Retailer Amit Puntambekar following a recent attack
Reality of retail crime has made headlines again
FIGURES released by the British Retail Consortium and O ce for National Statistics this month highlighted the stark reality that violence against retailers has increased, yet again, to record levels.
Sadly, this is nothing new, and is an issue many of you face when simply trying to earn a living. It’s also something I’m hearing more of in my general life. Recently, I overheard a fellow gym member discuss how they had seen more the s and abuse thrown at sta members in a nearby Co-op.
On the internet forum Reddit, a picture of a convenience store gained a lot of attention, due to signage in the window that read: “To the shopli ers who would smile but steal, we know who you are. Get a life.”
Commenters described how they had noticed increases in shop crime at their local convenience stores, and criticisms were made of the lack of police action and investment.
Trade associations such as the ACS, the Fed and Scottish Grocers’ Federation are being proactive in highlighting the issue, but the rising number of incidents shows that a lot more still needs to be done to protect retailers.
MORE STILL NEEDS TO BE DONE TO PROTECT RETAILERS
SGF chief executive Pete Cheema warned that it’s only a matter of time until another retailer loses their life. On page three, you can read personal accounts of retailers who have su ered.
One was punched in the face for confronting a shopli er, while the stress of retail crime caused another pregnant retailer to lose her baby.
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Wholesalers set deadlines for disposable-vapes sales
ALEX YAU
WHOLESALERS have set cut-off dates for retailers to secure remaining disposable-vapes stock ahead of the 1 June ban.
Retail Express understands Booker will stop selling disposables to retailers in March or April, potentially creating a rush in demand months before the restriction.
Meanwhile, a Nisa spokes-
person con�irmed to Retail Express it would not be distributing disposable vapes to retailers “following the �irst week in May”.
They added: “Nisa is working closely with suppliers from a legislation perspective and with key vape suppliers to provide support through the upcoming transition.
“Guidance will be shared with retailers on suggested alternative lines.
“Nisa is providing advice and support to retailers to ensure compliance before the June deadline.
“This includes suggesting recommended alternatives and providing advice on how to spot illegal vape products.
“Nisa will provide a guide to retailers with a suggested instore process to help manage stock levels.”
A Spar spokesperson said: “In preparation for the legisla-
BRANCH pay for subpostmasters has been put at risk by proposals to scale back Royal Mail letter deliveries, Post Of�ice (PO) has warned.
Last month, Ofcom proposed to cut back deliveries of second-class letters to al-
ternating weekdays, while scrapping Saturday deliveries entirely.
PO responded: “A decrease in income would result in a signi�icant decrease in remuneration and loss of important retail cross-sales.”
Evri delivery issues
EVRI-PARTNERED stores are reporting missed driver visits, delays and parcels piling up due to pay disputes and staff shortages.
More than a dozen stores reported issues, with one retailer claiming pay cuts by Evri had led to staf�ing issues at the company. Evri denied the cuts, but messages seen by Retail Express this month showed the home delivery company was attempting to “negotiate” lower pay rates for some drivers.
tion banning disposable vape products from 1 June, Spar’s �ive regional wholesalers are conducting a review of all disposable vape products to ensure full compliance across the organisation.”
PAYPOINT is expected to launch parcel services with Chinese and South Asian retailers in partnered stores by the end of March.
“In addition, we will be starting a number of initiatives focused on enabling our services in Chinese communities across the UK.”
In the �irm’s Q3 results ending 31 December 2024, PayPoint chief executive Nick Wiles said: “[We] expect our services to go live during our �inal quarter.
A NEW digital magazine that encourages more spend at local stores can help earn participating retailers money every time a customer reads it. Run by Retail Express publisher Newtrade Media, Shop+ gives store owners 10p every time a customer accesses it on their phone. Each issue includes recipes using products found in convenience stores and a regular customer prize draw of £1,000.
Alex Yau, editor
Retailers hit breaking point over retail-crime surge
INDEPENDENT retailers have called for greater police protection, after new �igures revealed a shop worker is now abused every 43 seconds.
Several store owners told Retail Express they had reached breaking point following a surge in physical attacks.
Amit Puntambekar, of Ash’s Shop in Fenstanton, Cambridgeshire, suffered a laceration to his face from a punch after confronting a shoplifter last month.
Describing the incident, Puntambekar said: “Shoplifters in general have become incredibly brazen since the pandemic. These criminals are habitual offenders, they do not care about the law.
“Abuse and violence to retail workers have become more common. As shop theft doesn’t get attended to, these criminals are pushing the boundaries.
“In the past year, my staff have been threatened with weapons, and I [have been] assaulted. Shop theft is not harmless, it causes major psychological damage and anxiety to retail teams.
below your eye. Would you want to go back to work? I was back to the work the same day, monitoring the CCTV to ensure my staff remained safe.
“Put one of your loved ones in my shoes. How would knowing they had been attacked for no reason make you feel?
“We need more protection urgently. We need support across different industries to drive this change. The �irst item that needs to change is the perception that shop theft is victimless.
“Retailers across the UK do incredible things every day. Their teams work hard every day. They deserve safe spaces [in which] to work – we shouldn’t wake up knowing we could be attacked.”
Natalie Lightfoot, of Londis Solo Convenience, in Glasgow, revealed she had suffered a miscarriage following severe stress from shop crime.
“More worryingly, the physical violence is abhorrent. Nobody should have to think about going to work and being attacked. Nobody should ever have that fear.
“Put yourself in my shoes. You have just been punched in the face, with a laceration
She told ITV breakfast programme Good Morning Britain: “We’ve had two really serious break-ins where I lost over £35,000 in stock and damage. Another time, a shoplifter threatened to kill me while I was seven months pregnant.
“Staff members have been injured in shoplifting incidents. I suffer from a lot of PTSD following the break-ins. I was pregnant when it happened, and I lost the baby.”
Figures released by the
British Retail Consortium last month revealed retail violence and abuse in 2024 had “spiralled out of control” to a record 2,000 incidents a day, up from 1,300 daily offences the previous year. This is equivalent to an attack every 43 seconds.
Supermarkets, alongside department stores, were the most-common locations for crime, accounting for 47% of all incidents.
Pete Cheema, chief executive of the Scottish Grocers’ Federation, told Retail Express: “We’ve warned governments repeatedly that
it’s a matter of time until another shop owner or team member pays with their life for the failure to get to grips with retail crime.
“We’re shouting from the rooftops that a lack of police resources and attention is going to have severe consequences for shop teams, shop owners and the communities where they operate.
“These are community stores, but they are approaching breaking point – the time is approaching where some may decide the risk is just too high.”
Meanwhile, Of�ice for National Statistics �igures released last week revealed shoplifting offences across England and Wales had risen from 402,220 incidents to 492,914 in the 12 months ending September 2024.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “These �igures continue to be shocking, but represent a fraction of what is happening every day. Retailers and their colleagues are being attacked for challenging thieves, [with records] then lost in the system because of a lack of police resources.”
“BY the post o ce, we have a stand for books, which we receive from a company called Scorpio Books. We have a range of ction and non- ction, as well as educational books for children. There is a wide variety. The educational books do really well as we have a lot of families nearby. They’re also very competitively priced, costing a couple of pounds less than in a traditional book retailer.”
