Discuss the hottest topics in convenience with leading retailers and suppliers, and discover new ways to win more customers, grow your sales, run a more efficient store and move your business forward
Innovation • Loyalty • Pricing and promotions
• Current trends • Social media • Technology • Sustainability
Topics include: Also at the Better Retailing Festival & Awards:
Masterclasses • Retail surgery • Trade exhibition • Inspirational speakers • The Better Retailing Awards 2024 Celebration
Last week, I had the honour of being one of the judges for the prestigious Better Retailing Awards. The annual event recognises the industry’s top independent retailers across categories such as E ective Ranging & Availability, Store Development and Customer Engagement.
The panel of judges included retail experts, senior industry gures and retailers, and we all got to assess di erent categories. My category included four very impressive stores.
I can’t tell you the results here as they’re a very closely guarded secret. You will have to attend the Better Retailing Festival & Awards in Birmingham on 14 October to nd out who won.
However, I can tell you the process to pick a winner was no easy task for all those involved across the day. There was a lot of arguing and deliberation between my group to narrow it down to the nal store.
Although some of the nalists certainly had incredible services, others also impressed with simpler investments.
They’re so simple, you could easily introduce them into your store today. For example, you could improve your range by adding a suggestion box for customers, or crack down on antisocial behaviour by striking a relationship with your local police or trading standards o cer.
I recommend sitting down when you have a spare moment to think about the simple changes you can make. They might even help you get shortlisted and pick up a gong in the 2025 Better Retailing Awards.
Editor Alex Yau
@AlexYau_
020 7689 3358
News editor
Ciarán Donnelly
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News reporter
Alice Brooker
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Robin Jarossi
Head of design
Anne-Claire Pickard
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Priya Khaira 020 7689 3379
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ALEX YAU
MORE than 1,000 arrests, including a former subpostmaster, have been made in relation to far-right rioting which saw convenience stores ransacked and destroyed.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council con�irmed it had made 1,024 arrests since 29 July, following nationwide
rioting sparked by misinformation relating to the killing of three girls in Southport. Nearly 600 charges were also made during the same period. Those charged included Steven Mailen, 54, of Arch Court in Hartlepool.
According to reports, Teesside Crown Court heard Mailen was a former subpostmaster. He was sentenced to two years and two
months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to a charge of violent disorder.
In some instances, independent retailers were in fear for their lives during the nationwide rioting, where some had lost their businesses during the wave of racist violence.
Commenting after the riots, chief constable BJ Harrington said: “Forces have
SUBPOSTMASTERScan now receive up to 5% of their remuneration monthly, as part of the Post Of�ice’s (PO) new Operational Excellence Initiative.
The rate is determined by how successful branch own-
ers are at completing daily cash declarations, cash pouch remittances, management of cash holding and accounting. It is reduced based on a point-scoring system, but the rate is reset at the start of each month.
been united across the country, determined to send a clear message to those involved in the physical destruction of our streets, sustained violence against of�icers and spread of online hate.
“While the situation seems to have stabilised over the past few days, I know it will leave an imprint on our communities and on our of�icers for years to come.”
PAYPOINT research has countered common retailer complaints that users of its in-store parcel services do not buy additional items.
A PML spokesperson said: “Our long-standing advice to retailers is to keep them out of sight, preferably behind the gantry or counter. However, if retailers choose to display them openly, that decision is entirely theirs.” Features writer Jasper Hart @JasperAHHart 020 7689 3384
Survey data released by the services company this month claimed 16.9% of parcel-service users had bought confectionery during a visit to use parcel services, while one in three bought a soft drink. There was little difference in categories such as chilled grocery and crisps and snacks.
TRADINGstandards have reportedly been clamping down on retailers displaying Iqos Heets tobacco sticks on tills. Retail Express understands of�icers in the south of England have been enforcing the restriction.
INDEPENDENT and symbol group retailers have experienced a fourth consecutive month of sales slumps, according to the latest Kantar data.
In the four weeks to 4 August, small independent shops lost
3.1% of market share, compared to 5.5%, 4.1% and 2.8% in the preceding three months. Despite the dip, Kantar claimed summer sales were up across all stores, despite rising prices.
AN independent retailer has described the frightening moment when staff were held at gunpoint and spoken about the increase in incidents of armed robberies in his store.
On 1 October 2023, the police were called with reports of an armed robbery at a Tesco on Camden Road in north London.
Muhammed Hamza, 20, of Coopers Lane in Camden, and Asim Ahmed, 20, of Raglan Street in Kentish Town, north London, entered the supermarket brandishing weapons.
One stole a number of items from the store, while another held terri�ied staff at gunpoint.
Forty minutes after terrorising the staff at the Tesco store, the pair made their way into a Nisa Local on York Way at 3.20am, this time with a third male.
As well as a handgun, a knife and hammer were brandished at members of staff and the public in the shop before the robbers stole goods.
Haroon Hussein, who owns the shop alongside other Nisa stores across London, told Retail Express incidents of violence had increased over the past year.
He added: “It was frightening for the staff involved. We’re always there to provide assistance and support their mental and physical well-being when incidents
like these occur. They’re never told to intervene.
“Unfortunately, we’ve seen incidents involving weapons increase in our stores and the retail sector in general. The police response could be better in these instances, and they should be prioritising investigations on attacks on small businesses, but we also understand that resources are quite stretched.”
Hamza and Ahmed were arrested on 28 November and later charged with three counts of armed robbery, three counts of possession of an imitation �irearm, one possession of a knife and one count of possession of an offensive weapon.
Both pleaded guilty to the above charges at Harrow Crown and, on 22 April 2024, were sentenced to seven-and-a-half years’ imprisonment.
The Central Specialist Crime Flying Squad’s detective constable, Will Wigzell, who was leading the investigation, said: “This was a very frightening experience for the victims involved, thankfully none of whom were injured.”
In a separate incident earlier this year, a convenience store in west London was robbed by two people, with one armed with “what appeared to be” a sawn-off shotgun. One suspect was subsequently arrested and charged.
Commenting on the incident at Kew Convenience
Store on North Road, Metropolitan Police inspector Chris Jackson said: “A staff member was threatened, with a quantity of cash and cigarettes stolen before the suspects made off with another on pedal cycles.
“At the moment, the viability of the �irearm cannot be con�irmed, but has to be treated as a live �irearm, and as such is being investigated by detectives.”
The incidents at the convenience stores come as exclusive data by Retail Express revealed the number of robberies involving a weapon across small shops and supermarkets
outnumbered unarmed attacks last year.
Analysis of freedom of information responses from 17 police forces found there were 147 attacks involving a �irearm, blunt or sharp object, compared with 15 unarmed during the same period. Armed instances in the year represented a 3% increase on 2022.
Umar Majid and his staff had previously been victims of violence in their store in North Lanarkshire. Majid advised other retailers to talk to staff constantly and offer time off where needed, while also examining potential well-
being courses.
Similarly, GroceryAid welfare director Mandi Leonard stressed that retailers should not hesitate to contact support organisations.
