The Week in Retail 89

RETAIL THE WEEK IN

SYMBOL GROUPS

CHILD’S PLAY

GO LOCAL’S NEWCOMERS

STORE SALES

IN DEMAND

CHRISTIE & CO’S LATEST SECTOR REPORT

BUSINESS NEWS

SOARING COSTS NRFN CALLS FOR PROTECTION FOR SMALL FIRMS

● Illegal tobacco seized in Kent

+

● Nisa breaks

EPoS record

● Spar Scotland’s

tradeshow details

CONNECTIVITY YOUNG ADULTS WANT BETTER C-STORE DIGITAL

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Issue 89 Wednesday 26th January 2022

Raise a BRU for Burns on January 25th

“

Stocking up with BRU’s the thing, If you want your till to go ker-ching

”

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

EDITOR’S COMMENT

Land of confusion Once again things seem to be moving in the right direction in the battle against Covid as regulations ease in England, Scotland, and Wales.

Plan B is being lifted in England from tomorrow (27 January), meaning face masks are no longer compulsory in indoor spaces and guidance to work from home has ended.

In Wales rules for wearing face coverings will remain, with face coverings mandatory in all indoor public places including shops and public transport.

Meanwhile, Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced that more restrictions will ease from next week, including home working.

And in Northern Ireland the legal requirement for offices to take reasonable measures for 2m (6ft) social distancing is being removed today (26 January), with guidance remaining in place that risk assessments should be carried out. However, further advice remains that people should work from home where they can. The executive will meet again on 10 February to review the remaining Covid restrictions, including the laws on mandatory use of face coverings.

I can’t help but think it would be better for everyone if there were blanket rules for the whole of the UK and I’m not alone.

Retail trade union Usdaw’s General Secretary, Paddy Lillis, said: “The government’s flip-flopping so far on basic and sensible Covid measures and the different rules across the UK create confusion, reduce compliance and can lead to conflict.”

Already Sainsbury’s and John Lewis, which owns Waitrose, has told the BBC that they will continue asking customers and staff in England to wear masks in their shops. Sainsbury’s said safety remained its “highest priority”. However, Morrisons has said it would not take the same stance.

The union has welcomed early indications that retailers are keeping important safety measures to help reduce the spread of Covid-19 and is calling for the shoppers to abide by the rules and respect shopworkers.

As we went to press Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, and Asda were yet to confirm their plans for a mask policy in store. I hope it won’t be a mixed bag of policies from the multiples that will leave consumers scratching their heads and cause nothing but aggro for store workers across the sector.

LIZ WELLS, DEPUTY EDITOR

WEDNESDAY 26TH JANUARY 2022 / ISSUE 88 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 3

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CONTENTS

WEDNESDAY 26 JANUARY 2022 / ISSUE 89

6

10 THIS WEEK’S NEWS IN BRIEF

13 COVER STORY

RETAIL CRIME

The Post Office urges the government to use its ‘Payout’ vouchers, and spend in rural stores continues to climb.

Former online baby care brand owners Bisi and Mayo Osundeko make their debut in convenience retailing with a new Go Local store in St Helens.

Trading Standards officers seize illegal tobacco, smuggled whisky and counterfeit vapes during several raids on premises in Maidstone.

9

20 Trade association news

Covid-19 update

15 Store sales Demand for c-stores is at an all-time high.

17 Industry events The Spar Scotland tradeshow will return in a face-to-face format in September.

19 Symbol groups

NFRN calls for protection for small firms and ACS urges government not to leave rural shops behind.

23 Business intelligence PayPoint’s “positive” third quarter results.

24 Future of retail

Nisa’s EPoS Evolution system enjoys its

More than half of young adults think their

most successful year yet.

local store has no digital technology.

TWITTER.COM/SLRMAG

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SLRMAG

27 Trading Retail sales fell in December as the spread of Omicron slowed Christmas spending.

28 Picks of the week 37 Out the box: experiential stores Nespresso opens a store in Leeds where shoppers can use augmented reality to discover more about the brand.

39 Before you go...

WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY 26TH JANUARY 2022 / ISSUE 89 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 5

NEWS DIGEST

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

ALDI CUTS DELIVEROO TIES Aldi has decided to end its trial with Deliveroo to focus on its

POST OFFICE

Use voucher service, government urged

The Post Office network has the capacity to enable hundreds of thousands of energy customers to redeem Warm Home Discounts or receive other cash grants.

click-and-collect service, which remains on offer at more than 200 of its stores nationwide.

About 100 of the supermarket’s 950 UK stores offered grocery orders and home deliveries through Deliveroo during the pandemic.

JJ MAKES GREEN PLEDGES JJ Foodservice has pledged to cut its environmental footprint in 2022 by moving its computing infrastructure to the cloud, leading to a reduction in energy use and environmental impact. JJ will also expand its vegan and organic produce, and biodegradable-packaging

Post Office is urging the government, local councils and energy companies to make use of its ‘Payout’ voucher service that enables customers to redeem Warm Home Discounts or receive other cash grants at their local branch.

‘Payout’ is a one-time voucher-based transaction. The voucher is sent by SMS text, email or letter and customers redeem the voucher by presenting the barcode to the postmaster. For those with an energy top-up voucher, a credit is placed on the customer’s pre-payment gas card or electric key.

Post Office’s network means it has the capacity to enable hundreds of thousands of energy customers to redeem Warm Home Discounts or receive other cash grants over the

winter should they be widely extended to customers.

Martin Kearsley, Banking and Bill Payments Director, said: “Our ability to move cash around the country quickly is a national infrastructure asset and can be used to provide much needed support to people over this winter.”

offering.

RUGBY PARTNERS Sewell Group, which operates 13 Sewell on-thego convenience stores and forecourts, has become the stadium naming rights partner of Hull Kingston Rovers. The deal sees the club’s stadium referred to as Sewell Group Craven Park. The club will also promote Sewell’s convenience stores.

Sustainability gains at Nisa Retail Nisa Retail saved more than 175 tonnes of paper last year with the help of its supplier HH Global.

HH Global, which manages all Nisa’s marketing related print requirements including leaflets and point of sale, has made a series of production changes leading to significant sustainability improvements.

