The Week in Retail 93

RETAIL THE WEEK IN

CONCEPT STORES

STORE OPENINGS

PHOENIX FROM THE FLAMES

FOCUS ON FOOD-TO-GO

SURREY STORE REOPENS AFTER DEVASTATING FIRE

BLAKEMORE CONCEPT INSPIRED BY STREET FOOD VENDORS

STORE SALES

LLANDUDNO LONDIS ATTRACTS NEW OWNER EXPERIENCED LONDON RETAILERS TO RUN THE STORE

● MENZIES CARRIAGE

CHARGE TO RISE

● CALLS FOR OVERHAUL

OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING

● SPAR ADDS TO ITS CRISPS, SNACKS & NUTS OWN-LABEL RANGE

FIRS T USE OF AGE VERI FICATION TECH BEST WAY PILOTS CONV ENIE NCE CHAN NEL’S

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Commercial Partner:

Issue 93 Wednesday 23 February 2022

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

EDITOR’S COMMENT

Light at the end of the tunnel?

The UK and Scottish governments this week revealed their timetables for lifting all legal Covid19 restrictions, including wearing face masks and self-isolating, subject to the state of the pandemic.

The announcements have unexpectedly received a mixed reaction in the retail sector, but in general the further reduction in restrictions has been welcomed.

The news comes as something of a blessing for retailers who have been struggling with low footfall after nearly two years of restrictions and, more recently, struggling with staffing issues and supply chain problems due to the fast spread of the Omicron variant.

However, there have been calls for government intervention to help things move along in the right direction and encourage people back to the high street.

The Scottish Retail Consortium says the removal of Covid laws will mean the duty to keep shops and staff safe falls on retailers. It is calling for statutory guidance on shops’ use of plastic screens and barriers, physical distancing in queues and floor markings, clarity on the future statutory requirement for customers to wear face coverings in stores, and a concerted effort and an upbeat message to encourage and entice people back into city centres.

In addition, union Usdaw said it will continue to call on employers to put the safety of its members

first and urge the public to respect shopworkers by wearing face coverings, observing hand hygiene and maintaining social distancing.

The decision to end the self-isolation support scheme in England has been slammed by the GMB union. It says the decision “guarantees” workers will attend the workplace with Covid, especially as the UK’s Statutory Sick Pay rates are among the lowest in Europe.

Let’s hope the UK and Scottish governments will see sense and give clear messages on Covid that will help protect shop workers and support retailers.

Meanwhile, more positive Covid news looks to be on its way. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has recommended an additional spring booster dose for the most vulnerable individuals as part of its latest review of the vaccination programme, which includes adults aged 75 years and over, and individuals aged 12 years and over who are immunosuppressed. The offer of a second Covid booster jab is now expected to be made in the coming weeks, according to reports.

LIZ WELLS, DEPUTY EDITOR

WEDNESDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2022 / ISSUE 93 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 3

CONTENTS

WEDNESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2022 / ISSUE 93

6

10

13

THIS WEEK’S NEWS

COVER STORY

STORE OPENINGS

The Scottish Government proposes a ban on promoting vaping products and the NFRN appoints a new Chief Operating Officer.

Blakemore Retail launches a new concept store in Aberystwyth, that offers a range of concession brands inspired by street food vendors.

Witley Village Stores, a Nisa Store located in Surrey, reopens after suffering extensive fire damage in December 2020.

9

Covid-19 update

15 Store sales

18 Advertising feature: Invest NI Northern Ireland’s long-established and

Experienced retailers the Tharmapalan

largely family-owned bakeries are well

family relocate from London to take over a

positioned to bounce back after the

Londis store in Llandudno.

challenges of the pandemic.

16 Newstrade

24 Electric vehicles

Menzies Distribution’s decision to increase

Consumer group Which? calls for an

carriage charges by 3.5% sparks anger

overhaul of the UK’s electric vehicle

among newsagents.

charging network.

TWITTER.COM/SLRMAG

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SLRMAG

26 Picks of the week A look at the latest new products and marketing campaigns.

32 Out the box: age verification Three Bestway stores in Yorkshire are taking part in a Home Office trial to test innovative approaches to age verification.

36 Before you go...

Our latest Retail Randoms.

WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2022 / ISSUE 93 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 5

NEWS DIGEST

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

MORRISONS MOVES MILK TO CARTONS

VAPING

Morrisons has become the

Scottish government vaping plans will stop smokers quitting, says SGF

first UK supermarket to sell

Consultation on tightening rules for advertising vaping products currently underway.

its own-brand fresh milk in carbon neutral cartons. From mid-February, nine types of Morrisons fresh milk will be sold in Tetra Pak cartons to save an initial 100 tonnes of plastic a year.

SPAR APPOINTS BUNKER Spar UK has appointed Nick Bunker as Non-Executive Chair of the Spar Food Distributors (SFD) board, marking the first time Spar has appointed the role of Chair from outside the business.

Proposals to outlaw the promotion of vaping products in Scotland’s shops are unjustified and risk hampering the drive for people to quit smoking, the SGF says.

The trade body has called Scottish government plans for a ban on in-store promotions to be scrapped, describing them as “bad news” for the mission to make the nation smoke-free. It argues the proposal to ban in-store promotional displays of vaping products flies in the face of expert views – shared in its own consultation on the move – that “it would be a good thing if smokers used them instead of tobacco”.

SGF Head of Public Affairs Dr John Lee said: “The evidence base presented

in the consultation document simply does not justify the measures proposed.

It clearly sets out the benefits of using vaping products to stop smoking. That it then makes the contradictory suggestion that displays of them should be banned is somewhat bewildering.

“The trouble is that banning the in-store promotion of vaping products will inevitably stall the drive to make Scotland smoke-free by 2034. This is clearly bad news for Scotland’s public health.”

SGF has shared its concerns as a government consultation on tightening rules on the advertising and vaping products – including the proposed ban – gets under way.

Bunker takes over the position from Martin Agnew, Joint Chair of Henderson Group.

NISA UNVEILS NEW £5 DEAL Nisa’s latest freezer-filling deal has landed in stores and comprises a Goodfella’s Garlic Bread 218g, Birds Eye Chicken Dippers 22pk, Co-op Battered Onion Rings 454g, McCain Garlic Wedges 650g and a Nestlé Kit Kat Ice Cream Tub 480ml for £5, saving shoppers more than £8.50 off the RSP.