Kaual Patel, Nisa Torridon, London
“THE wellness category is going to be a big focus this year for us here at General Stores. We are hoping to expand on this area in our shop throughout the rest of the year. While the store already covers the energy and protein category very well, the intricacies of wellness and nutrition as a whole is something we are going to learn more about across the business. We have begun partnering with suppliers for this.”
Mital Morar, General Stores, Manchester
“WE’VE started stocking basic hardware essentials following the closure of Mahers, a neighbouring DIY store. We wanted to make sure those living in the area were still covered. We have stocked up on lightbulbs, household tool kits and painting tools, among other useful products. While we cannot replace Mahers, we are here to lend a hand and keep those small jobs at home running smoothly.”
ELFBAR: The vape company is providing retailers in London with branded shopfronts, and plans to extend them across the UK. One retailer with the purple signage told Retail Express they were o ered it free of charge on a two-year contract after being approached by a rep.
For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘Elfbar’
LOYALTY: A Tesco Clubcardstyle card is being rolled out to independent shops, backed by symbol groups and EPoS companies. The Ubacart service enables customers to earn personalised discounts by scanning products through their phone. It has been introduced in Nisa and Bestway stores, with integration into Point Four EPoS.
For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘Ubacart’
BLAKEMORE: The Spar wholesaler experienced a 4.6% annual sales decline to £1.2bn, following the loss of a supply deal with EG Group to Asda. In the company’s latest annual accounts, released last month, it said: “Sales declined as one of our largest customers switched their forecourt stores to their own brand.”
For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘Blakemore’
BUSINESS RATES: Chartered surveyor Bankier Sloan has warned some independent stores in England are set for a shock 140% increase to the tax. Founder Ian Sloan told Retail Express upcoming cuts from 70% to 40% to retail, hospitality and leisure relief from 1 April will hit stores with a rateable value above the small-business rate relief threshold of £12,000.
Vas Vekaria, Kegs N Blades, Bolton
ALEX YAU
Vas Vekaria
A previous incident of retail crime captured on CCTV
Biffa £166m DRS gov’t lawsuit
ALEX YAU
WASTE-MANAGEMENT com-
pany Biffa has been given the go-ahead to sue the Scottish government for £166m over its handling of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).
The company was set to be the scheme’s official logistics service provider as part of a 10-year contract, with Biffa
tial 2024 launch.
However, following delays to the introduction of DRS up to October 2027, Biffa argued it had made a significant loss in the investment and potential profits forecast to be around £114.8m.
Meanwhile, Mo Razzaq, of Mo’s Premier in Blantyre, told Retail Express he “considered his legal position” after spending £10,000 on preparing his
special room was created for customers to specifically host a DRS service.
He added: “Given that Biffa has had the go-ahead to take the Scottish government to court for losses of £166m, I have also considered my legal position.
“I have taken some legal advice, but I am not keen on taking the government to court.
“What’s happened has hap
now is make sure the scheme that’s put together is fit for purpose. We want to move on and be proactive and help build the scheme.
“We needed a joined-up approach across the nations and we needed to take the politics out of it so we can all work for the common good.
“The feel of it seems to be a lot more collaborative and I feel more confident the
Nisa charity help
MORE than £1m was donated to 1,340 local causes by Nisa retailers through the symbol group’s Making a Difference Locally initiative last year.
The donations include small charities and community groups across the UK, providing support for food banks, helping give children better opportunities, aiding Middle Eastern and Ukrainian refugees, and winter support.
Multi-site Nisa retailers Dike & Sons, LA Foods and Proudfoot Group notably raised a combined £300,000 to support charitable causes.
RUSH ON BACARDI BREEZER STOCK
A RETAILER made nearly £5,000 in 24 hours after customers flocked to her store for classic Bacardi Breezers.
Natalie Lightfoot, of Londis Solo Convenience in Glasgow, began stocking the alcoholic beverage last month.
Within a 24-hour period, she sold 1,584 bottles at £2.99 each, in store and online, generating £4,736 in sales with a 40% margin.
She said: “Everyone’s loving it. Most people are coming in to get a case to themselves.”
New safe rolls out
A NEW safe enabling retailers to pay cash takings into their bank accounts on the same day is being rolled out. The equipment by Retail365 can be installed at counters or in back offices.
Shop owners or staff insert cash, which is counted by the machine. The value is paid into the retailer’s bank account on the same day.
The safe schedules collections from security firm G4S when the device approaches its limit.
Meet Allwyn’s Local Retail Champions National Winners!
Raj and Manish Suchak
Coldean
Convenience 02, Brighton
“To know that our wonderful customers voted for us gives us tremendous pleasure.”
Voted for by the public, our winning stores have been recognised for going above and beyond to support their local communities.They have each won £5,000 in cash plus a Social Value store makeover worth £20,000!
Natalie and Martin Lightfoot Londis Solo Convenience, Glasgow
“It’s lovely when other people recognise something you’re so passionate about.”
A competition from Allwyn, operator of The National Lottery
PRODUCTS
Dr Pepper’s Valentine’s Crush
PRIYA KHAIRA
DR PEPPER has introduced Zero Sugar Cherry Crush, a limited-edition �lavour designed to boost sales around Valentine’s Day.
Available now, the new variety will be offered in 330ml, 500ml, 2l and 8x330ml packs, with price-marked 330ml (80p) and 500ml (£1.35) options included.
The launch comes as �lavoured carbonates continue to grow, with cherry�lavoured colas contributing 55% of category value growth over the past year.
Dr Pepper remains the second-largest �lavoured carbonated brand in Britain, outpacing category growth in
value and volume sales.
The period around Valentine’s Day is a lucrative period for convenience retailers, generating £160m in 2024. Dr Pepper sales contributed to £3.4m of sales in this period.
Coca-Cola Europaci�ic Partners (CCEP) is supporting the launch with in�luencer campaigns, in-store sampling and out-of-home advertising.
Retailers can also access PoS materials and digital assets via my.ccep.com.
Rob Yeomans, vice-president, commercial development at CCEP GB, said:
“Dr Pepper has a loyal fanbase, thanks to its unique taste, and continues to deliver growth ahead of the
New Apple flavour for C4 Millions
C4 ENERGY has expanded its co-branded Millions range with the launch of Millions Apple, now available at Bestway Wholesale.
The new variety joins the Bubblegum and Strawberry �lavours, which collectively reached more than three million consumers in 2024.
The drink is sugar-free, contains vitamins B3 and B12, 160mg of caffeine per 500ml can, and has no arti�icial �lavours.
Priced at £1.59 PMP, the supplier aims to offer retailers a 40.32% margin.
Bite, scan and win with Oreo campaign
MONDELEZ International has announced a partnership between Oreo and the upcoming �ilm A Minecraft Movie, launching a specialedition promotion offering shoppers the chance to win prizes.
The limited-edition cookies feature four embossed Minecraft symbols – the Pickaxe, the Crystal, the Sword and the Creeper.
Consumers can scan the
wider �lavoured carbonates category.
“We’re excited for fans to try the new cherry twist, a �lavour we know goes down well with shoppers.”