The paper used for the leaflet has been standardised with all leaflets as well

6 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 89 WEDNESDAY 26TH JANUARY 2022

as magazines and POS now produced on the same FSC-accredited paper, giving the reassurance that timber products originating from a forest are managed in a responsible and sustainable way.

Chris Walker, Offline Marketing Lead at Nisa, said: “We will continue to work closely with HH Global to make further sustainability gains over the coming year with some of our other products.”

NEWS DIGEST

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

SHOPPING TRENDS

Rural stores spend continues to climb

Research shows the average basket spend in rural shops climbed to £8.72 in 2021.

BLAKEMORE GROWS SALES AF Blakemore & Son has reported an 18% increase in sales for the four weeks

Rural shoppers are spending more in rural shops and building increasingly meaningful relationships with store owners, the ACS’ 2022 Rural Shops Report reveals.

Average basket spend in rural shops climbed to £8.72 in 2021, up from £7.92 the year before, with the average basket size rising from 2.6 items to 3, the annual ACS report shows.

Just under 20% of all rural shoppers also now claim that they know their local retailers “very well” or “quite well” (32%) – both of which are up on 2020 figures.

The 2022 report also highlights the increasingly active role rural stores playwithin their communities, with 84% engaging in community activity in 2021 and 58% of rural retailers agreeing that the pandemic had improved the standing of their business in the community.

Rural shoppers also ranked convenience stores first and ahead of pharmacies, Post Offices, pubs and banks when asked which business had the most positive impact on the local area – proof, the ACS said, that rural stores were now “more relevant to their communities than ever before.

ending 2 January 2022.

The company said effective planning and additional capacity generated from its new, purpose-built distribution centre in Bedford meant it was well-positioned to meet strong customer demand.

ALDI PARTNERS WITH MENSA Aldi has joined forces with IQ society Mensa to create a savvy shopper test. The test, a set of 10 questions to help consumers understand more

MFG and LondonMetric sign first-of-its-kind EV charging partnership

about how to save money by

Motor Fuel Group (MFG) has formed an Electric Vehicle partnership deal with leading real estate owner and manager LondonMetric Property, representing its first off-network agreement.

This will see MFG initially build 6-8 bay Ultra-Rapid 150kW EV charging hubs at LondonMetric’s retail locations in Birmingham, Cardiff, Coventry, Glasgow, Ipswich, and Liskeard.

The hubs will offer motorists 100 miles range in approximately 10 minutes, subject to the charging capability of individual car batteries.

Aldinomics campaign.

becoming more aware of their spending habits, is part of the supermarket’s new School of

GETIR JOBS Rapid grocery delivery firm Getir expects to create 6,000 jobs in the UK by the end

CEO William Bannister said MFG intends to “develop a market-leading dual fuel strategy on our forecourts and, at the same time, work with leading real estate owners like LondonMetric to meet the inevitable demand for easy access EV charging from the motorist.”

of the year. The company launched in London a year ago and currently operates in 20 towns and cities across the country including Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool and Portsmouth.

WEDNESDAY 26TH JANUARY 2022 / ISSUE 89 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 7

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NEWS SPECIAL

COVID-19 UPDATE

Covid rules to change across the UK

ONLINE SHOPPING TO THE FORE

England’s rules change on 27 January, while Scotland’s regulations are set to change next week.

Online banking payments service Trustly and convenience store e-commerce provider Vroom Delivery have teamed up to bring Open Banking Payments to online convenience shops.

The partnership aims to provide consumers with an alternative to cards by allowing them to pay directly from their bank account. In return, retailers will lower

phased out. Sturgeon said: “Instead of recommending home working, whenever practical, the new guidance will pave the way for a phased return to the office.”

She added: “[The guidance] will recommend that from Monday 31 January, employers should consider implementing hybrid working, following appropriate guidance, with workers spending some time in the office and then some time at home.”

The First Minister added that a mass return to the office would “set progress back” on falling case numbers.

In Wales rules for wearing face coverings will remain, with face coverings mandatory in all indoor public places including shops and public transport.

their processing costs paid to credit card companies by more than 50%.

The move is expected to

TECH SOLUTIONS

P

lan B is being lifted in England from tomorrow (27 January), meaning that guidance to work from has ended and face masks are no longer compulsory indoors.

Sainsbury’s has told the BBC that it will continue asking customers and staff in England to wear masks in its shops, saying safety remained its “highest priority”, while Morrisons said it would not take the same stance.

However, the legal requirement to self-isolate for a positive Covid test remains in place for now.

Meanwhile, in Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced that more restrictions will ease from next week and home working will be

simplify online orders for shoppers, by not requiring card number entries.

Instead, consumers will be able to sign onto their online banking account to checkout faster, while reducing credit card transactions to help retailers save on processing fees.

WEDNESDAY 26TH JANUARY 2022 / ISSUE 89 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 9

C OV E R

GO LO

Child’s

Former online baby care brand owne

A

St Helens-based convenience store has become part of the Go Local network, which is operated

by Parfetts.

The 2,000sq ft store on Junction Lane in Sutton, which is run by husband and wife team Bisi and Mayo Osundeko, has recently undergone a refurbishment programme.

While it is the couple’s first c-store, they have considerable retail experience, having built up leading online baby care brand Joy and Joe Baby, named after their children. The award-winning brand is currently one of the leading baby wrap brands on Amazon.

The site had been a convenience store and Post Office for more than 20 years but had fallen into disrepair and was in desperate need of refurbishment.

Working closely with Parfetts, the couple undertook significant store improvements, including new chiller units and increased shelving space. The store features a broad range of products from sandwiches, food-to-go and hot beverages to ice creams. The core grocery offer includes chilled and frozen, plus an extensive beer, wines and spirits section.

In addition, the store has retained its Post Office, which is an integral part of the local community.

Bisi said: “We’ve had a dream start with our new store. After spotting the opportunity over a year ago, it is finally a reality for us. We are serving the local community by giving them the

convenience store that the area has been crying out for many years.

“Living locally, we are well aware of the needs of the local community here in Sutton and the crucial requirement for a Post Office counter service, which we have overhauled and relaunched to run seven days a week inside our store.

“Go Local offers our shoppers great value and lots of promotions. The store

10 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 89 WEDNESDAY 26TH JANUARY 2022

plays an important role in supporting local people in the surrounding community with their everyday shopping needs. Many of our regular customers are elderly and rely on the shop. They are over the moon with the new offering.”

