when it was esse

LOTTO LEADS D GROWTH

Camelot succeeded in its draw-based games t of £153.6m. This was p with a new feature in that sees around a mill tional cash prize of £5 numbers in a ‘Must B Meanwhile, sales £3,683.2m with growt instant games offsettin sales which were dow lower retail footfall, pa

L L O T T E RY

L SALES

NEW

LOT UK

reak me

What you need to know...

National Lottery sales up

om this remarkable suchave been possible.” d prizes factored in, rated for good causes in ent of £36m every week.

1% of sales retained as er the terms of its licence, erating costs during the al Lottery continued to all sales revenue to winlivering for everyone. results, Camelot CEO I’m very grateful to our o went to work each day unities, and to National who got funding out the ential.”

DRAW GAMES

growing sales of all six of to £4,690.7m, an increase primarily driven by Lotto, ntroduced in November lion players win an addi5 for matching two main Be Won’ Rolldown draw. s of Instants grew to wth in the sales of online ng a decline in scratchcard wn year-on-year due to articularly in the first half.

in growth

£4,854.7m in prizes handed to

y have grown by almost

first time.

£468.8m to £8,374m

£1.2bn given to good causes All six draw-based games

players, up £349.7m

Commission paid to retailers

rose to £275.9m – around

£6,200 per store

TAKE A BITE OF OUR

Digital sales grew £1,052m to £3,509.5m

LOTS OF PEOPLE PLAYING A LITTLE, AND WINNING Camelot awarded a record £4,854.7m in prizes to players, £349.7m more than in 2019/20, and created 389 new millionaires.

ADAPTING MODELS For the past four years, Camelot has been adapting The National Lottery’s retail footprint to reflect changes to the way people shop. It has new partnerships and national roll-outs with discounters. It is also making it convenient to purchase a ticket in self-checkouts, as well as making it possible to buy tickets ‘in lane’.

Its rewards programme for independent retailers saw commission paid to retailers reach £275.9m – the equivalent of around £6,200 per store.

DIGITAL GROWTH Less welcome news for retailers is that the National Lottery recorded its highest ever digital sales at £3,509.5m – an increase of £1,052m. Within digital, mobile sales grew by £876.4m to an all-time high of £2,481.9m, with most of these sales via The National Lottery’s apps.

WEDNESDAY 16TH JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 60 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 17

WHOLESALE

#BEKINDTOWHOLESALE SCOTTISH WHOLESALE ASSOCIATION

R

Wholesalers deserve kindness too Off the back of the #BeKindtoHospitality campaign that is currently running, the SWA is urging kindness towards wholesale staff who are also operating under stressful conditions.

ecent incidents of “unacceptable abuse” towards wholesale staff including delivery drivers, telesales and credit control teams have led the Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA) to launch a #BeKindToWholesale campaign.

Similar to the #BeKindtoHospitality campaign that encourages members of the public to be kind, patient and recognise that staff are doing their best while adhering to strict guidelines, #BeKindToWholesale aims to highlight that wholesalers are also operating under stressful conditions.

Colin Smith, SWA Chief Executive, explained: “SWA and our members welcomed and applauded the #BeKindtoHospitality campaign that was recently launched by the hospitality industry. After an enormously difficult year for everyone concerned, including those in the wholesale supply chain, it is more important than ever before that everyone is kind and respectful to one another.

“Sadly, we are becoming increasingly aware that our members too are facing some disappointing levels of aggression.”

This included staff who have been shouted and sworn at by customers who are angry that deliveries are late and some goods are out of stock.

Referring to the “perfect storm” created by a “unique set of circumstances, including hospitality, tourism and leisure businesses all opening at the same time leading to unprecedented demands on wholesalers and their staff ”, he said: “This is a particularly tough time for wholesalers who are vital to the hospitality sector and local communities in which we serve and deliver.

“Wholesalers are faced with product supply shortages and price increases from manufacturers and importers as a

consequence of Brexit, increased demand, staff shortages and factories not yet running at full capacity. Our members are also experiencing a chronic shortage of wholesale staff available for warehouse picking and drivers for making deliveries.