Weetabix non-HFSS breakfast biscuits
embossments using their phone cameras to access a Minecraft-themed augmented reality experience and enter for a chance to win exclusive rewards.
This promotion follows Oreo’s previous collaborations with Pac-Man, Xbox, and The Batman.
Holie’s arrives in UK from Netherlands
DUTCH cereal brand Holie’s has of�icially launched in the UK.
An initial rollout in Ocado will be followed by expansion into wholesale and convenience later this year.
The vegan, no-added-sugar brand debuts with three Granola �lavours (Protein Crunch, Low Carb Crunch and Protein Peanut Butter)
and three Muesli varieties (Chocolate, 4 Nuts and Protein).
Holie’s, which claims to be the fastest-growing cereal brand in Benelux, contains no arti�icial sweeteners.
WEETABIX has introduced Crispy Minis Caramelised Biscuit, a non-HFSS addition to its cereal range, hitting independent stores from March.
The launch taps into the fast-growing caramelisedbiscuit �lavour trend, while Weetabix Crispy Minis remains the fastest-growing top-10 ‘tasty’ cereal brand.
Initially rolling out in Asda, Morrisons, Iceland and Ocado this month, it will later reach One Stop, Nisa, Booker, Spar and Unitas.
Weetabix is supporting the launch with shopper activations, paid media and in�luencer campaigns.
Pop star Goulding serves RTD range
PREMIUM ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail brand Served, co-founded by singer Ellie Goulding, has launched a range of full-strength cocktails aimed at the homedrinking market.
The range features Lychee Martini, Strawberry Daiquiri, Espresso Martini and Cosmopolitan, each with a 14.9% ABV in 125ml cans at
an RRP of £3.90.
The range rolled out this month.
The premium RTD cocktail category is growing by 82% year on year, with Served the UK’s fastest-growing brand in the segment.
Nomadic reveals 2025 promo plans
NOMADIC has announced a year-long national sampling initiative aimed at introducing its snacks to consumers across the UK.
The ‘Nomadic on Tour’ campaign began at the National Running Show in Birmingham (25-26 January), and was followed by
street-level sampling in the city centre.
During the �irst phase, 25,000 Good To Go pouches will be distributed.
Throughout 2025, Nomadic will expand nationwide, including sampling for NHS and emergency-service workers.
SWIZZELS and Bebeto have introduced new Valentine’s Day-themed sweets to help retailers boost seasonal sales.
Swizzels has launched Squashies Love Hearts, blending its foam Squashies with Love Hearts �lavours.
The product aims to build on 10% year-on-year growth. Bebeto debuts its You Melt My Heart range of liquid�illed gummy hearts in strawberry and cherry �lavours.
Available in 130g bags (£1) and 400g tubs (£3), the halal sweets are available from Spar and Parfetts.
Both brands tap into demand for seasonal confectionery, which has risen over the past year.
Shop+ is a brand-new free digital magazine for consumers, featuring: Join the Shop+ Club and earn money for your store!
New products in the convenience channel
Recipes using ingredients from your store
Money-saving ideas, well-being advice and lots more!
Join our exclusive Shop+ club and earn money every time one of your shoppers scans the Shop+ QR code. PLUS: The chance to win £500 cash with every issue.
Find out more and get your free in-store and digital point-of-sale at bit.ly/shop-plus25 or by scanning the QR code.
PRODUCTS
KitKat reveals sharing-bar trio
PRIYA KHAIRA
KITKAT has introduced a new range of sharing bars, designed to encourage consumers to take meaningful breaks and enjoy moments of connection with friends and family.
Available now, the 99g sharing bars come in three �lavours: Double Chocolate, Salted Caramel and Hazelnut.
Each bar has multiple break-off pieces and comes with creamy �illings and a marbled chocolate �inish.
The range contains no arti�icial colours, �lavours or preservatives, and is suitable for vegetarians.
Stephanie Scales, marketing manager at Nestlé UK &
Ireland, said: “In today’s nonstop world, it’s far too easy to let the evenings disappear in a blur. We want KitKat fans to hit that pause button and really unwind at the end of the day.
The launch forms part of KitKat’s ongoing ‘Breaks for Good’ initiative, which focuses on sustainability, including responsible cocoa sourcing and environmental-impact reduction.
Earlier this year, KitKat added the Hazelnut four-�inger bar to its range, with more new launches expected later in 2025.
Pladis’s cheesy limited-edition
PLADIS has expanded its £89m Jacob’s Mini Cheddars range with two limitededition �lavours.
Jacob’s Cheese & Red Onion Mini Cheddars and Jacob’s Cream Cheese, Garlic & Herb Mini Cheddars are available to the convenience channel in March.
The �lavours are available in both multipacks and single-serve PMPs at £1.25.
Additionally, Jacob’s Mini Cheddars’ core range is running a ‘Find A Wedge to Win A Wedge’ on-pack promotion from mid-February to March, offering shoppers a chance to win £10,000, and the campaign is also available to retailers to win a share of £350,000.
Spar adds thicker white sliced loaf
SPAR has introduced a white thick sliced bread (RRP 99p) to its own-label bakery range, following the success of its medium sliced variety launched in February 2024.
launch ensures we meet customer needs for highquality, affordable bakery options. In 2025, we plan to expand further with a brown or wholemeal variety.”
Pringles launches c-store exclusive
PRINGLES has introduced
Flame Grilled Steak, a new £2.99 price-marked pack (PMP) available exclusively to the convenience channel via Bestway, Dhamecha, Parfetts, Sugro and Unitas.
Supplier Kellanova said steak �lavours are an untapped opportunity, with sharing-sized steak snacks accounting for just 0.2% of sales.
Pringles, now worth more than £60m in the symbols and independents sector,
continues to grow 5.6% year on year, outperforming the overall crisps category. The launch will be supported by wholesaler activations and in-depot PoS materials to boost retailer engagement and impulse sales.
GOODFELLA’S has launched a new identity and marketing campaign, shifting its focus to togetherness, family and the joy of midweek meals.
The addition responds to rising demand for own-label bread and the increasing popularity of thick sliced loaves.
The new white thick sliced bread is available now in participating Spar stores across Scotland, England and Wales.
Katy Button, Spar UK trading controller, said: “This
Cheerios adverts return to TV screens
NESTLE Cereals has unveiled a £5m marketing campaign for Cheerios, focusing on its nutritional bene�its.
The campaign is expected to reach 24 million UK parents and 93% of households with children.
It will focus on the cereal’s high �ibre content and added vitamins.
It is the �irst time that Cheerios has been on TV screens since 2019.
The campaign will be ampli�ied via social media activations and a radio partnership with Bauer Media.
The campaign, built around the ‘Goooood!’ concept, features ads supported across out-of-home, radio, social media and gaming partnerships.
Goodfella’s is tapping into the growing midweek frozen pizza trend, with sales volume up by 10.8%. The campaign highlights its fresh dough balls, Italian stone baking and signature sauces range.
Two flavours in one with El ar’s Dual10k
ELFBAR has introduced the Dual10k pre�illed pod kit, expanding its reusable vape range as an alternative to single-use devices.