“There are a range of services on offer to provide support, whether that be �inancial, emotional or practical,” she said.
“We have our Workplace Critical Incident support available, which can lead to a trauma-support specialist attending at a time convenient to those affected, for a full or half-day, depending on the number of employees involved.”
“BANNING does not solve the problem. It’s a nanny state, because people will still buy them, and I fear people will go underground. Unscrupulous retailers are doing this. When they get caught or they get punished by the authorities, they are given a slap on the wrist and get charged £100 or £500, which is peanuts to them. Honestly, because of the cost-of-living crisis, I can’t say I blame them.”
Arif Ahmed, Ahmed News, Coventry
“WE sell re llable vapes, but the majority of vape sales in my store still come from disposables. I also try to push re llable alternatives. It’s all about ordering these products as needed, rather than stocking loads in the back. It’s important to try to transition so sales don’t just vanish. I am a little concerned about the ban, but we will be able to adapt to the changes when they come in.”
Marcus Parkinson, Windermere News, Cumbria
“DISPOSABLE vapes are hands-down the most popular vaping product in my shop. I sell 15 disposables for every re llable vape, which amounts to 5-7% of my total takings. I am at a loss as to what product could replace disposable vapes at the same margin when the ban comes into force. We will adapt. We will do whatever we need to, but it puts on added stress.”
Davies, Woosnam & Davies News, Llanidloes, Powys
JUST EAT: The home delivery provider is to o er partnered stores the ability to give item substitutions to their customers. Just Eat head of grocery and convenience Dana Grabiner said it was “actively looking forward to launching it on the platform in the near future”.
For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘Just Eat’
DHAMECHA: The wholesaler is to open its new Liverpool depot on the same industrial estate as rivals Hancocks, Bestway and Parfetts. Based on the Farriers Way industrial estate near Aintree, the site is expected to open in time for the busy Christmas trading period.
For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘Dhamecha’
VAPES: Many leading vaping suppliers and distributors have refused to commit to taking back disposable vapes when they become illegal on 1 April 2025. Only United Wholesale Scotland con rmed it would be taking back stock. The UKVIA suggested stores would be responsible for ensuring they were not stuck with leftover products.
For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘vaping’
TOBACCO: Most people support a clampdown on the number of shops selling tobacco. More than 60% of people backed the change as part of new research by the Health Foundation, compared with 18% who opposed the restriction. Other measures that were well received by respondents included a tax on ultra-processed foods. Minimum prices and multibuy bans on alcohol were not received so positively.
ALEX YAU
SCAMMERS have been attempting to steal sensitive information and parcels from retailers through fake websites and by posing as Royal Mail staff.
This month, Nisa warned its partnered stores that the fake domain ‘nisaretails.com’ had been registered. It told retailers the fraudulent website was not connected to Nisa and
not to engage with any correspondence or interaction they received from the fake domain.
Asked by Retail Express what the wholesaler was doing to protect retailers, a Nisa spokesperson confirmed the domain had been taken down following an investigation by its IT security team. Only one customer had been contacted, but no further action was required.
In a separate incident, sub-
postmasters in the south-east of England had been warned about scammers going into stores posing as Royal Mail staff in attempts to steal parcels. Retail Express understands similar scams had been attempted by criminals in Liverpool five years ago and more recently in Oxford in May this year.
Advising on how to avoid being stung, one subpostmaster told Retail Express: “We’re
always extra vigilant with ID checks if we get an unfamiliar rep come into the store.
“I always tell my staff to immediately ask for ID if it’s a new rep. It’s always worth checking if there is a company van outside as well.
“Expensive items such as phones and tablets are common for our parcel service nowadays, so you’re always going to get people trying new ways to steal these gadgets.”
BOOKER is delisting its Euro Shopper chocolate blocks for an alternative with a 33% drop in average margin.
Milk and white chocolate variants of the popular 85p 100g chocolate blocks were set to be replaced by the new Salut range in mid-June, but its rollout was affected by delays. The non-price-marked Salut range offers 20% margin on four flavours when sold at its £1 RRP, compared to 30% on the outgoing Euro Shopper chocolate.
THE new Labour government has confirmed plans to roll out the deposit return scheme earlier than the Conservative’s proposed 2027 date.
Circular economy minister Mary Creagh said: “This government is committed to creating a roadmap to a zerowaste economy – a future in which waste is reduced; we accelerate the path to net
jobs; [and] our
my prospers.”
STORES partnered with loyalty firm Jisp have been promised issues with late payments are to be resolved by the end of August.
Long-standing partners of Jisp claimed they were owed large sums of money associated with its Scan & Save system. Payments are still underway and Jisp pledged it would clear all outstanding amounts in a number of meetings and calls with participating stores.
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TANGO is reintroducing its popular Cherry Sugar Free �lavour this October.
The return aims to attract those seeking fruit-�lavoured carbonates and Gen-Z customers.
According to Britvic, Cherry remains one of the top �lavours in the soft drinks market, valued at £309m, making it a strong addition to Tango’s portfolio.
The reintroduction of Tango Cherry is designed to provide retailers with a long-term sales opportunity in the fruit-�lavoured carbonates sector. It also follows the success of Tango Apple Sugar Free, which has become the
second-biggest �lavour in the Tango range, with sales growing by 94.8% in the past year.
Tango Cherry Sugar Free will be sold in multiple formats, including 330ml cans, 500ml bottles and 2l bottles, with prices ranging from 80p to £12.49 for multipacks.
The launch will be supported by a comprehensive marketing campaign across PR, social media, in�luencer partnerships and in-store promotions.
Ben Parker, Britvic’s retail commercial director for Great Britain, said: “We’ve had many consumers requesting the return of our Tango Cherry �lavour on social media, so there really was no better time to bring it back.
BELVITA is shaking up its range with the launch of its Soft Bakes Choc Chips multipack in £1.99 price-marked packs (PMP).
In tandem with this launch, it is kicking off a retailer competition, offering retailers a chance to win prizes including free stock and a £500 Amazon gift voucher.
Retailers can input their details via snackdisplay.co.uk to enter the competition.
packs, Grenade, Oreo, Ritz and Mikado, with a retail value worth over £150.
There will also be four runner-up prizes comprising the new Belvita Soft Bakes Choc Chip PMP multipack as well as Cadbury Brunch Choc Chip PMP
We know how important it is to keep innovating to keep shoppers interested and excited by the category.”
SWEETDREAMS has announced the introduction of Choc Nibbles £1 pricemarked packs (PMP) into the convenience sector.
said: “With the cost-of-living crisis, customers are looking for value for money when they’re making purchasing decisions.”
The rollout includes 135g sharing bags in Original, Mint, Orange, Birthday Cake and Toffee Crumble �lavours, as well as a new 120g Original Choc Nibbles bar, which are all now available for £1.
Sweetdreams’ decision to launch the PMPs comes as research from Lumina Intelligence showed seven out of 10 impulse shoppers prefer PMPs over non-pricemarked products.