NFRN appoints new Chief Operating Officer Stuart Hale has taken over the reins as Chief Operating Officer at the NFRN. Hale brings with him a wealth of experience in senior management roles in retail and manufacturing, including 18 years with electrical retailer Dixon’s.

His career has also taken him to Porsche and Jaguar Land Rover, and his most recent role was as a strategy director for Hero Wellbeing Solutions.

Hale said: “The Fed hasn’t had a COO for a while, so it’s nice for the team to have someone in place and to know that we are all working together

6 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 93 WEDNESDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2022

as a team, adding value to the business, and that their value is recognised.”

Hale will be based at the organisation’s head office at Bede House in Durham.

NEWS DIGEST

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

BLAKEMORE ADDS COOKE

RETAIL CRIME

Rehabilitation programme tackles retail crime in West Midlands

AF Blakemore & Son has appointed David Cooke to the

The initiative has saved around £2m in terms of thefts in the past six months.

newly created role of Group Commercial Director. He will

A pilot scheme to prevent repeat offences by people with alcohol and drug abuse issues is winning the fight against retail crime, claims the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).

At a meeting of the all-party parliamentary group on retail crime, West Midlands assistant PCC Tom McNeil said the initiative was preventing repeat offences at source and has saved around £2m in terms of thefts in the past six months.

He said: “The scheme is a partnership between the police, rehabilitation centres and retailers who have all invested time and money to tackle the issues of persistent offenders to help

them change their chaotic lifestyles and turn their lives around.

“It’s not about being soft, the process is still about justice and safety of the public first.

“But it’s also about taking a multi-faceted approach so that repeat offenders can get the help they need to change their ways, rather than being passed around from one organisation to another.”

The NFRN’s National President, Narinder Randhawa, said: “I hope that other PCCs and forces take note and follow the example set by the West Midlands in a bid to break the cycle of repeat offending.”

focus on developing supplier partnerships, managing commercial trading terms, developing retail propositions, and accelerating the rollout of Blakemore’s fresh food strategy.

ASDA STRIKE LOOMS Almost 70% of 8,000 Asda GMB members polled have turned down a below-inflation pay offer. Nearly 80% of warehouse and clerical workers and LGV drivers also said they were ready to strike.

GMB will meet with members

Nisa goes paperless for deliveries Nisa is introducing a new digital way of working that will see the end of paper delivery notes for all retailers.

The change means that when retailers now receive a delivery they will write on the glass of a handheld mobile device and the proof of delivery will be automatically emailed to them.

The new system will start to roll out from the end of the month with deliveries from all depots moving to the paperless system by early April.

Jess Graves, from Nisa’s Logistics Team, said: ““The new system completely

to discuss next steps.

ICELAND GROWS UBER EATS DEAL Iceland is to extend its Uber Eats partnership and increase the number of its stores available on the app after a successful trial. Currently more than 140 Iceland stores are on Uber Eats, but under the

removes the need for all the paperwork involved in the delivery process and will improve record-keeping and efficiency.”

new deal, Iceland will launch a further 200 stores on the app from April.

WEDNESDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2022 / ISSUE 93 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 7

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.

NEWS SPECIAL

COVID-19 UPDATE

Covid restrictions to be removed from law in England

GRAB2GO SECURES FUNDING Autonomous store technology start-up

The government says it will work with the devolved administrations as they decide their own plans

Grab2Go has secured over £600,000 in funding

encourage people with Covid symptoms to exercise personal responsibility, just as we encourage people who may have flu to be considerate towards others.”

In addition, the government will end free symptomatic and asymptomatic testing for the general public from 1 April and is working with retailers to ensure the public will always be able to buy a test.

Johnson said: “Today is not the day we can declare victory over Covid, because this virus is not going away.

But it is the day when all the efforts of the last two years finally enabled us to protect ourselves while restoring our liberties in full.”

The government will work with the devolved administrations as they decide their own plans.

development, expand its team, and go to market.

Grab2Go’s c-store tech is based on AI which analyses consumer behaviour and sales dynamics, letting stores better organise sales, logistics and management.

Reio Orasmäe, Grab2Go Co-founder and CSO, said: “We want to

TECH SOLUTIONS

A

ll remaining domestic Covid restrictions are to be removed from law in England, the government has revealed.

From Thursday (24 February), it will no longer be law to self-isolate if you test positive. As a result, self-isolation support payments will end, although Statutory Sick Pay can still be claimed for a further month.

Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, said: “If you’re a fully vaccinated close contact or under-18 you will no longer be asked to test daily for seven days. And if you are a close contact who is not fully vaccinated you will no longer be required to self-isolate. Until 1 April, we will still advise you to stay at home if you test positive. But after that, we will

to further product

prove that ours is a solution that changes the conception of convenience stores, just like Amazon Go did, however, our format is completely different.”

The company plans to develop its solution and grow sales in the second half of the year.

WEDNESDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2022 / ISSUE 93 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 9

C OV E R

BLAKEMOR

FOCUSED ON

Blakemore Retail has launched a new

B

lakemore Retail has launched a new concept store at Spar Aberystwyth, in mid-Wales, inspired by street food vendors.

The 2,910sq ft store, on Terrace Road, reopened on 18 February following a substantial refurbishment.

The store accommodates a new food-to-go concept called ‘Eat Some…’.

Small concession brands offer a range of innovative food solutions all under one roof. The new food brands include The Grill, WhirlyBird, Prego!, Oh So Toastie, Shake Waffle & Stroll, and Soup

There are six individual food brands available from the specially designated area within the store. The range of food-to-go products are all handmade in-store and freshly prepared at the counters. Shoppers can enjoy succulent rotisserie chicken from WhirlyBird and authentic Italian pizza to go from Prego! The Grill has a tasty selection of meat and vegetarian products ready in wraps or in bowls. Shake Waffle & Stroll brings a touch of the American diner with sweet shakes, waffles, coffee and hot drinks. Soup & Spuds offers a

catering for all tastes. We are sure the increased range of fresh foods in the store will also be a big hit.

“The addition of ‘Eat Some…’ gives us the opportunity to create a new and exciting way to give the shoppers of Aberystwyth tasty food-to-go options.