The couple are running the store with a team of eight staff, retained from the previous operation. Some team members have over 20 years of experience, having

S T O RY

OCAL

s play

ers open Go Local store in St Helens.

“The store plays an important role in supporting local people in the community with their everyday shopping needs. Many of our regular customers are elderly and rely on the shop.”

Bisi Osundeko

built up strong, lifelong relationships with long-standing customers.

Bisi and Mayo have big plans for the future and would like to open several stores in the region, including a Go Local Extra.

Bisi said: “The support is first class with a team who are always on hand to help us operate more efficiently, such as helping with merchandising for the

refurbished store when we officially relaunched. Parfetts’ store refurbishment team worked wonders in redesigning the store and were extremely quick in delivering an attractive, light and inviting store, which took everyone’s breath away when it was complete. It’s great to be able to rely on this level of professional support and guidance without any interference in the day to day running of the store or our own ideas for development.”

The Go Local fascia currently has around 900 stores across the North and Midlands.

Guy Swindell, joint Managing Director at Parfetts, said: “We’ve been working closely with Bisi and Mayo to get the store ready and ensure it is well designed and fully stocked to meet the needs of their customers. As successful entrepreneurs with a proven track record in retail, the couple has embraced the opportunity with genuine enthusiasm.

It is already translating into strong sales, and the availability of own brand Go Local produce on the shelf means customers are getting value and choice.”

WEDNESDAY 26TH JANUARY 2022 / ISSUE 89 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 11

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R E TA I L C R I M E

ILLEGAL TOBACCO

Illegal tobacco seized from hole in Kent store’s ceiling Officers also seized suspected smuggled whisky and counterfeit e-cigarettes from addresses in Maidstone.

B

oxes of suspected counterfeit e-cigarettes and illegal tobacco have been seized from a concealed storage space above a ceiling at a Maidstone business.

The contraband was recovered at the premises in Knightrider Street on 19 January during a joint operation involving police and Kent County Council Trading Standards.

Four other retailers in the town were also inspected in the crackdown – part of Operation CeCe, a joint initiative between National Trading Standards and HM Revenue and Customs to tackle unlawful tobacco sales – with additional seizures made at addresses in High Street, King Street, and Calder Road.

Items recovered included illegal tobacco, believed to be for sale without payment of the necessary UK duties, banned e-cigarettes, and vaping products,

along with potentially smuggled whisky.

The total value of seizures is estimated to be between £15,000 and £20,000.

Police Constable Jared Dungate, of the Maidstone Community Safety Unit, said: “The supply and sale of illicit cigarettes, tobacco and alcohol is often connected to organised crime groups and has a detrimental effect on law-abiding retailers who pay the relevant duties and taxes.

“We will continue to make regular visits to premises with our partners who will apply for closure orders where businesses persistently fail to comply with the law.”

Trading Standards Officer Oliver Jewell added: “The e-cigarette devices seized were up to six times over the legal limit.

E-cigarettes that don’t meet UK requirements will not have undergone any of the necessary checks and as a result carry a risk of containing potentially harmful banned ingredients.

“As well as posing a health risk, illegal tobacco brings crime into our communities and should not be tolerated. It undermines local businesses who follow the rules, funds organised crime and makes smoking more affordable for young people and those trying to quit the habit.”

WEDNESDAY 26TH JANUARY 2022 / ISSUE 89 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 13

STOCK UP NOW IN TIME FOR ALL THE RUGBY ACTION

S TO R E S A L E S

CHRISTIE & CO

Demand for c-stores remains at all-time high Figures from Christie & Co show its retail team sold 60% more convenience stores than they did in 2020 and 70% more than 2019.

D

emand for convenience stores remained at an all-time high and continued to outstrip supply in 2021, a new report from business property adviser Christie & Co reveals.

The company’s annual Business Outlook report – Business Outlook 2022: Adjust, Adapt, Advance – shows its retail team sold 60% more convenience stores than it did in 2020 and 70% more than 2019.

Average prices increased by 5.9% year-on-year, the report also reveals.

Over the past five years, there has been a 50% increase in the number of offers achieved for each business. This has accelerated in the past two years, which is likely a result of the heightened profile of convenience as an essential service since the beginning of the pandemic, the company said.

In addition, the report outlines Christie & Co’s market predictions, which are:

● Further consolidation as supermarket brands explore how to penetrate convenience further through supply deals, franchising and perhaps further deal activity. ● Fuel retailers will likely focus on diversifying their income and develop alternative fuel offers, such as car washing and foodto-go and coffee-to-go.

Steve Rodell, MD of Retail at Christie & Co, said: “Last year was unexpectedly positive and these buoyant transactional volumes reflect the success of conveni-

ence in the face of uncertainty. For our team of retail experts to conclude 70% more transactions than pre-Covid in 2019 is phenomenal and testament to how hard everyone has worked.

“Retail saw winners and losers in the last year. Most retailers have benefited from increased sales because of the changes in consumer behaviour “However, rising inflation will present a number of real challenges – especially for independent operators whose infrastructure may not be so well equipped to absorb large increases in the cost of goods, utilities and wages.”

● Operational headwinds could impact trading performance – particularly for large multiple operators. ● Large operators will continue to churn – acquiring better stores and selling underperforming ones, providing further opportunity for independents.

DEMAND CONTINUES TO OUTSTRIP SUPPLY IN BUSINESS RETAIL MARKET, SAYS CHRISTIE & CO.

WEDNESDAY 26TH JANUARY 2022 / ISSUE 89 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 15

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SYMBOL GROUPS

SPAR SCOTLAND

Spar Scotland unveils details of tradeshow

CJ Lang’s first face-to-event in more than two years will take place in Aviemore on 22 September.

C

J Lang & Son is to hold first face-to-face event in more than two years on 22 September 2022.

The company has been moving the dates of its annual tradeshow since March 2020 as it hoped the pandemic would end, and now it will hold the event at the MacDonald Hotel and Resort, in the heart of Aviemore and the Cairngorms National Park.

“It’s a stunning venue,” said Paula Middleton, CJ Lang Marketing Manager. “It’s got three hotels on site, a massive conference complex, and an auditorium that will be used for presentations during the day and evening.