James Jeffery, head of sales at Sweetdreams Ltd,
VAPE brand Lost Mary has launched its �irst ‘high-puffcount’ product in the UK.
times longer than traditional single-use vapes. It comes in 16 �lavours.
BAZOOKA Candy Brands has revealed its new Juicy Drop Mallows.
The BM6000 is reusable and rechargeable. It includes a battery display and eliquid-level window.
According to Lost Mary, it delivers up to 6,000 puffs and is aimed at meeting a growing demand from adult smokers and ex-smokers for high-puff vapes.
Juicy Drop Mallows are available in Raspberry and Cola �lavours in 100g sharing bags. They are in shelf-ready packaging, containing 20 bags per case.
Juicy Drop Mallows’ launch will be supported with social media activations along with in�luencer partnerships.
WORLD of Sweets has brought its Sour Punch Pickle Roulette range to the UK.
The confectionery distributor is offering Sour Punch Pickle Roulette Straws and Sour Punch Pickle Roulette Bites.
Alongside Lemon & Lime, Green Apple and Watermelon �lavour straws, each pack of Pickle Roulette Straws also contains ‘hidden’ pickle-�lavoured straws to surprise customers.
The line was a quick hit in the USA, selling out within two days of launch through 1,600 orders for the product.
Retailers can order the Pickle Roulette lines through the World of
The new closed system device uses pre�illed pods and is intended as an alternative to disposable vapes.
The device features a pre�illed 2ml pod that integrates a 10ml e-liquid container for automatic re�ills, something that Lost Mary says allows the device to last up to 10
Priced at £1.25, it is hoped the new mallows can shake up the market, which is currently dominated by strawberry and vanilla lines, according to the supplier.
The UK marshmallow market, which was valued at £8m in 2023, is expected to grow by 36% by 2030.
The brand’s previous Juicy Drop Gummy Dipperz launch is growing by 81% year on year.
Sweets retailer app and website. They’re also available in Hancocks.
EX-INTERNATIONAL
rugby player and current NFL player Louis Rees-Zammit has launched his own energy drinks brand, Savitar.
Savitar is a non-carbonated sports performance drink. The range includes pre- and post-workout options. Each variety includes a speci�ic blend of vitamins for a different level of activity.
According to Rees-Zammit, his goal with the new drink is “to rede�ine the sports drinks industry by offering a superior alternative to carbonated beverages – one that embodies the essence of athleticism and elevates the standards of hydration”.
Savitar is exclusively being distributed through family-
SOMERS, known for EazyPop Microwavable Popcorn, has launched a new ready-to-eat gourmet popcorn range.
The range comes in convenient tubes and offers four �lavours: Magic Curry, Smokey BBQ, Sour Cream & Chive and Tomato Ketchup. These new �lavours bring an unconventional twist to traditional popcorn �lavours. Sour Cream & Chive has a tangy �lavour, Tomato Ketchup offers a sweet and zesty option, while Smokey BBQ and Magic Curry offer smoky and spicy �lavours.
The new range is designed to be a versatile snack for various occasions including a big night in or as an on-thego treat.
FOX’S Burton’s Companies (FBC UK) has reintroduced Jammie Dodgers to television screens this month.
The advert forms part of Jammie Dodgers’ new £2m campaign, featuring in-store and social media activations.
The ‘Really Fruity’ advert sees the whole family together after sharing a Jammie Dodger. It is running until 26 October.
It follows the introduction of its Apple & Blackcurrant Minis to the range earlier
this year. Jammie Dodgers is a £33.9m brand and is delivering sales growth of 15% year on year.
Colin Taylor, trade market-
ing director at FBC UK, said: “It’s been a very busy year for Jammie Dodgers – we’ve fully invested in innovation to keep shoppers excited.”
KP Snacks has revealed two new Pom-Bear �lavours: Cheese and BBQ.
These new additions feature modern packaging, are HFSS-compliant, vegan, gluten-free, and free from arti�icial colours and �lavourings.
Pom-Bear will also return to television for the �irst time since 2018 with a new advertising campaign.
The commercial, airing from 9 September, depicts a father and daughter sharing
a bag of Pom-Bear. The campaign, accompanied by radio and social media promotions, carries the tagline ‘Put a little Pom in your day’.
The Cheese �lavour is available in both multipacks and single packs, while the BBQ �lavour will be offered in multipacks.
These new options join the existing Original �lavour in the Pom-Bear lineup.
Following last year’s partnership with the Transformers: Rise of the Beasts movie, Golden Wonder has teamed up again with Paramount Pictures for the release of the new movie Transformers One, set to air in cinemas from 11 October.
The on-pack promotion, running across �ive million packs of Golden Wonder Transform-A-Snack, gives consumers the chance to win a family trip to Orlando plus free theme park entry.
Packs also offer chances to win runner-up prizes, including unique Transformers One merchandise.
now, with the campaign running until the end of October.
It is supported by digital, social and trade activations.
Promotional packs are available
CHEERIOS is rolling out new packaging that spotlights the nutritional perks of its breakfast cereal lineup.
Featuring a new design, the refreshed boxes emphasise the multigrain bene�its and high-�ibre content of the cereal.
Cheerios’ Multigrain and Honey varieties both deliver a blend of seven vitamins, plus calcium and iron, while also containing oats, wheat and barley.
This packaging revamp is a key part of Cheerios’ broader media push, which includes YouTube, video and social media activations.
The campaign showcases Cheerios as the go-to choice for a nutritious start to the day.
The new Cheerios boxes will be available from September.
With PayPoint services you can turn your store into a local hub for customers to run multiple errands at the same time. This opens additional revenue streams, increases footfall, maximises cross-sale and impulse buying opportunities.
IN maintaining my own personal resilience, the number-one thing that helps me is supporting other people in my network by getting involved in things and reaching out.
When I’m struggling, I have learned I am sometimes not very good at reaching out to people. But the more people you speak with in this industry, the more you’ll nd them repaying the favour when you’re feeling less resilient. Everything is a balancing act. The past six months have been tough for me at times – I have three children of varying ages, an online business and in-store management to deal with. But the best thing is to keep communicating with your peers – and you don’t have to see them as competitors, either.
PRIYA KHAIRA
WALKERS has teamed up with Heinz to launch three limited-edition crisp �lavours inspired by popular British sandwich �illings.
The new varieties – Sausage Sarnie with Heinz Tomato Ketchup, Cheese Toastie with Heinz Baked Beanz and Roast Chicken with Heinz Mayonnaise – are available now.
The new crisps are HFSScompliant and aim to add variety to lunchtime options for consumers.
The launch coincides with the fourth year of Walkers’ ‘CrispIN vs CrispOUT’ campaign, which encourages debate about the inclusion of crisps in sandwiches.
The campaign was designed to help retailers capitalise on lunchtime sales by offering unique crisp �lavour combinations.
Crisps remain a popular snack choice, with cheese and meat �lavours performing particularly well, growing by 11% and 21%, respectively, across the savoury snacks category.
The new �lavours will be available in various formats, including a 45g grab bag for £1, a 70g price-marked pack for £1.25 and a �ive-pack multipack for £1.65.
