The Week in Retail 82 by 55 North

RETAIL THE WEEK IN

REGULATIONS

HIGH FAT, SALT AND SUGAR

QUESTIONS PILE UP OVER UNCLEAR RULES AWARDS

SLR AWARD WINNERS UNVEILED

RETAILERS FROM ACROSS SCOTLAND REWARDED

AF BLAKEMORE MAKES ‘GOOD PROGRESS’ HMRC SEIZES 200,000 LITRES OF ILLEGAL BOOZE

FOOD-TO-GO

EG GROUP TEAMS UP WITH PIZZA HUT DELIVERY

ACCOLADE WINES LAUNCHES POS PLATFORM

COMPANIES FORM FRANCHISING PARTNERSHIP

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Issue 82 Wednesday 17th November 2021

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

EDITOR’S COMMENT

There may be trouble ahead Next year is shaping up to be very exciting for this already-fast-moving sector with this week’s news that Amazon is planning to launch hundreds of grocery stores in the UK as it aims to rival Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Co-op. And still the on-demand grocers keep coming, as Gopuff announced its nationwide launch across the UK. It is now operational in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, and Sheffield. Meanwhile, independent retailers are already signing up to the Morrisons Daily fascia, while others are signing up as franchisees of on-demand grocery delivery service Getir. Then there’s the impending introduction of the high fat, salt and sugar’ (HFSS) regulations, which has left retailers scratching their heads. The legislation aims to limit the placement and promotion of unhealthy products, but retailers have come up

with list of 25 unanswered questions about the rules that have been submitted to the government, see pages 10-11 for more. In addition, there are rising wages and energy costs to deal with, as well the on-going driver shortage, and an interest rate increase on the horizon. With all this going on there’s bound to be some casualties, as well as some fabulous winners, stay tuned for all the developments.

LIZ WELLS, DEPUTY EDITOR

WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 82 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 3

CONTENTS

WEDNESDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 82

10 THIS WEEK’S NEWS IN BRIEF

40 JUNK FOOD LEGISLATION

The Living Wage Foundation unveils new hourly rates and Amazon takes on the supermarkets.

CHARITY Spar renews its sponsorship of the Lancashire School Games, and Nisa’s Making A Difference Locally charity launches a new initiative.

Retailers call for clarity as confusion reigns ahead of the implementation of HFSS regulations in England.

9 Covid-19 update

25 Forecourts

37 Payment services

The latest coronavirus-related news.

13 Retail violence

Certas Energy buys the Roadking Cannock truckstop.

Almost half of shopworkers are not

26 Retail crime

confident that reporting abuse will make a

difference, according to Usdaw research.

Tunnels operator and launches its latest EPoS promotion.

Sussex Police establishes a dedicated

39 Off-trade

business crime team.

15 Illicit trade

27 Association of Convenience Stores

An HMRC raid on an illegal distillery uncovers 200,000 litres of alcohol and 1,000 cannabis plants.

42 Sustainability

is fit for purpose.

the-go market. 19 Financial results

21 New stores

Enjoy Sustainably’ message for its cans. 45 Picks of the week

34 Business intelligence

Shoppers are shifting back to in-store

A look at the latest new products and marketing campaigns.

50 Out the box: Universal bag

shopping, according to NeilsenIQ. 35 Post Office

Gordon’s Gin gets a new-look greener bottle and Tennent’s unveils a ‘Please

Who won what, and why, at the recent Scottish Local Retailer Awards.

AF Blakemore reports a 5% fall in group sales.

impulse wine purchases.

government to ensure its fuel resilience bill 29 SLR Awards

Group help Pizza Hut expand into the on-

Accolade Wines launches a POS platform to help independent retailers capitalise on

The BEIS Committee calls on the

17 Food-to-go A new franchising partnership sees EG

PayPoint secures a deal with the Tyne

Post Office travel insurance sales are

A new reusable shopping bag tackles a range of sustainability challenges.

Nisa and Spar Scotland both open new

ahead of pre-Covid levels for the first time

53 Before you go...

stores this week.

since the pandemic started.

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Our latest Retail Randoms.

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WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 82 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 5

NEWS DIGEST

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

MORRISONS TO RECYCLE Morrisons will become the first supermarket to own its own recycling operations through the acquisition of a significant stake in a new recycling site in Fife. The site, which is coowned by Yes Recycling, will turn hard-to-recycle flexible food packaging into plastic flakes, pellets and boards.

LIDL TO INCREASE WAGES Lidl is to invest £18m in staff wages. The commitment will see entry-level wages increase from £9.50 to £10.10 an hour

BUSINESS COSTS

Living Wages to increase The Living Wage Foundation has unveiled new hourly rates of £9.90 per hour and a higher rate of £11.05 in London.

Thousands of workers are set to receive a pay rise after higher rates were announced for the Living Wage, which is independently calculated based on rising living costs. The Living Wage Foundation, which set the rates, has unveiled new hourly rates of £9.90 per hour and a higher rate of £11.05 in London increases of 40p and 20p, respectively. Paddy Lillis, Usdaw General Secretary, said: “The new Living Wage rates are welcome, which are based on an individual’s cost of living and clearly show that the government’s so-called

‘National Living Wage’ is nothing of the sort. “Usdaw has consistently campaigned for at least £10 per hour immediately for all workers over 16, which would abolish rip-off youth rates. If you’re old enough to do the job, you’re old enough to be paid the rate for the job.” In addition, it was revealed that on-demand grocer Getir has signed up to become a Living Wage employer. Turancan Salur, General Manager at Getir, said: “It is only right and fair that we do this as our workforce is the most important part of our business.”

outside of London and £10.85 to £11.30 within the M25 from March 2022. Existing staff

Bestway’s Adalat Khan Chaudhary dies

will earn up to £11.40 an hour outside of the capital and £12.25 inside London.

OJA SECURES FUNDING Ethnic grocery delivery service, Oja, has raised $3.4m and has plans to expand further to cover more cultures and more communities nationwide in the coming year. Oja, which was founded in 2020, ships orders from its own warehouses and dark stores to homes across London.

Adalat Khan Chaudhary, one of Bestway’s original senior management team, passed away at the weekend. Chaudhary, a childhood friend of co-founder and chairman Anwar Pervez, began his career in the late

6 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 82 WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021

70s as General Manager for the Acton warehouse and later moved to Abbey Road, the largest cash and carry warehouse in Europe. He went on to head up the Central Ordering Department in 1994 and served as a Director of Bestway Cash & Carry and a Trustee of Bestway Foundation in the UK and in Pakistan. Chaudhary retired in 2016 to spend time with his family. Anwar Pervez said: “Adalat will always be remembered for his gentlemanly style, along with his legendary negotiating skills. He will be deeply missed by everyone in the Bestway family.”

NEWS DIGEST

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

MCCOLL’S SUPPLY WOES

SUPERMARKETS

Amazon takes on multiples Amazon plans to open 260 stores with no checkouts in fight with big supermarkets.

McColl’s Retail Group expects full-year underlying earnings to be between £20-22m, down

Amazon is planning to open 260 checkout-free Amazon Fresh supermarkets in the UK over the next three years, reports suggest. The stores will feature the retail giant’s Just Walk Out technology, which uses cameras and sensors to detect what shoppers have picked up, which are then charged to their account. Amazon has already opened six of these grocery stores in the UK. Internal Amazon documents reportedly read: “In 2022, we assume a broader rollout of two store launches per week by the end of [the] year, targeting 60 total openings.” “In 2023 and 2024, we are planning 100 store launches per year, in line with more aggressive opening programmes achieved by convenience stores in the UK in the last five years, Tesco’s, Sainsbury’s and Co-op have all exceeded 100

on the £29.1m reported a year earlier, after supply problems with some key products led to “significantly” lower sales than expected in its fourth quarter. It said snacks and beers, wines and spirits were hit hardest.

EARLY CHRISTMAS Nisa retailers are introducing

openings per year.” Amazon has yet to comment on the reports. Meanwhile, Sainsbury’s is working with Amazon to test a checkout-free store in Holborn, London. The store, which is currently only open to Sainsbury’s staff, uses the same technology as Amazon Fresh stores. It is expected to open on 29 November.

JPI maintains retailer margins Newspaper publisher JPI is to include pro rata profit margins for retailers as part of planned increases in the cover price of a number of its titles. The price of JPI-owned daily and weekly papers in the North West and Yorkshire will go up by 10p and 5p per copy, respectively, from 22 November. Titles affected include the Blackpool Gazette and Lancashire Post, as well as 15 weekly titles.