The Grill, WhirlyBird, Prego!, Oh So Toastie, Shake Waffle & Stroll and Soup & Spuds are all really exciting new brands for us to work with. We know they are going to be a roaring success.”

Spar Aberystwyth Store Manager, Mike Grasham, added: “Our team have

The store accommodates a new food-to-go concept called ‘Eat Some…’.

Small concession brands offer a range of food solutions all under one roof.

Food brands include The Grill, WhirlyBird, Prego!, Oh So Toastie, Shake Waffle & Stroll and Soup & Spuds, all exclusively owned by AF Blakemore & Spuds, which are exclusively owned

by AF Blakemore.

Also available is a fresh fruit juicing service, sandwiches made daily in-store from DailyDeli, fresh coffee and sweets treats from Philpotts, a fresh meat range from County Bridge, and an increased range of chilled foods, fresh produce, and flowers.

The retailer says Eat Some…, which offers local shoppers a variety of food to take away, is the first of its kind foodto-go concept to open in the UK.

satisfying menu and Oh So Toastie has six different tasty toasties with a number of sides. The ‘Eat Some…’ food court is open from 7am to late.

At the opening of the new Spar store, Blakemore Retail Managing Director Matt Teague said: “We are very excited to be opening our newly refurbished Spar store in Aberystwyth. We know the local community will enjoy the exciting new additions to the store.

“Our Eat Some… food-to-go concept offers shoppers a breadth of solutions

10 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 93 WEDNESDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2022

worked really hard to offer the local community a fantastic new and exciting store. We have always worked hard to deliver great customer service.

“We are sure our shoppers will love what we’ve done to the store and will enjoy the huge variety of food-to-go, fresh and chilled products now available. We are also delighted to welcome 23 new staff members to the store.”Spar Aberystwyth, which employs 45 local people, is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

S T O RY

RE RETAIL

FOOD-TO-GO

w concept store at Spar Aberystwyth.

WEDNESDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2022 / ISSUE 93 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 11

snacKing made right

We are making sure our snacks are right for people and planet – from the raw materials we rely on, to the communities we live in and the climate we all need to care for.

environmental Impact

uK facts

100

swItched to usIng

%

renewable electricity at 6 uK manufacturIng sItes

2021

global facts

20% 30% reduction reduction in total waste from

manufacturing*

in co2 emissions across

manufacturing*

sustainable sourcing

over 50% of the products in our uK biscuit range are made with sustainably sourced wheat through our harmony program**

the cocoa used in cadbury chocolate is sustainably sourced through cocoa life^

pacK light & pacK right

mondelēz International has removed 955 tonnes of pacKaging by switching dairylea and philadelphia products to widely recyclable material and reducing plastic elements in seasonal products while optimising pacKaging design. from 2022 cadbury dairy milK, made in bournville, is set to use pacKaging containing up to 30% recycled plastic.

955 tonnes

For further details on all the above go to mondelezinternational.com/Snacking-Made-Right/Reporting-and-Disclosure *From 2013 baseline to 2020

^Cadbury.co.uk/Cocoa-life

**Harmony.com

S TO R E O P E N I N G S

NISA

Witley Village Stores reopens after devastating fire A complete refit has seen the store dramatically increase in size after it was forced to close in December 2020.

S

urrey-based Witley Village Stores, an independent store that suffered extensive damage in a fire in December 2020, has reopened.

The extent of the damage meant the store had to close immediately and substantial work over the past 13 months has seen the unit undergo a complete refit to create a fresh, modern store.

Store owner Kunjal Patel, known as Kay, said: “The majority of the interior was destroyed by the fire and all of our stock suffered severe smoke damage, meaning we were essentially starting from scratch.”

Kay set out to bring back the store bigger and better than before, expanding

the existing space by 450sq ft to 1,650sq ft to offer shoppers an increased product range and a family-friendly layout with wheelchair access.

Retaining focus on luxury licensed, the store now features an enhanced range of fine wines and spirits, as well as the popular COOK range that provides shoppers with frozen ready meals, party food, and puddings.

A large chill area that houses 10m of the latest-technology chillers is also helping to maximise opportunities for this growing shopper mission.

Kay said: “This project was not possible without our prime supporters, our local community. They have shown such

phenomenal positivity and drive over the last 13 months, and I cannot thank them enough. They have truly been our strength and determination to power through.”

The store’s Retail Development Manager, Richard Bishop, added: “It’s been a long 13 months to get this store back and ready to trade and a fantastic team effort from everyone involved – both at Witley Village and Nisa.

“I’m delighted that the opening day went as smoothly as it did. The new space looks fresh and welcoming, and it is clear from the reaction of the shoppers that the store has been missed and is well-loved amongst the local community.”

WEDNESDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2022 / ISSUE 93 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 13

S TO R E S A L E S

CHRISTIE & CO

Llandudno Londis attracts new owner

Experienced retailers the Tharmapalan family will be relocating from London to run the store.

T

he Tharmapalan family, seasoned multiple operators, has bought a Londis-branded convenience store in Llandudno, North Wales.

The family, who will be relocating from London to run the business, secured funding for their purchase through commercial finance specialist Christie Finance. The Tharmapalan family says it aims to ensure the store remains a large part of the local community.

The Tharmapalans bought the store from the Boughen family. The Boughens have decided to challenge themselves to a new business venture in the hospitality sector.

James Moore-Martin, Retail Director at Christie & Co, said: “I am delighted for the Boughen family, who received a multitude of strong offers from serious operators from across the country and ultimately achieved a sale above asking price, after multiple rounds of bids.”

Moore-Martin referred the Boughens to Christie & Co’s Hospitality team, to assist their search for a hotel in Llandudnom, which identified Belle Vue House.

Moore-Martin said: “It was great to be part of this deal where we were able to act for both sides in selling their businesses. Belle Vue House ticked a number

of boxes for the Boughens due to its position near the sea in a popular tourist destination and low maintenance business model set up as holiday apartments.

Llandudno is proving to be very popular presently, we recently agreed the sale of another hotel on the seafront which has an asking price of £1.25m.”

The Boughen family said: “We are currently taking a break before we begin operating Belle Vue House. So now, lying on a beach in Mexico, we can say thank you Christie & Co for helping our dream of owning a hotel come true – we can’t wait to get in there.”

WEDNESDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2022 / ISSUE 93 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 15

NEWSP

CARRIAGE

Menzies carriage charge rise ‘triple whammy’ for retailers The retailers want to create something more akin to that seen in the Northern Ireland market.

M

enzies Distribution is to increase its carriage charge by 3.5% from 4 April, just three days after the national living wage for employees aged 23 and over increases by 6.6% and amid soaring utility bills.

NFRN National President, Narinder Randhawa, said: “This is a bitter blow for Menzies Distribution’s retail customers as it comes at a time when our costs are spiralling out of control.“Where are retailers supposed to find the cash to fund this increase? Wholesalers should be going to the publishers who not only control cover prices but the margins across the industry too.”

RANDWHA WARNING Randhawa warned that this latest increase could push more independent retailers into dropping the news category completely in favour of products that offer enhanced margins and

16 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 93 WEDNESDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2022

that demand less time and effort being spent on them.

Alternatively, others could take control of the price and margin, by covering the RSP on the front pages of both newspapers and magazines and setting their own cover price.

Randhawa added: “Quite rightly, all wholesalers decided to freeze their charges during the pandemic in recognition of the torrid time that retailers were facing. Sadly, very little has changed, and many members continue to struggle financially. Menzies Distribution’s management also has to recognise that

PA P E R S

E CHARGE

it is impossible for retailers to pass these extra costs onto their customers.”

The charge increase was announced just days after the NFRN’s summit, attended by news wholesalers and national newspaper representatives, which heard the newspaper category still has a “bright future” but the industry must work collaboratively to promote it.

Randhawa said: “During the summit, all parties were reminded that retailers have seen no increases in payments for inserting supplements or handling vouchers for many years. Having listened to our concerns about these paltry payments, it is baffling that just a few days later we are told that the carriage charge is going up. There is no justification, especially as Menzies is failing to provide all members with a high level of service.”

The summit discussed the sustainability of the supply chain, some of the

challenges facing independent newsagents, and the merits of cut-off extensions. It was identified that opportunities existed around retail subscriptions and home news delivery.

NFRN members shared experiences around the handling and returns processes for vouchers, and publishers and wholesalers agreed to look in the principles of making these paperless. It was also deemed important to create one database of home news delivery retailers and to ensure the data was refreshed regularly.

INITIATIVES Accepting that bunching and late newspapers impacted negatively on the service to stores, publishers and wholesalers said they would explore ways of using technology for live updates.

Working groups comprising representatives from all three sectors will now be set up to progress these initiatives.

Randhawa said: “Buying a newspaper is still one of the key reasons for customers to come into our members’ stores, so it is important that the printed word survives and thrives. But it is equally important that independent retailers get the level of service that they deserve.

“I am pleased that we were able to get key colleagues from publishing and news wholesaling in one room for such a positive discussion and that all attendees expressed a willingness to work to work together to safeguard the future of the printed word.”

Smiths News Chief Executive, Jon Bunting, added: “It was a really constructive meeting where we focused on the things that both unite us and also where we have differing perspectives.

Importantly, we all left with a common understanding of the areas we will look to tackle first.”

WEDNESDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2022 / ISSUE 93 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 17

PROMOTIONA

INVEST NORTH

RISING TO THE OCCASION T

he pandemic has had a deep impact on bakery as has been the case for most categories and has been a challenging landscape to navigate, but the diverse Northern Irish bakery sector are more than ready to face these challenges head on.

As the third largest agri-food sector in Northern Ireland, the bakery sector is represented by a healthy blend of larger operators, family run businesses and smaller artisanal operations ensuring an industry that is well-equipped to deal with the ever changing landscape. So whether it be innovative, premium products to capitalise on what will certainly

be a more sociable and celebratory year, operations that are attuned to the ever-increasing requirements around health & sustainability, or operators ready & equipped to tackle the re-formulation challenges posed by HFSS, the Northern Irish bakery sector offers a broad spectrum of innovative solutions.

Sweet and savoury bakery products from Northern Ireland are popular across the UK, and with good reason.

Healthy and hearty wheaten bread and soda farls from the griddle, buttery cakes and tray bakes and indulgent sausage rolls have flown off retail shelves for decades. Alongside this, Northern

18 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 93 WEDNESDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2022

Ireland bakeries have been quick to offer vegan and gluten-free alternatives that rival traditional recipes in terms of taste and quality. These are challenging times for the wider food sector, with rapidly rising ingredient and production costs driving increased commercial pressure.

Now, more than ever, flexibility, innovation and strong customer relationships are crucial. Northern Ireland’s long-established and largely family-owned bakeries are well positioned for continued growth. Committed to using quality, often locally produced ingredients, provenance and outstanding flavour are guaranteed.

A L F E AT U R E

HERN IRELAND

ASHERS BAKING CO Ashers Baking Co was founded in 1993 in the Co Antrim town of Ballyclare by Mr & Mrs McArthur using their family recipes. Since then we have been refining our recipes. We then moved to our new shop in Newtownabbey which seen the bakery go from strength to strength, we now have 7 shops and an 8,000 sq feet bakery also in Newtownabbey.

We are now planning further expansion. We have just purchased a site which when we finish extending, we will move from 8,000 sq ft to 24,000 sq ft. A lot of investment will be going into the expansion of our sausage roll plant.

We produce a wide range of products including, breads, baps, rolls, morning goods. Also a wide range of cakes from round cakes to cupcakes and tray-bakes. We have a small range of fresh cream including pavlova, BFG, choc swiss rolls and 2pk favourite such as coconut fingers and Valencia slices. I can’t forget our famous sausage rolls. We supply both fresh chilled packs and frozen for the hospitality/food service sectors.

CONTACT: COLIN DONALDSON Mob: +44 (0)75467511425 E: wholesale@ashersbakingco.com W: www.ashersbakingco.com

CRUST AND CRUMB Crust and Crumb Bakery operate from four BRC “AA” approved production facilities in the UK (Northern Ireland) and Europe (Republic of Ireland), with one dedicated Gluten/Vegan Free production site.

We are Ireland’s largest manufacturer of chilled pizza along with an extensive range of ambient, chilled, and frozen flatbread products. Crust & Crumb Specialise in private label Pizza, Pizza Bases, Naan Breads, Pitta Breads, Garlic Flatbreads and Tortilla Wraps and currently export globally. We pride ourselves in our ability to be innovative to meet customer requirements.