Add to the equation longer turnaround times due to adhering to the various Covid restrictions – including the ‘spaces for people’ diversions and parking restrictions which all add time and complexity to delivery planning schedules – and this is a very challenging time.

“So, while wholesalers are working tirelessly, we ask that customers recognise that this may mean tempering your expectations, understanding why the service is perhaps not quite what you are used to or expect and, crucially, not venting your frustrations on the hardworking staff who are trying to do their jobs to the best of their ability in very trying circumstances.”

WEDNESDAY 16TH JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 60 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 19

PROMOTED

NIS

SYMBOL S

Fresh Thinkin

N

Nisa’s new Fresh Thinking partner proposition and a fully update even more compelling reasons to join the r

isa is proud to work with multi award-winning stores including Pinkie Farm, Ardeer Services, and Greens of Markinch, to name a few, making Nisa the proven partner of choice for many market-leading, independently-minded retailers in Scotland.

And with a record number of retailers moving to Nisa Retail in 2020 and those investing in new and upgraded stores enjoying average sales uplifts of 11%, there has never been a better time to join us.

Retailers get access to best in class support through Nisa’s new partner proposition, Fresh Thinking, including retail expertise and thought leadership to help continually improve customer experience through instore solutions, category insights, store format innovation and expert account management teams.

In addition, Nisa’s new rebate model is set to launch on 28 June. Built on simplicity and fairness, Fresh Rewards gives independent retailers the opportunity to unlock up to 5.5.% rebate with additional benefits available for those with a Nisa fascia store. Retailers can see how much rebate they could earn by visiting the Nisa website.

Fresh Thinking also provides Nisa partners with access to convenience and symbol expertise through an in-house Insight team to help retailers truly understand their customers and their marketplace, access to planograms, marketing support, central helpdesks and expertise and the Co-op promotional plan. With recent industry recognition including

our Symbol/Franchise Group of the Year win at the Retail Industry Awards and the Grocer Gold Awards accolade for Symbol/Franchise Retailer of the Year, retailers can depend on award-winning support, access to an extensive product range comprising more than 13,000 SKUs and over 2,400 Co-op own brand products – all delivered by Nisa’s industry-leading supply chain.

Retailers have the option to operate under a symbol fascia: Nisa Local, Nisa Express or Nisa Extra; or dual branded, whereby a Nisa partner can maintain their own local identity whilst also benefiting from the strength of the Nisa brand. Alternatively, a retailer can choose to trade under their own independent fascia.

The latest format, Nisa Express, offers a dedicated fascia option for retailers operating in spaces up to 1,000sq ft. A choice of three format design options – food centric, forecourt and essentials – helps to accommodate the individual demographic and shopping missions of each store, with formats and ranges that are tailored for the specific market.

The Nisa format team works closely with partners and shop fitters to create the ideal solution for each individual location, and retailers can benefit from the bespoke service Nisa offers with an added incentive of a 10% saving on all new re-fits until the end of the year.

“Built on simplicity and fairness, Fresh Rewards gives independent retailers the opportunity to unlock up to 5.5.% rebate with additional benefits available for those with a Nisa fascia store.”

20 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 60 / WEDNESDAY 16TH JUNE 2021

D F E AT U R E

SA

SPOTLIGHT

ng from Nisa

ed rebate model launching later this month offers independent retailers ecord number of retailers aligning with the group.

Nisa provides a complete retail support package which comprises a strong retail focused team, an enhanced category management system, a bespoke staff training facility and a comprehensive marketing package incorporating social media and PR support, leaflets, point of sale material, a personalised Nisa FM radio network and national advertising.

A comprehensive support structure is provided to ensure retailers continue to push their business forward. Support comes from a strong field team including retail development

managers, regional retail managers and fresh food development managers, as well as an induction team dedicated to supporting new partners during their first 90 days with Nisa.

Partners can also support local causes through Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally charity, which has raised more than £12.5m for UK communities to date. ● To Join Nisa complete the form or contact our development team on 0800 542 7490.

