The Week in Retail 83

RETAIL THE WEEK IN

LEGISLATION

ELECTRIC REVOLUTION GOVERNMENT TO BOOST CHARGE POINT NUMBERS IN ENGLAND

NATIONAL LOTTERY

RETAIL VIOLENCE

CAMELOT REPORTS RECORD SALES

DRAW-BASED GAMES DRIVE INCREASE

● ONE STOP LAUNCHES CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN

PROTECTION OF SHOPWORKERS LAW DEBATED PROPOSED CHANGES WIN CROSS-PARTY SUPPORT

● NISA LOOKS TO

GROW TOO GOOD TO GO PARTNERSHIP

+

Brought to you by:

● PAYPOINT OFFERS RETAILERS FLEXIBLE FUNDING OPTIONS CRAFT ON DRAFT Commercial Partner:

Issue 83 Wednesday 24th November 2021

IT’S ON

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

EDITOR’S COMMENT

Fuelling the fire In the past few weeks, the national newspapers have been filled with headlines about rising food and drink prices, rocketing energy prices, and soaring petrol prices.

The inflation rate has climbed to its highest level in nearly a decade, and it looks certain that interest rates will also soon be rising. It’s all a bit depressing in the run up to Christmas.

But one story this week has left me fearing that worse could be on the cards. Farmer Andrew Spence, a veteran from the fuel protests in 2000 that brought the country to a standstill, led a convoy of vehicles along the A1 from Gateshead into Newcastle. The slow-moving convoy of tractors, trucks and cars eventually caused a five-mile tailback.

Spence is asking the government to cap fuel prices to make it “more economically available” for members of the public and businesses. He wants a cap that’s set for six months and “if the price of oil goes up, we cut tax, if costs go down, the tax stays up”.

His call has been backed by the RAC which has this week urged the supermarkets to “play fair” with drivers and cut prices at the pumps after a dramatic dip in the wholesale price of petrol in the past week.

Spence used social media to raise the idea of a protest and said interest had “avalanched” and he

was contacted by people across the country and Europe. “People turned out to see us, lining the road, hanging out of windows and shouting support from bridges as we drove to the city centre”, he said.

Spence says further protests are being organised across the country including Glasgow, Birmingham, London, and Avonmouth.

Meanwhile, a group calling itself the Irish Truckers And Haulage Association Against Fuel Prices said in a Facebook post it would drive truck convoys into Dublin.

With the driver shortage already hampering retailers’ supply chains, this is a problem we don’t need.

LIZ WELLS, DEPUTY EDITOR

WEDNESDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 83 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 3

Top performing JUULpod flavours bring in more revenue.

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•Menthol JUULpods are U.K.’s #2 refill kit in independent shops.4 •Berry JUULpods are the U.K.’s #1 fruit flavour.2 • Mint JUULpods are the U.K.’s #1 closed pod refill kit.1 •The JUUL Starter Kit is the U.K.’s #1 closed system in supermarkets.3

Not for sale to minors.

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1.IRI total market, value sales, 12 weeks to 11/04/21 sales comparison of top four performing JUUL skus versus the top four performing SKUs of our nearest competitor. 2. Based on additional sales of Mango, Golden Tobacco and Rich Tobacco JUULpods, IRI total market, value sales, 12 weeks to 11/04/21. 3. IRI total market, value sales, Supermarkets, 12 weeks to 11/04/21. 4. IRI total market, value sales, Symbols and Independnets, 12 weeks to 11/04/21.

WARNING: This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance.

CONTENTS

WEDNESDAY 24 NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 83

6

10 THIS WEEK’S NEWS IN BRIEF

23

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

NATIONAL LOTTERY

New regulations will see up to 145,000 extra electric vehicle charging points installed across England each year in the run up to 2030.

Eleven lucky retailers each win a share of £20,000 in Camelot’s latest ‘Site, Stock, Sell Online’ quarterly prize draw.

9 Covid-19 update

22 Business services

27 Charity

12 Symbol group news

15 New stores

25 Home news delivery

19 Retail violence

Camelot unveils record first-half National Lottery sales and the RAC calls for fuel price cuts,

A protection of shopworkers law for England wins cross-party support.

20 Business intelligence

PayPoint offers retailers flexible funding.

than 1,200 colleagues from 198 companies

Retailers can win a home news delivery package in a promo from News Scotland.

raise £633,000 for the industry charity.

30 Picks of the week

26 Family businesses

36 Out the box: draft craft beer

The first Family Business Week celebrates

Food sales volumes fall and consumer

the significant contribution that family firms

confidence increases.

make to the UK economy.

TWITTER.COM/SLRMAG

GroceryAid’s Sporting Lunch saw more

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SLRMAG

Asda trials a draft craft beer concept in Milton Keynes.

39 Before you go...

WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 83 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 5

NEWS DIGEST

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

ACS TO HOST DEFRA Defra Minister for Rural Affairs Lord Benyon is to speak at the parliamentary launch of ACS’

LOTTERY

Camelot’s record first-half sales The majority of the first-half National Lottery sales increase was driven by draw-based games.

Rural Shop Report 2022 on 25 January. The event will explore the findings of the report, providing a comprehensive overview of rural shops in the sector and the role that they play in communities.

WHOLESALE GROWTH The Scottish Wholesale Association has unveiled details about the next phase of its Delivering Growth through Wholesale programme.

Workshops for wholesalers and producers, as well as a sector-first Meet the Buyer event, will start in January 2022.

SUGRO OFFSETS EMISSIONS Sugro worked with Creating Tomorrow’s Forests to offset the carbon emissions of its recent convention in Dubai.

The Sugro team were able to calculate the carbon cost of hosting the event, which then enabled them to plant more than 300 trees to offset this calculated carbon cost.

Camelot has recorded its highest-ever first-half National Lottery ticket sales of £3.96bn for the six months to 25 September – an increase of 3% on last year.

The majority of the first-half National Lottery sales increase was driven by Camelot growing sales of draw-based games to by 4% to £2.2bn.

In addition, Camelot said Set For Life continues to exceed sales expectations

and sales of National Lottery Scratchcards grew by 2%, with in-store Scratchcard sales rising 7% year-on-year.

Camelot grow total in-store sales by 5% and, as a result, first-half retailer commission increased by 5% to £133m – the equivalent of around £3,000 per store.

Chief Executive Nigel Railton said: “This record first half shows that The National Lottery continues to be in its best-ever shape as it delivers for good causes, players, retailers and Treasury.