All prepaid subscription vouchers will be credited at the new price, so retailers should continue to accept them as payment in full. NFRN Head of News and Connect, Brian Murphy, said: “We would like to acknowledge that JPI Media has also chosen the correct route for maintaining retailer support of its publications, and we welcome a continued close working relationship with them.”

deals on an early Christmas treats. The promotion includes chocolate boxes and sharing pouches, advent calendars, while shoppers looking to stock up on alcohol are catered to with Nisa’s latest One Week Deal. The promo runs until 23 November and is supported by a marketing campaign.

POUNDLAND HITS TV SCREENS Poundland has launched its first national TV advertising campaign following a significant revamp of its 800plus stores, including the introduction of frozen food. The campaign features actor and comedian Alan Devally and will showcase a mix of seasonal items and essentials.

WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 82 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 7

Make money Save mon ey Free m oney

your interest Scan or visit www.jisp.com/slr

NEWS SPECIAL

COVID-19 UPDATE

UK has record-breaking booster jab week

GREEN FORECOURT TO BE DEVELOPED

The government has made it easier for people to book booster injections.

Octopus Hydrogen and Octopus Renewables are partnering with MIRA Technology Park, the national centre of automotive excellence, to develop a green refuelling forecourt providing hydrogen and EV charging on site. A purpose-built 7MW ground-mounted solar array will be developed beside the forecourt by Octopus Renewables to power both the EV charging and an onsite

he UK had its best week for administering coronavirus booster jabs last week. In just seven days, more than two million boosters were given to people across the UK in the last week, as the vaccination programme continues to accelerate. Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid, said: “We’ve made it easier than ever to get your booster this week by opening up appointments so people can pre-book a month in advance and I continue to urge all those eligible to

get your jab as soon as possible. “For everyone who has not yet come forward for a first dose, second dose or booster – this is a national mission and it is not too late. Every jab builds our wall of defence across the country ahead of Christmas.” The latest evidence from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies shows that protection against hospitalisation falls from 95% to 75% for Oxford/ AstraZeneca and 99% to 90% for Pfizer/ BioNTech jabs.

TECH SOLUTIONS

hydrogen electrolyser. The forecourt will supply sufficient hydrogen to support the equivalent of 60 cars’ worth of fuel per day and a number of high-power (300kW) EV chargers will build on an existing network of more than 70 charging points already onsite at the technology park.

WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 82 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 9

C OV E R

HIGH FAT, SAL

Retailers call for answers over unclear HFSS regulations A list of 25 unanswered questions, submitted to government ahead of MPs considering the rules, highlights the confusion retailers face.

usiness and retail groups, including the Association of Convenience Stores and the British Retail Consortium, have called for clarity ahead of the introduction in England of new regulations that aim to limit the placement and promotion of ‘high fat, salt and sugar’ (HFSS) products. Products included in the scope of the rules – which are due to come into force in October 2022 – include soft drinks,

10 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 82 WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021

yogurts, breakfast cereals, ready meals and pastries, in addition to cakes, biscuits, crisps, and confectionery. From next October, retailers face not being able to put any of these products at the store entrance, at the checkout, near a queuing area, or at the end of an aisle. A list of 25 unanswered questions, submitted to government ahead of MPs considering the rules, highlights the

S T O RY

LT AND SUGAR confusion that retailers face when deciding where they can put products, and what they can and can’t promote and provide offers on in-store. Officials from the Department of Health and Social Care are believed to have received more than a thousand questions about the regulations. One area of confusion surrounds the future of meal deals and ‘big night in’ promotions. In the current draft of the regulations, this type of promotion is set to be excluded from the regulations. However, as there’s no definition of what a meal deal actually is, this could lead to confusion for shoppers and chaos for retailers.The questions also look for clarity on fundamental parts of the regulations, such as: ● How retailers calculate the size of their stores and the areas impacted. ● Can retailers promote HFSS products alongside nonfood items, for example a newspaper and soft drink for a set price? ● How businesses accurately calculate the nutritional profile of their products? ● Who is responsible for how products are promoted on online and ultrafast delivery platforms?

The ACS has estimated that small shops face a £13,000 bill to comply with the regulations, while larger stores face costs of up to £100,000 to rethink their store layouts. However, these costs could spiral further as we move closer to the implementation date. James Lowman, Chief Executive of the ACS, said: “We are

committed to working with the Government to ensure that retailers comply with the new regulations when they come into force, but the clock is ticking toward the implementation date and we’re no closer to having a clear set of regulations and guidance that retailers can follow. These regulations will force retailers into making huge changes to the way that their stores are laid out, as well as almost starting from scratch on the offers that they can provide to customers. With so many unanswered questions, the only sensible option is to delay the introduction of the rules to at least spring 2023 to allow everyone to prepare.” Andrew Opie, Director of Food and Sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, added: “Retailers are fully committed to working constructively with government to tackle obesity and help consumers lead healthier lifestyles. “They have led the way, reformulating own-brand products, promoting healthier options and working with local communities to highlight the benefits of eating well. However, with less than 12 months to go until the new regulations come into force, retailers are still waiting for clarity on the detail of the regulations and accompanying guidance. “Without this, they cannot start to carry out the required work to bring stores and websites to compliance, which will involve making major changes to the way stores are laid out and the promotions they can offer customers. The government has already acknowledged that businesses need at least 12 months to prepare and moving the implementation date to spring 2023 would give an appropriate timeframe for retailers to work towards.”

WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 82 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 11

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R E TA I L V I O L E N C E

RESPECT FOR SHOPWORKERS WEEK

No confidence in reporting instances of on-the-job abuse Usdaw survey finds 89% of shopworkers have experienced verbal abuse in the past year.

lmost half of shopworkers are not confident that reporting abuse will make a difference, according to new research from trade union Usdaw. The statistics from the union’s annual survey of 3,500 retail workers, released to mark Respect for Shopworkers Week (15-21 November), shows that in the past 12 months: ● 89% have experienced verbal abuse. ● 6 4% were threatened by a customer. ● 11% were assaulted. ● 46% said they were not confident that reporting abuse, threats and violence will make a difference.

● 7 % of those who had been assaulted did not report the incident.

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw General Secretary, said: “It is shocking that nine in 10 of our members working in retail are suffering abuse from customers, with far too many experiencing threats and violence. So it is extremely worrying that over half are not confident that reporting these issues will make any difference. “The new protection of workers law in Scotland is welcome and we urge the UK Government to extend it to England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Retail staff across the UK have a crucial role in our communities and that role must be

valued and respected, they deserve the protection of the law. “This is a hugely important issue for our members, and they are saying loud and clear that enough is enough. The alarm bells are ringing and it is time for the government to make a difference. They can act quickly by supporting the Lords protection of workers amendments to their flagship policing bill.” Throughout Respect for Shopworkers Week, Usdaw reps, activists and officials are raising awareness of the year-round Freedom from Fear Campaign, talking to the public at street stalls and in shops to promote a message of ‘respect for shopworkers’.

WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 82 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 13

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CRIME

ILLEGAL ALCOHOL

HMRC seizes 200,000 litres of booze at illegal distillery Officers discovered five stills when they searched an industrial estate in Bolton.

n illegal alcohol distillery has been dismantled by HM Revenue & Customs in Bolton, Greater Manchester. HMRC officers searched an industrial estate in the city where they discovered large quantities of alcohol and five stills. The officers filled 12 40ft trailers with the alcohol, which carried potential lost revenue totalling £300,000. Eamonn O’Neill, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “The sale of illegal alcohol will

not be tolerated by us or our partner agencies. Disrupting criminal trade is at the heart of our strategy to clamp down on the illicit alcohol market which costs the UK around £1bn per year. This is theft from the taxpayer and undermines legitimate traders.” More than 1,000 cannabis plants were also found at the site, as well as red diesel, along with two cars and an industrial-sized container full of the fuel. Chief Inspector Mike Russell, of

Greater Manchester Police’s Bolton district, said: “This was a very sophisticated operation and would have taken a lot of time and effort to set up and maintain. “We would appeal for anyone with any information or who may have seen anything suspicious going on in or around the building to contact police. “This is an excellent example of how we work with partners like HMRC to tackle crime across the region.” Investigations are continuing and no arrests have been made.

WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 82 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 15

FOOD-TO-GO

EG GROUP

EG Group helps Pizza Hut Delivery expand in on-the-go The first EG Group-operated store is due to open in the Hartlepool area in the coming weeks.

