The Week in Retail 95

RETAIL

THE WEEK IN

RETA IL VIOLENCE

UNDER ATTACK

VIOLENCE REMAINS HIGH, BUT RETAILERS ARE FIGHTING BACK STORE OPENINGS

LAST ORDERS

NISA LOCAL OPENS ON SITE OF DERELICT PUB STORE OPENINGS

SHOTTS WELCOMES NEW POST OFFICE ALLANTON POST OFFICE OPERATES IN NEW C-STORE

+

● NISA AND JISP

REACH STORE MILESTONE

●

SOUTH QUEENSFERRY WELCOMES NEW SPAR STORE

●

ACS SETS OUT PLAN FOR CHANCELLOR TO SUPPORT LOCAL SHOPS

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Issue 95 Wednesday 9th March 2022

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

EDITOR’S COMMENT

Shop kind The Association of Convenience Stores released its annual Crime Report this week, alongside trade union Usdaw publishing the results of its annual crime survey. As usual, both made for very sad reading.

During the pandemic, convenience stores were repeatedly targeted by criminals as they were often some of the only businesses trading. A quarter of independent retailers have experienced violence in the past year, at an average cost of £1,066 per store.

In the past year, there have also been an estimated 35,216 incidents of violence in the sector, 9% of which result in injury, and there have been more than 800,000 incidents of verbal abuse. Shockingly, 16,753 violent incidents involved a weapon, and these attacks have cost the sector £4m in total.

In addition, 77% of retailers have experienced cybercrime in the past year, including phishing emails, hacking, and ransomware. It is truly horrific that retailers and their employees are having to face these situations daily.

However, retailers have sent a clear message that they will not sit back and take this, investing £246m in crime in the past year – that’s £5,239 per store on average. The top areas of investment are security staff, CCTV, and intruder alarms.

It’s so frustrating that retailers are having to pay out for this equipment when they could be investing the money in their businesses, creating jobs, and helping their local communities.

Although the situation is pretty bleak, it’s good to hear that retailers’ voices are starting to be heard, with twice as many Police and Crime Commissioners making reference to business crime in their plans this year compared to 2020. Furthermore, new legislation is on the way to make attacking a shopworker a more serious offence, the new drugs strategy offers new approaches to tackle repeat offenders, and there has been UK-wide support for the ShopKind campaign.

However, too many crimes are still not reported because retailers have had bad experiences of the police and courts system. It’s critical that retailers report all crimes to the police to demonstrate the true scale of the problem and for the actions of the police and justice system to be targeted to stop reoffending.

LIZ WELLS, DEPUTY EDITOR

WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 95 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 3

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CONTENTS

WEDNESDAY 9 MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 95

6

10 THIS WEEK’S NEWS IN BRIEF

15 COVER STORY

OBITUARIES

The CMA unlocks the electric vehicle charging market while PayPoint is criticised for raising its charges.

Retail violence remains high, but local shops are fighting back with record investment in crime prevention measures, ACS research shows.

Dundee retailer and co-founder of the 1st Stop 2 Shop store chain, Mohammed Issa MBE, passes away at the age of 59.

9

23 Till sales

Covid-19 update The latest coronavirus-related news.

14 Store openings Allanton in Shotts, North Lanarkshire

Convenience sales rise 3.3% in February,

As the war in Ukraine intensifies, the Post

new data from NielsenIQ reveals.

Office and Musgrave Group both launch

24 Access to cash

welcomes a new post office and Premier

Almost three-quarters of shoppers used

store.

cash at some point in the past two weeks,

16 Retail technology Nisa Retail increases the number of stores participating in Jisp’s Scan & Save national roll-out to 54.

17 Store openings A Nisa Local opens on the site of a derelict pub in Abertridwr, Caerphilly and South

30 Community

the highest level LINK has recorded during the pandemic.

25 Business intelligence

initiatives to help refugees fleeing the conflict.

32 Awards The winners of SLR’s Products of the Year Awards 2021 are revealed.

37 Picks of the week

Supermarket shopping grew 12.9% in

A look at the latest new products and

February, the smallest uplift in two years,

marketing campaigns, including the drink

new Barclaycard data reveals.

28 Newstrade

industry’s “biggest innovation in a decade”.

44 Out the box: flying taxis

Queensferry welcomes a new 1,000sq ft

Daily and Sunday Telegraph cover prices

The first hub for flying taxis and delivery

Spar store.

increase, but retailers won’t benefit from

drones is set to become reality. And it’s in

21 Cash withdrawals Personal cash withdrawals over Post Office

the ‘improved’ margin until September.

29 Spring Statement

Coventry.

47 Before you go...

counters were up 3.2% month-on-month

The Association of Convenience Stores

Our latest Retail Randoms take a bite out

in February, despite the impact of Storms

calls on the government to support local

of National Pie Week and credit Asda for

Dudley and Eunice.

shops in this month’s Spring Statement.

an important in-store signage change.

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WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SLRMAG

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WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 95 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 5

NEWS DIGEST

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

ICELAND JOBS Iceland will be fast-tracking Ukrainians who want to come to the UK by offering

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

CMA unlocks charging competition

Gridserve has agreed not to enforce exclusive rights in contracts with Extra, Moto or Roadchef.

them jobs within its depot network. Iceland Managing Director Richard Walker said: “They’ll get support in finding accommodation and their right to work application.”

CANNABIS ADS British Cannabis has launched a media campaign for its flagship CBD by British Cannabis range, as part of a half a million pound awareness and consumer recruitment campaign for 2022/23. The advert features the brand’s range of 100% cannabis CBD oils, full-plant oral capsules, CBD Dermal Patches, and CBD Rescue Cream.

ALDI SPONSORS PARALYMPICS GB Aldi is the new official partner of ParalympicsGB, as the team competes at the Winter Paralympic Games in Beijing.

The sponsorship will run through to the next Paralympic Summer Games and means that Aldi is now the sponsor for both Great Britain’s Olympic and Paralympic teams up to Paris 2024.

6 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 95 / WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 2022

The Competition and Markets Authority has secured legally binding commitments from Gridserve, a major chargepoint operator in Great Britain, that will unlock competition and increase the choice of chargepoints on motorways for drivers and incentivise investment in the market.

Gridserve has agreed not to enforce exclusive rights in contracts with Extra, Moto or Roadchef after November 2026, which covers around two-thirds of motorway service areas in the UK. In doing so, Gridserve has committed to reducing the length of the exclusive rights in the current contracts with Moto by around two years and Roadchef by around four years.

Gridserve has also agreed not to enforce exclusive rights at any Extra, Moto or Roadchef sites that are granted

funding under the UK government’s Rapid Charging Fund.

Ann Pope, the CMA’s Senior Director of Antitrust, said: “Today’s commitments strike the right balance. Gridserve will continue to invest in the muchneeded roll-out of chargepoints across the country but the exclusivity linked to its investment won’t be an undue barrier to others competing in the near future.”

Celebrating women in convenience sector ACS has highlighted the importance of women working as colleagues, store owners and leaders in the convenience sector to celebrate International Women’s Day. There are more than 392,000 people working in the convenience sector, 70% of whom are women, and one-third of the people running the UK’s independent convenience stores are women.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “One of the most powerful paths

to success in convenience is having a strong network, so we’re keen to ensure that women in retail have the confidence to come to events and study tours and engage with their peers, as well as having the ability to learn from other leading women in the sector.” ● If you’re interested in joining the ACS’ Women’s Independent Retailer Network email sarah.johnson@acs.

org.uk

NEWS DIGEST

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

SERVICES

PayPoint criticised for raising charges

The company usually increases its rate in line with the Retail Price Index, but this year has absorbed some of the increase.

