The Week in Retail Issue 61

RETAIL

THE WEEK IN

HOME DELIVERY

ADD A MILLION IN 12 MONTHS PREMIER MJ’S PASSES £1M HOME DELIVERY MARK TECHNOLOGY

BARE FACED CHEEK

PRIVACY WATCHDOG RAISES IN-STORE FACIAL RECOGNITION CONCERNS

CENTRAL CO-OP DIVI MATERIAL CONSUMPTION MINIMUM WAGE FEARS OFF TRADE

LOW2NO PROBLEM

PRICE AND VISIBILITY BARRIERS TO GROWING LOW2NO ALCOHOL SALES

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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

A million reasons why home delivery is here to stay Can you think of any other product or service in the local retailing sector that could add a cool million quid to your sales in a year, all fresh money?

Probably not – which is why home delivery has been such a game changer for convenience retailers.

This week’s cover story features well-known Premier retailer Justin Whittaker. Justin has just passed the £1m mark in home delivery sales in just over 12 months, which is a remarkable achievement by any standards. Justin’s 1,400sq ft store in Royton, near Oldham, has long been hailed as a fantastic example of how having a relatively small store doesn’t mean you need to have small ambitions.

But even Justin admits that the success of his home delivery service took him by surprise. Home delivery is now the most profitable part of his business. Let that sink in. In just 12 months a successful, very profitable, long established retail business has found a new revenue stream that now generates more profit than the ‘old’ in-store sales revenue stream.

It’s a brilliant case study for how portable and transportable the home delivery model is. Justin’s

store is a fantastic store but at the end of the day, it’s very similar in many ways to most other stores.

In other words, if Justin can manage a million quid in home delivery sales, then there’s hope for other retailers too.

Justin delivers within half an hour to only a three mile radius. There’s a minimum drop of £10 and a delivery fee of up to £3.49. Basket spend is north of £25 and margins top 30%. And that is the very basic recipe for how you add £1m to your sales.

Of course it’s not quite s simple as I’m making it sound here. Justin has taken home delivery seriously; he operates a fleet of four vehicles and works hard at communicating the service via social media, as well as ensuring that the delivery service is efficient and professional.

Justin readily accepts that the timing of the launch of the service – just as lockdown kicked in - undoubtedly helped with the stellar performance of the service but he remains completely convinced that home delivery “is here to stay” – and encourages other retailers to bite the home delivery bullet if they haven’t already. Sound advice, if you ask me.

ANTONYBEGLEY ANTONYBEGLEY ANTONYBEGLEY

ANTONY BEGLEY, EDITOR

WEDNESDAY 23RD JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 61 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 3

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CONTENTS

WEDNESDAY 23 JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 61 W W W.SLR M AG.C O.U K

6

10 THIS WEEK’S NEWS IN BRIEF

Caution urged over minimum wage rates and MPs urged to bring in new shopworker assault offence.

23 HOME DELIVERY

NEW STORE: NISA HESSLE ROAD

Justin Whittaker’s Premier MJ’s store in Royton, Oldham passes the £1m mark in home delivery sales in just over 12 months.

A new-to-Nisa retailer launches his second Yorkshire store with plans to invest further before the year’s end.

9 Covid-19 update

16 Category focus: Low2No alcohol

24 Picks of the week

The latest coronavirus-related news.

Price and visibility are the primary barriers

13 Home Delivery

for shoppers looking to buy into the

category.

Shopping app Jisp plans to offer local retailers a one hour delivery solution,

18 Technology: facial recognition

eliminating the need for vans and drivers.

use of facial recognition technology in

stores and other public places.

The true size of Scotland’s raw material consumption footprint is revealed.

TWITTER.COM/SLRMAG

marketing campaigns.

29 Out the box: Co-op dividends

The ICO highlights its concerns over the

15 Sustainability: consumption

20 Symbol spotlight: Nisa

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SLRMAG

A look at the latest new products and

107,000 Central England Co-op members share out over £570,000 in dividends as a reward for their loyalty during the past year.

31 Before you go...

Our latest Retail Randoms.

WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY 23RD JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 61 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 5

NEWS DIGEST

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

ANY OLD IRONS

MINIMUM WAGE

appointed Steve Irons to the

Trade associations urge caution over minimum wage increases

new role of Wholesale & New

Responding to a Low Pay Commission consultation, the ACS and NFRN call for

Channels Director. Irons takes

restraint while the economy recovers from coronavirus.

Spar Scotland wholesaler and retailer CJ Lang has

up responsibility for leading the development and growth of CJ Lang’s presence in the wholesale and food services markets. He joins from Booker Wholesale Foods.

STG UNVEILS NEW TRADE WEBSITE Scandinavian Tobacco Group has launched a new trade website, offering a raft of relevant information

Both the Federation of Independent Retailers (NFRN) and Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) have called for a cautious approach to increasing the National Living Wage (NLW) and other statutory minimum wage rates in 2022/23 to allow the labour market and economy to recover from the impact of the pandemic.

In its response to a consultation with the Low Pay Commission, the ACS recommended that the commission hould consider extending the timetable

for NLW reaching two-thirds of median earnings by 2024, which is currently projected to be £10.33.

In its submission, the NFRN said increasing the minimum wage would seriously harm smaller businesses looking to recover from financial difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

At its peak, around 8% of the NFRN’s membership was forced to close due to lack of customers, staff shortages or concern about the risks of infection.

for any independent retailer who wishes to upgrade their knowledge of the cigar category. The company has also begun sending out a quarterly e-newsletter.

MDLZ TURNS ON TO RENEWABLES Mondelez has switched to renewable electricity for all six of its production sites across the UK. The confectionery giant has moved to purchased 100% renewable electricity across six sites including its Bournville factory, the heart and home of Cadbury in the UK.

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

Scotmid extends CHAS partnership Scottish convenience chain Scotmid has extended its charity partnership with Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) until August 2022.

Scotmid appointed CHAS as its charity partner at the end of 2020. The news comes during Children’s Hospice Week (21 – 27 June), a week dedicated to raising awareness and funds for children’s hospice and palliative care services across the UK, and the seriously ill children and young people they support.

Staff in Scotmid’s food stores, Semichem stores, Scotmid Funerals and Lakes & Dales stores now plan to raise £350,000 for CHAS along with three other children’s hospices: Jigsaw Children’s Hospice in Cumbria, Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice and St Oswald’s Hospice in Newcastle.

NEWS DIGEST

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

CRIME

ACS urges MPs to introduce new offence for assaulting retail workers

SMALL BUSINESS BOOST Small business insurance provider Simply Business has

Trade association calls for tougher sentencing and the assault to shop staff to

launched its £25,000 Business

become a specific offence.

Boost grant for 2021 – designed to help entrepreneurs

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is calling on MPs to back an amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Bill that would make assaulting a retail worker a specific offence.

The amendment (New Clause 45), proposed by Shadow Policing Minister Sarah Jones MP, is currently being considered alongside others as part of the Committee Stage of the PCSC Bill. If included in the Bill, assaulting, threatening, or abusing a retail worker would become a specific offence, with that offence becoming aggravated (more serious) if the abuse takes place as a result of the retail worker enforcing

age restrictions, for example during the purchase of alcohol products.

The amendment also specifies that unpaid volunteers (such as those in community shops) and workers delivering goods from a retail outlet would be included within the scope of the term ‘retail worker’.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “Those who attack retailers and their colleagues must be dealt with properly through tougher sentences, so we urge MPs to back new clause 45 in the PCSC Bill to send a clear message that these offences will not be tolerated.”

The progress of the Bill can be followed here.

launch a small business or help existing UK SMEs bounce back from the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

WELL OILED Ferrero has reaffirmed its commitment to source palm oil responsibly through its updated ‘Palm Oil Charter’.

The confectionery giant already sources sustainable palm oil that is 100% RSPO certified and traceable back to plantations, but the new charter outlines further actions around human rights and social practices; environmental protection and sustainability;

Buyout bid for Morrisons rejected Shares in Morrisons soared by over 30% after it rejected a £5.5bn offer from a private equity firm to buy the supermarket chain.

The unsolicited bid of 230p per share came from the US firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice.

Shares in Morrisons, which were trading at 178p on Friday, closed at 237p

yesterday. This is still below pre-coronavirus levels, as the company’s profits have suffered because of the increased costs of trading during the pandemic.