PEPSICO is turning up the spice with the UK launch of Doritos Dinamita, an impulseexclusive rolled tortilla chip hitting shelves this month.
The Dual10k features two �lavours in one device, with two 1ml pre�illed pods and 5ml re�ill containers for each �lavour.
A switch toggles between �lavours, and the 850mAh battery, ensures long-lasting use with a three-level LED charge display.
Available in 20 editions and 40 �lavours, including fruit and tobacco options,
The �iery addition expands the Extra Flamin’ Hot range, which has sold more than 4.8 million impulse packs in the past three years.
Launching in a £1.25 PMP, the new snack aims to attract Gen-Z and spice lovers with bold �lavours and a hint of lime.
The rollout will be backed by a shopper campaign in March.
Get a punchy taste of Rio with Monster
MONSTER has introduced Rio Punch to its Juiced energy-drink range, tapping into the rising demand for �lavoured energy drinks.
The new variety, available now, comes in plain and £1.75 price-marked cans, as well as four-can multipacks.
Inspired by Rio de Janeiro, the �lavour combines sweet papaya, vanilla ice cream and blackcurrant, drawing from a popular Brazilian dessert.
The launch follows strong growth in the Monster Juiced range, which now accounts for 34% of �lavoured energy sales, increasing by 18.1% in value to exceed £290m in Britain.
KP Snacks teams up with Tom Grennan
KP SNACKS has announced UK pop star Tom Grennan as the new ambassador for Popchips, aiming to strengthen the brand’s cultural appeal.
Grennan will perform at an exclusive Popchips event in May, with tickets available through an on-pack promotion running until the end of March.
The campaign, backed by a £1m media investment, includes social media and Spotify ads.
Popchips is also expanding its festival partnerships, reinforcing its presence.
Get away to Finland with Belvita promo
BELVITA has launched a promotional campaign offering shoppers the chance to win a trip to Finland, running until 31 May.
Shoppers can enter by purchasing Belvita Soft Bakes, Duo Crunch or Breakfast and scanning the on-pack QR code.
Retailers can also participate via snackdisplay.co.uk, with prizes including £750 in Amazon vouchers and an in-store sampling session. The campaign is backed
by digital, out-of-home and in-store marketing to drive engagement and biscuit sales.
Product of the Year winners revealed
PRODUCT of the Year has unveiled its 2025 award winners, celebrating the most popular products as voted for by UK consumers in a Kantar-conducted survey.
JTI
brings down RRP on Mayfair Gold
JTI UK has reduced the RRP of Mayfair Gold cigarettes from £13.30 to £12.50 per pack, making it the company’s most-affordable ready-made cigarette while increasing retailer margins from 7.7% to 8%.
The move aligns with the rising ultra-value segment, which now holds 17.9% of the total tobacco market.
in chewing gum. Crisps and bagged snacks saw Extra Flamin’ Hot Doritos, Walkers Max and Wotsits Crunchy recognised as consumer favourites.
This year’s winners cover key convenience categories – including household and petcare – that have stood out to consumers over the past year.
In beer, Birra Moretti Sale Di Mare took the top spot, while Mentos Pure Fresh Gum Duo Packs won
Starbucks Frappuccino Caramel No Added Sugar emerged as the leading �lavoured milk drink, and Velo Icy Fruits was named the top nicotine pouch.
New Cans brand enters UK market
CANS, an unsweetened carbonated soft drink brand, has of�icially entered the UK market, aiming to establish a new ‘non-sweet’ category.
The range, made with sparkling Alpine water and real fruit, contains no added sugar, sweeteners or arti�icial ingredients.
Launching with Apple, Cherry and Lemon �lavours (RRP £1.39/330ml), Cans will be available to independents via wholesalers soon.
Since its launch in October 2023, Mayfair Gold has become the UK’s fastestgrowing new tobacco line, generating £94.4m in retail sales in 2024.
JTI UK marketing director Mark McGuinness said: “We’re pleased with the performance of Mayfair Gold, this price repositioning further strengthens its appeal.
“With a reduction on the RRP of 80p per pack, we are making the brand more accessible.”
The brand, which debuted in the Czech Republic 15 months ago, has already sold more than one million units and aims to expand and reach eight million by the end of the year.
Sanpellegrino gets a fresh new squeeze
SANPELLEGRINO has con�irmed details of its Zero Added Sugar launch in the UK, offering a lighter alternative made with real Italian fruit juice.
The range debuts with two �lavours – Limonata (Lemon) and Pesca & Clementina (Peach & Clementine) – with each 330ml can containing fewer than 22 calories.
The new variety joins the brand’s core Italian Sparkling Drinks range, which includes six �lavours.
Sanpellegrino aims to meet growing consumer demand
for lower-sugar options while maintaining its signature Mediterranean taste.
BISTO has teamed up with Wallace & Gromit for a new on-pack promotion featuring the animated duo and their nemesis, jewel thief Feathers McGraw.
The campaign, running across Bisto Favourites Gravy products, offers three shoppers the chance to win a blue diamond worth £1,500, inspired by the villain’s diamond-heist storyline.
Hundreds of Wallace & Gromit-themed prizes, including slippers, socks and water bottles, are also up for grabs. The promotion, sup-
For the full list of winners, visit the Product of the Year website.
Bisto partners with Wallace & Gromit
ported by in-store PoS and social media, is running for 11 weeks.
Nirvana launches no-booze stout brew
NIRVANA Brewery has kicked off 2025 with the launch of its �irst Nitro Stout (0.5% ABV).
The new 330ml can features the brand’s refreshed look and offers an alcoholfree take on the classic stout style.
Brewed by head brewer James Rabagliati, Nitro Stout’s tasting notes include rich coffee, cocoa and caramel notes with a smooth, velvety �inish.
Founder Becky Kean says the release strengthens Nirvana’s core range, offering a no- and low-alcohol alternative in the stout category.
OPINION
OPINION ON THIS FORTNIGHT’S HOT TOPICS What do you think? Call Retail Express on 020 7689 3357 for the chance to be featured Every crime against us feels personal
RURAL SHOPS: What challenges are you facing?
“I WONDER whether people see the brand above the door and think we’re just part of a big corporate, so taking a few things off the shelf for themselves won’t have any impact. The reality is it has a massive impact on me, my colleagues and wider family. Every crime against us feels personal.”
Ian Lewis, Spar Minster Lovell, Oxfordshire
“WE have issues with shoplifting. If we end up seeing someone coming in and they’re talking on their phone, and then continue to talk on their phone as they walk around, that’s a pretty big red flag. There’s no way they’d be able to hold any signal in the store.”
STORM EOWYN: How was your business affected?
“IT was like the pandemic again as there was panic buying and depleted stock. People were ignoring the warnings and coming in. Days before the storm hit, deliveries went through the roof and customers were coming in with huge shopping lists.”
Natalie Lightfoot, Londis Solo Convenience, Glasgow
“ WE remained open, hail, rain or shine. The roof of the store could have been taken off, but we would have still been open for our customers. Tweedbank Stores looks after the community in all weathers. We remained open as normal until 9pm.”
DISPOSABLE VAPES: Are you prepared for the ban?