It’s a great venue – everything under one roof.”

The company is hoping to have around 200 suppliers exhibiting and more than 700 delegates.

Middleton added: “I think everybody is a bit weary of virtual events so the overall reaction from suppliers, independent retailers, our staff, and other industry bodies has been fantastic.”

Before the trade show opens, Chief Executive Colin McClean will give presentations to suppliers, retailers, and CJ

Lang staff and delegates from Spar International and Spar UK. The presentations will give an update on the business, where it is to date, and will look to the future.

In the evening there will be a get-together, where the winners of the Spar Scotland awards will be announced. A three-room food safari, with every room having a theme – Taste of Scotland, the Americas, and Taste of the Med – will be followed by a big dance in a marquee outside, with a band playing until 1am.

Invitations to independent retailers will go out in February and invitations to all other delegates will go out in March.

“Our hopes are that everyone comes away feeling they’ve had a great networking event,” added Middleton.

WEDNESDAY 26TH JANUARY 2022 / ISSUE 89 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 17

CONVENIENCE STORES

WANTED

AS A RAPIDLY GROWING CHAIN OF CONVENIENCE STORES, WE ARE CONSTANTLY LOOKING FOR NEW SITES. If you own a site, store or group of stores that fit the below criteria and you are considering a sale, then please contact us for a confidential and swift discussion

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR Freehold and Leasehold sites considered (with additional premium for freehold sites) Goodwill premium paid for existing trading convenience stores throughout Scotland (ideally trading at 20k per week + excluding services) All sites must be a minimum of 2000 Sq. Ft. retail space (no maximum) All existing property / store (trading and vacant units) conditions considered Locations throughout Scotland considered

RAPID DECISION & COMPLETION AVAILABLE! For a discreet & confidential no obligations discussion - please send details to

harris@glenshire.co.uk or call on 07791174697

*terms and conditions apply

SYMBOL GROUPS

NISA

Nisa breaks EPoS record

Installations saw an uplift in the second half of last year as many Nisa partners opted to fit self-checkouts.

T

he number of retailers installing Nisa’s EPoS Evolution system has gone up by 26% in the past 12 months, its most successful year to date.

The symbol group’s EPoS team made more than 190 sales last year and there are currently 539 Nisa sites using the Evolution system.

Nisa’s EPoS solution provides partners with a complete business management tool to support the day to day running of their stores, equipping them with intuitive software and a raft of easy to use features. To date, Nisa’s Evolution partners have served nearly three

hundred million customers with a total sales value of more than £2.4bn.

Chris Chadwick, Nisa’s IT Service Delivery Manager, said: “Throughout 2021, the Epositive team faced a lot of uncertainty as we navigated the ever-evolving world of IT that continues to be shaped by the Covid-19 pandemic.

And despite being faced with multiple hurdles over the last 12 months we’re thrilled to announce that we’ve seen the largest growth in one year since Evolution launched in 2015.”

Installations saw an uplift in the second half of last year as many Nisa

partners opted to fit self-checkouts to provide a solution that allows customers to shop safely and in confidence amid rising Covid-19 cases.

The symbol group says it expects more than 180 Evolution installs to be completed before the end of 2022.

Chadwick added: “2022 is set to be a big year for us, with numerous exciting innovations and advancements in the pipeline that will help transform the way our partners do business. We look forward to sharing more announcements and hopefully milestones in the coming year.”

THE NUMBER OF RETAILERS INSTALLING NISA’S EPOS EVOLUTION SYSTEM HAS SHOT UP 26% IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS.

WEDNESDAY 26TH JANUARY 2022 / ISSUE 89 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 19

T R A D E A S S O C I AT I O N S

NFRN

Calls for protection for small firms against soaring costs Scottish NFRN president Ferhan Ashiq recently met with MSPs to explain the problems facing retailers and other small businesses.

S

cottish NFRN President Ferhan Ashiq says a huge rise in overheads will force local stores to close unless action is taken to protect them.

Ferhan, who owns shops in Prestonpans and Levenhall, East Lothian, says the recent hike in energy prices, coupled with forthcoming increases in the minimum wage and associated employer contributions, will have a devastating effect on small businesses.

He said: “The renewal price for my electricity contract went up from

£19,500 to £45,000, and when you add on all the other extra costs it’s becoming more and more difficult to keep trading.

“Other retailers have contacted me to say they have the same concerns.

Businesses in general are going to start failing this year unless something is done about energy prices.”

Ferhan recently met with Scottish Labour Party leader Anas Sarwar MSP and his local MSP Martin Whitfield to explain the problems facing retailers and other small businesses.

20 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 89 WEDNESDAY 26TH JANUARY 2022

He said: “I’ve been having regular conversations with Martin Whitfield about the serious challenges we are facing and I wanted to air my views that unless something is done, more businesses will start to fail and eventually close.

“He explained that the Scottish government has limited powers at their disposal on the issue of rising energy prices and that it is a matter reserved for Westminster. That being said, there are other avenues we can explore that may help mitigate rising costs. He suggested raising these points at the meeting with Daniel Johnson MSP on 24 February to eke out a strategy.”

Ferhan also warned that the cost to retailers of winding businesses down would also run into the thousands of pounds.

He said: “On top of everything else, there is the added burden of closure costs, with penalties for early termination of other contracts.

“When someone is closing down their business due to factors beyond their control, their closing expenditure should be minimalised by legislation.

It adds financial burdens and mental health issues upon that particular individual.”

T R A D E A S S O C I AT I O N S

ASSOCIATION OF CONVENIENCE STORES

Don’t forget rural shops in levelling up agenda, says ACS The latest ACS report highlights the vital role that rural stores play to the economy and to their local communities.

T

he Association of Convenience Stores has called on the government to provide more support for rural convenience stores as part of the levelling up agenda.

The ACS’ 2022 Rural Shop Report has revealed that half of rural stores operate with no other retail or service businesses close by, providing access to vital services including free to use cash machines (48%), local grocery delivery (26%), and Post Offices (22%).

This year’s report also shows that if their local shop was no longer there, customers would have to travel an average of 3.3 miles to access these services and to feed their families.

In addition, the report shows that over the past year, rural convenience stores have achieved around £15.8bn in sales and the average rural customer visits stores around 2.5 times per week.