“Following four years of sales growth, including record results last year, I am extremely grateful to my colleagues and the wider National Lottery family of Good Causes distributors and retailers for their role in this ongoing success story.”

Plans unveiled to ban single-use plastics Single-use cutlery and plates could be banned in England as part of a 12-week public consultation.

Expanded and extruded polystyrene cups and other food and beverage containers could also be phased out, in the latest government bid to eliminate avoidable plastic waste.

In addition, the government has launched a separate call for evidence

6 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 83 WEDNESDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2021

to address other sources of plastic pollution, such as wet wipes, tobacco filters, sachets, and other single-use cups.

Environment Secretary, George Eustice, said: “We have already banned plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds and now plan to extend the ban to cutlery and balloon sticks where alternative materials, like wood can be used.”

NEWS DIGEST

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

GETIR GETS WEEZY

FUEL COSTS

Fuel retailers asked to cut prices

Rapid grocer Getir is to acquire

RAC calls on biggest retailers to cut prices as wholesale costs dip and first fuel protest takes place.

The RAC is calling on fuel retailers to play fair with drivers and cut prices at the pumps after a dramatic dip in the wholesale price of petrol in the past week.

The organisation says that despite the recent wholesale price reductions, the price of petrol on forecourts has continued to go up – rising 3p a litre since the start of the month. RAC data shows the average price of unleaded is 6p a litre too expensive.

RAC fuel spokesman, Simon Williams, said: “As the big four supermarkets are responsible for selling 45% of all the country’s fuel, they are constantly buying new supply so they’re able to pass on the savings to customers straightaway unlike smaller retailers who tend only to buy in fuel once a fortnight.

“The longer they hold off doing the

an undisclosed sum. Getir launched in the UK in January and delivers across London, Birmingham, Manchester, Brighton, Cardiff, Liverpool and Bristol. It expects to operate in up to 15 UK cities by the end of 2021.

TESCO FACES STRIKE ACTION Usdaw has started formal

right thing, the more money they make on every litre they sell and the worse off drivers are.”

The news comes as farmer Andrew Spence, who led widespread fuel protests in 2000, returned to action at the weekend leading a go-slow campaign against the rising cost of diesel. Spence is calling for a “substantial” reduction in prices.

Shoppers urged to #ShopKind this Christmas Retailers are urging shoppers to #ShopKind when they visit high streets this Christmas, as new research reveals that 38% of shoppers have witnessed violence and abuse against shopworkers.

The #ShopKind campaign urges the public to be mindful of shopworkers’ essential role serving the public.

Minister for Policing Kit Malthouse said: “It is completely unacceptable for anyone to threaten or assault shop

UK-founded rival Weezy for

workers, and this government won’t stand for it – we are taking action, including by backing the #ShopKind campaign.”

Mark Hallas, Chief Executive at charity Crimestoppers, added: “Our high streets play a pivotal role in our communities across the country and whilst Christmas can have its own stresses, there is absolutely no excuse for violent or abusive behaviour towards workers.”

industrial action ballots in eight Tesco distribution centres after members rejected the supermarket’s latest pay offers.

The ballots will run between 22 November and 6 December.

Any industrial action would take place in the week of 20 December.

IRELAND CONSIDERS DRS The Irish government has published the draft regulations for the introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme. The scheme would apply to PET bottles and cans used for drinks up to a size of 3L. Retailers would have to itemise the deposit on till receipts, register with the scheme administrator, and take back empty containers.

WEDNESDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 83 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 7

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NEWS SPECIAL

COVID-19 UPDATE

Pandemic causes pet population boom

IN-STORE PHONE RECYCLING KIOSKS

New research from Mars Petcare has unveiled the true extent of the pet boom over the course of the pandemic.

French supermarket chain Carrefour has joined forces with refurbished smartphone and electronics specialist Back Market and ecoATM – a specialist in automatic smartphone recycling – to provide consumers with an in-store mobile phone valuation and trade-in service.

Customers can have their old smartphones valued at in-store kiosks and will be able to swap them immediately for Carrefour gift vouchers.

TECH SOLUTIONS

A

lockdown-driven boom in the UK pet population is creating huge opportunities for retailers, new research reveals.

The research from Mars Petcare unveils the true extent of the pet boom over the course of the pandemic, with a rise of more than 1.5 million pets.

As a result, total sales of pet food and litter have surged by 10.8%, an increase worth £45m. This is being driven by rocketing demand for pet food and treats formulated with natural ingredients and based on the diets of animals in the wild.

Zoe Taphouse, Category & Market Activation Director at Mars Petcare UK, said: “The new generation of pet parents are spending more money on products that give animals optimum nutrition for the life stage they’re at. They’re giving pet food as much consideration as the food they eat themselves, and trends in human food & drink are being reflected in the category.”

In addition, the research reveals that the number of puppies living in the UK almost tripled between 2016 and 2020. By the end of last year, there were 1.8 million puppies in the country. Meanwhile there were 1.3 million kittens in Britain in 2020, up from 650,000 in 2016.

Taphouse added: “The prospects for the category are extremely good.

Not only do shoppers tend to shop petcare for considerably longer than other categories such as infant care, they also show a far greater propensity to trade up and try new things.

“With the right ranges and in-store marketing, our retail partners can look forward to a long period of growth.”

Elodie Perthuisot, the Carrefour Group’s Executive Director of E-Commerce, Data and Digital Transformation, said: “With this brand-new partnership, Carrefour is taking yet another step towards the circular economy and is bolstering its commitments to sustainable development.”

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C OV E R

ELECTRIC

extra charge points see up to 145,000 uld wo s ion lat gu .

New re the run up to 2030 gland each year in installed across En

e l c i h e v c Electri n o i t u l o v e r N

ew supermarkets in England will be required to install electric vehicle charge points from next year, under new legislation announced

by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The regulations, which also includes new homes and workplaces, would see up to 145,000 extra charge points installed across England each year, in

the run up to 2030 when the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will end in the UK. In addition, the regulations would also apply to those undergoing largescale renovations which leaves them with more than 10 parking spaces.

The government will also be going further to make it easier and simpler for people to go electric, by introducing

10 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 83 WEDNESDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2021

simpler ways to pay while travelling, such as contactless, at all new fast and rapid charge points.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the CBI conference this week: “We are investing in new projects to turn wind power into hydrogen and our net zero strategy is expected to trigger about £90bn of private sector investment,

S T O RY

VEHICLES driving the creation of high wage high skilled jobs as part of our mission to unite and level up across the country.”