G Group and Pizza Hut have formed a new franchising partnership to help Pizza Hut expand into the on-the-go market. As a franchisee, EG Group will operate eight new Pizza Hut stores in petrol forecourt stations across the UK by the end of 2021. The first EG Group-operated store is due to open in the Hartlepool area in the coming weeks. EG Group will keep Pizza Hut’s signature branding and menu, and will offer five classic flavours including Margherita, Pepperoni, Supreme, Meat Feast, and Veggie Supreme, as well as newer addition the Beyond Meat Supreme pizza. Neil Manhas, General Manager at Pizza Hut Delivery in the UK, said: “We are extremely excited to partner with EG Group to create further opportunities for our communities and continue investing in the brand our fans know and love. EG Group has a wealth of experience in forecourt retail, in operating food service and their expertise as a global leader in this specific type of retail makes them the ideal partner to lead us into this new market. “This partnership demonstrates our commitment to adapting to customer

demand by expanding our offerings. This wouldn’t be possible without the incredible work of each of our franchisees and Team Members, who have helped us continue to grow following the pandemic. I appreciate their dedication to the Pizza Hut brand.” Mohammed Tayab, Food & Beverage Director – Europe at EG Group, added: “We are proud to be partnering with

Pizza Hut to bring yet another global food service brand to our customers in convenient locations across the UK. We are excited to build on our existing relationship with Yum!, as we already work with KFC and operate a large number of restaurants across the EG Group estate. We look forward to trialling the pizza by the slice proposition and making it a resounding success.”

WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 82 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 17

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WHOLESALE

AF BLAKEMORE

Making ‘good progress’

Wholesaler believes it is “well positioned” to navigate the current supply chain challenges.

F Blakemore has reported a 5% fall in group sales to £1bn for the year ending 24 April 2021 after many of its foodservice and wholesale customers were heavily disrupted by the pandemic. The company said its pre-tax profits remained in line with the previous year at £6.1m due to “effective cost control and stable margin performance”, while shareholders’ funds and net assets grew from £85.7m to £98.6m. Chairman Peter Blakemore said: “I am pleased to report that the company made good progress during the period to 24 April 2021, when the business had to meet a full year of unprecedented challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“As a result of great customer service and an investment in pricing, we enjoyed good sales across our community-based Spar convenience stores, with consumers shopping more locally, and whilst less frequently, with a higher basket spend.” AF Blakemore said that despite market volatility, sales in the first quarter of 2021/22 were 12% ahead of the prior year as a result of the “solid retention of convenience store volumes, the strong recoverability of Covid-impacted channels and growth from new customer accounts”. The year has seen the company launch a 165,000sq ft distribution depot in Bedford that has provided additional supply-chain capacity to better serve

customers in London and South East England. The business also expanded its home delivery service across company-owned stores and continued the rollout of its own-brand County Bridge fresh meat range to independent retailers. In addition, AF Blakemore invested in new online ordering platforms, driven by machine learning and artificial intelligence, for Spar retailers, wholesale distribution customers, and foodservice customers. Blakemore added: “As a result of our strong sales performance and investment in our infrastructure, I believe that the business is well positioned to navigate the current supply chain challenges and to deliver our growth aspirations.”

WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 82 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 19

Congratulations to all the winners

from everyone at #holidaysarecoming

To find out more email connect@ccep.com, call 0808 1 000 000 or visit my.ccep.com © 2021 The Coca-Cola Company. All rights reserved. COCA-COLA and COCA-COLA ZERO are registered trademarks of The Coca-Cola Company.

SYMBOL GROUPS

NISA

Dancing in the aisles

Independent retailer launches his first convenience store in Salford, Greater Manchester.

etailer Tassadiq Imran has launched his first convenience store in Salford, Greater Manchester. The 1,800sq ft Adelphi store is located in a purpose-built retail unit situated beneath several floors of living accommodation. The store has an extensive food-to go-offer with Fwip, Costa Coffee, Tango Ice Blast, and iSqueeze orange juice, along with hot bakes from Cuisine de France and packed sandwiches, pasta, and fruit pots. Imran says the overall range is being continually reviewed as shopper patterns and buying habits start to emerge, but initial sales have been strong and are growing. The store sees a steady flow of shoppers throughout the day, but the shop really comes to life after dark when customers go in for their evening meals,

beers, wines, and snacks. Imran said: “We see the most shoppers in the store between 5pm and 10pm. It gets really busy and when they come in, they like to have a dance, so we have music on, and our customers make the most of the time they are in here.” He added: “It is a work in progress and there is lots more to do but I love every challenge – there have been many and I’m sure there will be many more to come.” The retailer previously managed forecourt retail outlets but was keen to take control of his own business and said he loves the challenges that come with the role. “I try to get to know my customers and they know me; they come in and ask if I am okay. I really enjoy running the store. It is very rewarding; you get out what you put in,” Imran said.

WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 82 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 21

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SYMBOL GROUPS

SPAR SCOTLAND

A new Spar store for South Queensferry Retailer Mohammad Akhtar is already looking for a larger venture with the symbol group.

ndependent retailer Mohammad Akhtar has opened a new store in Scotstoun Grove, Edinburgh. The 1,000sq ft store, which was previously with Premier, opened after a small refurbishment. It offers a range of licensed products, lottery, Payzone, Rollover Hot Dogs, Tango Ice Blast, coffee, F’real, and Porrelli ice cream. Mohammad, who owns another independent store, said: “I am very glad I have joined the Spar family. They

are a great company to work with and the support you get is second to none. Spar Scotland has a fantastic range and availability has been extremely strong. The team have been so accommodating throughout the pandemic. My business is thriving in a very competitive market and sales continue to grow every week. I’m excited to bring my other store to Spar Scotland and I’m already searching for a larger venture with Spar.” Derek Murray, Regional Sales

Manager for Spar Scotland, said: “We are delighted to welcome Mohammad and his team to Spar. Our focus will be on helping Mohammad grow his business to help take it to the next level. “We are committed to investing in the growth of our independent retailer network which is a key ingredient in our success. This latest store opening underlines our commitment to growing the business not just in the short term, but for the long term as well.”

WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 82 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 23

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FORECOURTS

CERTAS ENERGY

Certas Energy buys well-known truckstop

The West Midlands-based truck stop is the first to be operated by Certas Energy.

ertas Energy’s roadside services division has bought Roadking (Hollies) Cannock, the West Midlands-based truckstop, which includes a transport cafe, HGV parking, and coach services. The Hollies, which is situated just off J12 on the M6, will be the first truck stop operated by Certas Energy. The company says the facility will be developed and will bring together smart digital payment platform SNAP Account, fuel cards and retail expertise to offer a safer, easier and more seamless experience for truck drivers and fleet managers. Certas Energy, the largest independent distributor of fuel and lubricants in the UK, already has a 24-hour HGV refuelling bunker on the site. The acquisition will also enhance the SNAP Account HGV parking network. Richard Billington, Managing Director of Certas Energy Roadside Services, said: “The acquisition of Hollies Cannock allows us to bring all of our roadside services under a single banner. We are delighted to be able to expand our SNAP Account facilities, fuel card and retail facilities across this popular, long-standing site and look forward to working with all at the facilities.”

The Hollies, situated just off J12 on the M6, will bring together smart digital payment platform SNAP Account, fuel cards and retail expertise to offer a seamless experience for truck drivers

Nick Whatmore, Director of Roadking, added: “I’m very proud to be part of a team that has built up and developed the famous complex, known to drivers young and old as The Hollies, into one

of the best truck stops in the UK. “We have been working with Certas Energy since 2016, with the addition of the dedicated bunker facilities, and have worked well on many mutual promotions. I see a big future for the business that will be both beneficial to customers and staff. Certas Energy have many high-quality resources that, combined with their focus to give quality products and services to HGV drivers, will continue to improve facilities at the oldest and best truck stop in the land.”

WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 82 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 25

CRIME

NFRN

Sussex Police create team to tackle business crime Nine investigators and a sergeant will tackle crimes such as shoplifting and verbal and physical attacks on shopworkers.

ussex Police has established a team of officers dedicated to tackling business crime in the area. The team is made up of nine investigators and a sergeant, with the aim of improving partnership working and tackling crimes such as shoplifting, as well as verbal and physical attacks on shopworkers. Retailers have welcomed the move. NFRN Southeast District President, Navin Patel, said: “We had a meeting with the PCC last year to make her aware of the scale of the problems local shops face in terms of crime, so we are pleased to see action taking place. “I would like to meet with the business crime team and invite other members to take them round the crime hot spots.”