Most recently we have invested in a 75sq m woodfired oven built in Italy. This, along with our slow fermented and hand stretched dough, meets our customer demands giving them an authentic restaurant – quality pizza, with enhanced flavour, texture, and taste.

CONTACT: MARK McCAFFREY Mob: +44 (0)7778597433 E: sales@crust-crumb.com W: crust-crumb.com Facebook: @CrustandCrumbBakeryLtd LinkedIn: @crust-&-crumb-bakery-ltd

WEDNESDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2022 / ISSUE 93 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 19

PROMOTIONA

INVEST NORTH

GENESIS BAKERY

HOLMES BAKERY

Genesis Bakery produces a wide range of morning goods and sweet treats for some of the country’s most discerning retailers.

Established in 1937, Holmes Bakery was acquired by Woodwin Catering Ltd in 2009 and produces a superb range of biscuits, traybakes and seasonal goods.

Genesis development bakers have been behind some of the UK’s most successful cake launches recently including Colin the Caterpillar cupcakes, Biscakes and loaf cakes for M&S, Iced Spiced buns for Waitrose and Finest Bakewell Tarts for Tesco. While a large part of the company’s business is in private label, it also has its own very successful Genesis brand, with pancakes, hot cross buns and wide variety of other breads, including Northern Ireland’s best-selling wheaten bread, being delivered to more than 500 stores weekly.

The family of products which are marketed under the distinctive ‘Holmes Bakery’ brand, represent a unique blend of traditional recipes and ingredients with convenience.

Under the Afters brand, the company hand crafts seasonal and all-year-round small cakes and pastries.

CONTACT: JP LYTTLE T: +44 (0)28 7963 2465 E: jp.lyttle@genesisbakery.co.uk W: Under Construction Insta: @genesisbakeryltd Twitter:@genesis_bakery Facebook: @genesisbakeryltd

20 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 93 WEDNESDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2022

Holmes Bakery operates from a state-of-the-art production facility and has a longstanding commitment to new product development.

Accredited to standard of Salsa Accreditation, Holmes Bakery has won many Great Taste Awards and Blas na h’Eireann Awards including Gold at Blas 2021 for Holmes Butter Shortbread Biscuit CONTACT: GILLIAN CASTLES T: +44 (0)28 3835 1530 Mob: +44 (0)7736613677 E: info@holmesbakery.com W: www.holmesbakery.com Twitter: @HolmesBakeryNI Facebook: @Holmes Bakery

A L F E AT U R E

HERN IRELAND

IRWIN’S BAKERY Irwin’s bakery is a fourth generation family-owned bakery with over 350 employees in Portadown. Manufacturing bread and bakery products under Irwin’s brands and retailer own label to grocery, convenience and food service channels across the UK. Home to the iconic Nutty Krust batch plain bread and their famous muffins and fruit loaf ranges.

They also bake Irwin’s Veda, a popular malted loaf.

Recently, Irwin’s Bakery has launched Irwin’s Together, a range of breads and bakery goods that inspire the consumer to trade up through premium products in morning goods and alternative bread sectors. These products have stand out packaging for shelf and clearly defining usage occasions with meal ideas to engage consumers. A range of 15-20 products, some with Irish roots, some more globally inspired are planned over the next 5 years.

CONTACT: SALES AND MARKETING TEAM T: +44 (0)28 3833 2421 W: irwinsbakery.com FB: @irwinsbakery Insta: @irwinsbakery Linkedin: @linkedin

THE COOKIE JAR MOURNE AND BREAD Founded in 1965 as a small family bakery, the busines specialises in traditional Irish Breads, Wheaten Bread and Soda Bread Scones etc.

Over the years it has added more bread products to its range, including Sourdoughs, Brioche and Croissants.

Its range of ‘Bake your Own Bread’ mixes, which include Wheaten Bread, Scone and Soda Mix, are designed to be convenient for the home baker to re-create the taste of its breads.

The company has won Great Taste and Irish Food Awards. It has supplied national supermarket chains and its products can be found all over the world.

CONTACT: JAMES HERRON Mob: +44 (0)7860220180 T: +44 (0) 28 4372 2427 work E: info@mourneandbread.co.uk W: mourneandbread.co.uk Facebook: @mourneandbread Facebook: @CookiejarBakeryNewcastle Instagram: @cookiejardude80 / @mourneandbread Twitter: @mourneandbread

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P R O M O T I O N A L F E AT U R E

INVEST NORTHERN IRELAND

WAFER LTD Wafer Ltd is a family business Based in Derry City, Northern Ireland.

Established in 1989 to make wafer products for the ice cream and confectionery industry, last year it made its first foray into the world of packaging with its innovate new product Eco-Tub™, the edible ice cream tub. EcoTub™ is one of the fastest decomposing ice cream tubs in the world, breaking down in only 10 days on regular food compost.

The product has won ‘Best New product at the UK national ice cream Expo 2021 and was shortlisted for most innovative packaging at Gulf Foods 2020.

CONTACT: JOE DOHERTY T: +44 (0) 7764460300 E: joe@waferltd.co.uk W: www.waferltd.co.uk FB: https://www.facebook.com/joe.doherty.10004

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE SPONSORED BY

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We work with NI producers to help identify new trends, bring forward innovative products and grow their business.

Northern Ireland.

Bringing our world-class food and drink to your table.

When you source bakery products from Northern Ireland, you can be sure of their pure, natural, quality. Quality products come from the finest ingredients. Rich grass-fed dairy, locally milled flour and free range eggs are sourced close to home, delivering the food security and provenance customers demand. For our farmers and producers, sustainability means working to support Northern Ireland’s lush natural environment.

Our craft bakeries have national capability, bringing you the traditional Irish breads you crave and a lot more besides, from sweet treats and savoury pastries to vegan and free-from options for everyone. Invest NI partners with local producers to help market their bakery expertise to grow your business.

For more information on Northern Ireland’s wide range of quality and innovative food and drink products, contact Michelle Charrington, T: 07817 173 514 E: michelle.charrington@investni.com or Drew McIvor, T: 07813 544 535 E: drew.mcivor@investni.com

Northern Ireland. Altogether more.