“WE are used to legislation around tobacco, so I’m not too worried about preparing for this. I’m not buying lots of stock in advance – just enough for the next few weeks so I’m not left with a lot to sell through when the ban comes.”
Ken Singh, BB Nevison Superstores, Pontefract, West Yorkshire
FOOTFALL: How are you catering to high customer numbers? I’m not buying lots of stock in advance Customers
Steve Wilson, Premier Tweedbank Stores, Galashiels, Scottish Borders
“WE’VE been using the quiet January period to get the store prepared. We haven’t bought as much disposable vape stock because we don’t want to be left with products we can’t sell. Some customers might go elsewhere, but it’s a risk worth taking.”
Dipak Shah, H&R News, Camberley, Surrey
“IT’S still early days, but we’re working very closely with Bestway on a new Costcutter on-the-go format targeted at smaller newsagents. Each site will vary from 400sq ft to 4,000sq ft, and the product range will be focused lines customers can get quickly.”
Jonathan James, James Convenience Retail, Derbyshire
“ONE-in-three customers who use parcels become regular customers. They started out just dropping off parcels, but now some of them do their weekly shop with us. That’s 40-50 extra customers who were in our area, but had never come in before.”
Qais Sarfraz, Premier Supersave Mini Market, Burnley, Lancashire
Christine Hope, Hopes of Longtown, Herefordshire
‘Retailers
need more clarity ahead of the disposable-vapes ban’
IT won’t be long until the June disposable-vapes ban will be implemented, affecting sales and ranging in convenience stores.
Many manufacturers are starting to take ownership of this, and I think it will be their focus to help independent retailers manage the ban over the next few months.
However, what we can and can’t sell once the ban comes into force is still very vague, not just for myself, but other independent retailers, too.
Closed-pod systems won’t be affected, but what is classed as ‘closed-pod’ is still very confusing. The retail industry needs more clarity on this area.
Some vape suppliers have
store’ Ajay Singh, Premier Morley, West Yorkshire
“WE are happy to announce our store has become dogfriendly for our shoppers. Customers can bring their furry friend along while they shop. This is to ensure customers can shop without having to leave their dogs outside and so they don’t have any worries while shopping. All we ask is that customers ensure their dogs are on leads at all times, so other customers can have a great shopping experience. If a customer’s dog is too friendly around other customers or dogs, we will ask them to kindly leave them outside.”
recently released products they claim will be compliant with the new restrictions.
However, upon closer inspection, some of these don’t look like they will be legal.
It’s made me very cautious about what products I’m buying, and from who.
I don’t want to sell a product that will get me into trouble.
Retailers will be guided by the bigger brands and our own research.
I’ve also started telling customers who ask for disposable vapes that these will be banned in June, and they may want to move over to an alternative and legal vaping product in preparation.
Anonymous retailer
“I WANT to thank Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I for its incredible support and partnership. The company’s generosity enabled us to donate 100 cases of Orangina to various charities, youth clubs, care homes and sports clubs. Convenience stores like ours aren’t just places to shop – they are community hubs – and this initiative proves retail is about more than just transactions, it’s about making an impact, encouraging connections and supporting the people who make our communities thrive.”
Lessons for the year
IT’S hard to say that spending habits in the current economic climate have been the same compared with those in previous years. The task at hand is a little bit more di cult, but we can always go by past experience, nding out what’s worked –whether it’s pricing or ranging – and then tweaking it.
For Christmas 2024, we took advantage of the Londis pre-sale, getting enough stock to create a shopping experience for customers while being mindful of the cost-of-living crisis. However, Christmas only really picked up for us on Christmas Eve, when people came in for distress purchases of bread sauce or wholegrain bread.
Next Christmas, we’ll look to stock more wrapping paper because there was a lot more demand for it in 2024 than we expected. Christmas was also an eye-opener because we had new team members. A lot of experience was missing, so we had to be a lot more alert, taking team members on more detailed training. Having the right people is a massive deal throughout the year, but it is especially important for the big events.
We always open on Christmas Day – not from a monetary perspective, but to serve customers who need last-minute purchases for last-minute guests. If people know we’re open, they know they can pop out to pick up some bread, milk or wine.
It’s important to have seasonal products on the shelves early. Before Christmas, we were already stocking some Easter items, such as Creme Eggs. People were so used to seeing Christmas stu by December that Easter products were something di erent for them. They might have said ‘Easter already?’, but still picked up a pack.
We’ve already sold through our rst Easter pre-sale, so we’ll get the next tranche up shortly. Similarly, we kept some of our mince pies out a er Christmas because some people like to have one in January with a cup of tea.
Godhania, JSN Retail, Peterborough
Each issue, one of seven top retailers shares advice to make your store magni cent
BIG NIGHT IN
BIG WINS ON BIG NIGHTS IN
Big nights in provide retailers with chances to drive sales in key categories.
SHYAMA LAXMAN nds out how
BIG-NIGHT-IN MOMENTS
AMID the cost-of-living crisis, a growing number of consumers are choosing to recreate dining and drinking experiences – typically enjoyed in hospitality – at home.
Tash Jones, commercial director at Fair elds Farm, says big-night-in opportunities for retailers in 2025 include major sporting events such as the Six Nations rugby, the Women’s Rugby World Cup and the Women’s Euros.
Also, occasions such as Valentine’s Day, Halloween, Christmas and bank holidays, as well as personal milestones – such as birthdays,
promotions, engagements and house warmings – continue to bring people together.
Bobby Singh, of BB Nevison Superstore & Post O ce in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, believes a big night in could be any Friday or weekend evening, or even people getting together and watching a lm.
He launched his big-nightin o ering during the pandemic, with deals featuring popcorn, ice cream and drinks to create an at-home movie experience.
He has since expanded his range to include meal deals to cater to more occasions.
RETAILER VIEW
Daniall Nadeem
Spar Motherwell Road, Bellshill, North Lanarkshire
“SELLING products on promotion will inflate your numbers, but might not increase your pro ts. You might usually sell ve cases of Coca-Cola in a day, but you might sell 10 if you put them on promotion.
“You might make less money, however, because your margin may be lower on the promoted products. That’s why independent retailers need to look at turnover versus margin.
“You should set promotions all year round so customers know that if they are having big nights in, they can get everything they need from their local shop.
“This year, we’re running fewer promotions, but we’re making sure the ones we do run are marketleading deals so they stick in people’s minds.”
TRENDS for 2025 include the premiumisation of at-home occasions, a growing preference for healthier alternatives – including gluten-free, vegan and low-calorie options – and an increased demand for value for money as shown by increased sales of pricemarked packs (PMPs).
Amish Shingadia, of Londis Caterways in Horsham, West Sussex, and Daniall Nadeem, of Spar Motherwell Road in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire, highlight the continued popularity of sharing bags of snacks and confectionery.
Stuart Graham, head of convenience and impulse at
KP Snacks, reinforces this by noting that the sharing bags segment, valued at £24bn, is the largest within the crisps, snacks and nuts category.
“Forty-eight per cent of consumers eat crisps, snacks and nuts when watching lms at home, and 51% view them as a good low-cost way to boost their mood and celebrate small achievements,” he adds.
To capitalise on this trend, retailers should focus on offering a variety of crisps, nuts, popcorn and pretzels. Additionally, retailers should pair snacks with drinks for additional spend.