Stephanie Herbert, senior marketing manager at Walkers, said these options would help retailers to boost lunchtime sales.
HEINEKEN UK is expanding its Red Stripe brand into the ready-to-drink (RTD) market with the introduction of the Rum Stripe range.
The new line, all 7.5% ABV, includes �lavours such as Rum Punch, Cherry & Cranberry and Pineapple & Coconut.
year’s Notting Hill Carnival, which included sampling and branded materials for local convenience stores.
The launch follows the product’s release in Jamaica and the USA last year, as Heineken looks to leverage Red Stripe’s success in the convenience sector (currently valued at £25.5m).
In this industry, and through Women in Convenience, I’ve learned a support system is so important and I’ve built that up. I can pick up the phone to any of the girls in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland and they’ll be there for me. That’s important for your own personal resilience. Signing myself up to forums so I’m always learning and bringing the best activations into store has been key with building up my resilience, too. Tiny things can set you over the edge sometimes, or the day-to-day issues of invoices and sta illnesses. If you reach out to someone, they can make sure you’re alright. It makes you a stronger person in this business. Collaborators
The RTD category itself is worth £181m in convenience stores and has grown by 5.4% year on year.
The launch was also supported with activities at this
AFTER making its mark in Italy and Czechia, Philip Morris Limited (PML) is bringing its Veev One pod system to the UK market.
INDEPENDENT drinks wholesaler LWC Drinks is now listing James Gin, the gin brand founded by former Top Gear presenter James May.
The wholesaler stocks the brand’s four varieties: Asian Parsnip, American Mustard, London Drizzle (all 40% ABV) and Navy Strength Asian Parsnip (57% ABV).
Speaking about the �lavours, May said: “I came up with the idea of blending the �lavour of parsnip, which reminds me of England and its dampness, with Asian spices because they add excitement.”
The gin is a partnership between May and Downton Distillery, which launched in 2021 and is now sold
in more than 40 countries worldwide through
At launch, the system features 12 pod �lavours spread across three categories: aromatic, cooling and crisp, and warm. Each pod is designed to deliver up to 1,000 puffs.
Key features include ceramic heating technology to
MOGU Mogu has teamed up with K-pop band Seventeen for a 12-month global partnership, featuring a new on-pack promotion and nationwide campaign.
The partnership includes the launch of six-packs of Mogu Mogu’s Lychee, Mango, and Strawberry �lavours featuring Seventeen and collectable band photocards.
As part of the promotion, Mogu Mogu is rolling out a
enhance �lavour and prevent a burnt taste, a battery that charges fully in under 45 minutes, and see-through pods for easy monitoring of liquid levels. The pods also have a magnetic connection to the device, designed to minimise leakage. It is available in �ive colours from September. RRP: £8.99 (starter kit), £5.99 (two pods)
code-under-cap offer across all bottles.
Shoppers can enter codes online to win prizes such as discount vouchers and gift cards. The promo runs until April 2025, with monthly rewards for top collectors. The top 30-50 collectors each month will receive gift cards worth £30-£50.
COCA-COLA and Oreo have joined forces to launch a limited-edition beverage: Coca-Cola Oreo Zero Sugar.
The 250ml can blends the �lavours of Coca-Cola with Oreo and is set to hit shelves in September.
This collaboration is part of Coca-Cola’s ongoing strategy to engage new consumers through different partnerships. Recent data highlights the success of Coca-Cola Creations’ limited-editions in driving new customer engagement.
According to Coca-Cola Europaci�ic Partners, 20% of shoppers who purchased Coca-Cola Creations in 2022
were new to the Coca-Cola Zero Sugar brand, contributing to sustained sales growth.
The supplier is running activations on Spotify to support the launch.
EMPIRE Bespoke Foods, global food importer and distributor, has launched its Master Cook ‘Asia’ collection of easy-to-cook meal kits, noodles and condiments inspired by �lavours and recipes of Japan and Korea.
All ingredients are premeasured and can be made in up to 15 minutes.
RRP: £1-£3.75
BIOTIFUL Gut Health is responding to rising consumer demand for protein-rich products with its High Protein Ke�ir Drinks launch.
The new range, available in Vanilla, Chocolate and Strawberry �lavours, offers 20g of protein and no arti�icial ingredients. It contains live cultures, vitamin B12 and is low in fat.
The launch follows Biotiful’s introduction of its Ke�ir Protein Single Serve Pots, which feature high-protein quark ke�ir in dessert-inspired �lavours such as Salted Caramel and Chocolate Orange.
Ke�ir sales have grown by more than 50% in value in the past three months.
The drinks aim to tap into the popularity of food to go, targeting health-conscious adults. RRP: £1.95
The range comprises four meal kits (Katsu Curry, Sesame Teriyaki, Curry Udon and Yaki Soba), plus ramen, udon and soba dry noodles (for soup or stir-fries), soy sauces (premium, dark and light), Ramen Broth and Classic Kimchi.
The meal kits and the condiments (excluding ramen broth) are all suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.
Avtar (Sid) Sidhu, owner of Budgens, Kenilworth, takes a look at the issues retailers could face if the Generational Smoking Ban is implemented by the new Labour Government.
IN celebration of the release of a new season of hit Net�lix show Emily in Paris, HäagenDazs has launched a limitededition ice cream.
The collaboration gives its Salted Caramel �lavour a makeover with Emily in Paris-inspired packaging, available in both pints and stick bars.
Tobacco remains a very important category to retailers. So, it’s shame that as it currently stands, the Generational Smoking Ban would be a bit of a nightmare for retailers. An increase in ID checks for older adults would certainly cause friction points and incendiary moments at the checkouts.
If not amended, the bill would put a lot of pressures on shopkeepers up and down the country and put retailers at risk of harm.
Häagen-Dazs is running an on-pack promotion, where consumers scan a QR code for a chance to win prizes, including a £1,000 Harvey Nichols wardrobe refresh, a Harrods Pamper Hamper and a year’s supply of HäagenDazs ice cream.
The campaign will also be supported by social media activity.
THATCHERS Cider is set to expand its new Juicy Apple variety into retail after launching it in pubs and bars in April.
The cider is now available in Morrisons and is set to further expand in the coming months.
Available in 500ml bottles and 4x440ml and 10x440ml multipacks, it is made using 100% renewable electricity and aims to bring new cider drinkers into the category, appealing to younger audiences.
Fifth-generation Thatchers cider maker Eleanor Thatcher said: “There was a gap in the market for a cider that’s made speci�ically for the next generation.”
PROPER Snacks is releasing three new savoury popcorn �lavours in Tangy Chilli, Smoky & Sweet Paprika and Cracked Black Pepper & Salt.
The range is naturally high in �ibre, seasoned with natural �lavours and under 100 calories per serving.
Proper Snacks is growing by 18% year on year. Its launch aims to tap into on-the-go savoury snacking occasions.
The packaging is illustrated by London-based artist Annu Kilpeläinen. The packs will be made available to independent retailers in September.
Cassandra Stravrou, founder of Proper Snacks, said that nearly half of popcorn sales
come from savoury options.