Additional key findings include:

● 79% of rural convenience stores are independently owned.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “Rural shops are a lifeline to thousands of communities and have gone above and beyond to ensure that they can keep providing essentials throughout all of the disruption caused by supply chain issues and the ongoing pandemic.

“This is despite rural shops facing significant additional challenges compared

to their more urban counterparts – thousands of rural shops do not have adequate broadband or mobile coverage, and many are at the farthest tip of their supply chains struggling to get a choice of supply and the full range of products their customers need.

“Providing targeted support to rural shops and other rural businesses must be integral to the government’s levelling up agenda to ensure that the gap between rural stores and their urban counterparts doesn’t widen even further.”

● Over the past year rural retailers have invested around £195m in their businesses; ● Rural shops provide local, secure and flexible employment to more than 138,000 people; ● Rural convenience stores contributed £3.5bn in GVA;

GOVERNMENT URGED TO PROVIDE MORE SUPPORT FOR RURAL CONVENIENCE STORES.

WEDNESDAY 26TH JANUARY 2022 / ISSUE 89 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 21

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

PAYPOINT

PayPoint posts positive third quarter sales Net revenues across the group were in-line with expectations, PayPoint said.

P

ayPoint has posted a “positive” third quarter, with group net revenues having risen by 21.3% to £29.6m in the three months to 31 December – up from £24.4m in the same period the previous year.

The company’s shopping division recorded solid growth, with revenue up by 58.5% to £14.5m compared with the previous year. This rise was partly driven by growth in the PayPoint One EPoS network.

UK retail services net revenue increased by 5.1% to £7m, with increases in service fees from PayPoint One. Meanwhile, Paypoint’s UK retail network increased to 28,174 sites up from 28,067 on 31 March 2021.

Payments & Banking divisional net revenue however, decreased by 3.9% to £13.6m, driven by a continued reduction in cash bill payments and top ups but offset by continued growth in digital payments, PayPoint said.

The PayPoint Counter Cash service, offering cashback without purchase and balance enquiries over the counter, has now gone live in over 1,700 stores.

PayPoint’s home delivery partnership with Snappy Shopper also continued to grow over the period, with more than 190 stores now live and over £1m in store sales since launch in July 2021.

PayPoint Chief Executive Nick Wiles said: “We have continued to perform well over the quarter despite the impact of exceptionally mild weather on our energy business and with a strong performance from our e-commerce business through the key Christmas peak trading period.

“Our cost management and capital discipline over the quarter has also remained strong. We continue to demonstrate agility and drive to respond quickly to changing consumer demands and new opportunities in our markets.

“As a result, we remain well-placed to support our partners in response to the wider trends that have accelerated through the pandemic, including the continued shift from cash to digital payments, the growing demand for online shopping fulfilment and the increase in shopping local.”

WEDNESDAY 26TH JANUARY 2022 / ISSUE 89 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 23

BUSINESS IN

FUTURE O

Young adults digital connecti Research shows more than half of respondents

N

ew research shows that 50% of under 34-year-olds would like to see digital improvements at their local convenience store, but only 31% said they’d prefer to see lower prices.

The survey, carried out on behalf of Vodafone and Allwyn as part of their Future of Retail report, found local

retailers need urgently to update their tech if they are going to continue to attract younger shoppers. The poll of 2,000 people also found that 51% of respondents said they thought their local store had no digital technology.

Respondents said the most common forms of digital tech being used by

24 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 89 WEDNESDAY 26TH JANUARY 2022

convenience stores were websites (19%), social media (16%), and self-service checkouts (15%). However, only 12% of customers said their local store had a mobile app or loyalty scheme and only 9% said they were aware of online collection ordering services.

However, the research does identify a small group of ‘digital innovators’ whose businesses are benefitting from the use of digital technology, including Mosi Patel, the owner of two independent convenience stores in Greater Manchester.

Mosi has invested in the development of his own app which offers delivery services and allows him to promote targeted offers to customers based on their shopping history. He also uses social media to connect with customers to ensure he is always able to deliver the best service. Following online feedback from his customers about food cooling down during delivery, he had bespoke heated plates fitted into his four fully-electric delivery vehicles.

Only 12% of customers sa mobile app or loyalty schem were aware of online colle

NTELLIGENCE

OF RETAIL

s want better ivity at c-stores think their local store has no digital technology.

Mosi, of Premier Heyside, said: “We have invested in developing our own local delivery app. It was a significant step for us, based on the feedback that delivery was very popular with our local community. We may not have 100 drivers, but you get a better service.

“We will always know our communities better than the big brands, and we must not leave the use of customer-facing tech to them. I’d encourage everyone to seriously consider upgrading. It is important to make sure your shop is only one click away.”

Nick Gliddon, Business Director at Vodafone, commented: “The shift to digital during the pandemic created new opportunities for small businesses while also presenting many new challenges, especially for the convenience and local sector. A strong foundation of digital technology and skills is now more than a nice to-have, it is crucial for small business owners who want to compete and succeed now. We want to ensure small business leaders have access to the right

aid their local store had a me and only 9% said they ection ordering services.

tools and guidance to confidently navigate the digital environment.”

Allwyn Advisory Board member and former Sainsbury’s CEO Justin King, added: “Covid has accelerated a shift in consumer habits towards the relative convenience of smaller local shops. However, those that are thriving are also embracing the opportunity of digital, be

that through online apps and deliveries, or in-store innovations. The upside is significant – but fail to innovate and invest and you will struggle against increasing competition from dark stores, super fast delivery and ever more locally orientated big chains. Small shops must embrace their natural advantage in being nimble and dynamic.”

WEDNESDAY 26TH JANUARY 2022 / ISSUE 89 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 25

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BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

ONS

December spend declines as Omicron reins in plans Sales fall followed growth in October and November.

R

etail sales volumes and values fell by 3.7% and 3.1% in December 2021 as the spread of Omicron slowed Christmas spending, latest ONS data has revealed.

The slide followed marginal growth in October and November, with ONS analysis having suggested that shoppers engaged in earlier Christmas trading during those months.