MULTI-RETAILER REFILL TRIAL M&S, Morrisons, Ocado, Waitrose and supply chain solutions company CHEP are

PayPoint is to increase its service fee charge by 3.9% next month, despite opposition from the NFRN. Letters are being sent to PayPoint customers advising that, as in past years, the company has reviewed its service fee charges in line with the Retail Price Index that stood at 7.8%.

However, PayPoint says that in recognition “of the broader cost pressures for our retailer partners, we feel it would not be right or appropriate to apply this in full” and is raising its charge by 3.9%, absorbing any additional burden.

NFRN National President, Narinder Randhawa, said: “As each day goes by, it seems that independent retailers are being hit with one blow after another.

We are already expecting huge hikes to our energy bills from April, coupled with increases in the minimum wage

to co-develop a refill solution that could reduce the 56.5 billion units of single-use plastic packaging sold annually in the UK. The Refill Coalition’s solution ambition is to test the system live in stores, and online, starting later in the year.

and associated employer contributions and the reintroduction of business rates.

He added: “When we were first told of its plans, we thought we had made it clear that we vehemently disagreed with it. It is very disappointing, then, that PayPoint is pushing ahead with any increase at such an economically challenging time for independent retailers everywhere.”

Retailers welcome w/e paper price increases DMG Media and Reach have included pro-rata percentage profit margins as part of price increases to their weekend titles.

The UK’s best-selling Saturday and Sunday newspapers will be increasing their cover prices by 10p each day from 12 March. Saturday’s Daily Mail will move to £1.20, with The Mail on Sunday increasing to £1.90. The same applies to Saturday’s Scottish Daily Mail, The Scottish Mail on Sunday, and the weekend

editions of the Irish Mail, in Northern Ireland only. Copies of the Sunday Mirror and Sunday People will also go up from £1.90 to £2.

Retail margins will be maintained, with pence per copy sold increasing pro-rata.

NFRN National President, Narinder Randhawa, said: “It is pleasing to see that DMG Media and Reach recognise the importance of all parts of the supply chain.”

UNITAS APPOINTMENT Unitas Wholesale has appointed Aoife Kenny as Commercial Director following the recent announcement of the retirement of John Baines.

Kenny will be responsible for the trading and commercial areas of the business.

ASDA’S UKRAINE DONATION Asda and its charity, the Asda Foundation, have today announced a £1m package to support displaced Ukrainian families in Europe and the UK. In addition, Asda will enable customer cash donations instore and via grocery home shopping to international charities working in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.

WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 95 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 7

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NEWS SPECIAL

COVID-19 UPDATE

Companies change supply chains after Brexit and Covid chaos

BRITS KEEN TO DITCH CHECKOUTS Checkout-less experiences

Data shows 5% of UK businesses have overhauled their supply chains since the pandemic and Brexit.

are increasingly becoming popular with the British public, research has found.

According to a new survey by autonomous stores provider Sensei, 70% of Brits would welcome checkout-free shopping, while 60% want the option of a checkout-less experience via a hybrid model.

The ONS said: “The desire to reduce offshore supply implies businesses in the UK might be looking to minimise risks from trade disruption, making their supply chains more resilient in the wake of EU exit and the coronavirus pandemic.”

In addition, the ONS said that while global supply chain pressures are at historically high levels, there are signs that these may have peaked and started to moderate a little.

However, there are now growing fears that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will have a further negative impact on global shortages.

favour a fully autonomous shopping experience, the study revealed.

TECH SOLUTIONS

A

lmost one-third of British retail, wholesale, and manufacturing firms have suffered supply chain problems caused by the pandemic and Brexit, new research reveals.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) data shows 5% of UK businesses have overhauled their supply chains, with some switching to UK suppliers, or EU suppliers with UK operations, and many diversifying their supply chains.

The data reveals that 58% of firms that have changed supply chains were using more UK suppliers since Brexit, although that is down from 71% earlier in the year.

A further 10% would

The report also found that a faster shopping experience is consumers’ biggest driver towards favouring autonomous retail (61%), followed by not having to queue in order to pay for goods (60%), and the convenience of checkoutless stores to being open 24/7 (50%).

WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 95 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 9

C OV E R

RETAIL V

UNDER ATTACK

Retail violence remains high, but local shops are fighting back with record investment in crime prevention measures, research shows.

A

● 61% said they were not confident

● 90% have experienced verbal abuse;

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw General Secretary, said: “It is shocking that nine in 10 of our members working in retail are suffering abuse from customers, with far too many experiencing threats and vio-

buse, threats and violence against shopworkers remain high and confidence in reporting incidents is low, trade union Usdaw’s annual survey reveals. The survey of nearly 3,500 retail staff shows that in the past 12 months:

● 64% were threatened by a customer;

● 12% were assaulted; that reporting abuse, threats and violence will make a difference.

10 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 95 / WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 2022

lence. Particularly concerning is the onethird increase in assaults, up from 9% in 2020 to 12% in 2021. So it is extremely worrying that nearly two-thirds are not confident that reporting these issues will make any difference.

“Violence and abuse is not an acceptable part of the job and it is truly horrific that shopworkers are having to face it on a daily basis. Although the situation

S T O RY

VIOLENCE

is bleak, there are some early signs that CCTV and intruder alarms. This investment is targeted at tackling the 970,000 our work with retail employers may be incidents of theft, 800,000 incidents starting to make a difference.” of verbal abuse and over 9,000 robHe added: “Faced with such appallberies that occurred over the last year, ingly high levels of violence and abuse, and with shopworkers’ almost complete as well as other threats like fraud and lack of confidence in the ability of the cybercrime. system to give them the protection they ACS Chief Executive, James Lowneed, much more needs to be done. The man, said: “During the pandemic, congovernment must provide the co-orvenience stores were repeatedly targeted dination needed to ensure that retail by criminals as they were often some of employers, police and the courts work together to make stores safe places for our members to work and for customers to shop.”

However, the UK’s local shops PADDY LILLIS I USDAW are fighting back against the torrent of crimes committed against them, the only businesses trading, but now according to research by the Association retailers have sent a clear message that of Convenience Stores. they will not sit back and take this, investing a record amount to keep their The trade association’s 2022 Crime Report reveals that stores have invested businesses, colleagues, and themselves a record £246m in crime prevention safer whilst ensuring that they have usameasures over the past year. On average, ble evidence to provide to the police in each store in the convenience sector the event of an incident taking place. spent over £5,000 on crime preven“The cost of this investment, almost tion measures, including security staff, a quarter of a billion pounds, primarily

comes from retailers’ own reserves. At a time when all costs are rising in the business, these figures demonstrate just how much of a priority tackling crime is for every local shop trading across the UK.” Lowman continued: “Retailers voices are being heard when it comes to taking crimes against their business seriously.

Twice as many Police and Crime Com-

“Although the situation is bleak, there are some early signs that our work with retail employers may be starting to make a difference.”

missioners make explicit reference to business crime in their plans this year compared to 2020, new legislation is on the way to make attacking a shopworker a more serious offence, the new drugs strategy offers new approaches to tackle repeat offenders, and there has been UK-wide support for the Home Office backed ShopKind campaign.