“That shows huge untapped potential to grow the snacking category here as a whole,” she added.
The age of 18 is currently enforced across a range of age-restricted items, whether that’s tobacco, knives or BBQs, with this viewed as an age where adults can make informed decisions for themselves. Introducing a Generational Ban brings inconsistency to the table and will upset many customers. It could also set a precedent for other categories – what is the Government going to move on to next?
People will still want access to tobacco, so a Generational Ban is likely going to open the flood gates to the black market, helping criminals to make money, and reducing revenue for honest retailers and HMRC.
Retailers can raise concerns about the proposed Generational Smoking Ban with their local MP.
Scan the QR code to find yours.
RETAILER OPINION ON THIS FORTNIGHT’S HOT TOPICS
What do you think? Call Retail Express on 020 7689 3357 for the chance to be featured
FOOD TO GO: What major investment are you making?
“WE’RE planning a major re�it soon, with a focus on food to go. A lot of the investment is going to be targeted at selfserve machines for hot food such as hot dogs, and hot or cold drinks. It’s going to work well for our customer base, as there are a lot of college students nearby.”
Julie Duhra, Jules Premier, Telford, Shropshire
“WE’VE started working with Praveen Kumar on premium Indian ready meals, and we’ve teamed up with a local catering company to offer South-East Asian food that can be air-fried at home. It offers restaurantstyle experiences at affordable prices.”
Kaual Patel, Nisa Torridon, Lewisham, south-east London
We o er restaurant-style food at a ordable prices
LOYALTY: Have you set up an in-store scheme for customers?
“CUSTOMERS can use our app, or use a card in store. If they use the app, the receipts, points and vouchers are uploaded via the app. Many of our shoppers save their earnings to use at Christmas. Staff let them know about the scheme and show them how to use it, too.”
Barry Patel, Nisa Marsh Farm, Luton, Bedfordshire
“OUR loyalty scheme offers customers 1p for every £1 they spend. Customers kept losing the cards we offered, and we realised they weren’t �it for purpose. We contacted and worked with Retail Data Partnership to create key fobs. They’re plastic, and shoppers simply scan them.”
Mo Razzaq, Premier Mo’s Blantyre
STORE MANAGEMENT: How are you improving operating processes?
“I’VE brought in temperature monitoring with a company called Kelsius. I can get a noti�ication if fridges
“WE’RE using electronic shelfedge labels. You know any price changes have de�initely been made and you don’t have to worry about it. With staff changing the labels, you only need one of them not to be done and you’ve got to go and check them all.”
David Wyatt, Costcutter Gatwick, West Sussex
STORE LAYOUT: How have you improved this?
“SHAPING your store layout to suit different shopper missions is a small but effective way to drive sales. Customers tend to be shopping for one speci�ic item, coming into store for distress purchasing or doing preplanned top-ups. I place certain categories close together.”
Priyesh Vekaria, One Stop Carlton Convenience, Salford
“IT doesn’t take much. It might include taking down some shelves and putting them somewhere else to increase visibility of pro�itable categories or impulse items. I integrated more freezers for frozen ready meals to cater to customers looking for ‘fakeaways’.”
Kopi Kalanathan, Costcutter Kirk Sandall, Doncaster
ON 8 August, I was alerted to suspicious activity in the morning, and noticed a man stealing a bottle of wine. He left before I could confront him, and returned later in the day.
He started shouting at my wife, Fiona, who was asking him to pay for the bottle he
had stolen earlier. It was when I tried escorting the shoplifter from the building that he continued to verbally abuse and swear at staff. He was telling me it wasn’t my money we were losing, and that it’s a victimless crime. I told him it is our money – it’s our business.
That’s what really angered me – it’s unacceptable. He was giving me an attitude of ‘who’s this harming?’. I told him he was banned, so he hit me and walked off.
The most concerning thing for me was after the event, a local came up to me and my 11-year-old son, and asked
me about being hit. It was horrible to see the shock on my son’s face. He understands how wrong it is, and it’s wrong that he’s having to go through that, too. It has an impact on our family.
Vince Malone, Tenby Stores & Post Of�ice, Pembrokeshire
“WE are thrilled to support the Scarborough Swimming Club, which was established more than 100 years ago. Their commitment to fostering a love for swimming and developing talented athletes aligns perfectly with our values of community investment and healthy living. They said a recent £500 donation from us will be ‘invaluable in supporting the club’s ongoing e orts’. They added: ‘The money has been used as part payment towards our junior headsets for our swimmers. These enable our coaches to give valuable in-time coaching while the swimmer is in the water, correcting their skills and developing their strokes.’”
“FOR one month, the store was doing match funding to help families who may need a bit of help. It has really hit home as to how many people are struggling out in the community. We were asking people to ring and specify an amount they’d like to pay from £5 to £50. We doubled the value they gave. We also had hampers for people to give a gi to a community group, food bank or homeless charity. We wanted to help in our own small way to combat the cost of living for families and help food banks in the area.”
WE use local suppliers for a huge range of products.
We’ve got local suppliers for some of our chilled and frozen products, which we get through Consort, a local wholesaler, as well as cakes, tea and co ee, ice cream and even curries from a local supplier.
Biddenden Vineyards provides us with apple juice. We tried their cider, but it didn’t sell very well for us, so we’ve stuck with the apple juice. We’re the only shop in the area that sells wines from a vineyard only 75 yards up the road. Our £1 bags of assorted sweets all come from a local supplier. I’m in discussions with another local supplier to provide us with sausages, bacon and other meats very soon, and we’ve also got a local farmer who sells whatever they’re growing at the time to us.
Local doesn’t just have to mean made locally, either. We’ve got French crisps called Brets that are imported by a local company. The flavour is absolutely superb and we’re lucky to have them in the shop.
It’s no extra work having all these additional suppliers on our books because the relationships with them are so much closer and faster. It’s just about sending them an email and telling them what we want delivered this week, and that’s it.
I would advise retailers not to pay for goods from smaller companies until they’ve arrived and been inspected. Because they’re smaller, they can encounter problems. If they went into administration, you will have paid for a load of produce that was no longer going to turn up and lost that money. It doesn’t happen o en, but it can happen.
I would say that fresh and chilled is better suited for local produce. I’ve tried frozen meat before and it didn’t really sell, but I’m going to try it again because we’ve got some new customers in the area.
We don’t stock them in a special ‘local’ section. They’re all within the right categories, but we have signs outside advertising our local credentials and we put them up on our Facebook page as well. It brings in customers who wouldn’t normally come in.
CHARLES WHITTING nds out how retailers can become the go-to shop for all kinds of big nights in
WHAT IS THE BIG NIGHT IN NOW?
THE big night in has always existed, but it came into greater prominence during the pandemic, when nights out became a simple impossibility.
These days, with purse strings tightening, people are choosing to socialise at home rather than out in pubs and bars, presenting an endless array of occasions that retailers can build o ers around.
Whether it’s small get-
togethers to watch a movie or play video games, larger gatherings centred around a sporting event or a special meal, or huge seasonal parties involving friends and family, the opportunities are endless.