Most of the fall was driven by nonfood stores, such as clothing and furniture, which reported a fall of 7.1% in sales volumes, as fears over the Omicron variant impacted sales.Food store sales volumes meanwhile, fell by 1.0% in December 2021. However, despite the December decline, volumes were still 2.0% above levels in February 2020.

In 2021 as a whole, the volume of retail sales rose by 5.1%, which is the strongest growth since 2004.

EY UK & I Retail Lead Silvia Rindone commented: “Retail sales volumes fell month-on-month in December but were still above their pre-pandemic levels – a good result considering the last-minute restrictions that were imposed and the impact on footfall from the emergence of the Omicron variant.”

British Retail Consortium Chief Executive, Helen Dickinson, said: “The

spread of Omicron may have slowed Christmas spending, but the perseverance of retailers helped deliver a successful Christmas for consumers.

“Retail workers pulled out all the stops to overcome supply chain issues to keep customers’ homes stocked with festive items.”

She added: “Customers face strong headwinds in 2022, with energy prices

and National Insurance contributions both set to rise.

“Rising inflation is reducing consumer demand while increasing the costs for businesses. Retailers face rising wage bills, increased transport costs, and increased checks and documentation as a result of new import controls, all of which are forcing up prices at the checkout.”

WEDNESDAY 26TH JANUARY 2022 / ISSUE 89 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 27

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – MULLER

MÜLLER TARGETS DIGESTIVE HEALTH MARKET WITH LATEST CAMPAIGN A new advert will air until 7 March on TV, on demand and YouTube.

Müller Yogurt & Desserts has launched a multimillion

four-pack single flavour 125g pots, in Strawberry,

pound marketing campaign to showcase Gut Glory,

Rhubarb and Peach & Mango with fibre.

its new gut health yogurt brand.

Justin Cook, Chief Executive Officer of Müller

A new advert airs from 24 January until 7 March

Yogurt & Desserts, said: “As we accelerate the

on TV, on demand and YouTube. To drive further

development of our business, we intend to set

trial of the big pot range, the brand is offering

the pace in the categories we serve and innovate

shoppers a ‘try me free’ offer which allows Gut

to expand our reach, and with Gut Glory, there is

Glory shoppers to receive a full refund by filling

a unique growth opportunity for an exciting and

out an online claim form.

contemporary gut-health brand.

The campaign also includes in-store activity

“We have developed a modern gut health brand

and features across social media and influencer

that doesn’t just focus on the science, and our

channels.

campaign reflects this.

Gut Glory is a creamy yogurt which contains

“Our research suggested that potential new

live cultures. It is a source of calcium and is made

shoppers were put off by existing gut health options

in Shropshire using milk from British farms.

that were too functional, clinical or scientific, so

The Gut Glory range is available in two pack

our campaign is bold, irreverent, animated and

sizes. Shoppers can choose 450g big pots, availa-

fun, which should really help Gut Glory stand out

ble in Salted Caramel and Strawberry with fibre and

from the crowd.”

28 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 89 WEDNESDAY 26TH JANUARY 2022

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – MONSTER

MONSTER KICKS OFF 2022 WITH NEW VARIANT AND FRESH CAMPAIGN

The Monster Ultra Watermelon variant will be available in plain and price-marked 500ml packs for shoppers to consume on-the-go.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) is

energy drinks sector, now worth £1.4bn in Great

launching the no-calories, no-sugar Monster

Britain.

Ultra Watermelon coupled with a new snowsportthemed promotion for the line.

Martin Attock, Vice President of Commercial Development at CCEP GB, said: “Two-thirds of

Rolling out from the beginning of February,

CCEP’s volume sales now come from low and no

Monster Ultra Watermelon offers a watermelon

sugar variants – that’s 40% more than 10 years

flavour boasting no calories and no sugar.

ago. The seven-strong Monster Ultra range is

It will be available in plain and price-marked

playing a big part in our low sugar success story

500ml packs for shoppers to consume on-the-go. It

and continues to grow at a rate of more than 57%.

will also come in four-can multipacks to capitalise

“We know there’s big demand in the market for

on the popularity of the home-based energy

new and exciting flavours, especially

drink occasions that accelerated during

in the low-calorie energy drinks seg-

the pandemic, and that have boosted

ment. But it’s important to note that

demand for larger pack formats, accord-

we will continue to offer choice across

ing to research.

the whole Monster portfolio – and we

The new variant and campaign activity are designed to fuel continued momentum behind the Monster brand and the wider

recommend that our customers do the same.

“That’s why we’ve also invested in our core range recently, with the launch of a refreshed Monster Assault, which has a full-on flavour and a great-looking camo print can for maximum impact on-shelf.”

The new promotion includes a snowsport experience up for grabs, with the winner enjoying three days of skiing or snowboarding in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, with accommodation, lift pass and equipment rental, and exclusive Monster Energy hospitality, along with a meet-and-greet with high-profile Monster athletes.

Retailers who want to drive excitement in-store with high-impact snowsport-themed POS materials can request kits from My.CCEP.com

WEDNESDAY 26TH JANUARY 2022 / ISSUE 89 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 29

NPD & MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – BATCHELORS

BATCHELORS PAIRS UP WITH POKÉMON The promotion, which launches in the same week as the Pokémon Legends: Arceus video game, will be supported by in-store activity.

Batchelors is kicking off 2022 with an exclusive

With 50% of gamers claiming they would opt

partnership with Pokémon, offering shoppers a raft of

for quick meal solutions, the partnership aims to

prizes through an on-pack promotion and campaign.

help the brand appeal to more shoppers across

Rolling out in stores across the country from 27

more occasions.

January, the promotion launches in the same week

Naomi Shooman, Brand Director for quick

as the Pokémon Legends: Arceus video game and

meals, soups and snacks at Premier Foods, said:

comes at a time when the UK boasts the position

“Our on-pack promotion will give shoppers the

of sixth-largest gaming market in the world. It will

chance to win a range of prizes and Pokémon

be supported by in-store activity.

products set to attract new shoppers to the cat-

The promo sees Pokémon characters feature

egory and encourage existing Batchelors fans to

across the Super Noodles and Pasta ‘n’ Sauce

grab a pot or pack of Super Noodles or Pasta ‘n’

ranges, with shoppers able to win 100 prizes

Sauce more often.”

weekly, like Nintendo Switch Consoles, Pokémon

Given Batchelors’ popularity with 35 to 44-year-

plush, copies of the Pokémon Brilliant Diamond

olds and Pokémon’s appeal with younger adults,

and Pokémon Shining Pearl games and cards from

Shooman said the partnership was a “recipe for

the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

success.”

