RETAIL
THE WEEK IN
STORE CONVERSIONS
JISP SCAN & SAVE MILESTONES
SYSTEM DRAMATICALLY BOOSTS BRAND SALE
SYMBOL GROUPS
NISA, SPAR UNVEIL NEW LOOK STORES
FACELIFTS FOR LANCASHIRE AND CUMBRIA STORES COMMUNITY
AND THE WINNER IS....
GOVERNMENT SETS PATH TO NET ZERO CO-OP JOINS CARBON REDUCTION CAMPAIGN PAYPOINT LAUNCHES DIGITAL GIFT CARDS
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Brought to you by:
SHROPSHIRE RETAILER WINS FIRST RAJ AGGARWAL AWARD SUPERMARKET SALES GROWTH FALLS Commercial Partner:
Issue 78 Wednesday 20th October 2021
THE PLANET’S FAVOURITE BEER BREWDOG IS THE WORLD’S FIRST CARBON NEGATIVE BREWERY
70% of shoppers would be more likely to purchase a beer made in a sustainable way*
* YouGov BrewDog Commissioned Survey – Beer Drinkers – Sept 2020. Unweighted base: All UK adults who drink beer every month (1735)
T H E W E E K I N R E TA I L
EDITOR’S COMMENT
All eyes on Sunak ahead of budget The issue of business rates has again been hitting the headlines ahead of Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s autumn budget next week. More than 40 trade associations - representing around 261,000 businesses and nine million employees - recently issued a joint statement outlining how action by the Chancellor to reform the current business rates system could unleash a wave of business investment. ACS has called for the rates system to be overhauled to incentivise investment rather than penalising it through the introduction of a business growth accelerator, like that already in place in Scotland. The trade body also calls for all retailers under £51,000 rateable value to be excluded from paying rates altogether, and for the introduction of an online sales levy to support bricks and mortar retailers. In addition, the CBI calls the existing business regime “outdated and outmoded” and a “drag” on the government’s goal of a high wage, high productivity, and high investment economy. Usdaw, meanwhile, says action is needed to create a level playing field between online and bricks and mortar retail. Property expert Colliers says in its current form business rates are too high and that the multiplier at current levels of 51p in the pound is unsustainable for business. It says the Chancellor, at the very least, should commit to a reduction of the multiplier to around 30p.
However, there have been disappointing reports that the government will not be announcing any major overhaul of the business rates system in the budget. A government source is quoted in The Telegraph as saying: “I think the expectations are quite high and the reality is we just haven’t had enough time to look at it. It’s obviously something that needs looking at.” I’m afraid that’s not good enough. We are 18 months into a consultation, which has already been delayed four times in the past year. Delayed action will be a further hit to businesses – it will cost jobs and will do nothing to save the high street. More positively, Labour has put some pressure on the government, raising the issue of continued delay in Parliament in recent days. I hope that the reports of a delay are wrong. The budget offers the ideal opportunity for the government to introduce policies that will help the industry turn around. So all eyes will be on the Chancellor on 27 October as he delivers his autumn budget – just don’t forget to read the latest edition of The Week In Retail afterwards.
LIZ WELLS, DEPUTY EDITOR
WEDNESDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2021 / ISSUE 78 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 3
RRP
PACK OF 10
RRP
PACK OF 20
£4.90 THE UK’s £9.60 *
*
No.1 CIGARILLO
1
*RRP effective 28/07/2021. Retailers are free at all times to sell JTI products at whatever price they choose. [1] IRi Market Place, Volume Share, Total Cigarillo Category, Total UK, Jun 2021.
CONTENTS
WEDNESDAY 20 OCTOBER 2021 / ISSUE 78
6
10 THIS WEEK’S NEWS IN BRIEF
Jisp reaches Scan & Save milestones with Nisa, and the Government sets out the UK’s path to net zero.
20
RAJ AGGARWAL AWARD
SUSTAINABILITY
Julie Kaur Duhra is the first winner of a new trophy marking the legacy of Raj Aggarwal and celebrating exceptional community retailing.
The Co-op encourages people to sign up to a carbon reduction campaign, and IGD launches an environment labelling project.
9 Covid-19 update
19 Gift cards
27 Picks of the week
13 Symbol groups
PayPoint launches a range of digital gift
A look at the latest new products and
An empty store gets a new lease of life with
cards in partnership with leading brands
Nisa; a Manchester family celebrates 30
including Amazon, Xbox, PlayStation and
30 Out the box: Counter Cash
Love2Shop.
years of retailing; Longton Spar reopens after an extension and refit; James Hall
24 Business intelligence
opens a new forecourt; AF Blakemore
marketing campaigns. A new PayPoint service lets customers to withdraw up to £50 in cash at a counter for
Grocery sales growth slows as shoppers
free with no purchase necessary.
extends its New Era programme; Spar
rebalance their spending habits, and frozen
33 Before you go...
Scotland gives free fruit to children.
food sales remain buoyant.
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Our latest Retail Randoms.
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WEDNESDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2021 / ISSUE 78 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 5
NEWS DIGEST
THIS WEEK’S NEWS FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS, HEAD TO WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK/CATEGORY/NEWS/
CO-OP CHRISTMAS The Co-op Group will be closing its stores earlier on
RETAIL TECH
Jisp’s Scan & Save milestones System dramatically boosts brand sales in the first five weeks of trial.
Christmas Eve and operating reduced hours on Boxing Day. In addition, New Year’s Day and Boxing Day will be staffed by volunteers only. Retail trade union Usdaw has welcomed the move as a step in the right direction.
FUNDING GORILLAS On-demand grocer Gorillas Technologies has secured $235m funding from parcel platform Delivery Hero. The start-up has opened more than 140 warehouses and delivered 4.5 million orders in the past six months. Delivery Hero now has around an 8% stake in Gorillas.