“The key is for store managers to really understand how di erent consumer groups are approaching drinking occasions and ensure they are o ering that breadth and
depth of choice,” says Jo Taylorson, head of marketing and product management at Kingsland Drinks.
will be look-
“Consumers ing for convenient, great value drinks and new innovations such as fun RTD cocktails and canned drinks, which o er contemporary flavours and tastes, so ensure your store gives customers plenty of options to choose from.”
WHEN there are more people gathered together, the multipack becomes the principal di erence in purchasing choice. O ering deals on everything from snacks to alcohol, ice cream to soft drinks, helps your customers build up their basket quickly while giving them a sense of good value. Michelle Frost, general manager at Mars Chocolate Drinks and Treats, citing the Maltesers Ice Cream Bar fourpack as an example, notes that multipacks have contributed to an 8.3% increase in ice cream sales
Matt Collins, sales director at KP Snacks, adds: “Whether it’s a get-together to remember, a casual drink paired with nuts, or a family movie night with popcorn, the crisps, snacks and nuts sharing segment has grown signi cantly and represents a huge opportunity for retailers. Forty-nine per cent see snacks as a musthave for an evening in.”
Julian Taylor-Green, from Spar Lindford in Hampshire,
has been concentrating on big multipacks of beer and soft drinks since before the Euros, ensuring that he has consistent and reliable availability that customers will keep coming back for.
“We have 18- and 24-packs of soft drinks and we’re majoring on the 10-packs of beer right through the summer,” he says. “You have to make sure you’ve got all the component parts in place – charcoal, sharing crisps, multipacks of drinks – and that they’re highly visible. That will continue right through past September. As long as there are blue skies, people will socialise outside.”
Taylor-Green doesn’t o er promotions on his multipacks because it helps to maintain that consistent message to customers so they know exactly what to expect. And by focusing instead on sourcing them at reasonable prices, he’s also able to o er a price that is competitive with local multiples.
Guinness
KitKat Sauce
Guinness announced a four-year agreement with the Premier League, which kicks-o for the 2024/25 season. Guinness will become the O cial Beer of the Premier League, and Guinness 0.0 as the Ofcial Non-Alcoholic Beer of the Premier League.
Nestlé Professional recently launched a KitKat Sauce with wafer pieces. The 1kg bottle has a squeezable design, making it easy to create a range of desserts.
Cheez-It
American brand Cheez-It has made its UK debut. Baked with 100% real cheese and a combination of wheat, corn and potatoes, the UK range includes two flavours – Cheese & Chilli and Double Cheese. It is available in small individual packs (65g PMP and 40g) and larger sharing bags.
Value options
“Cost-of-living pressures have seen a move by consumers to eat in more, providing opportunities in convenience retailing for ‘meal for tonight’ and ‘big night in’ o ers as consumers see staying in with friends and family as a cost-e ective alternative to going out,” says Mondelez International trade communications manager Susan Nash. “We see a continued focus on value, with price-marked pack (PMP) sales increasing in convenience. PMPs help deliver a value message in store, tapping into consumers’ need for a ordable treats.”
Fakeaways
“Recreating takeaway favourite meals at home is now a rising trend known as ‘fakeaways’. These mimicked meals are commonplace during big nights in,” says Ross Davison, head of convenience of Kepak. “A recent survey revealed that 39% of shoppers said they had a fakeaway in the past month. Fakeaways are now overwhelmingly popular among consumers, with 74% saying they are ‘convenient’ and 70% saying they seem ‘good value’.”
Premium options
“We know there is high demand for premium lines as consumers look to replicate night-out experiences in home,” says KP Snacks’ Matt Collins. “Forty-six per cent of shoppers are more inclined to trade-up to premium food and drink options when dining at home.”
Pairings
“A great way to drive incremental sales is by o ering themed bundles, like food pairings,” says In Good Company’s Steve Cox. “Positioning paired foods together on shelf or within the chilled space is a great way to elevate the big-night-in occasion and highlight local and premium pairings.”
Big-night-in kits
Make a list of the kinds of big nights in likely to be popular at the time of year, and then build a complete o er around it and place it in a conspicuous spot in the shop. For example, sharing packs of popcorn, snacks and confectionery multipacks of soft drinks and a bottle of wine can together make for the perfect in-house movie night.
WHILE there will always be an excuse for people to get together and have a fun night together at home, retailers can bolster sales by leaning into upcoming events that might theme any get-togethers.
These can be as big as Christmas or built around other major events such as the Oscars, Diwali or the end of the school or university year. They can even just be a weekend where the weather forecast is good. Prepping early, being adaptable and having prominent PoS and signage to direct customers can boost your rep-
“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 versus being on the bottom shelf.
“Displays in store, especially nearer the till, play a key role for purchasing, with 35% of purchases in the savoury snacks category made from these displays. However, retailers should remain mindful of HFSS legislation and prioritise products that adhere to these rules by stocking HFSS-compliant products, such as the PopWorks and Walkers Max Pizza Hut range.
“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.
“In the weeks leading up to key events, such as nals of sporting events, retailers should remind shoppers to pick up the essentials with dedicated displays and pointof-sale material to help grow sales.”
utation for future big nights in as well.
“Look at collaborative planning – working with multiple brands to help complement your own annual activation calendars,” says Steve Cox, chief executive of In Good Company. “I’d also look to challenge brands to create exciting propositions that give retailers a point of di erent for their consumers.”
Retailers can really increase their takings if they’re prepared ahead of a sunny weekend with good availability of meats, multipacks and charcoal.
“Barbecues are the best events that can happen in this business,” says Matthew Hunt, from Filco Supermarkets in South Wales. “If you can get people eating and drinking outside, you will sell more. There are no distractions, there’s no technology involved. It’s just people being part of the moment and it’s re-
The biggest seasonal opportunity is still ongoing, with good weather encouraging people to get together in their gardens for big afternoons in.
George Phillips TJ’s Late Shop, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire
preparing for a big night in want things to made as simple as possible.
“I ALWAYS incorporate pizzas into my big-night-in o er. They’re easy and simple, and they’re essentially a treat. If you look at Domino’s marketing, it’s always advertising as a big night in.
isn’t their standard shop where they know what they need instinctively or an emergency visit where they’ve come in for a speci c product. They are often coming in looking for inspiration and this means that your displays, o ers and PoS can guide them to a bigger basket and a more memorable evening or afternoon.
messaging and secondary displays in store to further inspire purchase,” says Susan Nash, trade communications manager at Mondelez International. “Consider crosscategory merchandising. For example, chocolate and crisps together, or by other sharing snacks.
“In the frozen section there’s lots of chicken wings with the US branding all over them. They’re simply advertised to show what the product is where everyone can recognise what they are. Wings are a US staple when it comes to a big night in.
“I constantly run promotions because I have lots of competition around me. Alcohol o ers are constant.
recommend creating ‘sharing and big night in’
“If retailers get their range and display right, the opportunity is signi cant, and not only within the confectionery category. Display can signpost ideas to shoppers, so theming can be bene cial.”