30 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 89 WEDNESDAY 26TH JANUARY 2022

NPD & MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – FERRERO UK

FERRERO BRINGS BACK REFRESHED EASTER RANGES The Monster Ultra Watermelon variant will be available in plain and price-marked 500ml packs for shoppers to consume on-the-go.

Ferrero UK is introducing a revamped selection of

imagination”. In addition, the Ferrero Collection

its seasonal lines for Easter, including Kinder Joy,

Crispy Eggs T10 are returning in hazelnut and

Ferrero Collection Crispy Eggs, and Thorntons

cocoa flavours. Also making a comeback are the

Classic Egg.The visual updates aim to help

Ferrero Rocher 300g and the Ferrero Rocher

retailers make the most of both self-treating and

Boxed Egg 275g, the Ferrero Rocher Flame Egg

gifting opportunities in the run-up to Easter.

212g and the Grand Ferrero Rocher 125g, ideal

Thorntons is also undergoing a packaging refresh to provide more sustainable options to shoppers this year.

for gifting.

Furthermore, Thorntons will see its range of moulded figures relaunched with two new Happy

The miniature egg Kinder Joy is returning.

Bunny SKUs. The bunny will have a refreshed look

Splitting in two, one half contains layers of cocoa

and feel, with a more modern packaging design

and milk cream, while the other contains a toy and

to bring it to life on shelf.

a paper spoon. Kinder is also making packaging

Finally, the Thorntons Classic Easter egg range

design improvements across its range with a more

will be available in two different formats – 150g and

distinctive design and refreshed Easter bunny

220g – with the larger format supporting retailers

image to maintain relevance for the brand during

in driving trade-up opportunities.

the season.

Thorntons will also remove plastic windows

Kinder has also debuted a free mobile app,

across its eight bestselling Easter eggs, as part of

Applaydu, to bring its toys to life through augmented

Ferrero’s commitment to make 100% of its packag-

reality, “inviting users to a world of discovery and

ing reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025.

WEDNESDAY 26TH JANUARY 2022 / ISSUE 89 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 31

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – ANGEL DELIGHT

DESSERTS-TO-GO FROM ANGEL DELIGHT The ready-to-eat dessert pots are vegetarian-friendly and are HFSS compliant.

to-go. They taste great and are light enough for those looking for a sweet treat without the guilt.

Angel Delight is a well-known, much-loved brand and it has grown 10% in the last year, bringing in 1.1 million new consumers to the brand.

“This range gives retailers something new to broaden the choice of their food-to-go chilled desserts offering, while crucially remaining HFSS compliant and helping to grow the on-the-go desserts category. The light, bubbly texture and delicious flavours really appeal to shoppers looking for a light treat, while the convenient format and long shelf life make the launch well suited to retailers to bolster their sweet offering in their chillers.”

For more information and advice, retailers can visit Premier Foods’ dedicated website for the convenience channel.

Premier Foods has launched two ready-toeat dessert pots from Angel Delight into the convenience channel, designed specifically for food-to-go chillers. Both Chocolate & Salted Caramel and Butterscotch & Chocolate variants are under 120 calories, are vegetarian-friendly and are non-HFSS. They come with a significant shelf-life benefit over existing to-go chiller desserts and are available now in 100g pots with a £1 RSP. Packaging is fully recyclable.

Ben Knop, Food-to-go Innovation Manager for Premier Foods, commented: “These new Angel Delight pots are an ideal solution for growing the choice of desserts for consumers shopping food-

32 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 89 WEDNESDAY 26TH JANUARY 2022

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – TYPHOO TEA

TYPHOO BRINGS ITS ’OO BACK The three-month campaign includes a consumer stunt, mass experiential sampling, radio advertising and sponsorships, PR, and social media.

Typhoo has launched its first brand campaign in almost five years.

“The ‘OO Please campaign gives the infamous ‘OO in Typhoo a new lease of life. We’ve put this to

The three-month ‘OO Please campaign includes

the test and the ‘OO’ in Typhoo perfectly expresses

a huge consumer stunt with visual projection, mass

the emotion of being asked if you would like a brew.

experiential sampling, radio advertising and spon-

‘Brew? ‘OO Please’.”

sorships, PR, and social media.

Kingsley continued: “We are very confident

The campaign kicked off with shoppers in Liv-

that, as we increase our marketing focus and

erpool witnessing a Typhoo takeover of locations

distribution, demand for our iconic, quality brand

throughout the city centre, alongside consumer

will be particularly strong amongst the nation’s

sampling.

tea shoppers.

Des Kingsley, Chief Executive of Typhoo Tea,

“We want to re-establish ourselves as one of

said: “Typhoo has always been known for its bold,

the nation’s best loved tea brands and deliver prof-

cheeky personality and our new campaign sets

itable growth in the UK and internationally. We’re

out to re-engage the nation’s tea drinkers with

advising retailers to stock up on Typhoo brands

our iconic ‘OO.

as product awareness will be at an all-time high.”

WEDNESDAY 26TH JANUARY 2022 / ISSUE 89 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 33

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – MONDELEZ INTERNATIONAL

LU LAUNCHES IN UK The biscuit brand is rolling with four variants.

Mondelez is launching its French biscuit brand LU

Le Petit Citron (140g, RSP £1.50, cases of

in the UK with four variants: Le Petit Chocolat, Le

seven) brings a soft texture and delicate lemon

Petit Beurre, Le Petit Biscotte, and Le Petit Citron.

flavour to the range, while Le Petit Biscotte (200g,

Le Petit Beurre (167g, RSP £1.50, cases of

RSP £1.50, case size 10) pairs the flavours of

six) is based on the brand’s original biscuit from

brown sugar and cinnamon with a rich crunchy

1886. Its oblong shape took inspiration from French

texture.

tea mats used at the time. The additional design

Charlotte Parkes, Senior Brand Manager at LU,

flourishes reflect the calendar year – 4 corner ears

said: “It’s not every day that you can say you’ve

for the 4 seasons, 52 teeth for each week of the

worked with a French icon. LU’s range is a real

year and 24 indents for the 24 hours of each day.

treat, and these treats are sure to be a hit with

Le Petit Chocolat (150g, RSP £1.50, case size

biscuit lovers in the UK.