ELECTRIC

CHARGING NETWORK

Which? calls for overhaul of electric vehicle charging The consumer group’s annual car survey highlights low usage of the public charging network.

C

onsumer champion Which? is calling for a major upgrade to the UK’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure after its research found that only 13% of charging happens via the public network.

Which’s annual car survey highlights low usage of the public network, with only 15% of EV charging and 5% of hybrid charging currently happening at public charge points.

In a new report, ‘Building an electric vehicle charging infrastructure that is fit for the future’, Which? makes the case for major developments in the public charging infrastructure.

While Which?’s research also shows that 93% of vehicle owners are currently able to charge at home, the Competition and Markets Authority estimates that over eight million households will not be able to charge at home due to limited access to off-street parking.

The consumer champion is calling for a significant increase in the number of charging stations both on-street and at service stations – particularly in areas where they are scarce – as well as requiring charge points that are currently restricted to specific brands to be available to all EVs. Action is also needed to simplify a system that currently has around 60 different charging networks, many of which need

a specific app or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) card. Which? believes that drivers using charge points should be able to pay with their bank card where possible or use a single app/RFID card that is accepted by all networks.

Which? also believes the public charging network should be able to charge at a comparable rate to charging at home.

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Sue Davies, Which? Head of Consumer Protection Policy, said: “Improving the UK’s flawed charging infrastructure will support more motorists to make the switch to a zero-emission vehicle. The current confusing and complex system needs to be quickly overhauled if the network is going to be ready for the ban on new fossil fuel cars in 2030.”

VEHICLES

OFFICE FOR ZERO EMISSION VEHICLES

Grant applications process may be hindering EV rollout Survey finds more than half of respondents claimed that the complexity of applying for and reclaiming government grants was posing a challenge.

O

ffice for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) grant applications are the biggest hurdle electric vehicle charge point installers are facing and may be hindering the EV rollout, new research reveals.

A survey of EV installers in the UK, carried out by charge point management platform Fuuse, found over half of respondents claimed that the complexity of applying for and reclaiming the government grants were posing a challenge for them.

It found that 40% of EV installers said the process for the Homecharge scheme – which is due to scale back next month – was difficult to navigate, with over 10% calling for the OZEV schemes to be scrapped altogether. Requesting too much information, manual paperwork, and lengthy payment delays were cited as the main pain points with the current application process.

Discussing calls to scrap the OZEV grants, founder of the UK EV Installers community James Harding, said: “If there’s a consensus [in the EV installer community] it’s a concern that installation standards may fall. The OZEV grant process is a barrier to entry and their exacting standards, whilst burdensome, keep the cowboys away, because rejected grants can cost the installer £350 each time.”

The Fuuse report also found there is a need for better and clearer education in the market, with 46% of installers citing client knowledge and understanding as posing another challenge.

Rising costs are also potentially holding back installations, as the report explores how increased equipment prices and salaries are leading to higher

costs for installers – and the potential effect on decisions to transition.

Michael Gibson, Chief Executive of Fuuse, said: “We’re actively championing installers to help address some of these barriers, supplying them with documents for their customers, features to help them grow their business and support to help them thrive.”

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NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – SPAR

SPAR ADDS TO CRISPS, SNACKS & NUTS OWN-LABEL RANGE

The symbol group is adding 11 new products to the Spar Brand crisps, snacks and nuts portfolio.

Spar has added several new lines to its own label

own-label nuts collection has been refreshed and

range of crisps, snacks and nuts.

given a complete new look and feel for more

The symbol group is adding 11 new products to

presence on shelf.

the Spar Brand crisps, snacks and nuts portfolio,

Bhavika Thakrar, Spar UK Senior Brand

which will arrive in stores around the UK on 28

Manager, said: “The UK market value of crisps,

February 2022.

popcorn, nuts and savoury snacks has risen over

Following a full review of the category two new flavours – Hoisin Duck and Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar – are being introduced to the Spar Handcooked Crisps range.

the last two years and this is reflected in sales in our Spar stores.

“Innovation in this category is key with many shoppers looking to try new flavours.”

Within the sharing and impulse ranges, the

Thakrar concluded: “We have added these

on-trend Hot & Spicy in 39p and £1 formats and

new and improved SKUs in response to

Ready Salted Sticks will also join the portfolio.

customers looking for innovation, value, healthier

Brazil Nuts and Apricots are two new additions to the healthy snacking nuts range. The Spar

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options, limited editions and premium lines in the category.”

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – WOTSITS

WOTSITS EXPANDS PORTFOLIO The new range will be supported by a £1.5m marketing campaign throughout April.

PepsiCo is expanding its Wotsits range with the launch of Wotsits Crunchy.

The crunchy snacks are available in Really Cheesy and Flamin’ Hot flavour from 11 April.

The brand is driving awareness of the new Wotsits Crunchy range through a supporting £1.5m marketing campaign throughout April, which includes digital, social advertising, and shopper activations.

Katherine Cook, Walkers Snacks Marketing Manager at PepsiCo, said: “Offering a variety of snack options has always been important to the Wotsits brand, and we know consumers are incredibly keen to experience new textures and flavours.

This is exactly why we have introduced the new

Wotsits Crunchy – to meet those shoppers’ needs.

Following a challenging two years, I’m sure we could all benefit from a moment of melty – and now crunchy – Wotsits enjoyment.

“Wotsits Crunchy gives consumers the chance to experience their favourite brand in a new way.

We know there is an appetite for crunchier snacks, especially when it comes to sharing as 95% of shared snacking occasions are based around this texture. Wotsits Crunchy range aims to help retailers tap into this segment, and also bring new shoppers to the Wotsits brand who may have previously felt a yearning for that irresistibly crunchy texture.”

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NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – WOLF BLASS

WOLF BLASS CHALLENGES THE STATUS QUO WITH ITS LATEST CAMPAIGN The campaign involves the largest ever regional investment and support across ATL, in-store, PR, digital, and events.