“But we still have a long way to go; too many crimes are still not being reported because many retailers have poor experiences of the response from the police and courts. We urge retailers to ensure that all crimes are reported to the police to demonstrate the true scale of the problem, and for the actions of the police and justice system to be targeted to stop reoffending.”

WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 95 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 11

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

POST OFFICE

North Lanarkshire welcomes new post office and store Shotts-based outlet is ideally located for residents, businesses and passing trade.

P

ostmaster Omar Nasir, who operates Motherwell Post Office, has taken on a branch in Allanton, Shotts, North Lanarkshire.

Allanton Post Office operates six days a week within a new convenience store selling locally sourced products, a range of snacks, and a soon-to-open café. Lee and Demi Bannatyne, from Allanton, are running the business and café on a day-to-day basis with their extended family.

The new post office is the first, permanent, like-for-like replacement for a branch previously operated by CJ Lang who announced last summer its decision to close 31 counters in its stores. The next permanent,

like-for-like replacement launches in April in Balintore, Ross-shire, with further replacements to be announced in the coming weeks.

Nasir said: “This shop and post office are ideally located for residents, businesses and passing trade. We are on the A71 – the second busiest A road in Scotland with lots of passing traffic.

We are very fortunate to have plenty of parking, so the post office is in a more convenient location than before and people can easily pop in for the post office, groceries, and a takeaway.

“We have lots of elderly people in the village and not all have cars, so it is essential to have a post office here.

People can also do all their banking

14 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 95 / WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 2022

and we are open longer hours too. We have been busy from the start and each day we are getting busier as people hear what we have to offer.”

Martin Roberts, Group Chief Retail Officer at Post Office, added: “This brand-new Post Office in Allanton demonstrates the many benefits a post office provides local residents, businesses and the wider community.

“Our strategy is to continue to work closely with independent postmasters, as well as our retail partners, to deliver innovative propositions that drive footfall to their stores and leads to commercial growth for our businesses.

“The convenience sector is key for us,” he said.

O B I T UA R I E S

MOHAMMED ISSA, MBE

1st Stop 2 Shop co-founder passes away The retailer was a community champion in Dundee, raising money for local and national charities.

D

undee retailer, Mohammed Issa, has passed away at the age of 59.

Mohammed was co-founder of c-store chain 1st Stop 2 Shop and a Bestway retailer for more than 30 years.

He was a community champion in Dundee who raised money for local and national charities. His charitable work was far-reaching – from raising funds to buy toys for sick children, to assisting the elderly and most vulnerable in his community, especially within Fintry, Dundee.

Mohammed loved being a retailer as it enabled him to directly support and interact with the people of Dundee. He was awarded Dundee Citizen of the Year as well as an MBE in 2004 for his contribution to race and community relations within the city.

In a statement, his family said that they are overwhelmed with the support that has been shown.

“We are all very heartbroken and sad at Mohammed Issa’s passing, at the same time very proud of all his achievements over the years. We will be paying a fuller tribute that is deserving to him in the trade press at a later date,” they added.

Bestway said: “We are honoured to have known Mr Issa and he will be sorely missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”

WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 95 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 15

R E TA I L T E C H N O L O G Y

JISP

Nisa and Jisp reach store milestone

The Scan & Save system enables customers to save money on branded products and is helping retailers’ relationships with brands.

N

isa Retail has increased the number of stores participating in Jisp’s Scan & Save national roll-out to 54. Scan & Save’s in-store digital voucher redemption system allows customers to save money on branded products by scanning barcodes with the Jisp app.

Retailers also earn 2p every time a customer taps an AR voucher, along with a further 4p for every redemption.

Greg Deacon, Chief Customer Officer, at Jisp, said: ‘’We’re thrilled to see our first milestone achieved with Nisa, bringing this exciting new way to shop in-store, on mobile and online to over 50 Nisa stores. From a standing

start, we’ve already had 3,000 shoppers use Jisp across partner stores and over 2,000 repeated visits. A great way for retailers to attract new shoppers, drive loyalty and increase revenues.’’

Scan & Save has delivered 111,094 scans, 52,396 taps, and 43,427 redemptions. Nisa retailers have accumulated a combined discount redemption value of £48,248 with 2,076 repeat redeemers since implementing Scan & Save in-store.

The average Jisp shopper is adding 2.5 items to the basket and saving on average £3.10 on every visit. The top-performing retailers are already seeing on average £1,400 a week in RSV with Scan & Save.

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James Taylor, Head of Central Operations at Nisa, said: “It’s brilliant to see a growing number of Nisa partners adopting the Scan & Save initiative. It is helping retailers increase sales and they are reporting product volume uplift as well as improved shopper loyalty which is all very positive news. We’ll continue to work closely with Jisp to roll out Scan & Save and ensure all our partners are aware of the clear benefits this very simple solution offers.”

Scan & Save has also assisted retailers’ relationships with brands, seeing an increase in cases ordered from 5% to 500% since September on leading lines.

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

NISA

Total transformation

The retailer was a community champion in Dundee, raising money for local and national charities.

R

etailer Shabaz Akram has launched a Nisa Local on the site of a derelict pub in the Welsh town of Abertridwr. The premises in Caerphilly had been standing empty for more than 20 years before Akram created a 3,000sq ft store beneath 10 luxury flats.

Akram, who has operated a convenience store in the area for the past two decades, said he made a “calculated risk” when purchasing the property, knowing it would be a huge project.

He said: “The building was in ruins really – it was like something out of a horror movie. There was a basement but

no actual ground floor, just a gaping big hole. Every window was smashed and the structure of the building itself was unsafe.”

The five-year project has seen the premises completely re-built with a new timber frame erected within the existing building walls and the building carefully restored to its former glory.

“The building has quite a history in the village and has some meaning for the people who live here so it was important to me that we got it right,” said Akram.

He adds: “I had a vision in my mind and knew what I wanted to achieve.

Everything in the store, it’s all my ideas: the colours, the shelving, the lighting, and the floor. I didn’t have drawings; I just could see in my head what I wanted it to look like.”

The store makes use of the latest technology, including automatic LED lighting, operated by an app.

Akram concluded: “I don’t think there are many shops now that have the real wow factor, there are lots of stores out there that look just like each other, but this is different – everything has been done to the very best standard and I am delighted with the finish.”

WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 95 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 17

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

SPAR SCOTLAND

South Queensferry welcomes new Spar store The 1,000sq ft store, which was previously with Premier, has undergone a small refurbishment.

R

etailer Mohammed Akhtar has opened a new Spar store in Scotstoun Grove, South Queensferry.

The 1,000sq ft store, which was previously with Premier, has undergone a small refurbishment. The store offers customers a range of licensed products, lotto, Payzone, Rollover hot dogs, Tango Ice Blast, coffee, F’real, and Porrelli ice cream.

On opening day customers were able to try free samples of Spar own-label products and Tango Ice Blast. In addition, they received free goody bags, offers on a number of essential food and drink

items, and had the chance to enter a prize draw with some great prizes including a 24” smart TV and Spar vouchers.

Mohammed, owner of the store, said: “I am delighted to have joined the successful Spar family in Scotland. I am so happy with the support I have received since moving to Spar. My business is thriving in a very competitive market and sales continue to grow every week; I’m very excited about the future.”