SEASONAL STAFF Asda is recruiting 15,000 seasonal staff across the UK. Around 500 roles are based in Asda’s depots, 1,500 are home delivery driver positions, with the remainder being store-based roles across the UK. Some of the seasonal employees will remain with Asda into the New Year.
Jisp has recorded 10,000 scans, 5,000 taps, and 2,000 redemptions in the first five weeks of its Scan & Save trial with 14 Nisa stores. The company has been working with brands such as Kellogg’s, Red Bull and Nomad Foods to offer savings on certain products using augmented reality vouchers. Greg Deacon, Chief Customer Officer at Jisp, said: “What a fantastic achievement for Jisp, Nisa, and our brand partners. To deliver the participation, adoption
and engagement from both retailers and shoppers is phenomenal. It’s not just the amount of scans, taps and redemptions that we are looking at – we are really diving deep into the who, where and when in-store and at the shelf edge.” The company says Scan & Save has dramatically boosted brand sales, with Red Bull, including Sugar Free cans, and Trivento Malbec wine being the top-selling products, followed by Fanta and CocaCola cans.
EG Group, Asda halt £750m forecourt deal EG Group and Asda will no longer proceed with the £750m deal that would have seen EG acquire “certain assets” of Asda’s forecourt business. The news comes two weeks after EG Group agreed to sell 27 petrol stations to Park Garage Group to address Competition and Markets Authority concerns relating to the acquisition.
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The companies will continue to work together. EG Group said: “Key commercial initiatives between EG and Asda are already well underway including the expansion of Asda’s convenience offering, where both companies have confirmed their intention to roll-out the Asda On the Move proposition across EG’s UK forecourts.”
NEWS DIGEST
THIS WEEK’S NEWS FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS, HEAD TO WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK/CATEGORY/NEWS/
FOOD-TO-GO
UK’s roadmap to net zero emissions Landmark strategy includes an extra £350m to support the electrification of vehicles.
MORRISON SHAREHOLDERS BACK DEAL Morrisons’ shareholders have approved a £7bn offer from
The government has set out how the UK will deliver on its commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050. The landmark Net Zero Strategy includes an extra £350m to support the electrification of vehicles and their supply chains and another £620m for targeted electric vehicle grants and infrastructure, particularly local on-street residential charge points, with plans to put thousands more zero emission cars and vans onto UK roads. It also includes £3.9bn of new funding for decarbonising heat and buildings, including the new £450m three-year Boiler Upgrade Scheme, so homes and buildings are cheaper to heat and cleaner to run. ACS chief executive, James Lowman, said: “We welcome these further details into the government’s path to net zero and ongoing commitment to support
UK businesses to make green choices. The additional £620m funding for electric vehicle infrastructure is important for deliver the charging infrastructure across the whole road network.” Simon Roberts, Chief Executive of Sainsbury’s, said: “This plan is a significant step forward in accelerating a green transition and will increase choice and opportunity for people and businesses of all sizes across the country.”
Dubilier & Rice (CD&R). CD&R, which was advised by former Tesco boss Sir Terry Leahy, won an auction for Morrisons at a price of 287p per share.
SUPERFAST GROCER INVESTS £100M IN UK Superfast grocer Getir is to invest £100m in the UK. The Turkish start-up has plans to be in at least 15 cities around the UK by Christmas 2021, creating more than 3,000 by the end of 2021, and an estimated 10,000 jobs by the end of 2022.
TESCO OPENS FIRST CHECKOUT FREE STORE
Co-op truck drivers secure 4% pay increase More than 1,000 truck drivers employed by Co-op are to receive a 4% pay increase backdated from 1 February 2021 and a further 5% increase payable from 1 November 2021. The increases will also apply to all unsocial hours and weekend working premiums that drivers receive.
US private equity firm Clayton,
Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “This is an excellent result for our driver members at the Co-op and demonstrates what can be achieved through negotiation when workers are organised.” The Co-op is also creating over 300 LGV driver apprenticeships in response to the current driver crisis.
Tesco has opened its first checkout-free store in central London. The first “GetGo” store follows a successful trial at a staff outlet on the retailer’s headquarters campus at Welwyn Garden City, in north London, which has been in place since 2019.
WEDNESDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2021 / ISSUE 78 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 7
NEWS SPECIAL
COVID-19 UPDATE
Lateral flow tests more accurate than first thought
SHINING A LIGHT ON HOT FOOD-TO-GO Display equipment
New research reveals criticism of lateral flow tests for low sensitivity is wrong.
manufacturer Fri-Jado has launched its new Multideck Display range, designed to put hot foodto-go in the spotlight. The range showcases the food, while achieving a 20% energy saving compared to other units available on the market. This energy saving is thanks to a combination of hot airflow recirculation, efficient DC fans, double-glazed glass.
Professor Michael Mina, part of the research team, said LFTs could “catch nearly everyone who is currently a serious risk to public health” when viral loads are at their peak. The study concludes that criticism of LFTs for low sensitivity “have reached the wrong conclusions”, “confused policy making”, and “damaged public trust in LFTs”. Current government guidance says that if you receive a negative follow-up PCR test result, and this PCR test was taken within two days of the positive LFT, you will be told you can stop self-isolating. However, it states that you must continue to self-isolate if the PCR result is positive.
Retailers can choose from four or five shelves, widths of 60cm, 90cm or 120cm, single or multitemperature control
TECH SOLUTIONS
L
ateral flow tests (LFTs) are very good at detecting people most likely to spread Covid-19 and positive results should be trusted, according to research from University College London. LFTs have been criticised for being less accurate than PCR tests but the research found rapid tests were “a very useful public health tool” for stopping the spread of the virus. Researchers used a new formula for calculating the rapid test’s accuracy, they found LFTs were more than 80% effective at detecting any level of Covid19 infection, and likely to be more than 90% effective at detecting who is most infectious.
improved insulation, and
and solid back or passthrough. The range also allows retailer to adjust shelf angles to further improve visibility and hot-hold several different types of food in the same unit. ‘Hot Blanket’ holding technology achieves high food preservation.