Treasury Wine Estate’s (TWE) premium wine

will use Finecast, the video-on-demand platform,

brand, Wolf Blass, is launching a new nationwide

to reach a targeted demographic of more than

campaign in March.

three million adults, aged 35+ with an income of

The ‘Why Settle When You Can Soar’ campaign

£25,000 and above.

will challenge the status quo and the expected

The commercial, which features a cross-section

norms of the wine category and celebrates those

of people from all walks of life, across different age

who break the conventions.

groups, sexual and gender identities, and those

The campaign, which sees the largest-ever

with disabilities, is intended to strongly resonate

regional investment and support across ATL,

with consumers and pioneer the brand’s support

in-store, PR, digital and events, is expected to

for inclusivity for all.

reach millions of consumers through a burst of video-on-demand advertising and a continuation of the brand’s successful partnership with luxury travel deals company Secret Escapes.

The promotion, which marks the second time that Wolf Blass has partnered with Secret Escapes, launches on 1 March and runs until 31 May. The promotion will see just under 900,000 bottles across the UK and Northern Ireland tagged with prize-winning QR codes. Entrants will have to scan the QR code on the tagged wine bottles to be in with the chance of winning instant prizes and credits. One lucky winner will receive a holiday to either Thailand or New York, and 4,000 runners up will each receive a £25 voucher, redeemable on the Secret Escapes site with a minimum £125 spend.

The promotion will be supported by social media and influencer engagement.

In addition, a TV commercial will appear on screens from March until May. The commercial

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WB-YL-KV-A4-PORT-v1.indd 1

14/02/2022 17:59

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – IRN-BRU

IRN-BRU SET TO DRIVE SALES WITH £6M BRAND INVESTMENT The campaign will run across TV, digital and social during March and April.

Barr Soft Drinks is investing £6m in Irn-Bru,

iants of Irn-Bru prominently to attract shoppers to

spearheaded by three new adverts.

the fixture. Irn-Bru sugar-free is Scotland’s leading

The company says the campaign will continue

low calorie flavoured carbonate, while Irn-Bru Xtra

to “clearly differentiate Irn-Bru from all other car-

has grown 4.5 times faster than total flavoured

bonates with the Irn-Bru attitude and personality

carbonates.

that the brand is famous for”.

The campaign will run across a number of media channels during March and April, including TV, digital and social, reaching 90% of 16-34-yearolds in Scotland.

Adrian Troy, Marketing Director at Barr Soft Drinks, said: “Last year’s campaign got people talking about the phenomenal taste of Irn-Bru, everyone loves it but they all describe it differently.

This year’s campaign continues the great taste debate with three new, thoroughly entertaining broadcast adverts to help drive overall category sales during the key spring and summer period.”

Soft drinks remains one of the most important categories to drive footfall for the Scottish retail trade and within this, Flavoured Carbonates accounts for 24% of total soft drinks, highlighting the importance of Irn-Bru’s role in-store.

During the four weeks of last year’s campaign, Irn-Bru delivered the fastest growth of all flavoured carbonate brands. This year retailers can use vibrant, eye-catching point of sale material to create in-store/in-depot theatre and maximise incremental sales during the campaign.

Barr Soft Drinks is also advising retailers about the importance of offering shoppers all three var-

WEDNESDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2022 / ISSUE 93 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 29

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – THE COLLECTIVE

RUBICON AIMS TO DRIVE DEMAND FOR EXOTIC FLAVOURS Rubicon Still Pineapple is expected to drive excitement in the soft drinks category when it launches in March.

Barr Soft Drinks is launching a new flavour into its Rubicon still juice drink portfolio in time for retailers to maximise sales this spring.

Rubicon Still Pineapple is expected to drive excitement in the soft drinks category as shoppers are looking out for more choices in the lead-up to occasions such as Ramadan.Pineapple is already the third-biggest flavour within 1L juices and Barr Soft Drinks says more than 90% of consumers asked said that they would buy Rubicon Pineapple having seen the concept, and 80% of those who tried it said they would definitely buy it.

Adrian Troy, Marketing Director at Barr Soft Drinks, said: “We’re encouraging retailers to stock up on this new innovation from Rubicon, alongside our other bestselling Still formats, to drive sales by catering for the demand of trusted, authentic brands during occasions such as Ramadan.”

The company is encouraging retailers to create in-store theatre early to drive seasonal soft drinks sales. As well as making the most of POS at fixture which highlights NPD, Barr also advised retailers to signpost the category to entice shoppers and boost basket spend. ● The variant will be available from March in a 1L plain pack and PMP (£1.29) and a 288ml plain pack.

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NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK

SLEEK CANS

TASTE GUARANTEE

KIDS PASS

AG Barr is launching sleek can

BrewDog is introducing ‘The

Mars Food UK is bringing back

variants of Rubicon Spring Black

Brewdog Guarantee’ – offering

Dolmio’s on-pack partnership

Cherry Raspberry and Orange

shoppers a full refund if they are

with Kids Pass, the family savings

Mango in single cans and multi-

not satisfied. The guarantee is

membership club. The activation

packs. The sleek 330ml format

available on Brewdog’s headline

will enable shoppers to unlock

is growing in popularity, up 40%

range and is being promoted

exclusive discounts and offers

since 2019, and can help retailers

on 4-packs of Punk IPA, Lost

with big brand partners like Go

cater for new drinking occasions

Lager, Hazy Jane, Elvis Juice,

Ape, Odeon, Haven, Sea Life,

in and out of the home.

and Planet Pale.

and Gulliver’s World.

BRIGHT PINK

GETTING FRUITY

HEALTHIER BITES

Fanta is launching a bright pink

Mars is making two fruity addi-

Biscuit manufacturer Pladis

variant with a mystery flavour.

tions to its ice-cream range.

has reformulated its Go Ahead!

Consumers can solve the mys-

Starburst Ice Lolly contains lay-

Fruit & Oat bakes to make them

tery by scanning QR codes on

ers of ice-cream flavours with a

healthier. The new recipe has less

packs and viewing online video

jelly base. Skittles Stix features

saturated fat and sugar, while

clues, which will develop across

fruity ice-cream and a sugar

maintaining its fibre levels. The

several weeks. The campaign

pearl centre. Both are available

revamped bakes, which have an

is supported by a multi-mil-

as multi-packs (RSP £2.50) and

RSP of £1.59, will be available

lion-pound marketing activation.

singles (RSP £1.40).

from the end of February.

WEDNESDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2022 / ISSUE 93 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 31

NOW THAT’S A

OUT TH

COMING

Bestway stores in Yorkshire are taking part in a Home Office regulat

B

estway Wholesale is partnering with Innovative Technology to pilot the convenience channel’s first use of age verification technology.

TELL ME MORE The trial is part of the Home Office and Office for Product Safety and Standards regulatory sandbox, which gives industry and retail the chance to test innovative approaches to age verification, such as digital ID.

Other participants in the regulatory sandbox are Co-op, Tesco, Asda, Aldi, and Morrisons.The Bestway/Innovative Technology trial will run across three Bestway Retail stores in Leeds: Bargain Booze in Otley, Wine Rack in Roundhay, and Tippl in Garforth.

HOW DOES THE TECHNOLOGY WORK? Innovative Technology’s ICU age verification technology is the most accurate

32 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 93 WEDNESDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2022

independently tested system worldwide and is tailored to help retailers avoid selling alcohol and tobacco products to underage customers. While the trial will still require humans to check customers’ ages, the technology has potential use cases in retail, particularly when it comes to protecting staff from abuse.

The ICU technology is non-intrusive and uses cutting-edge AI that incorporates spoof detection technology. ICU’s specially trained algorithms can detect

A GOOD IDEA…

HE BOX

G OF AGE

tory ‘Sandbox’ trial to test innovative approaches to age verification.

screening outcome visible to staff. Once a customer is scanned, the screen will flash green if above 25 or red if 25 or under, alerting staff that further age verification is required.

WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING?

photographs and videos to prevent fraud attempts and takes place in the background without affecting the user experience. ICU does not require internet access and scans the face completely offline in seconds. The technology is fully GDPR compliant, as once the face scan is processed, all related data to that subject is permanently deleted.

The ICU verification technology can be installed alongside point of sale with the screen facing the customer and the

Mike Hollis, Retail Director at Bestway Wholesale said: “We’re proud to be pioneering the use of age verification technology in our drinks-led specialist stores. Staff abuse is rife in the convenience channel, with the Association of Convenience Stores’ 2021 Crime Report highlighting that there were over a million incidents of verbal abuse and about 40,000 incidents of violence against people working in convenience stores in the past year alone.

“We surveyed staff in our three participating stores and the responses received showed that staff abuse, particularly when it comes to the refusal to

sell alcohol, is a significant issue. All participants agreed that using technology could reduce staff abuse and we believe that using the ICU screen will act as a deterrent when it comes to staff abuse.

It will also give retailers peace of mind and ensure that they avoid prosecutions, fines, or losing their licence for the missale of alcohol or tobacco products.”

Dr Andrew O’Brien, ICU Product Manager, added: “We are delighted to be accepted into the UK Government sandbox scheme and see all our hard work undertaken over the past few months come to fruition. Our team have liaised with local licensing authorities, local police officers and local councils to ensure our solution is safe, legal and meets the criteria of the scheme. ICU age verification technology will now be piloted in several Bestway Retail stores in Yorkshire, and we will closely monitor our test sites to ensure we support the retailers and collate the relevant data throughout the trial.”

THEN WHAT? The trials are due to end in May and the learnings will assist in identifying consumer protection issues that need to be addressed and support the development of national standards for technology.

The government will consider the results during future policy development.

Any use of the technology after the trials conclude will be a matter for local authorities and local police.

WEDNESDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2022 / ISSUE 93 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 33

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

BEFORE YOU GO

RETAIL RANDOMS

Swap flops It looks like the ongoing supply chain problems that are causing empty shelves are now starting to bleed into supermarkets’ home delivery services.

A new survey from consumer group Which? has found that almost two-infive (39%) shoppers were given a substitution in their most recent home delivery.

It also appears that the supermarkets are getting increasingly desperate when it comes to deciding what constitutes a reasonable swap.

Aldi topped the list for substitutions, with just under half (49%) of respondents saying they’d been given an alternative product. The majority of these were probably fine. However, pity the poor customer who asked for breaded fish fillets but was given a tub of Ben and Jerry’s Phish Food ice cream instead.

It gets better. A bright spark at Sainsbury’s thought a Victoria sponge was a suitable replacement for sponge scourers.

That’s someone who’s never used cake to clean a pot before.

The list goes on and could easily fill a page. It runs the gamut from hen’s eggs

for Creme Eggs to sausage rolls for toilet rolls, and all the mults are guilty.

If it’s any consolation for the Aldi shopper, ice cream and chips is delicious.

IT’S THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS Valentine’s Day has mercifully come

sonable indicator that Cupid was

and gone for another year and new

keeping busy.

data from PayPoint suggests that

The bad news is that Valentine’s

romance isn’t dead. Although it may

Day itself saw a total of 55,875 par-

need a defibrillator.

cel returns, a 158% increase on the

Apparently a whopping 74,080 parcels were picked up from Col-

previous Monday, 7 February, which saw a paltry 21,630 take-backs.

lect+ stores between 11 and 14 Feb-

Oh well. As Nick Williams, Head

ruary. One can only imagine what

of Strategic Partners & Product, Par-

they contained, and if batteries were

cels at PayPoint, gallantly pointed

included. However, it’s a fairly rea-

out: “It’s the thought that counts.”

WEDNESDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2022 / ISSUE 93 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 35

NPD AND MEDIA

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

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UK & ROI, 18+. Promotion Period: 00.01 17/01/22 – 23.59 01/05/22. No purchase necessary for Northern Ireland & ROI. Purchase necessary in GB. Visit website or scan QR code on back of promotional pack and follow the instructions for entry. Internet & personal details required. Main Prize: 1 trip to Warner Bros World in Abu Dhabi for winner and guest (exclusions apply). Instant Win Prizes: 2 pairs of cinema tickets to be daily for the XXXX duration of the promotion (choice of cinema at the discretion of the Promoter). Wrap Up Prize: Entrants who enter between 00.00 02/05/22 – 23.59 36 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE XXwon / WEDNESDAY 2021 30/11/22, will be placed in a final draw for a chance to win £500/€ equivalent. Max 1 Instant Win entry/household/day. Max 1 Instant Win Prize/person/household. Max 1 prize draw entry/person.

Prize fulfilment subject to C19 guidance and circumstances beyond the control of the Promoter. Receipt may be requested. Visit www.oreo.eu for full T&Cs, prize details and NI/ROI NPN.