Derek Murray, Regional Sales Manager for Spar Scotland, said: “Congratulations to Akhtar and all the team at South Queensferry. We are delighted to be able to support them with the grand opening.

The variety of services the store offers will deliver real benefits for its residents.”

WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 95 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 19

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

POST OFFICE

Personal cash withdrawals up despite impact of storms Post Office says the figures highlight a continued recovery in the use of cash and wider economic recovery from lockdown last year.

P

ersonal cash withdrawals over Post Office counters totalled £650.5m in February, up 3.2% month-onmonth, despite the impact of Storms Dudley and Eunice.

Business and personal cash deposits totalled £2.08bn in February, down 7% month-on-month, but up almost 40% on a year ago.

Overall, Post Offices handled £2.76bn in cash deposits and withdrawals in February, up from £2.89bn in January.

Post Office says the figures highlight a continued recovery in the use of cash and wider economic recovery from lockdown

last year. The increase in personal cash withdrawals is particularly good news because the Post Office is currently running a charity partnership campaign with the Trussell Trust where 1p from every over-the-counter cash withdrawal is donated to the charity.

The Post Office hopes to raise £250,000 by the end of March – so far more than £200,000 has been raised.

Martin Kearsley, Banking Director at Post Office, said: “We are incredibly proud of our partnership with the Trussell Trust and are heartened that customers continue to visit their local

Post Office to withdraw cash over the counter. We’re making good progress towards our target of raising £250,000 for the charity and the important services they provide.

“February’s stormy weather impacted people’s ability to leave their home and do their banking on the high street as well as businesses ability to open and trade. This had a knock-on impact on the amount of cash deposited at our branches.

“Early indications this month show cash deposit levels returning to normal levels at Post Offices.”

WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 95 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 21

£6m BRAND ON TV INVESTMENT FROM MARCH

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

TOTAL TILL SALES

UK grocery spend stabilises in February NielsenIQ warns retailers about new threats are on the horizon.

S

ales in convenience channels rose 3.3% in the four weeks ending 26 February, new data from NielsenIQ reveals. The figures show grocery sales at supermarkets stabilised in February, with total till sales falling 3.4% over the four-week period.

Brits spent £9.7bn at the grocery multiples over the past four weeks, down 4.2% compared with last year. However, there is a 4.4% uplift in sales compared with pre-Covid levels two years ago, which indicates there is now a new baseline for sales growth.

Moreover, as shopping behaviour normalises, industry spend per visit is stabilising at £18.50, compared to £21.10 this time last year, and is now close to the £17.20 of February 2020, further suggesting the end of Covid-19 trends.

The data reveals that the online share of all FMCG sales fell back to 12.5% in the past four-week period, with sales down 20% compared with the same period last year. In contrast, and visits to stores overall are up 12%.

Mike Watkins, NielsenIQ’s UK Head of Retailer and Business Insight said:

“The pandemic may soon be behind us, but new threats are on the horizon.

Global food supply disruption and soaring energy and fuel costs, are set to impact shopper baskets and have the potential to slow down any growth in supermarket volumes.”

Noting “a sharpening of pricing activity,” Watkins concluded: “Retailers and their suppliers must be prepared for the uncertainty that lies ahead and ensure they are taking every step possible to support shoppers in balancing budgets over the next few months.”

WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 95 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 23

BUSINESS IN

ACCESS TO CASH

How habits have changed through the pandemic The number of consumers using cash has increased to 73% in the past two weeks, the highest level LINK has recorded during the pandemic.

H

alf of people are using less cash than they were pre-Covid, according to new research from Link, the UK’s main ATM cash machine network.

The research, which looks at Covid-19’s effect on consumers’ attitudes to cash, shows 25% of respondents say they are using the same amount of cash and 4% are using more.

The latest research shows the number of consumers using cash in the past two weeks has now increased to 73%, the highest-level LINK has recorded during the pandemic.

The research also showed a change in where people are using cash. Locations showing increasing usage are supermarkets, other retail, services like hairdressers and most especially pubs. Locations that have shown very little change are c-stores, fuel, DIY stores and parking.

In addition, the research shows that while overall ATMs were 20% busier this varied a lot across the network. Town centre ATMs were 50% to 60% busier and airport ATMs around 200%, but convenience stores barely changed, probably because people kept using them right through the pandemic.

Graham Mott, Director of Strategy at LINK, said: “Our view is that ATM use will never return to pre-pandemic levels and that people who perhaps

were using less cash generally are now entirely comfortable using their phones or contactless. That being said, we’re still seeing £1.5bn withdrawn from ATMs every week. That’s still a lot of money and there are a lot of people who rely entirely on cash.

“Looking ahead, one new development and one we will be monitoring

24 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 95 / WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 2022

carefully, is that 8% of people say they are going to use more cash to budget and save because of rising living costs.”

Mott concluded: “We understand that people are far more comfortable using technology, but importantly, not everyone can use digital and perhaps there’s no better way to budget than notes and coins.”

NTELLIGENCE

CONSUMER SPENDING

Consumer card spending grows

Barclaycard data show spending was helped by return to offices, Valentine’s Day, and half-term holidays.

S

upermarket shopping grew 12.9% in February – the smallest uplift in the category since February 2020 – as rising living costs continued to take effect, new research reveals.

Data from Barclaycard, which sees nearly half of the nation’s credit and debit card transactions, shows rising costs have led to 59% of Brits seeking greater value for money to help reduce the cost of their weekly shop. Almost half of these shoppers (45%) are buying budget or own-brand goods over branded goods in supermarkets, while 39% are using vouchers or loyalty points to obtain discounts.

The data shows that spending on essential items rose 12.0% in February.

This increase was largely driven by an 11.2% rise in spend on fuel, likely due to climbing prices at the pump, as well as the easing of work-from-home guidance encouraging more Brits to commute.

Spending on non-essential items also increased, as Brits spent more on discretionary items, holidays, and experiences following the easing of restrictions.

José Carvalho, Head of Consumer Products at Barclaycard, said: “The strong uplifts across both retail and hospitality show that the nation is keen to

make the most of life following the easing of Plan B restrictions, with many Brits still purchasing treats to give themselves a boost, and making social and holiday plans for the year ahead.

“As inflation starts to have an impact on consumer confidence, we’re seeing a shift in spending habits as Brits seek more value from their purchases, particularly on supermarket shopping, which saw its smallest growth since February 2020.

With energy prices rising at the start of April, we will be watching how these price-conscious behaviours evolve over the coming months.”

BARCLAYCARD DATA SHOWS ● 59% of Brits seeking greater value for money to help reduce the cost of their weekly shop. ● Almost half (45%) are buying budget or own-brand goods over branded goods ● 39% are using vouchers or loyalty points to obtain discounts

WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 95 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 25

Our Bread. Our Brand. Our Story.

Here at Hovis we have been baking bread from the finest ingredients for more than 130 years. Our range may have changed and evolved over the years, but our exceptionally high standards of care and expertise never will.

Since 1886...

® Established back in 1886, have had a long presence in Scotland, first starting on Paton Street then moving to Duke Street, Glasgow in 1983.

We employ approx. 350 colleagues locally, all who show fantastic commitment in baking and delivering excellent quality bread every week. The Glasgow team have an average service of over 20 years across the site; this is testament to the family spirit everyone ® brings with them every day to bake our best and Mothers Pride® bread.