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C OV E R
RAJ AGGARW
Julie wins first ever Raj Agg
A Shropshire-based retailer was announced as the winner at a London
R
THE FINALISTS WITH SUNITA AGGARWAL
etailer Julie Kaur Duhra has been unveiled as the first winner of the Raj Aggarwal Award – a new trophy marking the legacy of independent retailer Raj Aggarwal and celebrating exceptional community retailing. She was announced as the winner at the ACS Heart of the Community conference in London, following a panel discussion on exceptional community retailing. Julie runs a convenience store just north of Telford, in Shropshire, with her husband Joey. She has played a vital role in her local area, providing home deliveries to customers, leading local fundraising efforts and supporting other retailers. Julie, who’s been in retail for more than 30 years, told the ACS conference: “The pandemic was sink or swim. You just had to keep swimming – it was very tough.” With her wholesaler running low on products, Julie had to think outside of the box to deliver essentials to vulnerable
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customers, buying large packs of pasta and breaking them down into smaller bags. When bread ran out, she tracked down other retailers that were still getting deliveries and swapped eggs for their bread. Elderly customers “rely on us a lot,” said Julie, who kept delivering morale-boosting treats as the pandemic played out: “At Easter we took them hot cross buns from Marks & Spencer. They were over the moon – you couldn’t buy that smile – and in May we took them ice-creams for VE Day. In June it was my birthday, so I took them all an individual slice of cake.” She started fundraising in the summer, raising £5,000 by Christmas: “We went round the elderly with Santa and took them hampers because they were on lockdown.” She added: “I feel like I’ve got everything I need in life so I think if I can make a difference by giving something to somebody it makes me happy as a person.”
S T O RY
WAL AWARD WERE ENTRIES
garwal Award
n event.
JUDGED
BY
ner ife and Ow w s j’ a R – arwal es – Sunita Agg athan Jam n o J ; n to s ig ience of Spar W es Conven m a J f o r Directo dgens Managing wner of Bu O – u h id S r hief Retail; Avta owman – C L s e m a J ; and Kenilworth of ACS. Executive
THE PROCESS Applications were welcomed from any convenience store operator, independent retailers and managers of multiple-owned outlets. They were judged on engagement of colleagues in conceiving and delivering activity, impact on local community, sustainability of activity, and overall work to support other retailers.
Already this year Julie and her team have taken part in Tough Mudder for Magic Breakfast, held a coffee and cake event for Macmillan Cancer Support, taken part in two 10K runs in support of Severn Hospice, climbed Snowdon for Zero Hunger with Langar, and held numerous in-store raffles. ACS Chief Executive, James Lowman, said: “Throughout the pandemic, Julie has gone above and beyond to support her customers and fellow retailers; she has made the local community feel like her family and friends. This is a well-deserved award and we would like to congratulate Julie for the outstanding contribution that her store has made to the local community.” This year’s other finalists were Nico Ali from Tasa Shops in Jarrow and Sophie Williams from Broadway Convenience Store in Edinburgh. Retail Minister Paul Scully, who presented the trophy, said: “These awards are a great opportunity to highlight how local retailers have been working tirelessly to support their communities, especially during the pandemic. Julie has been lighting up Hadley and beyond with her charity work, home deliveries and more. “I’d like to congratulate her on such a well-deserved win of the first-ever Raj Aggarwal Award, and I thank all this year’s finalists, and retailers across the country, for their vitally important work.”
WEDNESDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2021 / ISSUE 78 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 11
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SYMBOL GROUPS
NISA
Danny Patel celebrates 30 years at Greater Manchester store
N
The Patel family marks three generations of retailing with a fresh fascia and new EPoS system.
isa retailer Danny Patel has invested in the latest Nisa Local Evolution fascia to modernise his Rochdale-based store and improve its kerbside appeal. The Patel family, which is celebrating 30 years and three generations at the store, decided to mark the milestone by giving their Greater Manchester store a more contemporary look and feel. The store, which first opened in 1991 with an independent fascia, has undergone a series of refits over the past three decades and Danny said he is keen to ensure the family business is fit for the future. The family also owns a second Nisa Local symbol store in Leeds city centre.
ORIGINAL STOREFRONT, 1991
Danny commented: “We have done quite a lot to the store over the years, some very big transformations, but we’ve not made any changes recently and so this has made a real difference to how it looks and feels.
“I don’t want to be known as the corner shop. I want people to know that we are a good, modern store and they are not just using us as a top-up shop, we want them to see it as a destination store.” New vinyl signage has also been fitted inside the store, and the retailer has installed Nisa’s Epositive set-up at both stores, allowing them to talk to each other and better manage stock control. Danny added: “People want different things from a convenience store these days and technology plays a big part. We need to keep up and make sure we are still offering them what they are asking for and so we will keep looking at our store and changing as needed.”
BEFORE REFIT...
AFTER REFIT...
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SYMBOL GROUPS
NISA
Barrow welcomes new store A former Co-op store in Cumbria has been given a new lease of life.