In addition, National Highways has unveiled plans to invest £11m in around 20 energy storage systems – essentially giant battery packs – for service stations where the grid supply is not enough for rapid charging infrastructure.

Energy storage systems store energy in quiet periods, and then provide rapid high-power charging at busy times, until the motorway services can obtain increased power directly from the grid for rapid charging themselves.

National Highways is currently discussing the move with prospective suppliers and plans to install the energy storage systems, which will connect to the motorway services operators’ charge points, within the next two years.

The government hopes the move will bring an end to ‘range anxiety’ by improving the network of charge points for EV drivers using England’s motorways and major A-roads.

The government aims to have around 6,000 high-powered chargers on the motorway network by 2035.

Malcolm Wilkinson, Head of Energy for National Highways, said: “Whilst we have limited control over the number of petrol and diesel cars on the network, by supporting the expansion of the

National Highways plans to invest £11m in around 20 energy storage systems for service stations rapid charge points network, we hope to increase EV drivers’ confidence for all types of journeys, both long and short.

“These new energy storage systems and the rapid chargers they supply will ensure that motorists are unlikely to be caught without somewhere to charge, which is a fantastic move for drivers and

the environment, accelerating the speed in which we transition to new electric vehicles.”

Transport Minister Trudy Harrison added: “Our vision is to have one of the best electric vehicle infrastructure networks in the world and we want charging to be quick and easy for all drivers.

“This additional investment will ease drivers’ range anxiety as we continue to power up the green revolution.”

In response, ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “Local shops understand that they have an important role to play in the infrastructure for electric vehicle charging, particularly those operating on petrol forecourts.

“We welcome the announcement from the Prime Minister today, but it is essential that the government provides more support to forecourt retailers and other EV charging providers to help them invest in the long-term future of the charging network in order for it to be workable for businesses and consumers.”

In addition, the government is to invest £9.4m in the Whitelee green hydrogen project to develop the UK’s largest electrolyser, a system which converts water into hydrogen gas. It has the potential to store and produce the equivalent of enough green hydrogen to fuel more than 200 bus journeys between Glasgow and Edinburgh each day

Energy storage systems store energy in quiet periods, and then provide rapid high-power charging at busy times

WEDNESDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 83 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 11

SYMBOL GROUPS

ONE STOP

Retailer launches Christmas campaign

‘Countdown to Christmas’ features weekly interactive games with prizes including a £5,000 festive bundle.

O

ne Stop is launching a festive campaign featuring weekly interactive games with prizes including a £5,000 Christmas bundle.

The ‘Countdown to Christmas’ campaign, which follows One Stop’s Eddy the Elf initiative that ran in 2019 and 2020, is based on customer insight.

This research shows consumers are looking forward to togetherness, tradition, and treats this Christmas.

The campaign’s interactive games will play on these three ‘Ts’ and will also be reflected in the prizes and brand promotions running alongside.

When shoppers visit www.onestop. co.uk, from 24 November, they will see five doors. The weekly deal will be revealed behind each door, alongside the game for customers to play to try and win a prize. Branded with each week’s promotional deal, the games will include ‘Spot the Difference’, ‘Guess the Picture’, and a ‘Drop game’ that the whole family can enjoy.

Each time a customer successfully completes a game, they will be entered into the overall prize draw to win the £5,000 Christmas Bundle, which will be drawn at the end of the campaign. The bundle includes an Apple iPad, Apple

12 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 83 WEDNESDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2021

Airpods, a case of champagne, Sony Bluetooth soundbar, HP Chromebook laptop, Sony 50-inch Ultra HD Smart TV, a drone, and more.

Customers will also have the chance of winning each week’s mid-tier prize, which includes an Apple watch, Dyson Hairwrap Styler, a Spa Day for two and a Smeg coffee machine. One Stop will also be giving away seven £50 Love2Shop vouchers each week to runners-up.

One Stop will be supporting Countdown to Christmas with a marketing campaign, including emails, point of sale, and social media.

Nigel Prendergast, Head of Customer and Business Support, said: “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, so we’re keen to give them some superb promotions, celebrations and giveaways to thank them for loyally shopping with us.

SYMBOL GROUPS

NISA

Click to play video

Nisa looks to extend its partnership with food waste app The symbol group aims to grow the partnership with Too Good To Go to 1,000 stores.

N

isa has launched a campaign to increase the number of its retailers signed up to food waste fighting app Too Good To Go and help reduce food waste further.

The symbol group is also marking two years of working with Too Good To Go by launching a mission to grow the partnership to 1,000 stores and in doing so save more than two million kilograms of CO2e emissions from going to waste.

A video has been created to promote the partnership with Nisa partners – Fighting Food Waste with Too Good To Go – along with a flyer that is being

shared with partners by Nisa’s retail development managers to raise awareness and get them involved.

Ian Bacon, who has recently taken on responsibility for leading the Too Good To Go partnership at Nisa, said: “As the demand for fresh food in convenience stores grows, there is always a risk of waste and the Too Good To Go app is a great way of reducing that and at the same time doing something positive and helping to save the planet – one Magic Bag at a time.”

Currently 100 Nisa stores are involved in the Too Good To Go partnership, between them saving more than 46,000

Magic Bags of food in the past 48 months and saving 115,000kg of CO2e from going to waste.

Store manager Sunna Hussain, from Caledonian Road Nisa Local in North London, said: “Too Good To Go is the perfect solution for reducing food waste.

It has enabled us to get our food in front of a whole new audience. The app was fast and easy to implement.”

Jay Javid, from PGNJ Limited, a Nisa partner based in Glasgow, added: “We launched Too Good To Go about six months ago and have saved £15,000 worth of food going to waste in nine stores. It’s a brilliant concept.”

WEDNESDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 83 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 13

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SYMBOL GROUPS

GO LOCAL EXTRA

Hull welcomes Go Local Extra store

Retailer Navpreet Kaur has extended her relationship with Parfetts and is reaping the rewards.

A

Hull-based convenience store has become part of the Go Local Extra network.

Retailer Navpreet Kaur, who took over the running of the 1,400sq ft community store in 2018, has extended her relationship with Parfetts Go Local Extra, switching from Nisa.

Navpreet, who runs the store with her husband Gurdeep Singh, has undertaken significant store improvements.

These include introducing the Go Local Extra branding, new chiller units and increased shelving space, significantly

adding to the variety of own-brand sale stock. As a result, the couple has tripled sales at the store since April of this year.

Navpreet said: “Parfetts represents great value for money which is what my customers are looking for. This, combined with great promotions and strong team support, were the main reasons for partnering with Parfetts and Go Local.”