The Sussex force is also working alongside the Safer Sussex Business Partnership, an umbrella organisation that brings together local and national retailers and other interested parties, to tackle the root causes of business crime, encourage swifter reporting, and find better ways to work collaboratively to catch prolific offenders. Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne added: “The impact that these crimes have on our business community and our frontline shopworkers must be understood and acted on more effectively, especially as offenders are almost certainly committing offences elsewhere.

26 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 82 WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021

“In Sussex, we are determined to show offenders that they will be held to account for their actions and to demonstrate to the public that we take these crimes seriously.” The Association of Convenience Stores Crime Report 2021 revealed that 89% of staff working in local shops have experienced some form of abuse, with more than 1.2 million incidents recorded over the past year. The research also revealed 1.1 million incidents of customer theft in stores over the year, at a cost of £1,360 per store, while 36% of retailers were found to have no confidence that police will investigate the crimes they report.

TRADE ASSOCIATIONS

ACS

BEIS Committee calls for fuel resilience bill be fit for purpose The BEIS Committee report has been welcomed by the ACS.

he BEIS Committee, which scrutinises the policy, spending and administration of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and its public bodies, is calling on the government to ensure its new fuel resilience bill is fit for purpose. The Downstream Oil Resilience Bill was introduced earlier this year and aims to address the following issues: ● identifying risks of disruption to the UK fuel supply market. ● protecting fuel supply resilience when required and prevent supply disruptions from occurring. ● enabling the collection of information from the sector to understand the impact of potential/active disruptions in fuel supply. ● enabling the government to provide financial assistance to build resilience and security within fuel supplies.

However, the BEIS Committee’s report calls on the government to be clearer about the new Bill’s intention to address vulnerabilities in the supply chain and urges the government to create a ‘purpose clause’ to ensure that the new powers it grants are used effectively and appropriately.

The report echoes calls from ACS in its July submission to clarify the thresholds within the bill that place requirements on downstream oil operators to report incidents and information. In its submission, ACS also called on the government to review its national emergency plan for fuel to avoid future fuel disruption and increase security in the supply chain.

James Lowman, ACS Chief Executive, said: “This Bill is an important marker in ensuring that the resilience of the fuel supply chain is considered a priority by government. “ He added: “We welcome the Committee’s recommendations which will create a stronger framework for fuel resilience in future, which we hope will mean that petrol retailers, who are incredibly important to their communities, will be able to get on with serving their customers and not dealing with supply chain issues.” ACS will continue to work closely with government while the legislation is considered.

WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 82 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 27

THE NO.1

SCOTTISH

GROCERY BRAND CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WORTHY WINNERS AND FINALISTS OF THE SLR AWARDS 2021.

GIVE YOUR CUSTOMERS XTRA TASTE WITH NO SUGAR *Kantar World Panel, Value Sales, Take Home Non-Alcohol Brands, MAT to 06.09.20, Total Scotland

SLR Rewards 2021 FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS, HEAD TO WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK/CATEGORY/NEWS/

SHAMLY TAKES POLE POSITION AT SLR AWARDS Premier Racetrack’s Shamly Sud was the star of the show at the SLR Awards, claiming the title of Scottish Local Retailer of the Year along with a further four gongs. The virtual event also saw Spar Scotland named as Symbol Group of the Year. HEADLINE SPONSOR

Shamly Sud is our Scottish Local Retailer of the Year.

WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 82 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 29

SLR Rewards 2021

he 2021 SLR Awards, held virtually on 27 October, saw Shamly Sud crowned as Scottish Local Retailer of the Year. The Glasgow-based retailer also collected the Forecourt of the Year, Vaping & Nicotine Replacement Retailer of the Year and #ThinkSmart Innovation Awards. Additionally, her Premier Racetrack Crowwood store was named SLR New Store of the Year. Shamly, who runs the Premier Racetrack chain of stores with her family, has drawn inspiration from study tours across the globe to create some of the most immersive shopping experiences it’s possible to find in Scotland. From liquid nitrogen ice cream to Havana cigars, from 60+ flavours of slush to fully chilled beer caves, Premier Racetrack simply elevates local retailing to a new level. “We often overuse phrases like ground-breaking but one visit to any of Shamly’s stores is all you need to see that she and her family have torn up the rulebook and written a new one,” said the judges. “Visiting one of her stores is a genuine experience. They are unique in the UK. “Premier Racetrack is a truly outstanding business and we are proud to have Shamly as our SLR Local Retailer of the Year 2021.” CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK Falkirk retailer Anand Cheema, who only bought his first store in 2020, was named SLR Young Retailer of the Year. As the son of Scottish Grocers Federation Chief Executive Pete Cheema, a former successful multi-site retailer himself, Anand has been able to call on the support and experience of his family, but has also had the additional pressure of being in the spotlight to deal with in his first year as a retailer. His Spar Falkirk store, described by the judges as “very, very pretty,” also collected the SLR Refit of the Year award. “The quality of thought that has gone into designing the store is exceptional,” the judges said.

Anand Cheema, Young Retailer of the Year.

“A large food-to-go island, a hot food counter and a full range across every important category means Spar Falkirk can cater for every requirement.” GONGS FOR GREENS The evening proved fruitful for former SLR Retailer of the Year Harris Aslam. His Nisa Greens of Ellon store claimed two titles: Scottish Brands Retailer of the Year and Off-Trade Retailer of the Year. The judges noted that “there are locally, regionally and nationally sourced Scottish products available to the store’s customers in virtually every product category from gins and beers to confectionery, fresh meat, fresh produce and chilled”. They also said: “His off-trade section is similarly inspirational, offering something for everyone, again including many locally produced beers, gins and more.” CHRIS CLAIMS TWO Ayrshire retailer Chris McCallum also claimed two awards. Chris was named both Fresh & Chilled Retailer of the Year and Sustainability Retailer of the Year. His Spar Coylton store was hailed by the judges for its “next generation fresh and chilled offer and its admirable commitment to driving the vital sustainability agenda”. Spar Coylton was fully refitted recently, with sustainability front of mind. This meant installing energy efficient refrigeration and lighting throughout, and adding reflective panels to the front door to help manage in-store temperatures. Additionally, the store has committed a huge amount of space to the fresh produce and chilled categories, perfectly reflecting the growing demand for these products in convenience retailing. The importance of fresh and chilled in convenience retailing was underscored by a second category award, with Scotmid Barnton named Fresh & Chilled Retailer of the Year for a convenience multiple operator. An outstanding store in every sense, Scotmid Barnton is one of Scotmid’s newest stores and the enormous space dedicated to the fresh produce and chilled categories perfectly reflects the growing demand in convenience retailing. SALEEM SMILING A pair of awards also went to Renfrew retailer Saleem Sadiq, named as Soft Drinks Retailer of the Year, while his Spar Renfrew store claimed the Team of the Year Award. The judges agreed that “Spar Renfrew’s soft drinks offer is simply about as good as it gets in convenience. A huge range across all key sub-categories, a big selection of larger format packs and multipacks to cater for the current

30 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 82 WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021

Daniel Johnson MSP was recognised for his groundbreaking Protection of Shopworkers Act.

trend for get-togethers and all the latest new products, all presented beautifully.” The store also collected the Team of the Year category, in recognition of the staff response when Saleem was bedridden with Covid. The team swung into action and kept the store running efficiently, despite the many challenges of lockdown, and without Saleem able to help and guide them. WHAT SHOPPERS WANT Premier Birnam Stores was named Food-to-go Retailer of the Year, with the store hailed by the judges for the “absolutely fantastic food-to-go offer available in the store, bang in line with current shopper trends”. The food-to-go section of the store has been fully modernised and expanded and offers an enormous range of options, perfect for busy shoppers to grab and go at any time of the day. The judges noted that “Premier Birnam has exactly the type of offer that today’s shoppers are looking for: great quality, great value pricing and a menu that offers something for shoppers in every key day part, be that breakfast, lunch or even evening meal.” DELIVERING EXCELLENCE While many stores have adopted home delivery over the last 18 months, Dundee retailer Umayr Asif has taken the service to a level that the SLR judges had never seen before, anywhere in the UK. Umayr took the Home Delivery Retailer of the Year title for his outstanding Premier News Food & Wine Nethergate store, lauded for the “almost incredible scale and complexity of its class-leading home delivery business”. Using Snappy Shopper, Umayr and his team have built an enormous home delivery operation on top of the in-store business. He now runs nine delivery vehicles and completes many hundreds of deliveries every week.