We were proud to launch the Hovis Bakers Since 1886® range in April 2021. Since the launch, new loaves, rolls, burger buns and hot cross buns were created using our extensive baking experience to deliver products with great quality and taste.

Hovis has the #1 unit share across three types of bread in the impulse channel #1

#1

IN LARGE WHITE

IN LARGE WHOLEMEAL

30.5% Unit Share1

36.2% Unit Share3

#1

IN LARGE SEEDED & GRAINS 29.9% Unit Share2

White:

Half & Half:

Wholemeal / Brown:

Bread with Bits:

Other Bakery:

1. Source: NielsenIQ Scantrack, unit sales for the pre-packaged white bread loaves category, loaves 600g and over, for the 12-month period ending 04/12/21, for the total GB impulse channel (Copyright © 2021 NielsenIQ)

Regional:

2. Source: NielsenIQ Scantrack, unit sales for the pre-packaged bread loaves with seeds and grains category, loaves 600g and over, for the 12-month period ending 04/12/21, for the total GB impulse channel (Copyright © 2021 NielsenIQ)

3. Source: NielsenIQ Scantrack, unit sales for the pre-packaged brown/ wholemeal bread loaves category, loaves 600g and over, for the 12-month period ending 04/12/21, for the total GB impulse channel (Copyright © 2021 NielsenIQ)

N E W S PA P E R S

TELEGRAPH MEDIA GROUP

Telegraph cuts retail terms Publisher also decides that from September the percentage terms retailers receive for handling the publication will be reduced to 20%.

T

he Daily and Sunday Telegraph has increased its cover prices this week, but will not pay the ‘improved’ margin to independent retailers until the beginning of September.

From Monday, in England, Scotland and Wales the weekday cover price will rise by 30p to £2.80; the Saturday newspaper is going up 50p to £3.50p, and the cost of the Sunday Telegraph will be £3.

The publisher has also decided that from September the percentage terms that retailers receive for handling the publication on weekdays and Saturdays will be reduced to 20%. The margin for handling the Sunday edition will be maintained at 20.5%.

NFRN National President, Narinder Randhawa, welcomed the cover price increases but said: “We are disappointed that, once again, the Telegraph is hitting retailers in their pockets with yet another cut to our percentage trading terms.

“Despite repeated conversations with the Telegraph, we are equally dismayed that any ‘improvements’ to our margin payments are being delayed for six months.”

He added: “This annual cycle of terms cuts and deferred payment needs to stop.

It leaves a sour taste in retailers’ mouths.

We would politely ask Telegraph Media Group to reconsider on both the terms and deferred payment fronts.”

28 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 95 / WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 2022

Randhawa said the move made him question his commitment to the news category. “It is time that publishers like TMG understand the precarious financial position that moves such as these make to our members. It is also time that the Telegraph looks to other categories in our members’ stores that work with us in true partnership.”

NFRN Head of News, Brian Murphy, added: “While many members do support the Telegraph’s subscriptions-first strategy, they still have a number of customers who prefer to purchase their newspaper in the more traditional manner. It is unfair to expect these retailers to wait six months to be paid for this.”

S P R I N G S TAT E M E N T

ACS

ACS’s plan for Chancellor to support local shops Trade body urges government to scrap its high fat, salt and sugar regulations and instead crack down on the illicit alcohol and tobacco markets.

T

he Association of Convenience Stores is calling on the government to support local shops in the Spring Statement later this month.

The call comes amid rising costs and the looming reintroduction of business rates bills.

The trade body is recommending that the Treasury, at a minimum, should continue the existing business rate relief of 66% for retail businesses for another 12 months to April 2023.

In addition, ACS has welcomed the government’s consultation on the introduction of an online sales tax to rebalance the contribution of online and bricks and mortar businesses. However,

it says universal sales taxes should not be seen as a viable replacement for the business rates system.

ACS also called on the government to rethink the planned increase in employer national insurance contributions to help retailers cope with rising costs.

The trade body has called on the government to scrap its upcoming high fat, salt and sugar regulations and instead invest the cost of enforcement in cracking down on the illicit alcohol and tobacco markets. Additional measures recommended by the ACS, include:

● Freeze alcohol and tobacco duties to avoid driving consumers to the black market; ● Freeze fuel duty to help consumers and businesses with the cost of getting around; ● Remove VAT from deposit return scheme deposits and encourage investment in reverse vending machines through rates exemptions and permitted development rights; ● Give the Low Pay Commission the freedom to set minimum and living wage rates independently of political targets after the two-

● Freeze business rates multipliers for the financial year 2023/24;

thirds of median earnings target has been reached in 2024.

WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 95 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 29

COMMU

MUSGRAVE

Musgrave supports Irish Red Cross and UNICEF SuperValu and Centra shoppers can support people impacted by the crisis in Ukraine at the tills.

M

usgrave Group has launched a major fundraising campaign to support people impacted by the crisis in Ukraine.

Shoppers in SuperValu, Centra and Donnybrook Fair will be able to donate €2 in the Republic of Ireland or £2 in Northern Ireland via a simple “Tap to Donate” mechanism in store at the till. In the coming days, shoppers in Musgrave MarketPlace, Mace NI and Daybreak will also be able to donate.

All the funds donated will go directly to help fund the immediate humanitarian response.

In the Republic of Ireland the money raised will go to the Irish Red Cross,

while in Northern Ireland the funds raised will go to UNICEF. Noel Keeley, Chief Executive of the Musgrave Group, said: “Over the last number of days, we, in Musgrave, along with our customers, colleagues and retailers have all been moved by the appalling crisis unfolding in Ukraine.

“We wanted to show our solidarity and to help in some practical way those impacted by these shocking and tragic events. Both charities we are working with have advised that donating funds is the fastest and most effective way to help people at this time.”

Musgrave also donated €250,000 to the Irish Red Cross and UNICEF.

30 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 95 / WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 2022

Liam O’Dwyer, Secretary General of the Irish Red Cross, commented: “We would like to thank the people across the island of Ireland and Musgrave for their generosity and quick response to this crisis.

“Cash donations allow us to respond as quickly as possible on the ground to ensure the donations can make an impact to those who need it most.”

UNICEF Ireland Executive Director, Peter Power, added: “The children of Ukraine need help now. Through this action by Musgrave and their customers, UNICEF will be able to protect more children living in conflict and scale up our life-saving programmes for children.”

UNITY

POST OFFICE

Post Office supports Ukraine humanitarian appeal All 11,500 branches nationwide are now accepting donations for the Disasters Emergency Committee’s fundraising campaign.

T

he Post Office is supporting the Disasters Emergency Committee’s (DEC) fundraising campaign to help refugees from Ukraine.

It is estimated that more than two million people have fled the country since the Russian invasion started, and many more have had to leave their homes to escape the fighting.

All 11,500 Post Offices nationwide are now accepting donations by cash or card and every pound donated will be matched by the government up to a total of £20m. In addition, the Post Office is encouraging giving via in-store posters that have been made available to postmasters, and social media.

The DEC, which is an umbrella group for 15 UK charities, will use the funds to provide food, water, and medical assistance to refugees – who currently number over one million.

The campaign will run for 14 days through to 23:59 Wednesday 16 March 2022, but the appeal will remain open

for donations beyond this for at least six months. Nick Read, Chief Executive at the Post Office, said: “I, and so many others, continue to watch the news and the terrible suffering with absolute horror.