WEDNESDAY 16TH JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 60 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 21

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REFIT

TURVES GREEN DOUGALLS GROUP

A

Growth keeps coming in Birmingham Brothers Ricky and Amrit Dougall have seen sales continue to expand through a rolling series of improvement initiatives at their Nisa store in Birmingham.

rolling series of changes and improvements made to a store in the Northfield area of Birmingham have seen turnover grow over 25% since last summer.

Brothers Ricky and Amrit Dougall acquired the store from Co-op last summer and in just five days converted and refitted the 3,000sq ft shop to become Nisa Turves Green, offering an improved range to shoppers including several exclusives.

Situated in the heart of the community, the store has retained a strong Co-op own brand presence with more than 800 lines available along with a series of new products. The range has continued to evolve and develop in response to customer demand.

Ricky said: “We have added products into the range consciously, bringing in things that are totally different to complement the offer. There are two secondary schools and a primary school in the vicinity of the store, and we saw that as a real opportunity to pick up custom, increase footfall and grow the store.”

A food-to-go offer was introduced including Snow Shock slush and Costa Coffee machines, and the licensed section has been increased in space to almost three times the size, leading to a 15% sales boost in the category.

Chilled categories remain an important offer for the store to retain customers who shopped at the Co-op, with 25% of overall store sales coming from this area.

Two manned tills have also been removed and replaced with two self-service tills to accommodate the audience.

Ricky said: “We’ve worked really hard to increase sales since we first launched the store last autumn and we are always looking at what we can do with promotions to encourage shoppers in.

“We’re attracting lots of new shoppers and sales can fluctuate every week quite a lot, but the store is performing well, and sales are well ahead of what they were when it was operating with a Co-op fascia.”

Other additions to the store include a two metre Aquavape unit and three non-food bays including a bay of £1 goods that has been well received by customers.

Ricky said: “It’s something of a store within a store and shoppers come in especially for the products we’re selling there, and we obviously then try to secure incremental sales once they’re through the door.

“It’s another example of how we are tailoring to the audience and giving them what they want from their local store.”

WEDNESDAY 16TH JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 60 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 23

NPD AND MEDIA

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

MIX IT UP WITH PVM MINIATURES Perfetti Van Melle is launching a new ‘Mix of Minis’ range of miniature format products on Friday across three of its iconic brands: Fruittella, Mentos and Chupa Chups.

Perfetti Van Melle, one of the world’s largest manufacturers and distributors of confectionery and chewing gum, has launched a new ‘Mix of Minis’ range offering miniature formats across three of its iconic brands: Fruittella, Mentos and Chupa Chups.

The launches come in response to growing hygiene concerns around unwrapped confectionery and sharing. The new concept from the company offers 200-piece cases of individually wrapped lines to be sold at 15p each or as part of a ‘4 for 50p’ promotion. Available from Friday, the sweets provide the ideal solution to help retailers add growth back to the category after independent field research found that 80%

The individual pieces contain as little as 38

of independent retailers said they had removed

calories but offer the same recipes and brands in

unwrapped confectionery following the pandemic.

a condensed portion size, catering to health-conscious consumers who want to enjoy confec-

What you need to know...

550g 3 variants: Fruittella, Mentos and

tionery without committing to larger sticks, rolls or lollipops.

The eye-catching cardboard shelf-ready pack-

Chupa Chups

aging creates strong standout on shelves. Fur-

200-piece cases

thermore, the outer is fully recyclable, making

15p each or ‘4 for 50p’ offer across full

waste disposal straightforward and eco-friendly

range Less than 38 calories per piece

for store owners.

More importantly for retailers, PVM’s popular

Shelf-ready packaging is fully recyclable

loyalty scheme will be adding ‘Mix of Minis’ trays to

New ranges to be added to PVM’s

its offering this year for new and existing members

loyalty scheme.

and aims to site and signpost in 5,000 stores by the end of 2021.

24 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 60 / WEDNESDAY 16TH JUNE 2021

NPD AND MEDIA

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

ASAHI TAKES A BITE AT HARD SELTZERS Super premium beer brand Asahi is the latest company to ride the growing hard seltzer wave with the launch this month of its Viper product.