Steve Moore, Head of Retail at Parfetts, said: “We’ve been working closely with Navpreet to ensure her store is well equipped to meet the needs of her customers. She has embraced the promotions we

offer with real enthusiasm, and this has translated into strong sales and the availability of own brand Go Local produce on the shelf means customers are getting value as well as choice.

“The new look Go Local Extra store looks great and has already made an impact on customers with footfall steadily increasing all the time.

Navpreet is a hard-working retailer who knows what she wants to achieve, and we are fully behind her. We look forward to building on this success as she takes the store forward.”

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STORE OPENINGS

JAMES HALL & CO

Forecourt on prime Darlington gateway gets welcome revamp The new 3,000sq ft Spar and Shell-branded forecourt has created 38 jobs for local residents.

J

ames Hall & Co, Spar UK’s primary wholesaler and distributor for the north of England, has revamped a service station on one of Darlington’s busiest main roads.

The new 3,000sq ft Spar and Shellbranded forecourt, on the site of Haughton Road Service Station, has created 38 jobs for Darlington residents.

The overhauled site features six fuel pumps, a jet wash, air and water machines, an ATM, and customer parking.

The store features a Graham Eyes butchers counter, Clayton Park Bakery deli, and a range of refreshment options including Cheeky Coffee, F’Real milkshakes and smoothies, and a Tango Ice Blast machine. There is also a comprehensive range of fresh foods, food-to-go, and beers, wines and spirits.

Local resident Andy Inglis was one of the first 50 customers through the doors to claim his ‘tea for free’ giveaway.

He said: “This store is a godsend for the community. It was virtually derelict before and the redevelopment has really brightened up the area.”

He added: “The range is great, particularly the butchers, the bakery and the greeting cards. Of course, you can

New forecourt has created 38 jobs for Darlington residents

get your fuel for your car too. It is ideal for me living just around the corner.”

Fiona Drummond, Company Stores Director at James Hall & Co, said: “While we have a strong presence of company-owned stores in the northeast of the country and independent retailers under the Spar symbol, we have never had a presence in central Darlington. This was a key attraction to

our investment in the Haughton Road Service Station site.

“Our modern store really does look tremendous, and its location is fantastic on one of Darlington’s main gateways, with a good mix of employers and residential customers close by.”

The Darlington store is James Hall & Co’s 152nd company-owned Spar store and its 41st forecourt.

WEDNESDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 83 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 17

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LEGISLATION

RETAIL VIOLENCE

Protection of shopworkers law wins cross-party support

Amendments to the government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill have been debated in the House of Lords

T

here has been crossparty support from peers for two protection of shopworkers amendments to the government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which have been debated in the House of Lords.

However, the peers did not push the amendments to a vote but could bring them back at the report stage of the Bill, and the government restated that it continues to actively consider supporting a protection of shopworkers law.

In response, ACS Chief Executive James Lowman, said: “We are extremely disappointed that the government has once again failed to take urgent action to protect colleagues working in our sector. These amendments would have introduced a new specific offence for attacks on shopworkers in line with recently passed legislation in Scotland and provided our colleagues with the additional protection that they so desperately need.”

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw General Secretary, added: “We are grateful to peers

“Retail employers, leading retail bodies, the Home Affairs Select Committee and the shopworkers’ trade union are jointly calling for legislation; it is time for the government to act.”

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw

from across the House of Lords for their supportive comments last night. While we are still disappointed that the government has not committed to a simple stand-alone offence for assaulting a retail worker, we remain hopeful that their ‘active consideration’ will eventually lead to the right result for our members.

“We need a new offence to encourage prosecutions and provide the deterrent effect that retail staff are desperately looking for. Retail employers, leading retail bodies, the Home Affairs Select Committee and the shopworkers’ trade

union are jointly calling for legislation; it is time for the government to act.”

The NFRN has pledged to continue to push for better protection for shopworkers. Shahid Razzaq, Chairman of the NFRN’s political engagement committee, said: “Theft, vandalism and physical and verbal attacks are an all too familiar part of life for independent retailers. We will continue to lobby the government, police chiefs and police and crime commissioners for greater legal protection for everyone who works in retail.”

WEDNESDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 83 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 19

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

OFFICE FOR NATIONAL STATISTICS

Food sales down

Office for National Statistics figures also reveal that online sales dropped to the lowest level since March 2020.

F

ood sales volumes fell by 0.3% in October, but remain 3.4% above pre-pandemic levels, new Office for National Statistics figures show.

In addition, the figures show that fuel sales fell by 6.4% in October as they returned to more typical levels after panic buying in September.

Online sales dropped to account for 27.3% of overall sales in October – the lowest since March 2020 – although still well above the pre-pandemic level of 19.7% recorded in February 2020.

In total retail sales rose by 0.8% in October, following no growth in September, the figures show.

ONS Chief Economist, Grant Fitzner, said: “After five months of no growth, retail sales picked up in October. Although sales overall are above pre-pandemic levels, it remains a mixed picture.

“Clothing, department stores and toy shop sales reported a boost this month, with clothing stores reaching their highest level since the start of the pandemic, with some retailers suggesting that early Christmas shopping helped to bolster trade.”

Richard Lim, Chief Executive of Retail Economics, added: “With consumers much more confident to dine

20 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 83 WEDNESDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2021

out than last year, food retailers struggled to match last year’s levels.

“Looking forward, the consumer environment has deteriorated sharply over the last couple of months and the all-important Christmas boost needed for the industry currently hangs in the balance. Decade-high levels of inflation, the prospect of interest rate rises and growing concerns about personal finances may trigger some to tighten their grip on spending just when the sector needs it the most. Many retailers have battled to secure the goods they need for the vital trading period, so discounting will come as a last resort.”

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

GfK

UK consumer confidence creeps up

GfK’s research reveals four measures of confidence rose and one fell in November.

C

onsumer confidence increased by three points to reach -14 in November, GfK’s Consumer Confidence Index reveals. The long-running index shows that four measures of confidence rose in November and one was down compared to October’s figures.

Joe Staton, Client Strategy Director at GfK, said: “Headline consumer sentiment has ticked upwards this month despite decade-high inflation, fears of higher prices and worries over rising interest

rates, and as the deepening cost-of-living squeeze leaves UK household finances worse off this winter. The view on the general economic situation over the past year and year to come is better this month, but consumers are less buoyant on their personal finances. This weakness is important as it reflects day-to-day plans to save or spend and is a strong driver of overall UK economic growth.