Analysts have speculated that the offer may start a bidding war for the UK’s fourth-largest supermarket and that Amazon, which sells Morrisons’ produce, could make a move.

and supplier transparency.

BOOKER BOLSTERS TESCO Tesco grew sales by 0.5% in the 13 weeks to 29 May helped by a strong performance by Booker, which saw growth of 9.2% to nearly £1.8bn over the quarter as hospitality businesses started to reopen.

WEDNESDAY 16TH JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 60 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 7

NEWS SPECIAL

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

Does ‘Delta Plus’ variant pose a new threat?

ON-SCREEN EXPERT

A new mutation of the prevailing Delta variant of the coronavirus that spreads more quickly and could cause more serious illness has been identified.

Concerns are growing after a new strain of coronavirus, dubbed ‘Delta Plus’, has been discovered.

A total of 41 cases of the new variant have been identified by health officials in the UK so far.

Public Health England has already put extra measures in place where the variant has been detected, including enhanced contact tracing, testing, and isolation.

The Delta Plus variant has been found in studies to bind more easily to lung cells, is more infectious than other variants and could be resistant to monoclonal antibody therapy – where

antibodies are infused into the bloodstream to neutralise the virus.

However some top scientists have said it is too early to say if Delta Plus spreads more easily or leads to a more severe illness.

“There is no data yet to support the variant of concern claim,” said virologist Dr Gagandeep Kang.

And Professor Francois Balloux, director at the UCL Genetics Institute, said there was no evidence the strain was expanding in any country.

“Delta plus represents 0.00002% of all Delta variants sequenced to date,” he said.

Marks and Spencer has launched M&S Video Expert, a live video service that recreates in-store beauty and furniture services for online customers.

Operating from the M&S White City store in London, the service is

Scots lockdown lifting on hold

powered by Go Instore’s

Scotland will have to sit tight with the current level of coronavirus restrictions applicable in each part of the country remaining in place for at least another three weeks.

The next scheduled review is scheduled for 19 July, when it is hoped that all parts of Scotland not currently in Level 0 will move into it.

At that point, the Scottish Government also hopes – assuming the data supports this – that the general indoor physical distancing requirement can be

booking and scheduling

Appointedd’s online

TECH SOLUTIONS

reduced from two metres to one metre and that limits on informal outdoor social gatherings, in private gardens for example, will also be removed at this stage.

Assuming the necessary conditions are met, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said it would be possible and proportionate to lift the major remaining legal restrictions on 9 August.

However the Scottish Government is not advising an immediate return to full office working at this date.

live video tech and

platform.

Staff can deliver interactive live sessions on the M&S website, allowing an unlimited number of customers to join a live stream broadcast to learn more about products as they browse.

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

C OV E R

HOME DE

PREMIER MJ

Premier MJ’s tops £1m mark in delivered sales

P

Justin Whittaker’s Premier MJ’s store in Royton, Oldham has just passed the £1m mark in home delivery sales in just over 12 months.

remier, the UK’s biggest symbol group, has announced that Premier MJ’s store in Royton has just passed the £1m mark in home delivery sales.

In a little over 12 months, the 30 minute delivery service has transformed Justin Whittaker’s business – and home delivery is now the most profitable part of the business.

The store averages between 100 and 120 deliveries a day Monday to Thursday, increasing to over 150 drops on Friday, Saturday and Sundays, with an increase in demand for deliveries after 5pm.

With a minimum drop of £10 and a delivery charge of up to £3.49, the store’s catchment is only three miles, which helps Justin and his team operate a smooth and efficient service.

The average basket spend is over £25 and – because of the high fresh mix – margins are over 30%.

Justin now has four vehicles, all brightly coloured and branded, to raise more awareness of the service. At peak times, there can be up to eight members of the team working on deliveries and this continues to grow.

“I can’t actually believe that sales have hit £1m already,” said Justin. “Of course, we were very lucky to launch the service when we did, however we have worked really hard to exceed our customers’ expectations. Making sure we arrive within 30 minutes is crucial.