R
etailers Kaz and Paul Stephenson have given a new lease of life to a former Co-op store in Cumbria that stood empty for more than six months. The couple, who have operated multiple Bargain Booze stores across the north of England for more than 20 years, have now opened a 2,200sq ft Nisa Local in the town of Barrow-in-Furness. The store has undergone a full refit to Nisa’s latest Evolution format incorporating almost 20m of food chillers and 9m for chilled off-licence. Food- and drinks-to-go include Costa Express, Skwishee, Country Choice bake off, with F’Real to follow. In addition, the store features two self-scan tills and a two-position counter with a Glory till and payment system installed. Kaz said: “We knew the look that we wanted and had the vision in our heads, it
NISA LOCAL, BARROW-IN-FURNESS
was a case of working with our store development manager to get it right. We’re really pleased with it. Shoppers have been coming in and absolutely loving it.” Local suppliers are another key feature, with Lakes ice-cream and a freshly-made authentic Thai meal offer alongside a locally-produced toffee vodka. “Our aim is to make much more of the local suppliers and increase the amount of locally-sourced products in
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the store to encourage our customers to shop and support local businesses,” Kaz added. She says existing Co-op shoppers have returned to the store. “The Co-op range works really well for us. Customers know and like the products and lots of people are coming in for the things they used to buy before the store closed. “It will take a bit of time and a few tweaks to get everything in and find out what everyone wants, but it has been a great start and we are really happy with the response so far.”
SYMBOL GROUPS
SPAR SCOTLAND
Spar Scotland extends support of Healthy Living Programme Employees distributed free fruit to primary school children at stores in Abronhill, Garthamlock, Thornliebank, and Erskine.
S
par Scotland is extending its support of Healthy Living Scotland (HLS) by giving out free fruit to children at a further four stores around the country.The joint initiative between Spar Scotland and HLS highlights the support both organisations offer in promoting healthy options. Spar Scotland distributed free fruit to primary school children at Spar stores in Abronhill, Garthamlock, Thornliebank, and Erskine from 4-10 October. The team from HLS were also on hand at each store to promote the week-long initiative.
Spar Scotland will also be running pumpkin-related activities in three Spar stores with the HLS team. The stores participating are Bo’ness, Sanquhar and Eastriggs from 27-29 October. In addition, the retailer is planning for stores in the east of Scotland to take part in the campaign at the beginning of 2022. Colin McLean, Chief Executive of Spar Scotland, said: “We enjoy supporting Healthy Living Scotland’s programme which connects local school children with healthy options available from Spar convenience stores.
It is important that we continue to encourage children to eat fresh fruit and vegetables.”
EG GROUP OPENS NEW SPAR STORE AT PETERHEAD SITE Petrol forecourt retailer EG Group has opened a new Spar convenience store and forecourt at the Buchan Gateway Retail Park in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire. The site has 10 lanes as well as dedicated parking for shoppers. The 3,000sq ft Spar convenience store features an external ATM and is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. It also has a host of food-to-go options including sandwiches, hot and cold rolls, pastries, and a Greggs bakery. Other in-store services include lottery, PayPoint, and free WiFi.
The entire build, which includes a Starbucks drive-thru, took over a year to complete. The Spar store now employs 10 people from the Peterhead area.
Mike Leonard, Sales Director for Spar Scotland, said: “We are broadening our reach and distribution around Scotland, and we will continue to grow the business and explore new opportunities.”
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SYMBOL
SPA
Longton Spar reopens after refit
Lawrence Hunt & Co has expanded the Lancashire store by 1,000sq ft.
L
ongton Spar in Preston, Lancashire, has reopened after an extension and refit. The 1,000sq ft store expansion has seen the introduction of a Mercer’s butchers counter, as well as an extension of the current sales space including larger chilled food, frozen food, grocery and off-licence ranges. A new ATM has also been installed. In addition, the post office – acquired in February 2020 – has moved into the store from the building next door and is open from 8.30am until 5.30pm. Lawrence Hunt, who first opened the Spar shop in the village in 1960, said: “The store looks absolutely fantastic and is a real asset for the village of Longton. “We have decided to put the butcher’s counter in as we believe there is the demand from customers in the area for high quality, locally-sourced meat. I think the colourful produce that
MERCER’S BUTCHERS
LAWRENCE AND JEAN HUNT
welcomes you at the door looks super as well – again all locally sourced – and the Post Office has its own dedicated space to the benefit of customers.” The store continues to be serviced by James Hall & Co, as it has since 1960.
STOREFRONT, 1960
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Retailer Kevin Hunt commented: “The store is visually stunning and has everything you need in terms of stock to support a community. “Given the historic family connections to Longton, it is doubly pleasing that we have been able to successfully relaunch the store in a village that is close to our hearts. “We have a great new store manager in Debbie Deeley who is outstanding at community engagement, and I know Debbie and the team are looking forward to welcoming customers old and new into the store.”
GROUPS
AR
Radcliffe Spar store and Shell service station opens doors James Hall & Co has opened a new store and service station on the site of a derelict pub.
J
ames Hall & Co has opened a new Spar store and Shell service station in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester. The new store, on the busy A58 connecting Bolton and Bury on the junction with Watling Street, sits on the site of a derelict pub. It includes many of the features that customers have come to expect with James Hall & Co owned Spar outlets, with a Graham Eyes butcher’s counter, Clayton Park Bakery section and a range of food-to-go, including the Spar deli, forming the in-store experience. Popular products including the Tango Ice Blast and F’Real Milkshakes and Smoothies will be available to customers too, as well as a broad range of chilled and frozen foods, and a beers, wines and spirits area. The store opening has created 27 jobs, with recruitment ongoing.
CLAYTON PARK DELI
The forecourt area of the site includes six pumps, air and water machines, an ATM, and 19 car parking spaces. Two electric vehicle charging points will also be installed on the site in the coming months. Fiona Drummond, Company Stores Director at James Hall & Co, said: “Our Radcliffe site is an exciting development and is the latest in our new generation of company-owned service stations. “The site is perfect as it is accessible for serving the growing community in Radcliffe while also meeting the demands of passing trade on what is a busy route for motorists. “It has also created a number of new jobs for local people in the Radcliffe area, and we wish our new team well,
led by manager Olivia and assistant manager Michelle, as they welcome customers into store.”