“However, one highlight for both physical and virtual retail is the

seven-point jump in major purchase intentions in the run-up to Black Friday and Christmas. Is this a sign that shoppers are ready to bounce back, after last year’s cancelled family gatherings, with a Christmas splurge in coming weeks?

That’s how it looks but consumers also know that when the festivities are over it’s going to be a tough year in 2022.”

This month’s survey was conducted among a sample of 2,000 individuals aged 16 and over.

WEDNESDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 83 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 21

BUSINESS SERVICES

PAYPOINT

PayPoint offers retailers flexible funding options The scheme aims to free up funds enabling retailers to focus on growth, buy stock or assist with cashflow.

P

ayPoint is partnering with YouLend, a business finance company, to offer eligible retailers flexible funding that enables them to pay back their finance as they earn from card sales.

The scheme is designed to free up funds, enabling retailers to focus on growth, buy stock or assist with cashflow.

Instead of paying a fixed monthly repayment, a small percentage of every card transaction is used to repay the funding, giving retailers peace of mind that repayments will be in proportion with their income from card sales.

Mark Latham, Banking Services Director at PayPoint said: “PayPoint have long been a champion of

22 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 83 WEDNESDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2021

the UK convenience sector, and this has become even more important as our retailer partners continue to adjust to the post-pandemic market.

“We want to ensure PayPoint retailers have the best possible flexibility and freedom in how they secure funding to respond to these evolving challenges. The flexible financing options, provided in partnership with YouLend, do exactly that by enabling retailers to opt for an alternative yet simple repayment option that can help free up funds to be used elsewhere.”

Retailers can find out more and apply online by visiting the PayPoint website.

BUSINESS SERVICES

NATIONAL LOTTERY

Lottery retailers take home £20k in Camelot prize draw A retailer from Winchester scooped the £10,000 top prize.

E

leven National Lottery retailers have picked up £20,000 worth of prizes in Camelot’s latest ‘Site, Stock, Sell Online’ quarterly prize draw.

National Lottery retailers are automatically entered into the draw for maintaining high in-store standards across the quarter as part of Camelot’s ‘Site, Stock, Sell Online’ programme.

A retailer from Winchester, who wished to remain anonymous, scooped the £10,000 top prize. The 10 other retailers taking home £1,000 each are: Lynda Jobson of Precious Moments in Cramlington, Nadarajah Arumugathas of Old Coulsdon Village Store in Coulsdon, Douglas Walker of Gulf in Thetford, Ramesh Malavath of Balaji Off Licence in Newcastle, Alan MacLean of Bayhead Shop in Lochmaddy, Harry Patel of Aberdeen News & Off Licence in Bradford, a retailer in Glossop, a retailer in Hove, a retailer in Tadworth, and a retailer in Grimsby.

Lynda Jobson said: “This is amazing news, it’s made my week. It means I can now buy my daughter a MacBook for Christmas.”

Ramesh Malavath added: “When I heard I’d won, I was so happy and

overjoyed. The money will mean I can buy a special gift for my daughter.”

Camelot’s Retail Director, Jenny Blogg, said: “Congratulations to this month’s Site, Stock Sell Online winners.

It’s great to see National Lottery retailers continuing to work hard in getting their

in-store standards up to a fantastic level, and then reaping the rewards of doing such a great job.“We hope that these prizes will help bring some joy to the winners and their families – they are thoroughly deserved.”

WEDNESDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 83 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 23

why not buy ? shoppers do.

M Y B L U. H A N DY A N D E A S Y VA P I N G .

F O R E X I S T I N G A D U LT S M O K E R S & VA P E R S O N LY.

This product contains nicotine. 18+ only. Not a smoking cessation product. © Fontem 2021.

BUSINESS SERVICES

HOME NEWS DELIVERY

News Scotland launches HND promotion

Retailers that generate a new customer order through the Deliver My Newspaper site will be entered into a prize draw.

N

ews Scotland is running an exclusive home news delivery promotion offering new customers £25 off their delivery when they sign up to having either The Scottish Sun or Times Scotland delivered.

The promotion, which will run to 31 December, is available in stores across Scotland that offer a home delivery service. The offer is being advertised in paper, digital, radio, and on POS. To redeem this promotion, customers will need to visit www.delivermynewspaper.co.uk enter their postcode, select The Sun or The Times, select their preferred delivery agent and fill in their details. Then all they need to do is bring their £25 off delivery vouchers into store.

News Scotland said: “One million newspapers per day are already delivered to homes around the UK with 300,000 new customers signing up to home news delivery through Deliver My Newspaper during the pandemic.

“As restrictions have eased, home news delivery has continued to grow as a means for readers to access their news,

so it is an ideal time for retailers to start building on and marketing their services to customers. It’s certainly not too late to start an HND service from scratch to meet changing demands.”

In addition, retailers that generate a new customer order through the Deliver My Newspaper site, up until 31 December, will be entered into a draw to win a home news delivery package for their store. The package will include two mountain bikes, five news delivery bags, and a bespoke promotion to advertise the retailer’s home news delivery service to homes near their store.

The lucky winners will be selected on 3 January 2022 and notified by 10 January 2022.

WEDNESDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 83 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 25

FAMILY BUSINESSES

INSTITUTE FOR FAMILY BUSINESS / NATWEST

UK celebrates family businesses

The Institute for Family Business and NatWest will be highlighting the significant contribution that family firms make to the UK economy.

T

he contribution of the UK’s family business sector is being celebrated by the first Family Business Week (22-26 November).

The week, led by the Institute for Family Business and supported by NatWest, will also highlight the significant contribution that family firms make to the UK economy – the UK’s five million family firms provide jobs for 14 million people.

The event will see family businesses from across the country sharing their stories of how they support their people and local communities, while also showcasing the valuable role that family firms have in tackling the climate crisis by making their businesses more sustainable. The Institute for Family Businesses has also been co-ordinating a series of visits for MPs to their local family businesses, culminating in Family Business Friday on 26 November.

Sir James Wates, Chairman of the Institute for Family Business, said: “Values led, purpose-driven businesses like

The first Family Business Week is set for 22-26 November

these are the backbone of our economy, and we need to celebrate and support them – especially after the difficult time they have faced during the pandemic.

“This week of celebration is to also recognise that many of the significant challenges we face – building back better and greener from the pandemic and levelling up the UK – can only be solved with the help of our nation’s family businesses.”