We’re committed to helping, and that’s why we are accepting donations in all 11,500 Post Offices to make it as easy as possible for people to support.

“The DEC’s fundraising efforts are helping to provide much-needed food, water, shelter and medical help to people fleeing Ukraine and we encourage everyone to donate what they can to support these efforts, and have made posters available to Postmasters to raise awareness of this campaign in their branches.”

WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 95 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 31

AWARDS

SLR PRODUCTS OF THE YEAR 2021



Retailers’ favourite new products of 2021



SLR’s Products of the Year Awards celebrate the very best of game-changing NPD

A

s experienced retailers know by now, the survival, success and growth of the local retailing industry depends on all elements of the supply chain working in harmony. If retailers themselves are the heart and soul of the sector, then new products must surely be the lifeblood. Innovative new launches deliver a steady stream of great

opportunities to grow footfall, sales and profits.

SLR’s Products of the Year awards 2021 celebrate the very best of these game-changing new products – the bright sparks that have helped to ignite growth in what was another challenging but successful year.

Crucially, the winners have been crowned by those who matter the

32 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 95 / WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 2022

most, local retailers themselves, with store owners’ thoughts, opinions and accounts having helped to shape every stage of the judging process.

So sit back, relax and bask in the glow of 2021’s most-prized new products, the tipples, treats and sweets that provided a welcome shot in the industry’s arm, setting it up for a healthier start to the year ahead. Meet the winners p32.

AWAR

SLR PRODUCT

MEET TH BEER CIDER AND LOW NO ALCOHOL BEER

Peri, Flame Smoked Chorizo and

Highly Commended: Snickers

Flame Scorched BBQ Ribs

Hi Protein White Chocolate

Winner: Guinness 0%

Snickers Hi Protein White Highly Commbended: Quavers –

BISCUITS AND CAKES

Chocolate Caramel and Peanut

Prawn Cocktail/Salt & Vinegar

FOOD TO GO

PERSONAL CARE

Winner: Quaker Porridge to Go

Winner: Lifebuoy Multisurface

(PMP)

Range

Chocolate Digestives/Chocolate

Highly Commended: Rustlers

Highly Commended: Kleenex

Hobnobs

Cook in Box Range (The

Protective Care range including

Supreme Cheese Melt Burger

Hygiene Mask and Antibacterial

and Sausage Muffin)

Wipes

FREE FROM

Winner: Jaffa Jonuts Highly Commended: McVitie’s Dessert Inspired range:

BREAD AND HOMEBAKING Winner: Kingsmill 50/50

Winner: Rustlers Meatless

HEALTHY SNACKS/ BREAKFAST BARS

Multiseed/Kingsmill 50/50 No

Maverick

Winner: Graze Oats Boost – Cherry Bakewell/Chocolate

Bits Multiseed

CANDY

Highly Commended: Flora Plant Butter Spreadable

Winner: Tic Tac Coca-Cola

Cookie

PET FOOD Winner: Cesar Natural Goodness

Highly Commended: Haribo

GUM

Sour Sparks/Haribo Starbeams

Winner: Extra Refreshers New

(vegetarian)

Bottle Format and Tropical

RTDS

flavour

Winner: Rekorderling Pink

Cans

Lemon Cider

CHOCOLATE CONFECTIONERY

HARD SELTZERS Winner: 19 Crimes Seltzer Lime

Highly Commended: Beefeater

Winner: Cadbury Caramilk

Bitters

new RTDs London Dry, Blood

Highly Commended: Ferrero

ICE CREAM

Rocher Bars, White, Milk and

Winner: Ben & Jerry’s Cookie

TOBACCO

Dark Chocolate 90g

Dough Twists Ice Cream –Rain-

Winner: Sterling Dual Capsule

dough/ Dough-ble chocolate

Leaf Wrapped 20s

CRISPS AND SNACKS

PROTEIN

Highly Commended: JPS

Winner: McCoy’s Fire Pit range

Winner: Grenade Gingerbread

Players Easy Rolling Tobacco

(including Flame Roasted Peri

Carb Killa

34 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 95 / WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 2022

Orange, Pink Strawberry

RDS

TS OF THE YEAR 2021

HE WINNERS SMOKING ACCESSORIES

Banana Rum

OWN LABEL WINE

JOINT WINNER: Swan Flavour

Highly Commended: Smirnoff

Winner: Spar Seashell Bay

Fusion cards Fresh Burst

Raspberry Crush

Sauvignon Blanc

ENERGY

SUSTAINABLE

Winner: Irn Bru Energy Big Can

Winner: Absolute Vodka (Limited

(500ml)

Edition Sustainable Glass Bottle)

Highly Commended: Lucozade

Highly Commended: BrewDog

Zero Tropical

Planet Pale

SQUASH

CHILLED

Winner: Capri-Sun Multivitamin

Winner: Müller Corner Creations

Squash – Orange, Apple &

Diana Asher Smith

JOINT WINNER: Swan Flavour Fusion Cards Menthol Highly Commended: Gold Leaf Carnival Edition Papers

VAPING Winner: Relx Infinity Deep Blue Device

SOFT DRINKS Winner: Rubicon Raw –

Blackcurrant

Raspberry & Blueberry,

GROCERY

Orange & Mango, Cherry&

Highly Commended: Robinsons

Winner: Old El Paso Tortilla

Pomegranate

Double Strength Blackcurrant

Pockets Smoky BBQ

SPIRITS AND NO OR LOW ALCOHOL SPIRITS

WINE

Winner: Dead Man’s Fingers

Rosé

Winner: 19 Crimes Revolutionary

How were the winners crowned?

The winners were decided exclusively by retailer vote. When there was only a small margin between the winner and the runner up, we have awarded Highly Commended status.

All products that were launched in the 2021 calendar year and were available in the Scottish local retailing channel, were eligible for entry.

The shortlist was curated from a list of every product that was carried in the print and digital versions of SLR and The Week In Retail and scored against a range of key engagement criteria including digital views, reads and clicks and offline retailer feedback.

All winners are entitled to showcase the special Winners logo on pack and in their marketing materials while all shortlisted entrants can display the special Shortlisted logo.

WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 95 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 35

S E L A S R U O Y P U R E POW

HIGH CAFFEINE ENERGY DRINK WITH THE INDESC

RIBABLE TASTE OF IRN-BRU

FROM THE N0.1 SCOTTISH GROCERY BRAND *

*Source: Kantar World Panel, Value Sales, Take Home Non-Alcohol Brands, MAT to 06.09.21, Total Scotland

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – HEINEKEN

HEINEKEN SILVER SEEKS TO SHAKE UP EUROPEAN DRINKS INDUSTRY Product launched in response to changing drinker demands and needs, with the hope of unlocking £315m in sales.

Heineken says it is set to reinvigorate the lager

The brand’s research shows growing popularity

category for Gen Y and Gen Z drinkers with the

for premium and lighter-style drinks, particularly

launch of Heineken Silver, “the biggest innovation

among younger drinkers looking to moderate

in the European drinks industry this decade”.

their alcohol intake, as Alexander Wilson, Cate-

Heineken Silver (4% ABV) is brewed at -1°C for

gory & Commercial Strategy Director – Off Trade,

a crisp flavour and subtle finish using pure malt and

Heineken UK, explained: “Heineken Silver offers

sustainably farmed barley. It has a low bitterness

these drinkers a more inclusive and accessible

of 10 IBUs (International Bitterness Units), offering

taste that also meets their needs for a more

a lighter drinking profile.

refreshing lager, opening up new opportunities to

It launches in response to changing drinker

drive incremental sales for retailers.”

demands and needs, and with the hope of unlock-

The launch is supported with a £20m campaign

ing £315m in sales. While the lager category has

that seeks to build affinity for the brand among Gen

grown +34% since 2019, sales among Gen Z and

Y and Gen Z consumers.