CATEGORY ADVICE BIG NIGHT IN
WHAT PRODUCTS ARE CUSTOMERS BUYING?
JONATHAN Cobb, of Miserden Stores & Post O ce in Gloucestershire, o ers a wide range of ingredient-based products, such as pasta, meat and fresh vegetables.
He says that while it’s ne to stick with staples, it’s important to introduce something customers might not have encountered before.
Currently, Cobb o ers slowcooker sauces, such as tagines and curries.
“The issue with those is that customers don’t realise they are slow-cooker items, so you have to point that out at the till,” he says.
He also makes a conscious e ort to include at least one vegan or vegetarian option, as these are often overlooked.
For Singh, pre-made items like pizzas are a cornerstone of big nights in due to their versatility and potential for cross-selling with soft drinks and alcohol.
RETAILER VIEWS
Bobby Singh, BB Nevison Superstore & Post O ce, Pontefract, West Yorkshire
He rotates his pizza o erings weekly to keep the selection fresh and pairs them with a snack, dessert and drink.
Josh Corrigan, customer development director UK at St Pierre Groupe, highlights the signi cance of bakery products in big nights in, driven by the rising demand for US-style dishes such as burgers and hot dogs.
Retailers should stock a variety of convenient and indulgent options across ‘good, better and best’ ranges to cater to diverse consumer preferences.
“For maximum linked purchases, it’s important to merchandise a tasty selection of sauces and relishes,” says Corrigan.
meals from Praveen Kumar, while Sachin Patel, of Danny’s Convenience Store in Baillieston, Glasgow, o ers a takeaway menu featuring burger meals, popcorn chicken and chips, and goujons and chips.
To attract more customers, Patel runs promotional deals, slashing prices by up to 20% at speci c times.
Shingadia o ers frozen ready
“INSTEAD of just putting a picture on social media, make a video, even if it’s just yourself going around your shop asking what you should have for dinner. Just seeing promotions on posters can get monotonous, so put a twist on it.”
Jonathan Cobb, Miserden Stores & Post O ce, Gloucestershire
“YOU can gauge what customers are buying and try to recommend products directly. A lot of the time, people just go in with lists of what they want in their heads. They pick things up o shelves and take them to the counter. If you’re a bit more intuitive, however, you can upsell items they might not be aware that you stock that will go well with whatever they have in their baskets.”
“POS is a big thing when it comes to deals. Having a decent amount of promotional bays enables you to have the right number of facings for products. You need to put products in front of customers – if they don’t see it, if it’s not there right in front of their faces, they’re far less likely to buy it.”
SUPPLIER VIEW
“INDEPENDENT and symbol retailers should consider stocking PMPs as part of their ranges to demonstrate value to shoppers and reassure them they’re getting good deals, where appropriate to local conditions.
“Where retailers o er deals across a range of products, it’s important to ensure pricing and what is included is clear – shoppers like the reassurance of knowing the total price, as it helps them budget.
“As big nights in are so impulsive, having o ers, new products and old favourites together can help to drive selection.”
top tips
Secondary sitings in store are vital to the category, particularly as shoppers are four times more likely to buy crisps, nuts and snacks if they see them in a secondary location.
Retailers should put bestsellers at eye-level as this can drive up to 38% more sales compared with being on the bottom shelf.
Displays in store, especially nearer tills, play a key role in purchasing, with 35% of purchases in the savoury snacks made from these displays. However, retailers should remain mindful of HFSS legislation and prioritise products that adhere to these rules by stocking non-HFSS products.
Retailers should stock products that cover the di erent shopper missions and occasions we’re seeing demand for in the channel. Retailers should block by key mission: for later (multipacks), for tonight (sharing), singles and PMPs.
Nic Storey, senior sales director for impulse and eld sales, PepsiCo
Susan Nash, trade communications manager, Mondelez International
CASHING IN ON CONFECTIONERY AND DRINKS
SUSAN Nash, trade communications manager at Mondelez International, says big nights in are major sales drivers in the confectionery category.
“Standard chocolate is growing by 3% in the channel, with growth being driven by bignight-in formats such as sharing bags and tablets, growing by 6% and 12%, respectively, and together worth £295m in
independents and symbols,” she adds.
Two key trends in confectionery are sour products, which are particularly popular among Gen Z customers, and sharing bags, which account for 71.4% of confectionery sales.
“Shoppers like sharing moments, with bags being the most convenient and popular format for the consumer,” says
Nash. “It’s important to have a range of flavours and di erent types of candy – from hard to soft – to appeal to all shoppers. Value is also important in candy, where 70% of sales are in PMPs.”
On the drinks front, Kate Abbotson, senior external communications manager at CocaCola Europaci c Partners, advises retailers to stock sharing
packs of popular soft drinks, price-marked mixers, alcohol ready-to-drink options (RTD) and a good range of low- and no-alcohol options as more consumers seek to moderate their alcohol intake.
Cobb suggests that if space is limited, retailers should ensure at least one item from each category is available, from RTDs to entry-level spirits.
MERCHANDISING AND PROMOTING
JONES emphasises the value of themed displays to enhance the shopping experience and increase overall basket spend. She says: “Position related items together to encourage bundle purchases. Ensure your displays are located in hightra c areas, are well-stocked and feature eye-catching labelling to maximise visibility and drive sales.”
Within his shop xtures, Shingadia places higher-value items at the top to catch cus-
tomers’ attention rst.
To o er value, he scatters options strategically, with a dedicated value shelf at the bottom.
“Start with the premium tier at the top and the shelf below would be the lower tier, so people can trade up or trade down,” he says.
Caitlin Brown, category executive at BrewDog, recommends grouping alcohol products by segment and then brand, “using well-known brands to
highlight the category”, while Lauren George, external communications manager at Mars Wrigley, highlights the importance of variety in big-night-in promotions.
She says: “Consumers have diverse preferences, so it is important to cater to di erent tastes and occasions.
“By providing a wide range of products, retailers can appeal to a broader customer base and increase the chances of impulse purchases.”
RETAILER VIEW
By focusing on fewer, more e ective promotions, retailers can strike a balance between driving sales and maintaining pro tability.
Nadeem says it’s crucial to o er bundle deals, but acknowledges the challenges of boosting basket spend through promotions.
A strong social media presence helps him understand his communities’ requirements, tailor his range accordingly and promote it e ectively.
Amish Shingadia, Londis Caterways, Horsham, West Sussex
“EVERYONE is shouting about value at the moment. The importance of value to customers means that retailers need to refresh their o ers every two or three weeks.
“Then, you should look at your data to see what has done well for you, and try to keep those o ers, while replacing the others with new ideas.
“Sometimes, trying di erent things out just falls flat, so you need to know what’s going to work based on your data, and follow that trend.”
Fruity
PODS & E-LIQUIDS
MANAGING PODS AND E-LIQUIDS
Retailers unveil what’s trending in pods and e-liquids, and their plans for the category when the disposables ban takes place. TAMARA BIRCH reports
SUPPLIER
VIEW
WHY SHOULD YOU FOCUS ON PODS AND E-LIQUIDS?