“We always offer great value as a Premier retailer and this has been a real advantage for us. We also have to ensure the quality of the items we are delivering – they have to be as perfect as bought in the shop. Customers demand this as delivering a substandard or damaged product means you will probably lose that customer forever.

“This is even more important when we know the majority of our 10 most popular products are fresh, such as milk, bread, bananas and mushrooms. Covid has definitely accelerated the success of the service, but it’s here to stay and I’d encourage all retailers to start a delivery service. We are still growing strong and as far as I can see, the sky is the limit.”

Martyn Parkinson, Sales Director – Retail at Booker, adds: “Justin is a shining example of the true entrepreneurial spirit of Premier retailers across the country. The independent sector has never been more vibrant and this is because of retailers like Justin who continue to innovate their business and push it forward through technology.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Justin on this project and support his growth. To have a £1m delivery service from a store that is only 1,400sq ft is phenomenal and with margins at over 30% it makes perfect business sense.

Any retailer who would like to know more can contact their local RDM or Booker branch.”

“In a little over 12 months, the 30 minute delivery service has transformed the business – and home delivery is now the most profitable part of the business.”

10 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 61 / WEDNESDAY 23RD JUNE 2021

S T O RY

ELIVERY

J’S, ROYTON

WEDNESDAY 23RD JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 61 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 11

Award-winning Teas

for

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

H O M E D E L I V E RY

LAST MILE FULFILMENT JISP

Jisp unveils last mile solution

C

Jisp reveals plans to offer local retailers nationwide a one hour delivery solution eliminating the need to leave the store, hire drivers or buy delivery vehicles.

onvenience shopping app Jisp is partnering with Zoom 1hr Delivery to provide retailers with a fleet of drivers in a new last-mile fulfilment initiative. Store owners will now be able to have their products delivered straight to customers without having to leave the shop, hire new drivers or purchase vehicles.

Zoom has a fleet of more than 300 drivers nationwide and has so far been operating primarily in the West Midlands and Wales. Under the new partnership, however, Jisp and Zoom are in talks to extend the solution nationwide to capitalise on Jisp’s partnerships with Bestway, Nisa and Co-op.

Zoom currently serves more than 440 retailers and is set to bring in 300 Co-op stores by the end of September. Since going live, it has processed over 280,000 orders through the platform.

“Last-mile delivery has always been the missing link in our proposition as many retailers didn’t have enough staff, time or vehicles to truly benefit from providing Jisp’s Home Delivery service.” – Ilann Hepworth, MD, Jisp Ilann Hepworth, MD of Jisp, said: “Last-mile delivery has always been the missing link in our proposition as many retailers either didn’t have enough staff, time or vehicles to truly benefit from providing Jisp’s home delivery service. With Zoom’s impressive fleet of cars and driver portfolio we are looking to rapidly grow store numbers whilst continuing building our reputations as retailer-first convenience service on the market.”

Kevin Williams, CEO of Zoom 1hr Delivery, said: “Jisp shares our vision of empowering independent businesses with a dynamic delivery solution. By marrying their slick technology with our operations and infrastructure across the UK, we will be able to better serve retail and food businesses, and vastly improve our own customers’ experience. ”Find out more and register your interest here.

WEDNESDAY 23RD JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 61 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 13

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S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

RAW MATERIAL CONSUMPTION ZERO WASTE SCOTLAND

Conspicuous consumption

W

Zero Waste Scotland reveals the true size of Scotland’s raw

material consumption footprint and calls for action to reduce it.

ith just over a year to go before the Deposit Return Scheme goes live in Scotland, Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS) has today published a new report, The Scottish Material Flow Accounts, that reveals the size of the country’s consumption footprint.

The report shows the average Scot consumes 18.4 tonnes of materials every year – that’s the equivalent of 50kg per day on average.

A sustainable level of material use, which would still allow for a high quality of life, is about eight tonnes per person per year.

The analysis reveals the materials extracted from Scotland’s natural environment every year, as well as those which are imported, exported, and wasted.

The Scottish MFA report paints a picture of the scale and nature of Scotland’s consumption by calculating all the raw materials used to make products and all the finished products consumed, whether made in Scotland or imported.

Iain Gulland, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland, said:

“What the MFA tell us is that consumption in Scotland is unsustainably high. This is, in part, due to the quantity of things we buy.