GRAHAM EYES BUTCHERS
WEDNESDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2021 / ISSUE 78 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 17
SYMBOL GROUPS
AF BLAKEMORE
‘New Era’ stores programme to be extended The first store to launch on the programme has delivered “exceptional results”.
A
F Blakemore’s New Era stores programme is to be extended across the Meridian & Welsh Guild. Delegates at the virtual Spar Retail Show heard that the first store to launch on the programme, Blakemore Retail’s Bala store in North Wales, has delivered “exceptional results” and is soon to be followed by several independent stores across the region. Blakemore Trade Partners said it will be working closely in partnership with retailers to develop their stores, providing tailored design, range, pricing and marketing support, as well as the finance to deliver retailers’ projects. In addition, delegates heard about AF Blakemore’s newly-launched Natasha’s Law support package for retailers that enables them to trade in compliance with the legislation. It includes support with providing a compliant food-to-go range, production instructions and hardware; help with training store staff; and a network of Blakemore colleagues who can help retailers maintain compliance after the initial introduction of the law. Support will also be available when the new HFSS legislation is introduced next October. Blakemore Retail is
JERRY MARWOOD
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currently trialling new store layouts so that the business will be able to recommend the best course of action for retailers who will need to alter their layouts to comply with the regulations. AFB Group Commercial Managing Director, Jerry Marwood, told the event: “If we’ve learnt anything from the last two years, it’s that the Spar model of independent businesses collaborating for mutual benefit works now more than ever. Being part of an organisation that protects your independence is vital for a vibrant retail community. We are truly stronger together.”
GIFT CARDS
PAYPOINT
PayPoint unveils digital gift cards
The payment services provider is partnering with leading brands for the launch.
P
ayPoint is partnering with leading brands – Amazon, Neosurf, Xbox, PlayStation, PaySafecard and Love2shop – to offer digital gift cards. The digital gift card and voucher market is reported to have grown in the UK by almost £1bn, now estimated to be worth £6.9bn. In the coming weeks PayPoint will be rolling out a point-of-sale promotion at selected retailers to promote its digital gift card and voucher partners. Danny Vant, Client Services Director for PayPoint, said: “The digital gift card and voucher market has grown significantly in the last 18-24 months, largely
driven by lockdown restrictions and consumer appetite to purchase online. However, this trend is not anticipated to abate, indeed, it’s expected to increase by another 25% in the next decade. “It’s vital we support our physical retailer network in capturing their share of this growing market, including increased customer engagement and revenue. “Of course, the benefits are there too for consumers who now have greater accessibility to a wide choice of digital gift cards and vouchers for gaming, streaming, shopping and making digital payments.”
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S U S TA I N
CO-OP
Co-op joins carbon reduction campaign
The retailer is encouraging its staff, members, and customers to sign up to the Count Us In campaign.
C
o-op has joined carbon reduction campaign Count Us In as part of its 10-point climate change action plan. Count Us In is made up of 16 steps, which have been selected with experts from the UN Environment Programme as being the most effective ways in which everyone can get involved to reduce carbon pollution, and influence politicians and businesses to drive solutions at a large scale. Steps people can take include cutting down on food waste, repairing and reusing appliances, eating more plants, talking to friends, and speaking up at work.
Steve Murrells, Co-op Group Chief Executive, said: “Global society is facing a monumental climate change crisis and just as the government need to be ambitious in delivering against its own commitments, we know we’ve got a critical role to play in delivering real change for a fairer world. “The impact on lives and livelihoods in the UK and around the globe disrupted by the effect of global heating on weather patterns can be no longer ignored, and the scale of the climate crisis means every one of us must act now. “That’s why I am personally signing up to this pledge and I am encouraging
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all of my colleagues, Co-op Members and customers to join me, because we know that when we work together, we can achieve bigger and better things.” The retailer has also pledged to radically reduce the carbon that comes from its products and operations, and aims to become a Net Zero business by 2040. Ipsita Bhatia, from Count Us In, added: “We are thrilled and proud to have Co-op as a partner of Count Us In. It’s incredibly powerful to see Co-op engaging their colleagues, members and customers, to take steps to reduce their own carbon pollution and add up to something bigger, together.”
NABILITY
ENVIRONMENT LABELLING
IGD launches environment labelling project Trade body has its eye on the big picture as it develops a labelling scheme for the UK by the end of the year..
I
GD has kicked off a new environment labelling project, which aims to develop a method of displaying products’ sustainability credentials that the whole sector can get behind. The project’s initial focus is on creating a strategic framework for an environment labelling scheme that will provide consistent and transparent information for consumers, enabling them to make more informed choices at point of sale. The project builds on IGD’s experience in nutritional labelling, where
provide support, while IGD will also seek input from other experts across academia, non-government organisations, and government. Susan Barratt, Chief Executive of IGD, said: “We recognise there is a growing appetite from all parts of the food system to measure and communicate the environmental impact of individual products, to drive positive change in consumption habits. We also know there is a real desire for collaboration, to champion a science-based approach to environment labelling supported by robust consumer insights.” Barrett added: “This agenda is moving at pace. Without a coordinated IGD has commissioned sustainability experts Anthesis to develop a recommended industry framework.
the organisation has previously led a joined-up industry approach to make it easier for consumers to use and understand nutrition labels and to enable them to draw comparisons between products in a consistent way. IGD has commissioned sustainability experts Anthesis to develop a recommended industry framework. Product footprinting experts from ERM will also
approach from the whole UK food sector, we risk confusing consumers and undermining the credibility of any labels that are being trialled. Environment labelling is a very complex area, with many unanswered questions in terms of data accessibility, governance, relevant impact indicators and scoring methodology, as well as the most effective way to visualise the information on-pack.”
WEDNESDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2021 / ISSUE 78 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 21
T H G I R E H T K C O ST R U O Y H C T A W T H E TO P 1 0
S U K S G N I PERFORM
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VISIT SALESSUPERCHARGED.CO.UK TO FIND OUT MORE. © 2021 Monster Energy Company. All rights Reserved. MONSTER ENERGY®, ®, MONSTER ENERGY ULTRA® are all registered trademarks of Monster Energy Company. Source: 4th biggest SKU in Total Soft Drinks, No.1 low calorie SKU in the Energy sector, No.2 flavoured energy drink, No.1 flavoured energy drink – Nielsen – Indies & Symbols– MAT Value TY Period Ending: w/e 26.06.2021. Source: 3rd biggest stimulation brand in GB and is worth £43m – Nielsen Value Sales, Total Coverage, MAT to w/e 26.06.21. Revenue is an estimate based on weekly ROS.
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BUSINESS IN
GROCERY SALES
Supermarket sales growth falls as shoppers rebalance spend
NielsenIQ also reveals that consumers are moving their food shopping habits towards an omnichannel experience.
G
rocery sales growth slowed by -0.7% in the past four weeks ending 9 October 2021, as UK shoppers begin to rebalance their spending habits, new data from NielsenIQ shows. The data reveals that in the past four weeks UK shoppers spent £11.8bn on groceries, which is £41m less than the same period last year, but this is still up 6.6% compared with pre-pandemic shopping two years ago. NielsenIQ also reveals that spend on promotional items remains low at 20%, down from 22% during the same period last year, amid growing concerns around availability issues and disruption
in the supply chain. The figures also show that consumers are moving their food shopping habits towards an omnichannel experience, as both visits to stores (+5.5%) and online shopping trips (+5.3%) increased. NielsenIQ Ecommerce Benchmark data shows shoppers are buying more convenience items online, with sales of fresh pizza (+17%), mineral water (+17%), freshly prepared salads (+11%), and cakes (+10%) all rising within the 12-week period ending 9 October 2021. Mike Watkins, NielsenIQ’s UK Head of Retailer and Business Insight, said: “October will be a tipping point for food retail spend. This is down to a plethora
24 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 78 WEDNESDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2021
of factors, including cautious consumer sentiment, increased concerns about discretionary spend, and ambient food inflation – which accelerated to 0.8% in September and also ‘lockdown 2’ comparatives starting in November. This is likely to be reflected in top line growth continuing in the region of -1% to +1%. “These trends will also give added momentum to value-based retailing – with shoppers looking to spend less but still get good value for money. As a result, supermarkets may rely less on broad promotions and instead focus on driving loyalty via smart targeting of discounts and personalised price cuts, and if needed, the return of vouchering.”
NTELLIGENCE
FROZEN FOOD SALES
Growth slows as shopping habits return to normal
Sales hit by the reopening of hospitality and shoppers reverting to smaller baskets and more frequent shopping trips.
F
rozen food sales remain buoyant despite consumers returning to pre-pandemic shopping habits, according to the latest 52-week Kantar data from the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF). The figures to 5 September show that frozen sales are nearly £900m higher than the 52 weeks ended June 2019, with an additional 217 tonnes of volume since the pre-pandemic period. However, the reopening of hospitality and shoppers reverting to smaller basket sizes and more frequent shopping trips has resulted in frozen sales declining – a trend reflected across the whole of the grocery market. Over the 12-weeks ended 5 September total grocery sales were down 2.7%, fresh and chilled sales were down 1.2% and frozen fell by 3.6%. Across the nine frozen categories monitored seven remain in value and volume growth, with meat and poultry and frozen vegetables seeing small value declines. Richard Harrow, Chief Executive of the BFFF, said: “The latest figures are to be expected, as consumers start to eat out again and make more regular shopping trips.
However, I suspect current supply chain issues and consumers stocking up for Christmas earlier than normal will lead to an uplift in frozen sales in November and December.” He added: “Whilst the market is returning to normal, we are still seeing growth of shopper numbers across the total category and frozen has attracted
over 400,000 more shoppers than in 2019. This latest Kantar data also shows that across six categories we have retained on average 50% of the additional shoppers gained in 2020. “Frozen has always been recognised as a great value option, but value is now combined with innovation as companies work to develop high-quality frozen free-from products, sustainable packaging solutions and plant-based meals. We know people across all demographics are increasingly seeking out healthy and sustainable products, so options on offer in the frozen aisle will continue to attract new consumers.”
WEDNESDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2021 / ISSUE 78 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 25
PROTECT YOUR PROFITS
TAKE
RRP
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E PRIC* T S E LOW SHELF ON
THE PEPPERMINT CLICK FILTER CIGARILLO
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EX T R A LO W O U T O F P O C KET P RI C E
FOR THE INFORMATION OF TOBACCO TRADERS ONLY
NPD AND MEDIA
PICKS OF THE WEEK – IPRO
IPRO TEAMS UP WITH PARKRUN The partnership also marks the launch of the new iPRO wellness drinks range.
Wellness drinks brand iPRO has secured a six-year
artificial colours, or flavourings can be found in a
global partnership with Parkrun, the largest NHS
bottle of our drinks. Rather, they’re enriched with
social prescribed activity in the UK, to become
electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals, which are a
its Global Hydration Partner.The partnership
powerhouse of replenishment for our wellbeing.
also marks the launch of the new iPRO wellness
“We will be supporting Parkrun in their mission
drinks range – iPRO Hydrate.The iPRO Hydrate
to create a positive, welcoming, and inclusive expe-
is available in four flavours: Berry Mix, Orange &
rience where people can get active/outdoors and
Pineapple, Citrus Blend, and Mango.
feel part of their local community while improving
Nick Pearson, Parkrun Chief Executive, said:
their fitness.