VALUE is everywhere, that’s no secret, and customers are trying to save money. The freedom with disposable vapes was in how they enabled shoppers to try new flavours, without the hassle of a rechargeable device and at an a ordable up-front cost. But long-term, they are pricey. Pods and e-liquids can allow for this freedom overall, while also saving them money.
“Pod kits and re llable devices o er a cost-e ective solution to help adult smokers stay cigarette-free,” says a spokesperson from Evapo.
“Pre- lled pods tend to be around half the cost per ml of liquid as disposables, and 10ml e-liquid bottles o er ve times the amount of liquid than the cost of a disposable.”
They also allow custom-
ers to try di erent nicotine strengths, too.
“Retailers can highlight these di erences to customers by focusing on customisation and the convenience of pod kits, especially as they are seen as more sustainable and cost-e ective in the longrun,” says a spokesperson for Broughton, a testing and regulatory consultancy.
David Donaghy, head of creative marketing, Riot Labs
“RETAILERS should emphasise flavour variety and nicotine options. Pods typically o er a narrower selection, but their pre- lled design ensures consistent quality and simplicity. E-liquids, meanwhile, boast a vast array of flavours and strengths to diverse preferences.
“Retailers should stay close to their customers by actively seeking feedback on preferred flavours and devices. Collaborate with reputable suppliers to source the brands and products your customers want, and make sure they are transparent about compliance and o er ongoing support.”
THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES WITHIN PODS AND E-LIQUIDS
A CHALLENGE retailers are facing is customers returning devices, resulting in refunds of up to £15 or more. This is largely due to a lack of education on how to use available devices.
“Shoppers need to see how it’s assembled,” says Kay Patel, owner of Best-one Wanstead in east London. “To be compliant, a lot of them aren’t assembled in the box and each device is di erent. Some, you can start pu ng straight away, others you have to push bottles in.
“If you don’t know about it, they’ll think it’s broken and return it.”
Joshua James, of Fresh & Proper in Fordham, Cambridgeshire, echoes this issue and adds: “If sta aren’t aware of how a device works, they’re
more likely to o er a refund.”
James’ strategy is educating his team and stocking products that are easier for his customers to use. “Make sure your team know the flavours, strengths, comparables and how to use it,” he adds.
Top PRODUCTS
Bar EDTN e-liquid
Riot Labs’ Bar EDTN e-liquid range is designed speci cally to replicate familiar flavours and high-nicotine strengths disposable vapers are used to, helping for a smooth transition. There are more than 35 flavours in the range, some of which include Banana Kiwi Ice, Blue Cherry Burst, Apple & Blackcurrant and Cherry & Berry.
Pod Salt 2-in-1 pod kit
Launched in November with a £4.99 RRP for the starter kit and a £3.99 RRP for the pod pack, the Pod Salt Pyne Pod 2 is designed to help retailers transition from disposable vapes. The pod kit combines two pods in one unit, which the supplier says can deliver up to 1,5000 pu s. It has a 600mAh rechargeable battery. The range also launched in 10 starter editions, each with a device and two pods of two di erent flavours.
Elfbar 4-in-1 pod kit
The Elfbar 4-in-1 pod kit includes four 2ml pods, which users can rotate between. It o ers two vaping modes: Normal, which allows up to 2,400 pu s, and Economy, which stretches to 3,200. It also has a display indicating how much power remains in its 1,500mAh battery, which can be recharged with a Type-C USB cable. There are 16 editions available. Some flavours include Pineapple Edition and Fruits Edition.
Blu Bar Kit
The rechargable Blu Bar Kit delivers 1,000 pu s per pod. It includes a range of fruity flavours, with two new flavours available to retailers: Cherry and Pineapple. The kit has a 550mAh battery and a USB-C charging port, as well as a visible liquid level so users can see when their pods need to be replaced. It also has a security lock to prevent leakage.
Elfbar Dual 10k pre lled pod
The Elfbar Dual 10k pre lled pod features a dual flavour system and delivers two di erent flavours in one rechargeable high-pu -count device. There are more than 40 flavours across 20 dual flavour combinations, catering to a wide variety of adult preferences. It also features two 1ml pre lled pods, each complimented by a 5ml re ll container.
CATEGORY ADVICE PODS & E-LIQUIDS
WHAT ARE RETAILERS’ MUST-STOCK BRANDS?
ACCORDING to Patel, IVG Air
Pods are his top sellers in pods.
“There are a lot of popular pods and e-liquids coming through. It’s about nding the right ones for your vape customers.”
James says a brand called Lost10 is one of his top-selling e-liquids, which possibly reso-
nates with customers because of the strong brand awareness of Lost Mary vape products,
“Value is popular within pods and e-liquids, and this is how we can help drive sales, while catering for what our customers want,” he says.
Andrew Malm, marketing manager at Imperial Brands,
recommends a broad range for the space you have in store and ne tuning this according to customer feedback.
“This could include a range of pod systems and products for di erent budgets that offer a range of flavours to pinpoint which are most popular,” he says.
Pros
SUPPLIER VIEW
PROS AND CONS
Similar flavour range and experience to disposables
The key di erence between pods, e-liquids and disposables is their functionality. Most pods and e-liquids o er similar flavours.
Cost-e ective and sustainable
“While disposables have a lower upfront cost, pod systems save customers a signi cant amount of money in the long run,” says David Donaghy, head of creative marketing at Riot Labs. “They also reduce waste, addressing growing environmental concerns that have been a major factor in the disposable-vapes ban.”
Cons
Locked into brand flavours
“Pre- lled pods are incredibly consumer friendly, but you are locked into that brand’s flavours,” says the spokesperson of Evapo.
The worry around liquid tanks
Leaks are a concern among consumers, according to Malm, which is why it’s important to consider stocking devices that o er visibility of the liquid levels to replace pods when needed.
Andrew Malm, UK market manager, Imperial Brands
“RETAILERS should illustrate the usability merits of pod kits if their customers are unsure about whether to opt for a pod kit or an e-liquid solution. Highlighting the speed and accessibility of the pod replacement process within the kit will be attractive to users looking to switch from disposable devices, and emphasising the ability to purchase once and re-use the kit time and again thanks to its recharging functionality will also be a key bene t for vape customers.
“In terms of flavour delivery, our Blu Bar Kit utilises Blu flavour tech mesh coil technology. Users of our Blu 1000 disposable device will already be familiar with this for delivering a great taste experience vaping customers demand.”
EDUCATING YOUR TEAM AND CUSTOMERS
WHILE the disposables ban isn’t coming into e ect until 1 June, retailers need to educate their customers now so it’s not much of a shock when it does.
James doesn’t currently stock pods, instead focusing mainly on e-liquids because of space, but he has divided his gantry display for the category to help customers have a
smooth transition.
“Everything in the bottom half are products that will be illegal post-disposables ban, and the top are alternatives and compliant stock,” he says.
“We’re trying to be the store that informs them about the changes, and this is the simplest way for us to do this. It’s all led by our vape supplier,
which also owns retail stores in the local area.”
The key, James says, is being strategic. If you’re unsure, he recommends starting with comparable options from your most-popular brands to make things easy for your customers.