We need a system wide change that enables us all to choose more sustainable ways to live.”

Kimberley Pratt, ZWS analyst and report author, added: “It is also due to the amounts of materials it takes to extract raw materials and manufacture new products. These processes are resource-intensive, but those costs are not obvious when we look only at the finished product. For example, 25 tonnes of iron ore must be mined to produce one tonne of iron which the average Scot might consume as steel in products such as the buildings we live and work in, cars and electrical appliances.

“This highlights the negative environmental impacts of our production processes and consumption habits which favour using new goods made from virgin materials rather than re-used or repaired goods, or goods made from recycled materials or from remanufacturing.”

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WEDNESDAY 23RD JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 61 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 15

C AT E G O R

LOW2NO A

NEW

RESEA

Price and visibilit Low2No alc

TAKE A BITE OF OUR

T

New research from Lumina Intelligence finds tha

shoppers looking to buy into t

he low and no alcohol category Low2No – has slowly been percolating along for local retailers without ever truly bursting into life – and new research from Lumina Intelligence may have discovered why.

The research specialist’s new Low2No Alcohol Report 2021 has concluded that the biggest barriers to buying Low2No are that it is considered too expensive and poor value for money while some consumers have been unable to find the products in-store.

According to the findings within the report, the main barriers preventing consumers purchasing the Low2No alcohol category are: Too expensive 16% Poor value for money 14% Don’t believe in the health benefits 11% Didn’t see product in-store/on menu 1 1% Can’t always find what I am looking for 9 % Within the off-trade, the primary motivations for buying Low2No are experimentation and health, with 12% of consumers citing a desire to try something new and the same proportion wanting a healthier option. Driving is a less important factor than in the on-trade at 10%.

The top motivations for purchasing a Low2No product when in a supermarket, convenience store or discounter are: I want to try something new I want a healthier option

16 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 61 / WEDNESDAY 23RD JUNE 2021

12% 12%

If I am driving I want fewer calo A product looked

Supermarkets are cu the category, says the common place that c the category and also by those purchasing Some 43% of con visit a supermarket products, whereas 11 online, 10% a pub, 8 and 8% a discounter.

Commenting on Whist, Insight Dire gence, said: “The Low to see tremendous gro

RY F O C U S

ALCOHOL

NEW

ARCH

ty key to growing cohol sales

at price and visibility are the primary barriers for

the Low2No alcohol category.

ories d appealing

TAKE A BITE OF OUR

10% 8% 8%

playing a pivotal role in driving awareness of the category as the most common place for the first purchase. We have seen some really innovative examples of retailers and operators within other channels really getting behind the category and offering a comprehensive range that drives interest in Low2No, however it is clear that there remains a significant untapped opportunity.

“Price and visibility remain the main barriers to consumers purchasing more Low2No products. The category continues to evolve with exciting NPD regularly hitting the market, however retailers and operators need to play their role by making the category as visible as possible on shelves in-store, behind bars and on menus.”

urrently key for driving e report, both as the most consumers first purchase as the main channel used the category frequently. nsumers most regularly t to purchase Low2No 1% choose supermarkets 8% a convenience store . n the results, Blonnie ector at Lumina Intelliw2No category continues owth, with supermarkets

WEDNESDAY 23RD JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 61 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 17

TECHN

FACIAL REC

INFORMATION COMM

F

Privacy watchdog flag recognition te

acial recognition technology brings benefits that can make aspects of our lives easier, more efficient and more secure. The technology allows us to unlock our mobile phones, set up a bank account online, or go through passport control. But when the technology and its algorithms are used to scan people’s faces in real time and in more public contexts, the risks to people’s privacy increases.

I am deeply concerned about the potential for live facial recognition (LFR) technology to be used inappropriately, excessively or even recklessly. When sensitive personal data is collected on a mass scale without people’s knowledge, choice or control, the impacts could be significant.

We should be able to take our children to a leisure complex, visit a shopping centre or tour a city to see the sights without having our biometric data collected and analysed with every step we take.

Unlike CCTV, LFR and its algorithms can automatically identify who you are and infer sensitive details about you. It can be used to instantly profile you to serve up personalised adverts or match your image against known shoplifters as you do your weekly grocery shop.