“We are very particular about the organisations
“It is incredibly important for everyone to stay
we partner with. We have spent many months
hydrated, whether they are dog walkers, casual
talking with iPRO and are really happy that our
joggers, weekend warriors or joining local runs just
values align. Healthy hydration is at the heart of
for friendship and fresh air. We will be working with
wellbeing and activity, and we very much welcome
Parkrun to encourage parkrunners to capture and
iPRO into our growing community.”
share their #parkrunMoment.”
Sophie Christy, Global Commercial Director at iPRO, said: “We are delighted to partner with Parkrun across our shared goal to support people’s health and wellbeing through healthy lifestyles. Everything we do at iPRO embodies this. All packaging used is fully recyclable. iPRO Hydrate – Sport Edition, Student Edition, and our new wellness-led range, iPRO Hydrate, are sweetened with high-quality stevia. No caffeine,
WEDNESDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2021 / ISSUE 78 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 27
NPD AND MEDIA
PICKS OF THE WEEK – GINSTERS
GINSTERS EXPLORES TASTES OF AMERICA AND NORTH AFRICA Range taps into the popularity for grazing throughout the day and on-trend world flavours.
continue to excite new and existing shoppers, we continually challenge ourselves to innovate, delivering exceptional taste experiences for our consumers to fulfil their ever-changing needs – whilst creating flavour combinations that deliver an element of the unexpected. “Following a raft of successful NPD, including
Cajun Spiced Chicken bake
our Ginsters Smoky Steak and Guinness Slice and new plant-based products, the new Ginsters Bakes
Savoury pastry brand Ginsters has launched a new
Harissa Spiced Chicken Bake
Bakes range, featuring flavours inspired by American and North African fusion cuisine.The four-strong range of Bakes taps into the popularity for grazing throughout the day and on-trend world flavours, with demand for famous USA recipes up 39%. The US- and African-centred flavour options include: Cajun Spiced Chicken Bake (117g), Philly Cheese Steak Bake (117g), Mac & Cheese Bake (117g), and Harissa Spiced Chicken Bake (117g). Philly Cheese Steak Bake
Range, taps into yet another growing occasion to broaden appeal with younger, pre-family consumers and provide a pick-me up. Perfectly portioned as a light-bite between mealtimes – whenever that might be – Ginsters Bakes provide more opportunity for retailers to reach shoppers across the day. “With options including Cajun Chicken and Philly Cheese-Steak we stand by our brand values, using only 100% British farmed meat whilst delivering distinctive depth of flavour, synonymous with popular
The range, which is made using 100% British farmed meat, has no artificial colours, flavours or
culinary destinations, all wrapped up in a light buttery puff pastry, providing the perfect tide over.”
preservatives, can be eaten hot or cold, and can be baked in just 15 minutes. Sam Mitchell, Ginsters Managing Director, said: “The last few years has taught us that consumer tastes and habits are always evolving. To ensure we
28 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 78 WEDNESDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2021
● The Bakes range will be available in Booker from 18 October and Nisa, Spar and Bestway are due to stock it from next year. ● The range has an RSP of £1.
NPD AND MEDIA
PICKS OF THE WEEK
BLACKPOOL BOURBON
CARAMELISED CHRISTMAS
Halewood Artisanal Spirits has
KitKat’s new limited-edition
now been made available to con-
unveiled Bankhall Sweet Mash
Christmas caramelised biscuit
venience retailers. Its Marzipan
as the latest launch from its
features warm caramel notes
Stollen Loaf 200g (RSP £2) and
Bankhall Distillery in Blackpool.
and flavours of cinnamon and
Baker Street Marzipan Stollen
The bourbon-style sweet mash,
spice. KitKat Caramelised
Bites (RSP £3.50) are available
which is aged in new, charred
Biscuit is available now in mul-
at Nisa and Booker. Baker Street
American oak casks, is available
tipacks of nine two-finger bars.
Stollen Loaf 500g (RSP £3) can
to order now. RSP £26
RSP £1.50
be found at Booker.
RUM DEAL
LUXURY CHOCS
Don Papa Rum, the premium
Hames
Ginsters Festive Chicken &
single island rum from the island
launched Bronze Chocolate and
Stuffing Slice (170g) is made
of Negros in the Philippines, is
Truffle Boxes. The nine-strong
with 100% British chicken and
to launch its newest expression,
range (90-126g) features milk,
smoked bacon, in a creamy
Port Cask. The limited edition
white and dark chocolates and
sauce with potato, sage and
is bottled at 40% ABV. It will be
truffles, as well as Gin & Tonic,
onion stuffing, wrapped in puff
available from Master of Malt
Salted Caramel, and Blood
pastry and topped with a sage
from late November 2021.
Orange variants. It is available
crumb. RSP £1.70
RSP £70
at www.hameschocolates.co.uk.
SEASONAL SLICE
FESTIVE FAVES Baker Street’s festive range has
Chocolates
has
WEDNESDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2021 / ISSUE 78 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 29
NOW THAT’S A GOOD IDEA…
OUT THE BOX
No ATM? No proble
PayPoint is rolling out its Counter Cash service nationally, allowing customers to withdraw up to £50 in cash a
WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA? The ATM killer. A Counter Cash service that lets customers withdraw up to £50 or check their balance, all for free, using a PayPoint terminal.
CAN ANYONE WITH A PAYPOINT TERMINAL OFFER THE SERVICE? Not yet. The service will initially be targeting specific areas of the UK which suffer from very little to no access to cash.