SLR Rewards 2021

SLR Publishing Director Antony Begley commented: “It’s fair to say that the judges unanimously agreed that Umayr and his team are doing something truly special.” TURRIFF TRIPLE Another retailer doing something special is Ian Smith, who was named Newstrade Retailer of the Year for the third consecutive year. His Premier Turriff store offers a full range of local, regional and national newspapers as well as an enormous selection of magazines running to many hundreds of individual titles. Ian manages the category closely and regularly updates his range to meet current demands. He also operates a vibrant Home News Delivery service. The judges said: “Premier Turriff shows what is possible when you commit to the category and truly understand your customers.” COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS With stores all over Scotland stepping up to do their bit during the pandemic, the Community Retailer of the Year Award proved a tough category for the judges. So tough in fact, that three stores were named as joint winners. Premier Linktown Local, Premier Watson’s Grocer and Day Today Stenhousemuir shared the award, with all three stores adjudged to have been true community heroes over the last 18 months. Faraz Iqbal’s Premier store has long been a hub of community activity in the Kirkcaldy area of Linktown. During lockdown he also introduced a home delivery service to make sure that vulnerable and elderly customers as well as those shielding and self-isolating could still get what needed. As the only store in Moniaive, Graham Watson’s shop has always been a vital resource for the local community, but during the pandemic the village came to rely on it more than ever. When the supermarkets began running out of key products at the start of lockdown, Graham sourced essentials in bulk from as far away as Australia then spent many long nights weighing and bagging products in preparation for customers. He, too, introduced home delivery for the vulnerable and elderly. Asiyah and Jawad Javed’s monumental efforts during the pandemic have been an inspiration to all, not just in the Stenhousemuir area but throughout Scotland and across the globe. One of the many reasons they won was their commitment at the start of lockdown to hand out free care packages, including hand wash, to anyone who wanted it in their area. This was at the time when many less scrupulous retailers were hiking the price of handwash to exploit a desperate situation. The Javeds also collected the Confectionery Retailer of the Year Award.

LAW MAKER AND LIFE SAVER Two individuals who made vastly different contributions to the convenience retailing industry over the past year were also awarded. Daniel Johnson MSP was recognised for bringing a new law into force in Scotland that gives local retailers far greater protection from the abuse and violence that they face daily. Receiving the Special Recognition Award, Johnson said local retailers “deserve more protection

It was the company’s efforts over the last year specifically that were recognised at the ceremony, and Antony Begley praised its performance as “nothing short of remarkable”. Also remarkable, Nisa Retail’s ‘Make A Difference Locally’ (MADL) charity programme was a well-deserved winner of the SLR Symbol Group Community Initiative of the Year. To date, more than £13m has been distributed to good causes throughout the UK

Spar Renfrew staff stepped up to take the Team of the Year Award.

under the law, particularly after their efforts and achievements during the pandemic”. Meanwhile, Berwickshire shopworker Angela Lindsay was hailed as the Unsung Hero of the Year. Angie’s quick thinking and kind heart played a life-saving role when one of her customers suffered a stroke in the Blackadder Mini Market in Greenlaw, Duns. When store regular David Wilson started slurring his words, Angie followed him home where she found him in a state of extreme distress. She quickly contacted members of his family and organised an ambulance. Her quick thinking helped ensure that David made a great recovery. The judges said: “This is true heroism and is a wonderful and uplifting example of that is so special about this unique industry.” WORLD-CLASS BUSINESS For the first time, this year’s ceremony included three symbol group awards and it was Spar Scotland that claimed the coveted Symbol Group of the Year crown. Transformed in the last three years by CEO Colin McLean and his management team, Spar Scotland was hailed by the judging panel as “a very fine example of a Scottish world-class business”.

through MADL, with more than 15,500 individual donations made by Nisa retailers. In 2020 alone, more than £1.25m was generated and shared. Helen Lyons said: “Making A Difference Locally has always been, and remains, a unique fundraising model and to have donated more than £13m to good causes is simply phenomenal.” TECH TITAN The final symbol award went to United Wholesale Scotland (UWS), named SLR Symbol Innovation of the Year winner, recognised for its impressive commitment to leveraging the power of technological innovation to drive improvements in its business. Among the initiatives that helped secure UWS the award was the launch of a brand new Home Delivery service at the start of lockdown in 2020. UWS also implemented a raft of other technological innovations to help streamline the business and ensure the safety of its customers. Congratulating the evening’s winners, Antony Begley concluded: “The SLR Awards 2021 is really a celebration of the entire sector. Every local retailer in Scotland deserves enormous praise and recognition for the role they have played over the last 18 months. Scotland needed you – and you delivered.”

WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 82 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 31

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SLR Rewards 2021

SLR REWARDS 2021 – WINNERS AND HIGHLY COMMENDED STORES SCOTTISH LOCAL RETAILER OF THE YEAR

VAPING & NICOTINE REPLACEMENT RETAILER

Shamly Sud, Premier RaceTrack

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Scotmid Barnton (convenience multiple) HIGHLY COMMENDED Day Today Bourtreehill

The judges were unable to separate

UNSUNG HERO OF THE YEAR

these outstanding stores and therefore

Angela Lindsay, Premier Blackadder

named all three as joint winners.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Premier RaceTrack Autoport

Daniel Johnson MSP

HOME DELIVERY RETAILER OF THE YEAR

YOUNG SCOTTISH LOCAL RETAILER OF THE YEAR

Premier News Food & Wine Nethergate

Anand Cheema, Spar Falkirk

NEW STORE OF THE YEAR

Premier Linktown Local SCOTTISH BRANDS RETAILER OF THE YEAR

Nisa Greens of Ellon

Mini Market & Deli

FORECOURT RETAILER OF THE YEAR

Premier RaceTrack Crowwood

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Spar Renfrew

Premier Watson’s Grocer

Premier Turriff

Nisa Greens of Ellon

TEAM OF THE YEAR

Premier Linktown Local

NEWSTRADE RETAILER OF THE YEAR

OFF-TRADE RETAILER OF THE YEAR

Premier RaceTrack Autoport

Day Today Stenhousemuir

Premier Birnam Stores

Spar Coylton

#THINKSMART INNOVATION AWARD

COMMUNITY RETAILER OF THE YEAR

FOOD TO GO RETAILER OF THE YEAR

FRESH & CHILLED RETAILER OF THE YEAR

Premier Watson’s Grocer

Spar Falkirk

Day Today Armadale

Spar Falkirk

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Day Today Stenhousemuir

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Spar Coylton

OF THE YEAR

Premier RaceTrack Autoport

CONFECTIONERY RETAILER OF THE YEAR

SUSTAINABILITY RETAILER OF THE YEAR

Symbol group awards

HIGHLY COMMENDED

SYMBOL GROUP –

Scotmid Bo’ness

COMMUNITY INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR

Nisa Retail

REFIT OF THE YEAR

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Spar Falkirk

Spar Scotland

HIGHLY COMMENDED Spar Coylton

SYMBOL GROUP – INNOVATION OF THE YEAR

United Wholesale Scotland

SOFT DRINKS RETAILER OF THE YEAR

SYMBOL GROUP OF THE YEAR

Spar Renfrew

Spar Scotland

SPONSORS

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Scottish Grocers’ Federation

WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 82 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 33

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

NIELSENIQ

Shoppers shifting back to in-store shopping

New data implies that consumer spending has still not yet completely shifted back to hospitality and leisure.

n-store visits to convenience stores have grown by 2.1% year-on-year in the past four weeks ending 6 November, new research reveals. The data from NielsenIQ also reveals that in-store visits at supermarkets have increased by 6.5% in the four-week period. As a result of this shift back to in-store shopping, the data shows that the online share of sales has fallen to 12.2%, down from 12.6% in the previous four weeks. Total online sales declined 8.6% primarily due to smaller online basket spend. Meanwhile, the percentage of households shopping online every four weeks fell 3% year-on-year, showing that shoppers are sticking with online. The data reveals total till grocery sales fell -2.0% in the past four weeks primarily due to high comparatives during the same period last year. When compared with pre-Covid figures in 2019, sales increased 4.9%, implying that consumer spending has still not yet completely shifted back to hospitality and leisure. Mike Watkins, NielsenIQ’s UK Head of Retailer and Business Insight, said: “Across the industry the average spend per visit has increased for the first time since July, up to £18.60 as shoppers get back into a regular grocery shopping

mindset. Shoppers are also returning to stores again and spending is expected to remain robust for the next six weeks with Christmas advertising campaigns now helping to boost the festive shopping momentum. “Last year, Christmas was effectively cancelled, so this year we can expect shoppers to be spending far more than

34 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 82 WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021

last year on festive food and drink, especially if they choose to economise by entertaining at home rather than eating out. This will no doubt support supermarket sales this Christmas, and at NielsenIQ, we anticipate that shoppers will spend a total of £33bn across the major supermarkets in the fourth quarter.”