In future, there’s the potential to overlay CCTV cameras with LFR, and even to combine it with social media data or other “big data” systems – LFR is supercharged CCTV. It is not my role to endorse or ban a technology but, while this technology is developing and not widely deployed, we have an opportunity to ensure it does not expand without due regard for data protection. My full opinion piece is accessible here.

Data protection and people’s privacy must be at the heart of any decisions to deploy LFR and the law sets a high bar to

18 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE XX / WEDNESDAY XXXX 2021

UK privacy watchdog, the ICO, has highlighted its concerns over t

By Elizabeth Denham, U

justify the use of LFR and its algorithms in places where we shop, socialise or gather.

The opinion piece is rooted in law and informed in part by six ICO investigations into the use, testing or planned deployment of LFR systems, as well as our assessment of other proposals that organisations have sent to us. Uses we’ve seen included addressing public safety concerns and creating biometric profiles to target people with personalised advertising.

“In future, there’s the potential to o and even to combine it with social m – LFR is superc It is telling that none of the organisations involved in our completed investigations were able to fully justify the processing and, of those systems that went live, none of them were fully compliant with the requirements of data protection law. All of the organisations chose to stop, or not proceed with, the use of LFR.

OLOGY

COGNITION

MISSIONER’S OFFICE

gs concerns over facial ech in stores

the use of facial recognition technology in stores and other public places.

UK Information Commissioner

With any new technology, building public trust and confidence in the way people’s information is used is crucial so the benefits derived from the technology can be fully realised.

In the US, people did not trust the technology. Some cities banned its use in certain contexts and some major companies have paused facial recognition services until there are clearer rules. Without trust, the benefits the technology may offer are lost.

And, if used properly, there may be benefits. LFR has the

overlay CCTV cameras with LFR, media data or other ‘big data’ systems charged CCTV.” potential to do significant good – helping in an emergency search for a missing child, for example.

Organisations will need to demonstrate high standards of governance and accountability from the outset, including being able to justify that the use of LFR is fair, necessary and proportionate in each specific context in which it is deployed. They

need to demonstrate that less intrusive techniques won’t work.

Organisations will also need to understand and assess the risks of using a potentially intrusive technology and its impact on people’s privacy and their lives. For example, how issues around accuracy and bias could lead to misidentification and the damage or detriment that comes with that.

My office will continue to focus on technologies that have the potential to be privacy invasive, working to support innovation while protecting the public. Where necessary we will tackle poor compliance with the law.

We will work with organisations to ensure that the use of LFR is lawful, and that a fair balance is struck between their own purposes and the interests and rights of the public. We will also engage with government, regulators and industry, as well as international colleagues to make sure data protection and innovation can continue to work hand in hand.

Elizabeth Denham was appointed UK Information Commissioner on 15 July 2016, having previously held the position of Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia, Canada.

WEDNESDAY 23RD JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 61 / 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 refits 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 61 / WEDNESDAY 23RD 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 23RD JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 61 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 21

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N E W S TO R E

NISA HESSLE ROAD, HULL DAVID SELLERS

High hopes in Hull

A new-to-Nisa retailer has just launched his second Yorkshire store with plans to invest further before the year end.

N

ew-to-Nisa retailer David Sellers took on the former McColl’s on Hessle Road in Hull recently, just four months after launching his first Nisa store in Sheffield.

And just two weeks later, shoppers are spending more in-store and enjoying the much-improved range and a raft of new products, says David.

The 1,500sq ft shop has received a new Nisa Local Evolution fascia to the exterior whilst inside the store has had a deep clean and a general tidy up along with new lighting, vinyls and branding to create a more modern and inviting space.

David said: “We’ve implemented the full Nisa category management planograms and added in a coffee machine as well as a better range and some key Co-op own brand lines.

“Before we took it on it had become quite tired and the

product range wasn’t great so we’re working on that and trying to demonstrate to our shoppers what they can now buy here that they couldn’t before.”

The Post Office counter is a big footfall driver and shoppers are now spending in the shop when using the Post Office whereas before they wouldn’t.