Asahi UK announced this week that it will be

option within this category whilst catering to con-

entering the hard seltzer fray with the launch of

sumers looking to make more balanced choices

a new brand, Viper Hard Seltzer. The company

when selecting an alcohol beverage, says Asahi.

says the 4% ABV product will complement its

The launch will be supported by an “experimen-

portfolio of super premium beer and cider brands.

tal” sampling campaign, as well as activation at

Brewed in Pilsen and made with spring water,

consumer events and festivals nationwide.

Viper delivers “a refreshing and smooth-tasting

Sam Rhodes, Marketing Director Asahi UK,

Hard Seltzer to enjoy on the move or at home”.

comments: “We have a proven track record for

Available this month, the latest addition to the Asahi

building market-leading brands and we are dedi-

UK portfolio is available in two flavour variants:

cated to always offering beverages with premium

Lime and Cranberry, both available in 330ml single

quality credentials. Entering the vibrant Hard

can and bottle formats.

Seltzer category is a really exciting move for us,

With no artificial sweeteners, colours or preserv-

and we’re proud to introduce a Hard Seltzer that

atives, Viper is brewed with water pumped from

not only offers quality, demonstrated through the

100m below sea level and undergoes a six-day

brewing process, but it also allows us to continue

brewing process to create a crystal clear product.

to offer products to our customers that are in line

With only 96Kcal per serve, Viper offers a premium

with consumer trends.”

WEDNESDAY 16TH JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 60 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 25

RETAIL TH E WE EK IN

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NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – SMIRNOFF & FEVER TREE TO GET YOUR PRODUCT LISTED PLEASE CONTACT RAITKEN@55NORTH.COM

SMIRNOFF AND FEVER TREE TO ‘SPRITZ UP’ SUMMER The world’s biggest vodka has partnered with Fever tree to champion the Spritz this summer and encourage shoppers to trade up and switch up their serves.

Smirnoff No.21, the world’s number one selling vodka, is collaborating with leading mixer brand Fever-Tree to champion Spritz serves this summer.

The two-million-pound integrated ‘Spritz Up’ campaign is live now until August and will hero the Vodka Spritz serve across both the off- and on-trades. The activity will see OOH, digital, social, sampling as well as in-store/venue activations across the UK. The partnership champions the simplicity of creating a quality serve in just three steps and showcases Fever-Tree’s new premium soda range, including its Italian Blood Orange Soda, and Mexican Lime Soda – both of which “pair perfectly with triple distilled Smirnoff No.21,” helping inspire consumers to switch up their serve of choice.

With cocktails one of the fastest-growing categories across total alcohol, the Spritz serve is the fastest-growing within cocktails. The simple yet popular long drink for warmer months is perfectly placed to help retailers make the most of the opportunity.

Activity within the off-trade will encourage

HOW TO SPRITZ UP – it’s simple as 1, 2, 3

1. Fill a long glass with ice

increased basket spend by targeting at home occasions, and tapping into the premiumisation trend.

Nick Payman, Head of Smirnoff GB at Diageo,

2. Pour in 50ml Smirnoff Premium Vodka

says: “There’s an increased demand for simple,

and 200ml Fever-Tree Italian Blood

yet delicious serves that people can easily enjoy

Orange Soda

without having to compromise on quality – and

3. Gently stir and garnish with an orange

Fever-Tree mixers provide a choice of premium

wedge

sodas to encourage people to explore new serve styles and flavour combinations.”

WEDNESDAY 16TH JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 60 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 27

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – BEN’S ORIGINAL TO GET YOUR PRODUCT LISTED PLEASE CONTACT RAITKEN@55NORTH.COM

UNCLE BEN’S GETS NEW NAME AND NEW LOOK Ben’s Original products have started rolling out to retailers with fresh new look packaging, supported by a new TV ad.