“I look at what the big stores aren’t able to sell and use these products to add character and give people some imagination about what they can have in the evening. At the moment, I’m doing promotions on my socials about my barbecue meat. I cook them up and get people tasting them and show people what they’re like.
“But as long as I’ve got pizzas, ice cream, snacks like cup cakes on o er, my multipack treats, and bargains running on alcohol, that’s essentially your big night in.”
PRIYA KHAIRA reports on how retailers can stay ahead of the curve and drive nicotine pouch sales
THE nicotine pouch category is now worth approximately £43.9m a year to the convenience channel. Retailers with the right customer demographic have seen an increase in demand for the products in recent months.
Dave Peacock, of Mercer Way Stores in Romsey, Southampton, notes that the category tends to attract users of traditional cigarettes who are trying to cut back. He is selling up to 30 packs a week of the prod-
ucts. “Nicotine pouch users tend to be very set on a particular brand, strength and product once they nd one they like,” he explains.
Nicotine pouches are used by placing the bags between the gum and lip for up to an hour while nicotine is released into the body. They come in a variety of flavours and nicotine strengths, catering to a wide range of consumer preferences. Nicotine pouches have gained popularity for several
reasons. Unlike traditional tobacco products, they don’t involve combustion or inhalation, making them a cleaner and more discreet option for nicotine consumption.
Mint, berry, citrus and tropical blends are some of the most-popular flavour options.
Bruce Terry, portfolio manager at JTI UK, notes that mint flavours are currently trending in the category.
“There is currently an 80.7% and 18.7% market split be-
tween mint and fruit flavours,” he says. “Shoppers are also looking for these flavours in higher nicotine strengths, with 67.1% of nicotine pouch sales coming from extra-strong or strong strengths.”
According to Vape Superstore data, Elfbar Tacja Blue Sour Raspberry and Menthol, Velo Tropic Breeze and Ruby Berry, and V&You Mint & Focus are some of the mostpopular nicotine pouches on the market.
THE category is under a regulatory microscope following the recent introduction of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, seeking to create a smoke-free generation and crack down on youth vaping.
A cornerstone of the Bill is ensuring that children younger than, or who are turning, 15 this year will never legally be
sold tobacco. While the primary focus of the Bill is on restricting tobacco and vaping products, nicotine pouches are also under scrutiny, particularly concerning their appeal to younger consumers. This may potentially impact the way that retailers market and display their nicotine pouch products.
Shem Baldeosingh, director of the Global Institute for Novel Nicotine (GINN), notes that the disposable vape ban and restrictions present an opportunity for retailers to drive nicotine pouch sales.
Age restrictions
“Users who might have previously relied on disposables are seeking other smoke-free alternatives, resulting in in-
The sale of nicotine pouches to minors is set to be outlawed. Although no date is set for this, once it becomes law, retailers must ensure that they fully comply with age-verification laws and implement checks to prevent underage sales.
Marketing and packaging
Although specific regulations for nicotine pouch marketing and packaging have yet to be finalised, there may be future restrictions. Retailers should prepare for potential changes by focusing on marketing catered to adults and avoiding any packaging or promotions that could appeal to younger consumers.
On-the-spot fines
When the law is in place, retailers caught selling nicotine pouches to minors will face on-the-spot fines of £100, with additional penalties for repeat offenders. It’s essential for retailers to train and educate staff adequately on age-verification and compliance to avoid these penalties.
Flavour restrictions
While current regulations allow a wide variety of flavours, future restrictions could limit flavour options to reduce their appeal to youths. Retailers should stay informed about potential changes and adjust their product offerings accordingly.
creased demand for nicotine pouches,” he says. However, retailers will need to closely monitor the legislative process and prepare for the possibility of tighter restrictions. “By following responsible marketing practices, retailers can drive sales while contributing to public health goals,” Baldeosingh adds.
EDUCATION is key for driving growth in this category, with many consumers still being unfamiliar with what the products are and how they work. By providing staff with educational materials and training, retailers can better communicate the potential benefits of nicotine pouches to customers. “Retailers should also observe seasonal trends and busy periods, for instance, keeping their nicotine range strong in the summer when demand is at its highest. Clear signposting aids consumer navigation of the category,” adds Terry.
Although regulations may impact how nicotine pouches can be displayed in the future, retailers should take advantage of current allowances to create eye-catching, informative point-of-sale displays. They should also tailor any marketing and promotions to adult smokers looking for alternatives to cigarettes by offering introductory discounts or loyalty schemes. Retailers should utilise instore and online promotions to reach a broader audience. In-store promotions can attract regular customers while online ones can reach a wider demographic.
Stay up to date
Stay updated on the latest laws regarding the sale of nicotine pouches, especially age restrictions and potential changes in marketing.
Education is key
Be clear to staff about the benefits and usage of nicotine pouches so they can help customers understand the products better.
Optimise range
Be sure to offer a range of flavours, from fruit to mint varieties. You will also want to stock a range of strengths to cater to varying tastes.
Utilise displays
Create appealing and informative displays and consider running special promotions, targeting adult shoppers.
Engagement
Leverage both digital marketing and in-store promotions to reach a broader audience. quick tips
Shem Baldeosingh, director, GINN
“CONVENIENCE retailers should consider consumer preferences and market trends: stocking a variety of responsible brands and flavours, as well as nicotine strengths, can cater to a broad range of customer needs.
“As always, keep an eye on which products move fastest to understand local preferences, and actively seek consumer feedback on what they are looking for when buying a product. Retailers should also stay informed about emerging trends and customer feedback to continually adapt their offerings.
“Retailers must also ensure their marketing practices comply with regulations and do not target minors, maintaining the integrity of the category.”
TAMARA BIRCH talks to retailers on key grocery top-up products to stock and how they maintain margin
GROCERY top-up products are everything typically bought last-minute or as a product to get your shoppers through until they do a bigger shop. They can include everything from milk and bread to cooking sauces and condiments, from fruit and veg to canned goods.
To ensure you make the most of the sales opportunity, Steve Moore, head of retail at Parfetts, says: “Space permitting, retailers should cover all the bases because consumers
will be looking for products, such as cooking sauces and associated products for the evening meal solution. Conversely, breakfast cereals also form part of the top-up mission.
“There are also elements of distress purchasing, so be sure you have good availability across all categories.”
Vidur Pandya, owner of Kislingbury Mini Market & Post O ce in Northamptonshire, judges his range based on the season.
“We’ll have a few staples of everyday products and products based on what the current trends are,” he says. “Trade press helps us quite a lot with understanding the latest trends, as do supermarkets, so look at your nearest, see what they have on promotion and whether it’s something you need to stock. The nal key thing is asking your customers.”
It’s also important to consider your customer demographics
to work out what will be driving those purchasing decisions. For some, a desire to save money will a ect what customers respond favourably to, while others will be looking to eat more healthily. Catering to these needs can boost basket spend and returning footfall.