“Basket spend is starting to pick up and chilled is selling better than we thought it would so we’ll look at expanding the range and add in meal solutions to increase sales further,” says David.

And while concentrating on building up his latest store along with his first store in Sheffield, David is also keeping his eye out for another business. “There’s quite a lot to do here to get it right but I’d like to get a third store before the end of the year, I just need to find the right one,” he concludes.

WEDNESDAY 23RD JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 61 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 23

NPD AND MEDIA

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

WINE OF THE TIMES Leading wine brands Jacob’s Creek and 19 Crimes get busy to help retailers grow excitement and sales this summer.

the UK market with strong focus on the brand’s fast-growing Double Barrel range which has seen sales rise by over 72% [Nielsen, Mar 2021].

The Double Barrel activity will focus on a digital ad campaign running until the end of July.

Additionally, a gifting campaign will run into the summer months.

The Double Barrel range launched in 2014 with a Shiraz finished in aged Scotch whisky barrels, and was joined last year by a Chardonnay crafted in aged Scotch whisky barrels, the first of its kind in the world. A Cabernet Sauvignon finished in aged Irish Whiskey barrels is the latest addition to the range, which launched in April. The range has an RSP of £12.

The brand was also announced as the official wine partner for the inaugural ICC World Test Championship Final 2021which took place this week. The event kick-starts a long-term strategic partnership for Jacob’s Creek with the ICC for the next three years.

Jacob’s Creek, the UK’s best known wine brand, and 19

CRIME WAVE

Crimes, the leading millennial

Meanwhile, Treasury Wine Estates’

wine brand, have unveiled new

leading UK millennial wine brand

campaigns and products to help

19 Crimes is launching its first

grow sales and profits in the

rosé wine in time for summer. 19

category this summer.

Crimes Rosé is a 13.5% ABV dry-

GIVE ‘EM BOTH BARRELS Jacob’s Creek has kicked off a

style rosé with the bottle featuring the brand’s traditional Augmented Reality technology on-pack. On this variant, 19 Crimes’ new “roguish

strong investment plan to support the brand’s

character” Robert Cranston comes to life via

value strategy and long-term development in

one of the brand’s well known Living Wine Labels.

24 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 61 / WEDNESDAY 23RD JUNE 2021

NPD AND MEDIA

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

YAZOO UNVEILS JAFFALICIOUS LITRES Yazoo is expanding its range with the launch of a limited-edition Jaffalicious Choc-Orange flavour in a one litre format.

Building on its 400ml offering, Yazoo is launching

“Our one litre formats are permanently avail-

a limited-edition Jaffalicious Choc-Orange flavour

able in our best-selling core flavours: Chocolate,

in a one litre format.

Strawberry and Banana, and as we respond to

The UK’s number one traditional flavoured

the growing demand for take-home drinks and

milk brand [IRI, Dec 2020] is making the new

treats. We’re very excited to be extending this to

line available in convenience this month as an

our limited-edition range to provide Yazoo lovers

ideal option for sharing. With a shelf-life of up

with more variety.”

to nine months, the company says the product makes a strong addition to a store cupboard or pantry, ready to be transferred to the fridge as required.

Yazoo’s one litre milk drinks are currently growing ahead of the market rate at 17% year-on-year.

What you need to know...

Limited-edition Jaffalicious Choc-

Orange flavour in a one litre format RSP: £1.50

Kate Allison, Yazoo Marketing Manager at

Launches in convenience this month

FrieslandCampina UK, said: “Jaffalicious Choc-Or-

Yazoo’s one litre milk drinks currently

ange offers an exciting variant for existing fans

growing at 17% year-on-year

and also entices new shoppers to the category.

WEDNESDAY 23RD JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 61 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 25

NPD AND MEDIA

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

CUTDOWN COCCHI Italian aperitif brand Cocchi has

SPAR SCOTLAND SIGNS HOVIS DEAL

DAD’S NEW WHEELS Wagon Wheels is supporting

released miniature versions of

A new partnership between Hovis

dads through a campaign in

its famed aromatised wines. The

and Spar Scotland wholesaler

partnership with Dadsnet. The

5cl miniatures include Cocchi

and retailer CJ Lang will see the

six-month activity centres around

Americano, Cocchi Rosa, Cocchi

Hovis core range of products, as

a series of ‘Real Talk’ videos

Vermouth Di Torino, Dopo Teatro

well as its Scottish Mothers Pride

hosted by the ‘Loose Dads’

and Barolo Chinato packaged in

brand, stocked in a significant

across Dadsnet’s platforms,

a tasting box of five.

number of Spar stores north of

tackling topics including gender

RSP £23.50

the border.

stereotyping and Covid-19.