Andy Gray, Managing Director, Corporate and Commercial at NatWest,

26 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 83 WEDNESDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2021

added: “Family Businesses are a cornerstone of the UK business community, responsible for nearly 30% of UK economic output, and a significant proportion of private sector employment; as a result, UK economic recovery and growth relies heavily upon the success of this group. NatWest is proud to be supporting the first Family Business Week, celebrating the diverse and innovative success stories of businesses who have built on many years of heritage, and inspiring the next generation of family businesses to come.”

CHARITY

GROCERYAID

GroceryAid’s sporting event raises £633k The Sporting Lunch saw more than 1,200 colleagues from 198 companies raise funds through tickets sales, donations, and sponsorship.

G

roceryAid’s annual Sporting Lunch raised more than £633,000 – a record fundraising amount for the event – earlier this month.

The Sporting Lunch, which returned to the Grosvenor House in London, saw more than 1,200 colleagues from 198 companies raise funds through tickets sales, donations and sponsorship.

Hosts Natalie Pinkham and Mike Tindall led the day, which included interviews with football legend Sir Geoff Hurst, rower Helen Glover, and hockey player Kate Richardson-Walsh, and a final Q&A panel with former intern tional rugby player James Haskell and former England cricket captain Sir Alistair Cook.

The event also welcomed a line-up of sporting talent including Paralympian Baroness Tanni Grey–Thompson, retired English international field hockey player Alex Dansen, skiier Chemmy Alcott, former footballers Dion Dublin, Don Hutchison and Robbie Savage, rower James Cracknell, swimmer Jazmin Carlin, former footballer Kelly Smith, retired rugby union player Lewis Moody, retired cricketers Monty Panesar and Ryan Sidebottom, and snooker legend Steve Davis.

At the lunch, GroceryAid President Charles Wilson, also introduced its latest case study called ‘Ricky’s Story’.

Ricky, a lorry driver for Noble Foods, experienced a traumatic event which led to severe PTSD. He had to take

time off work, which impacted him financially, he turned to a colleague recommended GroceryAid where he received financial help.

Steve Barnes, GroceryAid Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to have raised such a phenomenal amount of money and grateful for the support of companies throughout the industry.

“Demand for our services is accelerating rapidly. In the last six months, we experienced a 120% increase in applications for financial support and a 52% increase in calls to our helpline, compared to the whole of last year.” ● Next year’s Sporting Lunch will take place on Friday 11 November 2022.

WEDNESDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 83 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 27

P U R E W O P S E L A S YOUR

H T I W K N I R D Y G R E N E E HIGH CAFFEIN U R B N R I F O E T S A T E L B A B THE INDESCRI

H S I T T O C S 1 .

0 N FROM THE * D N A R B Y R E C O GR *Source: Kantar World Panel, Value Sales, Take Home Non-Alcohol Brands, MAT to 06.09.20, Total Scotland

ENERGY *1IS GROWING 6 X FASTER THAN SOFT DRINKS & DELIVERS THE HIGHEST*2 PROFIT PER LITRE FOR RETAILERS

NEARLY 1 IN 2 DRINKS SOLD IS AN ENERGY DRINK*3

FLAVOURS NOW ACCOUNT FOR 34% OF MAINSTREAM ENERGY PRODUCTS*4

66% of shoppers always buy the same size*5 energy can

MERCHANDISE WITH ENERGY

FLAVOURED ENERGY IS GROWING FASTER THAN ORIGINAL ENERGY*4

RETAILERS SEE 70% GROWTH FROM LISTING BOTH SIZES*6 OF IRN-BRU ENERGY

BLOCK BY BRAND

2 FACINGS FOR MAXIMUM IMPACT

STOCK THE FULL RANGE TO MAXIMISE YOUR GROWTH OPPORTUNITY *1: IRI MARKETPLACE, VALUE SALES, MAT TO 28/08/2021, SCOTLAND CONVENIENCE. *2: IRI MARKETPLACE, PPL & AVERAGE MARGINS, MAT TO 19/04/2020, SCOTLAND CONVENIENCE *3: IRI MARKETPLACE, VALUE ESALES, DRINK NOW, MAT TO 28/08/21, SCOTLAND SYMBOLS & INDEPENDENTS. *4: IRI MARKETPLACE, VALUE SALES, MAINSTREAM DRINK NOW ENERGY EXCL. ORIGINAL, MAT TO 28/08/21, TOTAL COVERAGE *5: IRI Marketplace, Value sales, MAT to 14/08/21, Total Scotland. *6: RETAILER DATA AUGUST 2021

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – THORNTONS

THORNTONS RETURNS TO TV SCREENS The campaign aims to drive awareness of the Thorntons portfolio in the lead up to Christmas.

Thorntons has returned to TV for the first time in

at Ferrero, said: “The strong performance of the

four years, as part of a £3.6m campaign.

brand comes as consumers looked to gift loved

The advert, which launched on 19 November

ones during the pandemic, with Thorntons having

and will run for six weeks, aims to “reignite shop-

strong relevance across all seasonal occasions,

pers’ emotional connection” with the brand and

from Christmas, to Valentine’s Day and Mother’s

drive awareness of the Thorntons portfolio in the

Day. Our latest campaign will keep the brand front

lead-up to Christmas.

of mind during a key sales period for retailers,

The campaign follows a successful year for the brand, with performance of both Thorntons

ensuring long-term success of the brand and helping to drive purchase of our products in stores.”

Continental and Classic being strong, despite the

Boorer added: “Thorntons is a classic British

challenges of lockdown restrictions. Ferrero also

brand which our nation of shoppers has a lot of

launched Thorntons Pearls, presenting a new way

love for. This advert reinforces that, with an added

for shoppers to gift, share and enjoy the brand.

element of humour to continue to help people iden-

The campaign includes a 30- and 20-second

tify with the brand. Following a strong year for our

advert which shows a group of friends getting

core range, now is the ideal time to get Thorntons

together, with one couple bringing a box of Thorn-

back on TV in a fresh and engaging way.”

tons Classic as a gift.

Levi Boorer, Customer Development Director

30 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 83 WEDNESDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2021

The campaign will also include social media support.

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – ALBERT BARTLETT

ALBERT BARTLETT LAUNCHES NATIONAL ADVERTISING The campaign will be supported with cinema, digital, and social media advertising.

Potato brand Albert Bartlett is launching a new

Michael Jarvis, Head of Marketing at Albert

multi-million pound national advertising campaign.