Y drinkers have declined by 2% and penetration

Heineken Silver rolls out across UK grocery,

amongst 18 to 24-year-olds has halved over the

convenience, and wholesale from 21 March in

last seven years. Heineken says younger adult

4x330ml bottles (RSP £4.50), 12x330ml bottles

consumers are now looking for “more subtle,

(RSP £12) and 6x330ml slim-line cans (RSP

refreshing and accessible beers” to suit their tastes.

£5.50).

WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 95 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 37

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – FRYLIGHT

FRYLIGHT GETS FOOD GOING

The campaign aims to show how fun, versatile and convenient cooking with Frylight can be.

Saputo Dairy UK has launched a new digital

challenge engrained consumer behaviour which so

marketing campaign for Frylight to build brand

often sees people reach automatically for pouring

awareness and encourage trial of spray oils among

oil when prepping meals.

its target ‘healthy hackers’ audience.

Initially running to 1 May 2022 across paid

A departure from previous brand activation

social and online video channels, the campaign

which has centred on dieters, the ‘Get Food Going’

features a series of fun, eye-catching animated

campaign talks to a growing audience of consum-

videos in which food ingredients are brought to

ers who are seeking better balance in their diet,

life with the help of Frylight.

looking for simple swaps or ‘health hacks’ they

Saputo anticpates that the campaign will

can make to cut down on unnecessary calories,

achieve 37 million impressions and reach over

without compromising on their food choices or

four million consumers across Facebook, Insta-

following a restrictive diet.

gram and YouTube.

The campaign aims to show how fun, versatile and convenient cooking with Frylight can be and to

38 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 95 / WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 2022

The campaign will also be supported with shopper marketing activity.

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – GOLDEN WONDER

GOLDEN WONDER MARKS 75 YEARS WITH THE RETURN OF FAN FAVOURITES Three heritage packs also feature an on-pack competition to win one of 75 experience vouchers.

Golden Wonder is celebrating its 75th birthday

devoted consumers to be part of the celebration

by bringing back Beef & Onion and Chip Shop

by giving them just what they want – their favourite

Curry flavours in classic 1970s packs.

flavours in packs that bring back wonderful mem-

This follows a vote to discover consumers’ alltime favourite Golden Wonder varieties.

The brand’s flagship Cheese & Onion flavour will also receive an old-school makeover.

ories – as well as offering them the opportunity to create some new memories.”

The on-pack promotion is also running across Golden Wonder’s recently launched £1 crisps

All three heritage packs also feature an on-pack

range.Promotional packs are available now and

competition to win one of 75 experience vouchers.

the campaign is being pushed across social, digital

As part of the promotion, every entrant will receive

and trade channels throughout 2022.

10% off at experiencedays.co.uk Matt Smith, Golden Wonder’s Marketing Director, said: “On our 75th birthday, we wanted our

Golden Wonder is advising retailers to stock up now, so they don’t miss out on the party.

Find out more.

WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 95 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 39

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – ECHO FALLS

ECHO FALLS EXPANDS FRUIT FUSION LINE Passion Fruit and Sicilian Lemon are ranked within the top 10 for flavoured alcohol product launches in the past five years.

Echo Falls has added its new Passion Fruit and

campaign, ‘Phone on Silent, Girls on Loud,’ will

Sicilian Lemon flavour to the sparkling Fruit

continue to run throughout the summer months.

Fusion range, tapping into growing demand for flavoured wine.

Echo Falls Senior Brand Manager, Alexandra Colson, said: “The share of sparkling fruit flavoured

The summer edition boasts sweet notes and is

wine within the flavoured wine category is up by

expected to appeal to loyal Echo Falls shoppers, as

19% in volume, compared to last year, as shoppers

well as encourage the brand’s target audience of

become more adventurous and look to expand

25–34-years-olds into the wine cate-

their wine repertoire.

gory. The new edition will be available

“Both Passion Fruit and Sicilian Lemon are

on 28 March across convenience,

ranked within the top 10 for flavoured alcohol

wholesale, and grocery channels.

product launches in the past five years, and by

The product launch is supported

adding the Sicilian provenance, we are signalling

by in-store advertising and digital

quality to our customers. Our Fruit Fusions range

activation, to build further aware-

is perfect for recruiting younger consumers to wine

ness and excitement around the

and we’re confident this new variety will be a hit

brand, whilst Echo Falls’ latest

40 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 95 / WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 2022

as we enter the summer months.”

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – BATCHELORS

SHOPPERS CAN ‘OWN IT’ WITH TREBOR

Campaign will give winners prizes that help them own their style, their fitness or their side-hustle.

Trebor is encouraging shoppers to ‘Own It’ in 2022

The promotion launches in March and runs

by giving them the chance to win £10,000 in cash,

through the year, supported by a £1.6m cam-

as well as hundreds of confidence-boosting prizes.

paign that includes social, digital and out-of-home

The Own It campaign will give winning con-

advertising, as well as a suite of POS support for

sumers prizes that help them own their style,

retailers.

their fitness or their side-hustle, helping them feel

Nancy Moore, Brand Manager for Trebor at

prepared and ready to face whatever stands in

Mondelez International, said: “We want to give

front of them. As well as the £10,000 jackpot, other

our consumers the confidence and opportunity to

winners will get the chance to reward themselves

take on the world – however they want to do that.

with their own personal stylist or private shopping

The ‘Own It’ campaign is designed to ensure that

experience, their own personal trainer or nutrition-

by buying their favourite mints brand, they are

ist, or their own business coach or office space,

ready to do this.

among a host of prizes.

“Trebor is the brand leader in the mints cate-

To win, shoppers simply need to pick up a Tre-

gory and, as always in an impulse category such

bor multipack or single pack, enter their contact

as this, ensuring that promotions are as visible as

details and barcode on the pack at Trebor.co.uk

possible to shoppers is key.”

and follow the instructions on the site. There they will find out instantly if they’ve won one of the

For more details on the promotion or on

confidence-boosting prizes and be entered into

how to drive mint sales, retailers can visit

the £10,000 prize draw.

deliciousdisplay.co.uk.

WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 95 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 41

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – BROTHERS CIDER

BROTHERS UNVEILS CHERRY BAKEWELL FLAVOUR

Launch taps into the trend towards flavours, as well as capitalising on a year of British celebration.

Brothers Cider is expanding its range with the addition of a new Cherry Bakewell variant, which will be rolled out across both on- and off-trades from the end of March.

Full of cherry flavours with a hint of frangipane, Brothers Cherry Bakewell will be available in 330ml and 500ml bottles at 4.0% ABV. It is also vegan friendly and gluten free.

The new product launch from Brothers follows the success of its 2021 flavour launches Pink Grapefruit and Honeycomb, as well as the return of Cloudy Lemon, which was brought back by popular demand.

It is set to continue the brand’s momentum among its gen z and millennial audience, by tapping into the increasing trend towards flavours, as well as capitalising on a year of British celebration ahead, with the Queen’s Jubilee, Glastonbury Festival’s return and an increasing trend towards British brands and produce.