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

POST OFFICE

Travel insurance sales ahead of pre-pandemic levels Research reveals Monday remains the most popular day on which to buy travel insurance.

ost Office has revealed that sales of travel insurance are ahead of pre-Covid levels for the first time since the pandemic started. In the three weeks to 7 November, Post Office sold almost 5% more policies compared with the same period in 2019, before the pandemic began. Sales of policies were also up 651% on the same period last year. In addition, sales of policies in September were up 612% compared with May this year, and in October sales were up 560% on May’s figures. Post Office reveals that trips to Europe account for approximately 36% of policies sold this financial year, followed by about 35% for the rest of the world, and 28% for the UK. The figures show Monday remains the most popular day on which to buy travel insurance, accounting for just under 17% of policies sold so far this financial year. Saturday is the least popular day for buying travel insurance, accounting for just over 11%. Ed Dutton, Product Portfolio Director for Financial Services at Post Office, said: “Notably, we saw rising sales later in the summer. Usually, they are falling at this point because growing numbers of people have already enjoyed their

Just under 17% of policies sold so far this financial year were bought on a Monday. Saturday is the least popular

summer holiday. However, pent-up demand, our highly regarded brand and attractive product features appear to have produced strong upward momentum

throughout the summer, with strong sales continuing into autumn.” The rise in sales followed Post Office enhancing its travel insurance products last year to provide cover for cancellation and curtailment because of coronavirus. It also follows the Post Office winning Best Travel Insurance Provider at the YourMoney.com awards in April.

WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 82 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 35

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PAYPOINT

PayPoint secures deal with Tyne Tunnels operator

Kantar’s research shows that after a tough 18 months consumers are gearing up for bigger and better celebrations.

ayPoint is working with Tyne Tunnels operator TT2 to offer drivers alternative pre-payment and pay later solutions. Toll payments can now be made up to midnight on the day after someone uses the tunnel, in cash or card, at one of the 28,000 PayPoint retailers nationwide. Physical toll booths are being removed from Tyne Tunnels as part of the Tyne Pass project – a commitment to reducing congestion and pollution. Danny Vant, Client Services Director for PayPoint, said: “As well as reducing journey times and increasing convenience for leisure and commercial

drivers, the option to pay later in local shops will bring increased in-store footfall and build customer loyalty within the local area. Importantly, the

project plays a vital role in reducing carbon emissions, as we all look to play our part in working towards a greener UK.”

PayPoint launches latest EPoS promotion ahead of holiday season PayPoint is offering retailers the opportunity to join the network and claim a two month service fee refund when signing up for PayPoint One ahead of the festive season. Retailers joining either the PayPoint One Core or Pro packages will be able to take advantage of advanced EPoS features, including mobile stock inventory management, printing shelf-edge labels, and the easy set-up

of promotions and special offers. Eligible retailers who take part in the promotion can submit an email claim for two months’ service fee refund when signing up to the PayPoint One Core or Pro package by 31 December 2021 and completing an initial transaction. The packages provide retailers with an EPoS that can help maximise footfall and increase sales ahead of the busy festive period.

WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 82 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 37

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POS

ACCOLADE WINES

Accolade Wines launches POS platform

Website aims to help retailers capitalise on impulse wine purchases, as well as provide category insights, and updates on new lines.

ccolade Wines has launched a POS platform to help independent retailers capitalise on impulse wine purchases, as well as provide category insights, and updates on new lines. Accolade Advantage offers free POS to retailers, initially highlighting best-selling hero SKUs across Hardys VR, Jam Shed, and Echo Falls. POS kits will be available to order free of charge upon sign-up. The packs, which will be shipped directly to the chosen store within 30 days of ordering, include wobblers, posters and shelf tags, and the Accolade Wines sales team are on hand

to speak with retailers to help them use the kits effectively. Retailers that sign up will also get email updates on new product releases and current wine trends. Tom Smith, Marketing Director for Europe at Accolade Wines, said: “We know wine is an impulse decision for many consumers, so there is a big opportunity for independent retailers to increase the chances of purchase in-store with eye-catching POS, which calls out big brands and adds excitement and theatre to their wine offering. Branded posters can help to engage potential customers from outside before they’ve even set foot in the store, whilst

easily accessible wine knowledge means retailers can make confident recommendations to their customers. “By offering POS and advice through Accolade Advantage, we believe this will drive the overall success of the wine category, as it will improve the wine shopping experience, thus increasing the likelihood of return visits and basket spend. “We’re initially focussing on some of our best-selling products in the convenience channel, but we have plans to expand across the wider Accolade Wines portfolio and add further beneficial resources in the months ahead.”

WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 82 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 39

COMMUNITY

NISA

Nisa charity launches A Moment in Time initiative

Retailers to apply for additional MADL funding of up to £2,500 when they need more time-sensitive donations.

isa’s Making a Difference Locally (MADL) charity has introduced a new initiative to help retailers support their local communities with more time-sensitive donations. ‘A Moment in Time’ will allow retailers to apply for additional MADL funding of up to £2,500 when they are

looking to support a local good cause in time for a particular event or deadline, but are unable to donate the money from their store’s own MADL funds. Retailers can apply, via a dedicated link on the MADL partner website, by providing information on what the funding will be used towards and how

40 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 82 WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021

it will benefit their local community. Six good causes from across the UK have already been successfully awarded funding since the launch of the initiative, to the tune of around £8,500. One good cause to benefit from a donation as part of the scheme is Reverse the Cycle, after an application from Nisa Local Fitzwilliam in Pontefract, West Yorkshire. The group will use their £1,000 funding to build bicycles to gift to underprivileged children within the local community, whose families could otherwise not afford to purchase one this Christmas. Kate Carroll, Nisa’s Head of Charity, said: “Nisa partners have always been engaged and very active within their local communities and so there are often times when a local event or fundraising campaign crops up and retailers want to do their bit to support it, but just don’t have the funds available. A Moment in Time will enable those partners to apply for the funding required when it’s most needed, helping them to build further relationships with their local communities. “We’ve already received some incredibly inspiring applications for funding and look forward to seeing how the donations will make a difference.”

COMMUNITY

JAMES HALL & CO

Spar renews sponsorship of Lancashire School Game This year’s event aims to help young people recover from the effects of pandemic.

ames Hall & Co, Spar UK’s primary wholesaler and distributor in northern England, has renewed its sponsorship of the Lancashire School Games for a 15th consecutive year. The Lancashire School Games 2022 provides children and young people with the opportunities to have fun, develop skills, and achieve personal bests through games, activities and competitions in a calendar of events across the academic year. The aim of the 2022 Games is to help young people recover from the effects of pandemic, and support those who may have been impacted the most. It

will culminate in a celebration event in Blackpool’s Stanley Park on 5 July 2022. The news comes as schoolchildren across the county are being encouraged to get outside and complete an Active Mile in the week of Lancashire Day. Active Mile challenges primary and secondary aged schoolchildren to log a mile of physical exercise between 22 November and 28 November as part of the launch of the Lancashire School Games 2022. Preparation for the Active Mile has already started at Eldon Primary School in Preston, where children are getting ready to do their bit for the challenge.

They supported the launch of the initiative with Spar representatives, including mascot SPARtan. Peter Dodding, Sales and Marketing Director of James Hall & Co, said: “We’re delighted to add Spar’s name as sponsor of the Lancashire School Games for a 15th year and continue our partnership with Active Lancashire. “It really is a fantastic initiative that delivers positive impact on the lives of thousands of children across the county. We’re excited for the calendar of events for the 2022 Games to begin, kicking off with the Active Mile and Active Journey initiative in the week of Lancashire Day.”

WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 82 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 41

SUSTAINABILITY

GORDON’S GIN

Gordon’s Gin gets makeover The trade body is forecasting that businesses and consumers will take up around 287,000 of the latest zero-emission capable cars during 2021.

ew plug-in vehicle uptake rates have accelerated so rapidly that more will join Britain’s roads in 2021 than during the whole of the past decade, according to the latest forecast from SMMT. The trade body now expects Britain to break its plug-in records, forecasting that businesses and consumers will take up around 287,000 of the latest zero-emission capable cars during 2021 alone – around one in six new cars.The UK is aiming to be the first major automotive market to end the sale of new conventional petrol and diesel cars in 2030. Electric vehicle registrations are also expected to exceed those of diesel by the end of 2022 based on current predictions. The SMMT said the rise is even more remarkable given that 2021 is expected to be a relatively weak year for new car registrations, some 30% below the average recorded

over the past decade. The semiconductor shortage has reduced overall global car production, but manufacturers have done all they can to ensure the availability of as many plug-in vehicles as possible. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “As Britain hosts COP26 and seeks to align the world in committing to achieving net zero and limiting the global average temperature rise to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels, our latest outlook shows the UK experiencing a surge in plug-in vehicle uptake. Massive investment by industry as well as long standing government incentives have seen us go from just 188 new plug-in cars in 2010, to almost 300,000 in 2021. “To achieve net zero by the desired date, however, uptake rates must

42 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 82 WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021

continue to grow. This requires ongoing incentives to help consumers make the switch and significant investment in public charging infrastructure. Backed by the ingenuity and innovation of the automotive sector, we can then deliver zero-emission mobility that is accessible and affordable for all.”

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NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – TENNENT’S

TENNENT’S LAUNCHES SUSTAINABILITY CAN The brand is set to introduce a ‘Please Enjoy Sustainably’ message across all its cans.

ennent’s Lager has unveiled a new can featuring a new ‘drink sustainably’ message. The company is committing to add a

something as simple as a sustainability prompt on our packaging can keep our planet’s best interest front of mind.

‘Please Enjoy Sustainably’ message initially

“When recycled, aluminium can be back

across all its canned packaging in a bid to

on shelf within 60-days, which is a fantastic

encourage recycling ahead of the introduction

example of the circular economy in action –

of Scotland’s deposit return scheme. It hopes

with impact on litter and CO2 emissions. It may

the more direct call-to-action on the 120 million

seem like such a simple action, but by recycling

cans the brewery fills on average every year

cans, everyone can make a big difference.”

will encourage drinkers to think twice about their recycling habits.

The new eco-conscious can could be rolled out as early as January 2022.

Cameron Matthews, Tennent’s Senior Brand

Earlier in the year, the brand unveiled a £7m

Manager, said: “As Scotland’s favourite lager,

investment in packaging equipment at Wellpark

we take recycling and sustainability very seri-

Brewery to help eradicate single-use plastic

ously, and recognise the responsibility we have

from its consumer packaging. The investment

to encourage consumers to consider their own

will remove 150 tonnes of plastic from Ten-

environmental impacts. We need to make this

nent’s Lager can packs by 2022, including

as easy as possible for everyone and adding

more than 100 million plastic rings.

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NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – SCHWEPPES

SCHWEPPES TO PUT THE FIZZ INTO CHRISTMAS The multi-million-pound Christmas campaign includes a light-hearted TV advert. Coca-Cola Europacific Partners GB is bringing

Martin Attock, Vice-President of Commercial

back its Schweppes, We’ve Got The Tonic, You’ve

Development at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners

Got The Spirit marketing campaign, in the run up

GB, said: “We know that many people are planning

to Christmas.

a bigger Christmas this year, and rightly so, having

The multi-million-pound Christmas campaign

celebrated under restrictions in 2020. While there

includes a light-hearted TV advert, airing from early

will be many embracing the return of the hospitality

December that is centred around family and friends

sector this Christmas, many at-home habits have

enjoying long-awaited festivities together. It builds

been formed over the last 18 months which sug-

on two previous iterations from earlier this year,

gests more social occasions will take place in the

both of which also celebrated Brits’ unshakeable

home. This presents retailers with an opportunity

positivity and keenness to have a good time.

to drive sales of mixers like Schweppes, the no.1

The campaign will be supported by out-of-

mixer brand in retail, by tapping into occasions

home, digital and social media advertising as well

like parties, nights at home with family and friends

as a PR and influencer programme. Campaign

and also gifting.

elements will highlight Schweppes’ new festive

“This combined with our great tasting new

serves, Rosemary Wreath, Jingle Fizz and Merry

festive serves on POS materials and feel-good

Spritzer, which feature Schweppes Indian Tonic

marketing campaign, the Schweppes brand will

and the recently launched Slimline Elderflower

remain front of mind with consumers, helping to

Tonic, and Russchian Pink Soda.

drive footfall and sales for retailers.”

WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 82 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 45

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – BLOSSOM HILL

BLOSSOM HILL RETURNS TO TV FOR FIRST TIME IN FOUR YEARS The Treasury Wine Estates brand is partnering with Comedy Central’s FriendsFestive event.

Treasury Wine Estates’ wine brand Blossom Hill will return to TV screens for the first time in four years through a partnership with Comedy Central. This winter, the brand is teaming up with Comedy Central, where viewers can enter an exclusive competition to win tickets to the Com-

with Comedy Central fits perfectly with our Blos-

edy Central’s FriendsFestive event, where fans

som Hill brand aligning with our core audiences.

of Friends can recreate some of the most iconic

“As the number one wine choice for refresh-

Christmas moments from the hit TV show.

ment, Blossom Hill is ideal to enjoy at the

The event takes place in Blackpool Winter

ultimate Comedy Central’S FriendsFestive

Gardens on 5-19 November and London Tru-

event. The Comedy Central partnership will

man Brewery on 25 November-19 December.

help us to continue building momentum for the

Attendees will be able to enjoy a glass of

brand whilst maintaining relevancy amongst

Blossom Hill at The Comedy Central Bar, as the

our key audiences, especially over the festive

exclusive Wine partner and Bar sponsor, while

season – a time for gathering with friends and

Blossom Hill branding will be visible across

creating memorable moments.”

the site. A ticket competition advert is expected to reach more than five million consumers. Ben Blake, Marketing Director, EMEA at Treasury Wine Estates, said: “This partnership

46 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 82 WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021

The Blossom Hill brand recently unveiled a pack refresh across its Rosé varietals and its classics range. When tested with consumers, the packs saw significant improvement in likeability and purchase intent.

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – KIKKOMAN

NEW CAMPAIGN UNVEILED The ad campaign is in support of Chinese New Year 2022.

Global soy sauce brand Kikkoman is

Kikkoman enjoyed unprece-

launching a national digital and audio

dented growth during the height

campaign in support of Chinese New

of the Covid crisis largely driven

Year 2022. The new audio advertising campaign will kick off on 19 January

by a big increase in more adventurous home cooking. The brand reported record

2022 with national radio adver-

retail sales during the pan-

tising on stations such as Heart,

demic, taking it to number

Virgin, Smooth and Magic, as

one position in both value

well as ads placed around tar-

and volume, and it now

geted podcasts where food is

has a 32.5% share of

a central theme. The audio

the total soy sauce

campaign, which will run for

market.

five weeks, is expected to

Bing-yu Lee, Man-

reach more than 3 million

ager of Kikkoman UK,

ABC1 25-54-year-old adults

said: “We’re trialling a

and delivering 40 million

national audio adver-

impacts.

tising campaign in

In addition, a new

the UK for the first

30-second digital ad with the

time with the aim of

strapline ‘Give Food a KIKK’ will run across YouTube, quality

converting current dark and light soy sauce users

online news sites including the Guardian and

to Kikkoman. Now more than ever UK consumers

The Telegraph, and platforms with a core foodie

are more interested in the benefits of fermented

audience such as BBC Good Food.

foods. Kikkoman Soy Sauce has the advantage

The above the line activity will also be backed

of being naturally brewed for several months to

by strong in-store promotions across the retail

achieve high levels of umami and bring a unique

network.

depth of flavour to food.”

WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 82 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 47

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – RITTER SPORT

RITTER SPORT LAUNCHES CHRISTMAS RANGE

The brand’s Winter Edition bars are back this year alongside new Mini Towers.

Ritter Sport has unveiled its 2021 festive

cator of their performance and consumer demand.”

range, which sees its Winter Edition 100g bars

Also joining the festive range are two Ritter

returning to shelves.The Ritter Sport Winter

Sport Mini Towers:

Edition line-up includes:

● Mini Tower Nut Selection (7 pieces) – Con-

● Caramelized Almonds – Milk chocolate

taining squares packed with whole hazel-

over chopped, caramelised sugar glazed

nuts and wrapped in smooth milk, dark or

almonds.

white chocolate.