Ben’s Original products have

and equity in service of our new brand

started rolling out in new

purpose to create meals, experiences

packaging, the brand’s next

and opportunities that offer everyone a

step in its ambition to create

seat at the table.”

a more inclusive future while

Ben’s Original community support

maintaining its commitment to

programmes will ensure underserved

producing “the world’s best rice”.

communities across the UK have access

The packaging includes the

to nutritious meals – and the brand’s new

new brand name featured on

Seat at the Table Fund will create

a familiar orange background

opportunities for people from

and same navy-blue font to help

those communities to pursue

shoppers easily find the product.

careers in the food industry so

The products inside remain exactly

their ideas and voices can be

as they were in their Uncle Ben’s days.

appreciated by all. The Seat at

The change will be reflected across

the Table fund will kick off later this

its portfolio of plain and flavoured ready-

year and will support people from

to-heat rice pouches as well as dry

underserved communities through

rice and jarred sauces.

apprenticeships in the food industry.

The launch is being supported

The brand is committed to providing

by a through the line campaign,

£250,000 in funding across the next

including a new TV ad, social content

five years.

plus in-store activation and outdoor advertising.

In addition, the brand has an ongoing partnership with

“Ben’s Original is not just a name

the Trussell Trust to help the

and packaging change – we believe

organisation achieve its vision of

everyone deserves to feel welcome,

ending the need for food banks

heard and have access to nutritious

in the UK and to work towards

food,” said Rafael Narvaez, Global CMO

a hunger-free future. In 2021

and R&D Officer, Mars Food. “That’s why

Mars Food, parent company of Ben’s

we’ve committed to taking actions, that are based

Original will be donating another £100,000 to the

on insights of thousands of consumers, as well as

Trussell Trust, and additional activities with this

our own Associates, designed to enhance inclusion

partnership will launch in September.

28 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 60 / WEDNESDAY 16TH JUNE 2021

NPD AND MEDIA

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

TOWERING PROMO

NOW YOU KNOW

OREO TARGETS CONVENIENCE

Yazoo has brought back its 2-4-1

Innis & Gunn has unveiled its

Merlin Group on-pack promo.

latest campaign, If You Know,

Oreo O’s is making its debut in

Available until the park season

You Know. It is being rolled out

the convenience channel this

ends in November across its per-

across Innis & Gunn’s portfo-

month with a £3.99 price-marked

manent and limited-edition Jaf-

lio and the campaign will debut

pack. With black cocoa hoops

falicious Choc-Orange flavours

Scotland-wide for five weeks

and white vanilla-flavoured discs,

in individual and sharing size

featuring pop-up activations,

the cereal targets adult shoppers

formats, the promo sits front and

interactive social and digital plus

looking for a breakfast treat or an

centre on-pack.

out-of-home advertising.

in-between snack.

PROPERLY IMPROPER

HAPPY DONUTS

LIFEBUOY LAUNCH

Williamson Foodservice has

Lifebuoy is bringing its hygiene

Brockmans Gin’s new brand

added to its retail portfolio in an

expertise to the home care cate-

strategy and ad programme,

agreement with Jack’s Beans

gory with a first-to-market range

which is part of a £3m global

Coffee Company. The deal sees

of dermatologically tested clean-

marketing spend, urges shop-

the Inverness-based wholesaler

ing products. The new five-piece

pers “to defy convention to find a

supply Donut Worry Be Happy

multi-surface antibacterial range

better way: be that a better way

doughnuts to its independent

is “the perfect solution to provide

to live, a better way to eat, or a

retail customer base across the

daily effective disinfection, suita-

better way to drink.”

Highlands and Islands.

ble for a range of surfaces”.

WEDNESDAY 16TH JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 60 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 29

n ee b er ev n s a h s es en r a w Lees’ brand a

B awarrand eness

76%

**

of Scots like Lees Snowballs

Our delicious snowballs and teacakes have been family favourites for 90 years. Following 2019's TV campaign, awareness is at its highest level ever, with 76% of Scots surveyed saying they liked Lees Snowballs and 44% buying Lees products every month.

There’s never been a better time to stock up.