Nicola Randall, Senior Marketing Manager at Brothers, said: “We are well-known for our exciting and innovative flavours; therefore we are confident that Cherry Bakewell is the perfect addition to our portfolio and one that will continue our momentum as the fastest-growing flavoured cider brand in the market.

“The flavour itself feels relevant and one that will land well with our audience, and the nod to the classic treat is another fantastic way to celebrate and align with our heritage as a brand.”

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NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK

BIGGER BOXES

GOOD TIMES ROLL

NYTHING GOES

Imperial is launching limited-edi-

Ribena has launched an updated

Nairn’s is investing in a £1m

tion 21s packs across some of its

promotion with games manu-

TV-led brand campaign. ‘Nything

leading products exclusively for

facturer Hasbro. Running until

goes’ launches on ITV and the

independents. Rolling out from

the end of May, the prom gives

ITV Hub for viewers in southern

April, the packs will be available

shoppers the chance to win one

England and aims to show that

across a number of Imperial’s

of 10,000 limited-edition Ribena

the oatcake brand is for every-

cigarette brands including Play-

Mini Monopoly boards, as well

one. It features a mum enjoying

ers JPS, Richmond, L&B Blue

as thousands of other prizes.

a break, a family camping, and a

and Lambert & Butler.

Promotional POS is available.

drag queen prepping for a show.

APPLE & GUAVA

REAL FRUIT

BACK TO SCHOOL

Barr Soft Drinks has added

Robinsons is adding Blackberry

Yogurt snack Frubes has

an Apple & Guava flavour to

& Blueberry to its Ready to

unveiled a new above-the-line

its Rubicon Raw energy drink

Drink line-up from this month.

campaign promoting Frubes as

range. It will be available from

The launch will be supported by

the go-to portable snack for kids.

May in cases of 12 x 500ml, in

digital advertising and in-store

The multi-channel campaign is

both plain and £1.29 PMPs. The

activity. The range is available

expected to reach 4 million UK

launch will be supported with

in cases of 12 x 500ml and 24 x

consumers and bids to drive

a social and digital marketing

500ml with a £1 RSP. £1 PMPs

sales during the March Return

campaign and in-store POS.

are also available.

to School period.

WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 95 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 43

NOW THAT’S A GOOD IDEA…

OUT THE BOX

Flying taxis and shopping therapy The first hub for flying taxis and delivery drones is set to become reality; and now, major retailers and food & drink brands have partnered with the developer to be featured in the dedicated ‘hub’.

HANG ON, WHAT? The flying taxi trend has not yet taken off, but plans are big in this area and commercial flights are expected to begin this decade. The travelling proposition is expected to be affordable and zero-emission, while facilitating a congestion-free experience.

The Coventry site – backed by the UK government, Supernal (Hyundai’s air mobility division) and Coventry City Council – will feature a shopping area, having signed up brands including Bottega SpA, Compass Group, and fashion company Paul & Shark.

ARE FLYING TAXIS EVER GOING TO BE A THING? Well, according to research, some flight operators could see passenger numbers reach 70,000 per day as early as 2030.

The company behind the UK site, Urban-Air Port predicts its global passenger numbers could reach up to 28 million a year in the next five years, creating an enormous new market for retail and F&B, that will be worth ‘millions of dollars’.

AND THE SHOPPING OFFERING? Think about it as an airport shop – albeit much smaller, combined with a smart-

phone app, allowing travellers to not only plan their journey, but also engage with the brands and integrate with other forms of transport.

Each Urban-Air Port passenger lounge promises to be an entirely new type of space. A fraction of the size of a traditional airport terminal, it aims to create a ‘unique’ retail experience by introducing brands in a novel way, such as interactive screens and virtual/augmented reality technology, rather than permanent bricks and mortar shops.

The approach is thought to enable brands to remain agile, hosting interactive campaign-specific content at opportune times, rather than expensive long-term shop fronts. This, in turn, allows them to engage the right audiences, with the right messages, in the right place at the right time.

All brands and products will also be accessible through Urban-Air Port’s app, meaning the retail experience extends further than just the customers’ visit to the physical site.

Consumers then have the option to order products directly to their homes or even have them delivered via drone to their local Urban-Air Port or CityBox drone delivery hub, or ready to be ‘vended’ by smart vending technology

44 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 95 / WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 2022

company Mother’s machines using a collection code.

CAN WE EXPECT A CONVENIENCE STORE IN THERE AS WELL? If this form of transport lifts off, then why wouldn’t convenience stores have their

Urban-Air Port passenger lounges promise an entirely new type of space. A fraction of the size of a traditional airport terminal, it aims to create

place on the site? After all, WHSmith is very prominent in airports and, let’s be honest, there is nothing more annoying than getting ready to travel and not being able to buy a last-minute essential item.

And if any retailers are interested, UrbanAir Port says it “looks forward to adding new partners”.

a ‘unique’ retail experience by introducing brands in a novel way, using interactive screens and VR tech.

WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 95 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 45

BEFORE YOU GO

RETAIL RANDOMS

NICE ONE ASDA The Week In Retail was happy enough to pile into Asda when a Which? survey uncovered some of its more dodgy home delivery substitutions recently.

If you think sausage rolls instead of toilet rolls and Cadbury Creme Eggs substituted with “bog-standard hen’s eggs” you’ll get the picture. Just not what you ordered.

So, in the interests of balanced journalism, we’re please to report the mult has got something right.

Specifically, it’s renamed the ‘feminine hygiene’ aisle to ‘period products’.

Big deal, you say. Well, it is actually, as period charity Binti International explained in a tweet praising the move: “Thank you and a massive shout out to @asda for leading the way in changing the language around menstruation.

Sanitary hygiene or feminine hygiene suggests menstrual products are for

something dirty. Time to change the language #SmashShame.”

Commenting on the new signs, an Asda spokesperson said: “We’re proud to have made this change in our stores to better reflect shoppers’ attitudes around

period products. These items are an essential part of the shop for so many, so this change in wording helps us move towards removing the stigma from periods and period products.”

So well done Asda. Period.

Anyway, according to SlotsUp,

COME PIE WITH ME

Cottage pie tops the charts.

It’s National Pie Week, so what bet-

However, it appears that neither

ter way to celebrate than with yet

Cottage or Shepherd’s are even

another pointless article revealing

real pies. A proper pie, according

Britain’s favourite pie?

to British Pie Awards chairman Mat-

The much chewed-over topic is

thew O’Callaghan, “is a whole dish

not without controversy for several

encased in pastry”. So there.

reasons, however. Well, two.

And if you aren’t entirely bored

Firstly, it depends on who you

SlotsUp, a web-based reviewer of

with the subject yet, you’ll be

ask. According to a Hellofresh anal-

online casino games that has inex-

pleased to learn that next Monday

ysis of internet searches, the answer

plicably published its own pie league

is Pi Day – as in circumference-di-

is good old Shepherd’s pie.

table.

vided-by-diameter pi. Why next Mon-

However, if you don’t trust the

We can’t wait for a retaliatory

day? It’s 14 March, or 14/3. Or 3.14,

judgement of a well-known meal

Hellofresh list of Britain’s favourite

as they say in America. Who said

kit provider then you can turn to

virtual fruit machines.

maths was boring?

WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 95 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 47

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