“The ban can scare a lot of customers, but by doing this, you’re almost giving them a
heads up. You want to clue them in before the panic sets in,” he adds.
If you’re yet to start, educate your team on the products you currently stock and tell them which disposable product it is most like so they can relay this to the customer. Remember to also tell them pod devices are reusable.
BANKING ON SUCCESS
Finding the right business bank account is vital for success. PRIYA KHAIRA compares fees, services and bene ts across di erent providers to help retailers nd the best t for their stores
FIND THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOUR BUSINESS
GETTING the right business bank account can have an impact on a store’s pro tability, cash flow and ease of day-today operations.
For retailers, it’s not just about having a place to store money – it’s also about making sure every transaction runs smoothly, fees don’t eat into margins and the account supports future growth.
With so many choices available, how do you know which one is right for your business?
“It is important to consider if a bank is compatible with you and your needs. It is always worth speaking to your accountant for extra support,” says Vince Malone, of Tenby Stores & Post O ce in Pembrokeshire.
Whether it’s access to an
overdraft, the ability to deposit cash easily or digital tools that save time, choosing the right bank can help retailers keep control of their nances and make informed decisions for the future.
The right business bank account should keep costs low, simplify daily transactions, and integrate with accounting software, where possible.
It should also o er support when needed – especially for retailers managing high cash volumes, or those who rely on credit facilities for stocking up ahead of busy periods.
Retailers who regularly handle large sums of cash, process high transaction volumes or require nancial flexibility need to make sure their banking choice works for them.
What TO ASK YOUR BANK
Once you’ve identi ed your needs, it’s important to ask potential banks the right questions
What are the fees for cash deposits and withdrawals?
High transaction costs can cut into pro ts.
Do you o er free banking for new businesses?
Some banks o er promotional free banking for the rst 12-24 months.
What lending options are available?
Business loans, overdrafts and credit facilities should be flexible and competitive.
How fast are transactions processed?
Some banks o er instant payments, while others take longer.
Do you provide retail-speci c support?
Some banks work closely with retailers and wholesalers, o ering industry-speci c advice.
CATEGORY ADVICE BANK ACCOUNTS COMPARED
A BANK ACCOUNT FOR YOU
BEFORE making a decision, retailers should take a closer look at what di erent banks o er.
Charges on cash deposits, transaction fees, overdraft interest and monthly account fees vary between providers.
A recent survey from the British Retail Consortium found that card fees paid by retailers have risen by more than 25%, making it even more important to evaluate banking costs.
Some banks might o er reduced transaction charges for retailers handling large volumes of cash.
It’s also worth considering additional features like whether a bank o ers specialist retail support.
Digital-only banks are able to o er lower fees, faster transactions and advanced digital tools compared with
traditional high-street banks.
With physical branches decreasing in number, online banking is now the primary way many businesses manage their nances.
Services that enable quick online payments, automated invoicing and real-time account monitoring can save retailers time.
Accounting software integration is another key feature, making it easier to keep track of cash flow and le tax returns without unnecessary admin.
When choosing a bank, retailers should ask themselves if their current accounts meet their needs and whether they are paying for services they don’t use.
Retailers should consider switching banks if doing so reduces their costs or o ers better support.
GET THE MOST FROM YOUR ACCOUNT
BANKS should be able to answer important questions, such as how much they charge for deposits and withdrawals, whether they o er introductory free banking periods and what lending options are available.
Transaction speed and
Before opening or switching business bank accounts, retailers should consider the
What are my store’s speci c banking needs?
Consider how often you handle cash deposits, whether you require a credit line and if you need digital banking.
Am I paying excessive fees for services I don’t use? Some banks charge for unnecessary extras that don’t bene t independent retailers.
Does my current account o er good support during nancial challenges?
Look at how your bank responds to overdrafts, loan applications and nancial support requests.
whether the bank has experience working with retailers should also be factored into your decision.
Enhanced fraud protection and real-time security alerts help retailers safeguard their accounts. Staying informed about these developments is
vital to ensuring retailers get the most out of their accounts.
Regularly reviewing your business account is crucial to making sure it aligns with your operational needs and growth plans.
While low fees matter, a good account should also o er
digital tools that streamline cash-flow management, improve e ciency and support business expansion. To stay ahead, retailers should compare their banking options at least once a year to ensure they’re making the most of their accounts.
BANK ACCOUNTS COMPARED
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Thornbury Refrigeration, an Arneg Distributor, has advertised in Retail Express for years. The regular positive response we
and
Robin Ranson, Thornbury Refrigeration
ADVICE
EXTERNAL SELLING SPACES
The RETAIL EXPRESS team nds out how retailers are using the outside of their shops to sell more products
“PARCEL lockers are doing really well. We’ve got InPost lockers outside that have just been extended, and we’ve been measured up for some Royal Mail lockers as well.
“We’ve got electric awnings outside the shop. There is Parisian-style seating underneath them so people can come into the shop, buy a coffee and a pastry, and sit outside to enjoy it, which means they’re staying with us a little longer.
“We’ve had the awnings since the launch. They help with the glare from the windows and provide an imposing road presence because they’re branded.
“Tables and chairs help to change the customer experience. Even having just a bench outside the shop is helpful for older customers – it gives them somewhere they can sit down and have a breather. It’s a valuable asset. We’re going to install a dog-refuelling station outside and are considering bike racks.”
2
Goran Raven, Raven’s Budgens, Abridge, Essex
3
Milan Vahanaka, Heathcote Express & Post O ce, East Grinstead, West Sussex
“WE’VEgot lockers for parcels outside our store. Our InPost lockers have been a huge success and footfall driver. We are also in conversation with another locker company to get some more in.
“We’ve also got a couple of bunkers �illed with winter and summer fuels. You can close the doors on them so they’re under cover at all times. We watch the weather – if we think it’ll be good for barbecues, we’ll get out our summer stuff.
“We’re also a forecourt, so we’ve got jet washes, vacuums and airlines outside. We used to keep newspapers outside, but no matter how good the unit was, strong winds ended up destroying everything, so we don’t do that now.
“I don’t think you should put too much outside because you’ve got to have easy access for the elderly and customers in wheelchairs. Keep it neat and tidy.”
“MORE retailers should focus on this part of their store. If you feel it’s safe to put some stock outside, then you should do so. At the moment, we’re selling screen wash, de-icer and logs for the �ire. At the end of February, we’ll replace that with plants and �lowers so customers can get ready for summer.
“We’ll sell different �lowers and �lower pots throughout the summer – it makes the front of the shop more colourful and inviting. We use a local supplier for our �lowers and plants.
“We also start selling charcoal for barbecues as soon as we take away the winter fuel. Then, in October, it’s back to selling logs and de-icers.
“It’s important to keep the place neat and tidy and to display prices very clearly and visibly. Clear pricing means customers don’t feel they have to wait until they get to the till to �ind out if they want to buy an item or not. It gives them con�idence.”
In the next issue, the Retail Express team nds out how retailers are preparing for the incoming legislation. If you have any problems you’d like us to explore, please email
I’m thinking of setting up a flower stall outside my shop. What advice do retailers have? –
Vas Vekaria, Kegs N Blades, Bolton, Greater Manchester