Scotland loves Lees 01236 441 600

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NOW THAT’S A GOOD IDEA…

OUT THE BOX VOLUMATIC

Closed cash loops

Improved cash handling can have a drastic effect on reducing or eliminating cash losses, as indie forecourt group MPK Garages found out recently.

WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA? Closed cash loops.

WHICH MEANS? Creating systems where, once cash is handed over by customers, it is deposited into the in-store system by staff and never gets touched again until it gets to the bank for processing.

CA S H LOS S E S FE LL B Y

96%

WHY ARE WE DISCUSSING IT? Independent forecourt group MPK Garages has just implemented a closed cash loop with the help of Volumatic, a leading manufacturer and cash handling solutions business.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? Increased payment efficiency and reduced cash losses. In MPK’s case, cash losses fell by 96%.

HOW DOES IT WORK INSTORE? Volumatic’s CCi (CounterCache intelligent) is a one-touch cash solution: it checks, counts and safely stores banknotes at the point of sale. Not only does it minimise cash contact for safety, but it also helps to create a closed-cash loop.

Once staff have deposited the cash, they

don’t touch it again; only the bank does during processing. Cash exposure is minimised to just the customer transaction.

OTHER BENEFITS? One of the significant benefits of the CCi cash solution is that it limits access to cash. This safe, tamper-evident storage allows store staff to focus on customer service. At the same time, convenience stores have peace of mind that the risk of theft is reduced, and staff are not responsible for scrupulous forgery checks. Instead, the CCi does the forgery checks, aligned with the Bank of England forgery framework. Cash is still a prominent payment choice for MPK Garages, as it is for many retail businesses, with more than 60% of all transactions made in cash. Eliminating these cash risks and reducing cash accessibility has had a profound effect on MPK. The system also gives total visibility and control of cash and staff feel much safer

WHO ELSE IS USING THESE TYPES OF SYSTEMS? Over 35,000 Volumatic units have already been installed globally and 10,000 more lanes are scheduled for this year. It is used by Nisa, Spar, Costcutter and Londis stores, among others.

WHAT IS MPK SAYING? Wayne Harrand, Retail Director, says: “Volumatic’s CCi has really made transactions much easier in our sites thanks to its one-touch element. At the point of sale, once we have deposited the cash, we don’t touch it again; only the bank does during processing. We love that cash exposure in our stores is minimised to just the customer transaction.

“We removed all cash risks from the business. So much so, in the last six months, we have reduced cash loss by 96% across our whole estate. In terms of theft of cash, we have saved so much money as access to cash is so limited.”

WANT TO FIND OUT MORE? Visit www.volumatic.com.

WEDNESDAY 16TH JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 60 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 31

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BEFORE YOU GO

RETAIL RANDOMS

What did you expect?

We may have seen it done on numerous occasions before, but it never gets old. When you offer a range of personalised products with individual letters on each, then as sure as the sun will rise in the east, so will customers re-arrange your nice alphabetically merchandised products into a rude word.

As for Homebase choosing to stick up a polite request rather than just de-listing the offending items? That’s just making it worse. Who among us can resist a challenge like that?

Breakfast in a glass, anyone? Literally.

Covid has driven entrepreneurs to extremes in some instances, as we have no doubt all witnessed.

No idea is too barmy, not concept is too WTF. And here’s a fine example: event creators Boozy Events has launched... wait for it... breakfast in a glass. But it’s probably not what you’re thinking. It is quite literally traditional breakfast ingredients turned into a cocktail – including alcohol, should you do desire.

Take their ‘Mary Jane’ breakfast drink thing. It includes

marmalade, orange juice and egg (whites). And you can stiffen it up a bit with vodka, if you had a particularly hard backshift the night before. And while you’re eating/drinking it, you can enjoy a live interactive virtual cocktail making class.

Best of all, the Business Breakfast is a snip with prices starting at £50 a head, including delivery to your store/ premises/bedroom.

If that sounds like your ideal start to another hard day on the shop floor, then find out more here.

WEDNESDAY 16TH JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 60 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 33

Award-winning Teas

for

Four Generations Scottish Sales Manager James McFarlane james@punjana.com