CHOCOLATE ORANGE POPCORN

MAGIC BRU

CARNIVAL GOLD

Barr Soft Drinks is investing

Imperial Tobacco’s new Gold

Butterkist has launched new

£6m in Irn-Bru, including a new

Leaf Carnival Edition Papers

Crunchy Orange Chocolate fla-

campaign based around the

launch in July and will be avail-

vour toffee popcorn, bridging

“magic taste” of Scotland’s No.1

able in Gold Leaf 30g pouches

the gap between popcorn and

grocery brand. The marketing

until the end of September. A

chocolate confectionery, and tap-

push will be spearheaded by

series of four carnival-themed

ping into the massive chocolate

a new TV advert which breaks

designs will rotate throughout

orange trend.

mid-July, and will reach 90% of

the launch period.

RSP £1.59

16-34-year-olds in Scotland.

RSP £12.80

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

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

B awarrand eness

76%

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of Scots like Lees Snowballs

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NOW THAT’S A GOOD IDEA…

OUT THE BOX CENTRAL CO-OP LOYALTY PAYOUT

Central England Co-op thanks members with £570k divi Today 107,000 Central England Co-op members have shared out over £570,000 in dividends as a reward for their loyalty during the past year.

WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA? Central England Co-op shares £570k with members.

WHY? Well, as one of the original loyalty schemes, way before the likes of Nectar cards, the Co-op has been handing out a share of its profits – dividends – to members for decades. Today saw Central England Co-op hand out £570,000 to around 107,000 members.

NICE. WHO GOT WHAT? The Society, which operates over 400 food stores and funeral homes across 16 counties, has said ‘thank you’ to members in West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

CASH? No. Vouchers to spend in-store. Still...

ANYBODY ELSE BENEFIT? Yes, as well as shoppers, a whole host of important community projects and local good causes are having a good day today. £175k is being shared between 116 charities and good causes.

WHAT IS CO-OP SAYING? Debbie Robinson, Central England Co-op Chief Executive, said: “Our members mean a lot to us and I want to thank them for their loyalty. Throughout the year, we give a share of our profits not only to our members, but to local community groups too. It’s because of them that we’re able to

help. It’s why membership makes a real difference and it’s thanks to them that we are able to give back to our communities in the way we do.

“I’d like to thank members for their kindness towards colleagues during these uncertain times, and their continued support.”

WEDNESDAY 23RD JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 61 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 29

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BEFORE YOU GO

RETAIL RANDOMS

Bottled it There’s an old phrase along the lines of ‘never a truer word than said in jest’ – which was what sprung to mind when we saw this ad by Tennent’s.

There’s always a risk with a joke at the expense of your opponents coming back to bite you on the arse in the fullness of time. And so it turned out when the marketers at Tennent’s quickly knocked together a billboard poster having a pop at England for bottling it after only managing a 0-0 draw with Scotland at Wembley.

A few days later Scotland faced their own D-Day against Croatia – and duly bottled it themselves. Let’s hope it’s not another 23 years until Scotland qualify for their next major tournament.

HelloFresh for cats?

Food box subscriptions have seen huge growth in the last year thanks to companies like HelloFresh. Get your dinner delivered to your door, but you need to make it yourself. That kind of idea. Not ideal for local retailers but shopper habits are changing and we need to evolve with them.

But pet food subscription boxes? Aw c’mon...

A company called Tails.com has launched a pooch and

pussy variation on the HelloFresh theme where, for around £20 a month, pet owners can have their pet food delivered to their door.

It sounds like a bit of a bonkers idea but, as most local retailers will know, pet owners can be a bit bonkers about their furry friends. It seems like everyone’s trying their best to eat local retailers’ lunch these days.

WEDNESDAY 23RD JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 61 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 31