WHAT PROMPTED THIS? It follows PayPoint research into the most cash reliant areas of the UK which combined PayPoint sales data and looked at cash as an overall percentage of transactions in its network of 28,000 UK stores over the 2020-21 financial year. The research generated ‘cash reliance’ scores. Of the 48 UK counties included in the study, 43 had an overall cash reliance score of more than 50%, indicating that the need for cash by millions of people to support day-to-day expenditure is still of major importance across the whole of the UK. The study also revealed that one in five (21%) people across the UK still use an ATM two to three times a week. More than two-thirds (67%) of all purchases in PayPoint’s network were made in cash over FY2020/21. Also, 62% of people in Wales and 64% of people in England think more should be done to protect cash, rising to 67% in Scotland.
HOW DOES IT WORK FOR RETAILERS? Counter Cash is a first of its kind in scale and ambition beyond the traditional ATM. Participating retailers in the scheme will:
30 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 78 WEDNESDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2021
● earn commission on every transaction they process – including withdrawals and balance enquiries ● save on banking charges by recycling cash they take in for PayPoint services
● offer a vital, high profile s local community
WHAT IS PAYPOINT SA
Nick Wiles, Chief Executive, com
em
at a counter for free with no purchase necessary.
service to their
AYING?
mmented: “Bank
branches and ATMs have been disappearing at an alarming rate over the last few years and the UK’s rapid growth in digital payments, across every corner of the economy, has left millions of people who use cash every day at risk of being left behind. “Today PayPoint is laying out its long-term commitment to do everything it can to ensure easy, free cash access, working with partners across industry and government, ahead of the official launch of PayPoint Counter Cash on November 1st. The service will not only enable people to make exact withdrawals, down to a single penny, unlike an ATM, but will also be completely free to customers and profitable to the retailers that offer it. “I’m incredibly proud of the support that PayPoint’s network offers local communities across the UK and I would like to congratulate our participating Counter Cash retailer partners for providing yet another vital community service.”
WHAT ARE RETAILERS SAYING? PayPoint Counter Cash trial participant Imran Hamid, a store owner in Dennyloanhead in Scotland, said: “Denny is a town where we used to have TSB, a Royal Bank of Scotland, a Bank of Scotland, a Clydesdale Bank and now they’ve all shut. I think it’s just a community thing where we try to help and give back something. “We’ve also got people who are on benefits here and they want access to their cash. That’s another good thing about this – they can withdraw anything from a penny to £50. If someone on benefits has only got £3.50 left in their bank account and they want that £3.50, I can give it to them and it’s not going to cost them anything.”
It is now illegal to sell National Lottery products to anyone under the age of 18
TOP TIPS TO PREVENT UNDERAGE SALES ` Always look at customers to assess their age ` If in doubt, ask for ID ` Ensure all staff are fully trained to correctly ask for ID
ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF IDENTIFICATION ● Passport ● Photo Driving Licence ● Military ID Card ● Or any ID which has the PASS logo, e.g. CitizenCard
NO ID NO SALE Players must be 18+ to buy and play any National Lottery product
Rules & Procedures apply. Players must be 18+.
283789 TNL ATP Column Ad Retail Express AW1.indd 1
28/09/2021 09:24
WEDNESDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2021 / ISSUE 78 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 31
TM
BEFORE YOU GO
RETAIL RANDOMS
A kick in the dolls for equality Readers of a certain age will no doubt remember the Sindy doll, a British rival to Barbie that stopped cluttering shelves in the 90s. Sindy and Barbie were products of simpler times when girls played with dolls and boys whiled away their childhoods dismembering Action Men. And now Sindy is back, following the success of a 2020 range that was aimed at the ‘adult doll’ market. If you’re unsure what constitutes an ‘adult doll’ then please don’t google it if you’re at work. TWIR’s hopes were high that the 10¾ inch fashion doll would return rebooted and ready to inspire today’s girls and boys and everyone in between to be the best possible version of themselves. We anticipated scientist Sindys in lab coats, boiler-suited engineer Sindys, and
Sindys in spacesuits. There were even thoughts of a climate change activist Sindy, complete with miniature section of M25 she could be superglued to. Sadly not. Sindy has relaunched with a depressingly familiar line-up themed
around the following shops: a fashion boutique, a bakery, a hair salon, a pet parlour, a ballet studio and a riding stable. If anyone has 1970’s phone number, would they be good enough to ask if it wants its stereotypes back?
Apparently, one of Dominic’s favourite moments in the episode was the opportunity to empty a huge bag of coins into a coin sorting machine.
He hilariously describes it as “the big money shot”. Sid James would be proud. If you contact TWIR on Friday, don’t expect an answer between 10 and 10.45.
Show me the money ‘Fascinating’ and ‘entertaining’ are two words seldom found in the same sentence as ‘logistics’ but this Friday (22 October) sees the launch of a fascinating and entertaining new BBC1 programme about logistics. Occupying the prime ‘Cash in the attic’ 10am slot, ‘Dom Delivers’ stars that doyen of daytime TV, cheeky chappie Dominic Littlewood. Episode one showcases the Post Office’s “crucial role” in the journey of cash and climaxes in a busy centre branch where customers are seen “withdrawing and depositing” money.
WEDNESDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2021 / ISSUE 78 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 33
Everything a modern convenience store needs
paypoint.com
PayPoint and Snappy Shopper fast home delivery service PayPoint retailers get 50% off the set-up fee!* Sign up today Scan the QR code or visit snappyshopper.co.uk/paypoint-enquiry-form ** Normal fee £500, discounted for PayPoint retailers to £250. For refund, retailer must exceed £2,000 ex VAT of basket sales in a week within 17 weeks of launch. Further terms and eligibility criteria apply. Please see retailers.snappyshopper.co.uk/terms-conditions/ for more information.