14) pairs the Petit Beurre with a layer of milk choc-

“With these four varieties, we bring something

olate. It features the ‘Petit Ecolier’ (little schoolboy)

truly unique to shelves. Each with their own irresist-

figure, moulded into the chocolate and designed

ible flavour, these recipes have more than stood

by French painter Firmin Bouisset.

the test of time.”

34 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 89 WEDNESDAY 26TH JANUARY 2022

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK

PMP POWER

PAPER TUBS

Flavoured milk brand Yazoo has

Ice cream brand Carte D’Or

ZERO NICOTINE VAPES

overhauled its price-marked pack

has transitioned its entire range

Geek Bar’s new range of zero

portfolio. Rolling out from the

from plastic tubs to responsibly

nicotine disposable 575 puff

beginning of February, Yazoo’s 1

sourced, recyclable paper tubs

vapes is available in Pink Lem-

litre bottles will be available as a

and lids. The packaging move,

onade, Sweet Strawberry, Mango

£1.79 PMP, while the core 400ml

which is set to save over 900

Ice, Passion Fruit, Banana Ice,

bottles will be price-marked at

tonnes of virgin plastic in the UK

Sour Apple, Watermelon Ice,

£1.15, with an additional flash

annually, also includes a refresh

Blueberry Ice, Strawberry Ice

showing a new ‘2 for £2’ offer.

to help it stand out in the freezer.

Cream, and Grape flavours.

NEW YEAR, NEW BEAR

REGAL LOOK Chivas Regal has unveiled a

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND

Kids fruit snacking brand Bear

new look for its flagship blend,

Yazoo is relaunching Choc Car-

has started 2022 with a new look

which sees an overhaul of Chi-

amel due to consumer demand.

across its Yoyos range that high-

vas 12’s bottle, label and pack.

The fans’ favourite variant will

lights the fun, taste and health

The bottle has been reshaped

be available in standard and

credentials of the products, to

and elongated, while still retain-

price-marked packs of 400ml

better resonate with parents and

ing its recognisable rounded

in convenience and wholesale

children and attract more shop-

shoulders, and the crest has

from early February, along with

pers to the brand.

been redesigned.

a one-litre format.

WEDNESDAY 26TH JANUARY 2022 / ISSUE 89 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 35

SOURCE OF

PROTEIN

Hovis® Seed Sensations®

SOURCE OF

FIBRE

LOW IN

FAT

Hovis® Granary

Hovis® Wholemeal

Omega 3 from seeds

Source of protein

High in fibre

A tasty blend of sensational seeds

Source of Vitamin B1

Naturally rich in wholemeal & made with 100% wholemeal flour

Selected stores. Subject to availability.

NOW THAT’S A GOOD IDEA…

OUT THE BOX

Nespresso brews up experiential store Customers can use augmented reality technology to discover more about the coffee capsule brand at a new store in Leeds.

WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA? Nespresso has debuted a new experiential store at the Trinity Leeds shopping centre, featuring augmented reality (AR) to allow shoppers explore the brand’s heritage and ranges.

Following on from the opening of its experiential format at Bluewater, Kent, in September last year, the new store features several zones to discover the Nespresso brand.

HOW DOES IT WORK? The new interactive Taste & Discover and Bard in the Coffee As An Art masterclass areas immerse customers in world where they can learn about sophisticated recipes, from roasting coffee beans to preparing cold brews.

What’s more, one-on-one coffee learning experiences, tasting and machine demonstrations are also available, along with the opportunity to find out more about the brand’s recycling process and what used capsules could become in the future. The shop also has a ‘Recycling Corner’, where customers can drop-off their used capsules to be recycled.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR CONVENIENCE? Nothing (huge) yet, but Nespresso is taking its cues from a worldwide trend

(prevalent mostly in Asia), where experiential stores are the norm for the shopper.This type of concept shops helps both brands and consumers, as shoppers are more likely to spend more time in the store discovering more ranges, while the brands can present a more holistic look of their profile – not just a product on a shelf. Categories such as alcohol and confectionery are ideally placed to benefit from the trend – and indeed they do in other parts of the retail world.

WEDNESDAY 26TH JANUARY 2022 / ISSUE 89 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 37

Top performing JUULpod flavours bring in more revenue.

Designed for adult smokers.

•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.

JUUL is an e-cigarette. This is an age restricted product and age verification is required at sale.

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.

BEFORE YOU GO

RETAIL RANDOMS

Flushed with success News has reached The Week in Retail of a patented toilet brush alternative that “could save tens of billions of litres of water”. A bold claim, and one we felt needed a closer (but not too close) look.

The delightfully-titled Shiffter is a hand-held jet wash which lets you clean your toilet using a jet of water rather than a brush.

Inventor Kam Mistry says: “As it’s used straight after you go, it does away with need to put on the rubber gloves

and scrub with a toilet brush for the weekly clean.”

Hold on. You don’t need to be a regular viewer of Downton Abbey to know that it’s considered good form to deploy the toilet brush on an “as needed” basis and not just let a week’s worth of skid marks pile up.

And how something you fill from the tap saves water is anyone’s guess. When was the last time anyonew topped up the tank on a toilet brush?

PUPPY LOVE

Further proof that the world is going to hell in a hand-cart comes with the news that greetings card company Dotty About Paper has created a range of Valentine’s Day cards for dogs after seeing a more than 200% increase in searches since the start of the year.

With around three million dogs bought during the pandemic, the

business clearly thinks there’s a market for such nonsense.

As does Steven Stone Jewellers, which is punting a range of pendants and charms so that besotted owners can step out with their pooch wearing matching bling.

If this floats your boat, you’re an idiot. But you know what they say

about a fool and his money: the necklace (nine carat yellow gold tastefully adorned with five 2mm lab-grown gemstones) and matching dog tag shown above will set you back a cool £999.

Suddenly, the though of spending two quid on a card doesn’t seem so bad after all.

WEDNESDAY 26TH JANUARY 2022 / ISSUE 89 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 39

NPD AND MEDIA

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

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