Bartlett, said: “The team has made Albert Bartlett’s

The advert includes a fantastical representation

obsession with product quality into the focus of the

of a potato picking line and features world-class

advert, in a bold and humorous new direction for

acrobats to demonstrate the treatment that Albert

the campaign. Alicia, Dylan and Jacob leap, tum-

Bartlett’s potatoes receives.

ble, and juggle through the process of selecting,

The advert features a trio of acrobats from Can-

washing and drying not just good, but extraordinary

ada’s Flip Fabrique circus group – Jacob Grégoire,

potatoes to make it into Albert Bartlett bags. The

Alicia Beaudoin and Dylan Herrera – and includes

resulting adverts and integrated activity around

a potato-themed musical version of the drinking

them are unlike anything else in the category

song from Verdi’s opera La Traviata. You’ll know

and we are very excited to see the whole project

it when you hear it.

coming to life.”

The brand says the Make It Extraordinary cam-

In addition, to mark the launch of the ‘Make

paign represents its “playful charm and personality,

it Extraordinary’ campaign, Albert Bartlett will be

capturing its essence, character and wit.”

running a challenge across Instagram and Tik Tok.

The campaign, which launched during Corona-

The top prize is a trip to London to meet television

tion Street on 19 November, will also be supported

chef Michel Roux Jr at his two Michelin-starred

with cinema, digital and social media advertising.

restaurant Le Gavroche.

WEDNESDAY 24TH 17TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 83 82 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 31

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – KP SNACKS

BUTTERKIST COLLABORATES WITH NEW SPIDER-MAN FILM Promotional packs feature images of Spider-Man and offer shoppers the opportunity to win prizes with purchases.

KP Snacks has introduced a new on-pack

Night In, offering shoppers the opportunity to add

promotion for popcorn brand Butterkist, which

excitement to their evenings by creating shared

celebrates the much-anticipated release of the

entertainment moments and a tasty treat.

new Spider-Man film.

Kevin McNair, Marketing Director at KP Snacks,

The promotional packs feature images of Spi-

commented: “The new Butterkist promotion aims

der-Man and offer shoppers the opportunity to win

to capitalise on the growth of popcorn sharing

prizes with purchases of Butterkist popcorn. Prizes

occasions. The promotion is perfectly positioned

include five Sony tech bundles that feature Sony

to disrupt shoppers, broaden Butterkist’s appeal

Bravia 65” smart TV, a Sony All-One Sound Bar,

and bring new shoppers to the category. Driving

and Sony headphones.

category penetration by focusing on the fun and

The promotion, which runs until mid-February

excitement of a big theatrical release, a well-loved

2022, will be available across sharing bags of Tasty

character and the opportunity to win big prizes,

Sweet (100g), Deliciously Sweet & Salty (100g),

the campaign creates a valuable opportunity for

Simply Salted (80g), and Crunchy Toffee popcorn

retailers to drive growth in popcorn”.

(170g). The campaign will also run across the £1 price marked pack format.

He added: “We are proud to team up with Sony Pictures on an immensely successful film franchise

KP Snacks says the campaign with Spider-Man:

to drive further penetration in the popcorn category.

No Way Home is a perfect partnership for a Big

The strong appeal of a Spider-Man movie, excel-

32 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 83 WEDNESDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2021

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – DIAGEO

DIAGEO LAUNCHES RESPONSIBLE DRINKING The campaign uses digital animations to show what happens when common festive pleasures can become one too many.

Diageo has launched a new responsible drinking

and celebrating. This campaign is a fun, fes-

global campaign designed to make people stop and

tive reminder that there’s a happy limit to

think about overindulgence during the festive period.

everything and the holidays are best enjoyed

‘Know When to Stop’ uses a series of digital

in moderation, be that drinking, eating, or

animations to show what happens when com-

binge-watching.”

mon festive pleasures like eating sweet treats,

The global campaign has been designed to

binge watching TV and films, and over-deco-

signpost adults to DRINKiQ – a global resource

rating your home can become one too many.

to help people make responsible choices about

The digital animations were created by an

drinking, or not drinking.

award-winning illustrator Cari Vander Yacht.

Gibson added: “DRINKiQ is a great place

He said: “I wanted to visually capture the sort

for people to go to find out more about alcohol,

of manic nature of ‘too much of a good thing’

the impact it can have on their bodies, and the

which was central to the overall idea of moder-

importance of drinking in moderation.”

ation. I like tales of human folly, so I tried to capture that in a festive, over the top way.”

The campaign, which launched across Diageo’s social channels, is part o f t h e c o m p a n y ’s c o m mitment to reaching one billion people with dedi cated responsible drinking messaging by 2030 and to educate people on the risks of the harmful use of alcohol as part of the company’s 10-year action plan, Society 2030: Spirit of Progress.

Kate Gibson, Global Director of Diageo in Society, said: “We know the holidays are an important time of year for people to be getting together

WEDNESDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 83 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 33

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – CELEBRATIONS

CELEBRATIONS LAUNCHES NEW CAMPAIGN

The ‘Bring The Whoop Whoop’ campaign aims to position Celebrations as the ultimate gift to share.

Celebrations has launched a new campaign,

The advert will run until the end of 2021

which encourages people to come together and

across TV, video-on-demand, YouTube, Ins-

celebrate all year round, not just at Christmas.

tagram, and Facebook. It is also supported by

‘Bring The Whoop Whoop’ aims to posi-

in-store activation.

tion Celebrations as the ultimate gift to share,

Cemre Cudal, Senior Brand Manager of

which draws people together to have fun and

Celebrations, said: “Celebrations has become

be happy.

synonymous with Christmas and the holiday

The new strategy maintains and celebrates

season. While this is brilliant, our new campaign

the brand’s festive heritage and sees Celebra-

looks to push the brand further into those other

tions move beyond its traditional Christmas

moments of joy and celebration.

association by evolving the classic Celebrations box into a gift for any time of the year.

The new creative captures the wonderful feeling of joy, excitement and whoop whoop

A new ad, which features two identical twins

energy you get when you gift or receive Cele-

opening two identical presents, kicks off the

brations – which we think should be embraced

brand activity. The pair reveal two boxes of

all year round.”

Celebrations resulting in them celebrating by

The brand says a “further wave of work” will

whoop whooping at each other before the rest

launch in 2022 and beyond, which will “embody

of the family join in.

this all-year-round spirit”.