● Spiced Biscuit – Smooth milk chocolate

● Mini Tower Chocolate Mix (9 pieces) –

and cocoa crème wrapped around a winter

Packed with squares including cornflake,

spice biscuit.

praline, butter biscuit, alpine milk, chopped

● Coconut Macaroon – Creamy milk chocolate and coconut crème smothered around

hazelnut and marzipan. Clark added: “The format is ideal for the Christ-

tasty pieces of coconut macaroons.

mas gifting period as a either a stocking filler or

The Ritter Sport Winter Edition bars, which

token gift for family and friends, or even a thank

have an RSP of £1, are available to convenience via Bestway, Rayburn, and Dhamecha. Katy Clark, Head of Marketing at Ritter Sport UK&I, said “Despite footfall down 30% over last

you for teachers at the end of a busy year.” The primary packaging for both Mini Towers is fully recyclable, and the paper-based secondary packaging is FSC certified.

year’s Christmas period due to Covid-19, the Win-

Mini Towers are available in Spar with an RSP

ter Edition bars still saw a 95% total sell through

of £3 or promo of 2 for £5. They are also available

within a major high street retailer. A promising indi-

from Ritter Sport’s online store.

48 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 82 WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK

BREKKIE BARGAIN

SUMMER FRUITS

WINTER EDITION

Nature Valley has unveiled a

Perfetti Van Melle has added

Dunnet Bay Distillers has

PMP offer for its Crunchy range.

blackberry flavour to its

released Rock Rose Winter

Shoppers will be able to pur-

relaunched Summer Fruits

Edition 2021. The juniper-led,

chase two Nature Valley Crunchy

sticks and sharing bags lines.

earthy gin, features citrusy notes

Oats & Honey and Nature Valley

The range is made from real

of spruce tips. The 41.5% ABV

Crunchy Canadian Maple Syrup

fruit juice and uses coconut oil

gin retails at £37.50 for a 70cl

singles for £1, previously 59p

instead of palm oil. The range is

ceramic bottle. Dunnet Bay

each. The new PMP singles are

available in stick and multipack

recently launched a Christmas

available in SHS and Booker.

formats now.

TV advertising campaign.

SWIZZELS STICKS

GIN BLUE LINE

GET A GRIP

Swizzels has transformed its

Stirling Distillery has launched

GripHero, maker of the static-

Love Hearts sweets into a new

Gin Blue Line, created in recog-

safe glove and fuel-nozzle

range of candy sticks. Each pack

nition of over 200 years of British

mounted dispensers, has

of Love Hearts Candy Sticks

policing. The gin, which is made

launched GripHero 2. The

includes a temporary tattoo fea-

with botanicals including forget-

dispenser is 20% smaller and

turing a positive and ‘feel good’

me-nots, heather, sage and kaffir

boasts 10% more advertising

message. Love Hearts Candy

lime leaves, is bottled at 43%.

space than before. GripHero

Sticks is available in retailers

The 70cl bottles retail at £35 and

says the new design reduces

nationwide.

5cl bottles are £5.

glove refill times by 90%.

WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 82 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 49

NOW THAT’S A

OUT TH

In the bag

Project aims to create a reusable shopping bag that tackles a range of sustainability challenges.

WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA? British accessories designer Anya Hindmarch is collaborating with supermarkets UK-wide to create a reusable shopping bag that tackles a range of sustainability challenges.The project, open to all supermarkets globally, will allow each partner to customise their own exclusive version of The Universal Bag in keeping with their own brand.

WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT THE BAG? The bag is made from 100% recycled plastic and each step and material used in making the bag has been fully certified under the Global Recycling Scheme, making this a truly 100% recycled product. In addition, the Universal Bag features a freepost returns pouch built into a pocket inside the bag. You simply turn the bag into its built-in pocket, which acts as a pre-addressed envelope, and then post it. It is then 100% recycled locally. Each Universal Bag is guaranteed to last 10 years, having been extensively tested for durability. Sainsbury’s and Waitrose, the pioneering partners in this project, are the first supermarkets to launch their own exclusive edition of The Universal Bag. Anya Hindmarch and production partner Solent Group have committed

to share the learnings from the project with all global retailers on request, with the ambition to advance progress in the use, reuse, and recycling of shopping bags around the world.

WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING? Anya Hindmarch, Founder and Creative Director, said: “Everyone needs a bag to move things around. The Universal Bag is designed to offer an alternative solution that saves plastic from landfill, is simple to recycle 100%, is guaranteed for 10 years, and is hopefully special enough to inspire people to use it. “When you throw something away, there is no ‘away’. By collaborating on this project supermarkets are showing their continued commitment to reducing the amount of plastic on our planet.” Mark Given, Chief Marketing Officer of Sainsbury’s, said: “We are serious about reducing plastic and we know it’s an issue our customers and colleagues are passionate about too. I “It’s why we set an ambitious target to reduce our use of plastic packaging by 50% by 2025 and committed to making it easier for our customers to recycle while offering them more reusable options when they shop with us. “It’s for this reason that fourteen years after we first partnered with Anya

50 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 82 WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021

A GOOD IDEA…

HE BOX

Hindmarch on the ground-breaking ‘I Am Not A Plastic Bag’ we’re delighted to join forces with her again on a brilliant new initiative, The Universal Bag. Reducing plastic and tackling the climate crisis can’t be solved in isolation, it requires collaboration and we’re proud to represent that message and inspire change as part of Anya’s new campaign.” James Bailey, Executive Director at Waitrose, said: “We recently took the decision to remove our bags for life as our research showed that they were increasingly being treated as a single use item, and this is part of our commitment to only use plastic where it can be recycled, reused or home composted by 2023. Plastic will continue to have its uses but we must not create any more of it unnecessarily. Instead, we must repurpose, reuse and make existing plastic materials circular - this is why we’re excited to be an early adopter of Anya Hindmarch’s new Universal Bag as it is a great example of circularity at work.”

WHERE CAN I GET ONE? The Sainsbury’s edition will launch on 2 December 2021 across 334 stores (RSP £10), with the Waitrose edition available on 26 January 2022 in more than 90 stores initially (RSP £10).

WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 82 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 51

***

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BEFORE YOU GO

RETAIL RANDOMS

Hong Kong ding dong

Executives at the Hong Kong-based Incognito Group are no doubt delighted that one of their products has scored a drinks industry first. Perhaps not, since it’s the first time that alcohol watchdog The Portman Group has upheld a complaint against a drink’s name for causing “serious or widespread” offence. As you’ve no doubt gathered from the picture, it’s Fok Hing Gin that’s behind the rumpus. Incognito innocently claimed the name is a Hong Kong language term meaning “good luck”. Yeah, good luck trying that one. Even better, it then said it had gone out of its way to avoid causing offence since, in paying homage to Hong Kong

street ‘Fuk Hing Lane,’ it tactfully changed the ‘Fuk’ to ‘Fok’. All of this fell on deaf ears at The Portman Group, which took the side of the offended Licensing Officer who grassed Fok HIng up in the first place. The complainant said: “The name of the product Fok Hing Gin is clearly

intended to shock and be pronounced as an offensive term.” They were probably referring to the brand’s alleged online marketing comments like: “Those who don’t like the name can FOK OFF.” That’s you told, Portman Group.

Sitting on a fortune Ever wondered where all your spare change goes? The mystery has been solved – and it turns out it’s all down the side of the couch. Research from rubbish disposal experts Divert.co.uk has revealed that there’s a suspected £10m worth of change hidden down the sofas of unsuspecting Brits – enough to feed the average family of 4 for 3,019 years, buy 667 average-price family cars, or pay for 2,086 family holidays. How many Olympic-sized swimming pools it would fill remains unclear. Citizens of 10 UK cities were asked to rummage down the sides of the sofa and

report their findings – and it’s residents of Leeds who are sitting on the biggest gold mine, with an average of £3.07 down the couch, while those in Brighton have the least – a paltry 32p on average. And it’s not just domestic furniture

that’s nicking shrapnel. York-based barman Alec can easily make £20 a week from end of the night cleaning. He said: “Drunk people chuck their change in their pockets, sit on the sofas and it all spills out.”

WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 82 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 53

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The Week in Retail 82

Articles inside

Before You Go....

Now That's A Good Idea...

NPD and Media

Sustainability

Community

Community

POS

EPOS

Business Intelligence

Business Intelligence

SLR Awards 2021

Trade Associations

Crime

Forecourts

Symbol Groups

Symbol Groups

Wholesale

Food-to-Go

Crime

Retail Violence

High Fat, Salt and Sugar