34 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 83 WEDNESDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2021

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK

SUPER SPICED

EASTER BUN BAR

HEETING UP

Dead Man’s Fingers has

Mondelez International is launch-

Philip Morris has launched

launched a new limited-edition

ing the Cadbury Dairy Milk Hot

HEETS Mauve, a new variant

Super Spiced Rum variant, aged

Cross Bun Bar. The new cinna-

in its range of HEETS tobacco

for six years to deliver intense

mon crunch-flavoured bar taps

sticks designed exclusively for

flavour. The brand is also ramp-

into a much-loved Easter ritual

the IQOS heated tobacco sys-

ing up its marketing activity with

of sharing hot cross buns. The

tem. HEETS Mauve offers a crisp

advertising slots on Absolute

new 110g bar will be available in

menthol tobacco blend with a

Radio and Planet Rock through-

cases of 18 at an RSP of £1.40

taste of dark forest fruits, and is

out November and December.

per bar.

available now.

SPREAD THE LOVE

FESTIVE PACKS

BEET THIS

Saputo Dairy UK is continu-

VK has introduced a festive pack

Leading beetroot brand, Baxters,

ing its Clover ‘Spread the Real

featuring the limited-edition VK

has added a new flavour to its

Love’ marketing campaign with

Gingerbread. The festive pack,

jarred beetroot offering. The new

another burst of media activity.

which retails at £10, will swap

Black Pepper & Fennel Beetroot

The second phase of the cam-

with the standard mixed pack

is pickled in apple cider vinegar

paign, which runs to the end of

while stocks last. Consumers

and flavoured with punchy black

November, is expected to gen-

have the chance to win a Christ-

peppercorns and aromatic fennel

erate a combined digital reach

mas jumper if they find a winning

seeds. The new addition retails

of 10 million consumers.

ticket within the pack.

at £1.60 for a 340g jar.

WEDNESDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 83 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 35

NOW THAT’S A GOOD IDEA…

OUT THE BOX

Craft on draft

Asda is trialling a draft craft beer concept in Milton Keynes.

will use beers fr eries to availabl smaller

I DON ROUN NEED KEYN

The con stores range a

WHAT

WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA?

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Asda has become the first UK supermarket to launch a draft craft beer concept.

Shoppers using Asda’s Milton Keynes store can sample from a menu of 12 regularly changing brews and seek expert advice to find something to suit their tastes.

Once customers have selected their preferred drink, colleagues will use draft beer pumps to freshly pour their selection into a refillable 1L or 2L glass containers to be taken away and enjoyed at home.

The specialised beer containers can then either be kept and used, brought

36 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 83 WEDNESDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2021

back to store to be refilled again or returned and a deposit refunded.

WHO’S SUPPLYING THE BEER? The retailer is exclusively partnering with Craft on Draft, a specialist retailer of craft beers and ciders, who

Beers cu star Ma Brewery amel M with 1L from £5 Craft ing a se beers, s 0.5% be Loc wine an also be cans to Christm

WHAT

Matt H Busines

e its expertise to bring unusual rom smaller and local brewo the store that aren’t easily le in other retailers, pubs or r can and bottle formats.

N’T LIKE NDABOUTS, DO I D TO GO TO MILTON NES?

ncept could launch in more next year and expand the available if there is demand.

T’S ON OFFER?

urrently offered include Pornartini IPA from Redchurch y and Chew Chew Salted CarMilkstout from Fallen Brewing, L of craft beer or cider priced 5.90 to £8.20. ft on Draft will also be stockelection of low and no alcohol such as Paradiso Citra IPA, a eer from Big Drop Brewing. cated at the end of the beer, nd spirits aisle, shoppers will e able to purchase drinks in give as gifts in the run up to mas.

T’S ASDA SAYING?

Harrison, Senior Director of ss Development and Strategic

Partnerships at Asda, said: “As part of our partnership strategy we want to bring new and exciting concepts into stores that have never before been seen by our customers – and Craft on Draft is a great example of this.

“The Craft on Draft team’s expertise in the hospitality industry will bring a range of drinks to our store that are unlikely to be found elsewhere and that complement our strong existing beers, wines and spirits offer.

“The refillable element of the trial gives customers the chance to pick up a new tipple and make a small change to help them shop more sustainably in our Milton Keynes store.”

ANYONE ELSE? Craig Bell, Co-Founder at Craft on Draft, added: “We’ve secured some interesting beers for December, with even more low and no alcohol options to come in January.

“We’re passionate about craft beers and ciders and aim to showcase the best small batch brews to bring something new and different to Asda customers. Although if they want to try them, they’ll need to be quick, as there will be a limited number of serves available and once it’s gone, it’s gone.”

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 24TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 83 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 37

BEFORE YOU GO

RETAIL RANDOMS

100 things...

Like every true Scot, wee

...we hate about lists

Hamish wears nothing under his kilt.

With Aldi set to open its 100th store north of Hadrian’s Wall tomorrow (25 November), at Hermiston Gait Retail Park in Edinburgh, the supermarket chain has published a list of ‘100 things we love about Scotland’.

This was the usual mix of stereotyping tosh (kilts, whisky, bagpipes, square sausage, the Proclaimers) topped up with a generous helping of filler material to round it up to 100 (men in kilts, women in kilts, buskers, Amy McDonald). At least there was no mention of deep-fried Mars bars. Or Amy McDonald busking in a kilt.

Predictably, the list generated a barrage of comments (600

What a carve-up

and counting) from picky Scots quick to point out things Aldi had missed. Tablet, macaroon bars, macaroni pies, Tunnock’s tea cakes and Irn-Bru were all demanded by calorie-crazed Caledonians.

Given its fondness for beating Westminster to the punch with new legislation (deposit return scheme, minimum unit pricing, protection of shopworkers), this makes one wonder why the Scottish government has been dragging its heels lately over junk food rules.

Anyway, the list was so successful Aldi swiftly followed it up another which featured – wait for it – dogs in kilts. We’re also sad to report the number one slot went to… deep-fried Mars bars.

morning when feeling delicate. Or

That plinking sound you can

when turning themselves inside out

hear is an extremely cynical penny

with their head down the toilet.

dropping.

New research has made the

As for recovery food, Brits

earth-shattering discovery that 43%

believe takeaways are best when

of party goers say they’re likely to

feeling burst, with 28% of respond-

over-indulge in December, no doubt

ents plumping for pizza.

to make up for the fairly dismal fes-

Surprisingly, carveries were

tive season that was Covid’s Christ-

the nation’s second-favourite

mas gift last year.

choice for hangover grub.

This also means a large number

Surprising, that is, until

of festive frolickers will be suffer-

you discover the research

ing the next day. The research also

was conducted on behalf of

revealed that, after a night out, it takes

Farmhouse Inns, which oper-

5.7 hours to recover on average, with

ates a chain of 70 carveries

20% of Brits staying in their PJs all

across the UK.

WEDNESDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 83 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 39