“We know a large number of families reconsidered ambient and canned food during the pandemic, and, if anything, it’s even more relevant now, as many of the products within it
not only tick the boxes around health, variety and flavour, but most importantly of all, they help consumers save money during this ongoing cost-ofliving crisis,” says Gareth Roberts, UK country sales manager at Dole Sunshine Company.
“I think, in general, having canned food in the kitchen gives consumers peace of mind, flexibility and the reassurance that they have something in the cupboard when needed, which won’t go to waste.”
GROCERY products are the most likely category to be driving shoppers through your door, but what are some retailers strategies?
“We try to blend products,” explains Pandya. “In the same area, we have pasta, sauce and seasoning, top to bottom, to make it easier for our customers to buy a full meal option. Customers are time poor and what’s on the shelf must make money, so we try to go for that
full meal solution.” Pandya also recommends avoiding duplicating products and brands, keeping your range precise and simple to help customers choose quickly.
“With rice, we’ll always keep the one brand, same with sauces, which are usually either Sherwood or Ben’s Original, depending on margin,” he says.
Amy Sohal, owner of Premier – Ken’s Convenience Store in
Winsford, Cheshire, focuses on daily top-ups, like milk, bread and sugar. “We stock a mixture of branded and local, o ering customers a choice, and our milk is local, too,” she says.
In-store visibility is key for grocery top-ups. If customers see you have certain products, they’ll remember to come to you when they run out. Sohal utilises social media to drive awareness about what’s in her store. Grocery products don’t
feature highly on her online activities, but once people are encouraged to come into the store by her posts, she makes sure they can see the full grocery range on o er.
“We advertise other products, which they come in for, but end up buying groceries on top,” she says. “It’s about getting them through the door. They’ll notice how much stock we have, which helps increase spend and repeat visits.”
Steve Moore, head of retail, Parfetts
“GIVEN the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, it’s essential that retailers focus on maintaining margin, and Parfetts is investing in providing great value, regular promotions and a fast-growing own-label range to support its customers.
“Own label is extremely important in giving consumers value and choice, and our own-label range provides real quality at a competitive price and helps retailers to optimise margin. The own-label range is rapidly expanding and is on track to hit 150 lines to include everything from Go Local cooking sauces to breakfast cereals. Where possible, retailers should o er an alternative to the big brands.”
Carmen Ferguson, brand manager at Biona’s parent company, Windmill Organic
“RETAILERS should stock a diverse range of organic food and drink products, including staples like grains, pasta, and canned goods, as up to 67% of UK consumers state they have purchased organic in the past 12 months. At Biona, we are the number-one organic food supplier to leading UK retailers. The most popular of our brands would be our organic canned beans and pulses, our coconut oils and coconut milk, our rye breads, along with our organic olive oils.
“In a post-pandemic world, 33% of UK consumers stated that eating healthily has become a higher priority since the outbreak.
“Making meals healthier is the top reason for cooking meals completely or partly from scratch, with 57% of home cooks listing this reason. Moving forward, interest in healthy eating is expected to gain further momentum, highlighting the relevance of a comprehensive organic range that would attract these health-conscious shoppers who are willing to spend more on quality organic products.”
GROCERY products typically have a lower margin, with the fresh items like fruit and veg also su ering from shorter shelf lives. Sohal uses other categories to increase overall store margin.
“We focus on categories such as heated tobacco, vaping and alcohol,” she says.
“We installed a beer cave, which has helped increase overall store margin and level out grocery products.”
margin on those, so it balances out,” he says. “Maintaining margin in grocery is a balancing act, but it is possible.”
Availability is also important when it comes to maintaining margin.
Moore recommends: “Review back-o ce sales data regularly. At Parfetts, we offer small case sizes geared towards independent retail and a range of items in singles, such as our Go Local Tortilla wraps.
Pandya, on the other hand, has a mixture of price-marked and non-price-marked packs.
“Heinz Beanz’s smaller cans are price-marked and we get 10-12% on those, but our larger cans are non-pricemarked and we get a higher
“A well-merchandised grocery xture will attract interest from consumers who may only have popped in for one or two items. Good use of promotions and PoS will drive spend.”
Biona cooking pastes
Biona launched a range of organic cooking pastes earlier this year, which includes 130g jars of garlic paste, ginger paste and a combined garlic & ginger paste, all with an RRP of £3.19. The range was designed for time-poor consumers as it “eradicates the need to peel and chop by providing healthy and sustainable ingredients, which are ready for immediate use”, Carmen Ferguson explains.
Twinings Fruit Coolers
Twinings has unveiled a range of Fruit Coolers in Peach and Tropical varieties for customers to enjoy chilled. The supplier recommends infusing a tea bag in 200ml of boiled water for three minutes, allowing it to cool and enjoy over ice. The launch comes as data from the manufacturer shows that 32% of UK consumers have enjoyed iced or cold tea and infusions in the 12 months up to November 2023.
Nescafé Dessert Edition
Nestlé has launched a new limited-edition Vanilla Cookie Dough Latte variety under its Nescafé brand. The product combines the smooth richness of Nescafé co ee and vanilla cookie dough, which was crafted using fresh milk, co ee and cookiedough flavouring. It comes in convenient sachets, has 80 calories per mug and is suitable for vegetarians.
Lucy Richardson, category manager, Unilever UK
“BRAND drives the customer decision in the key categories of mayonnaise, ketchup and salad cream, so prioritising these on the shelves is best. In terms of mayonnaise, customers then look for full-fat versus light and flavoured. With ketchup and salad cream, it is important to separate these into regular versus reduced salt. Plus, with 50% of all dressing sales being mayonnaise and ketchup, make sure you use these products to signpost the category.”
The RETAIL EXPRESS team nds out how retailers create that ‘wow’ factor for customers entering their store
1
Kaual Patel, Torridon Convenience, Lewisham, Greater London
“OUR store theatre comes from our beer vault. We created a beer cooler that looks like a giant bank vault. It’s got a spinning wheel, mock bullion bars, a mock key pad and a big door. The more effort you make, the bigger response you get from your customers. If you can get a child to drag their parents to your store over another shop because of what your store looks like, that’s half the battle.
“It’s something we should be focusing on even more. It costs money, but if it draws an extra 50 people through the door, that pays for itself. We’ve got digital screens and we put giant in�latables outside the shop for Christmas. We’re looking at doing something for Halloween now.
“During the Euros, we tried to stock our red and white beers in such a way that it created an England �lag. It didn’t quite work, but we used tape to highlight it and it looked good.”
2
Nathan Whiteside, One Stop Cefndy Road, Rhyl, Denbighshire
3
Andy Miles, Dike & Sons, Stalbridge, Dorset
“YOUR store standards are important. We decorate quite a bit and our budget seems to get bigger every year. We’re in a residential area with a few council estates and lots of kids near us.
So, we do a lot around the big festive periods like Christmas, Easter and Halloween. We get the most compliments about the shop at Christmas, but the staff get most into Halloween. We have a big skeleton near the till at the front, for example.
“We get decorations wherever we can. We use Poundland and Home Bargains, and there are a few websites out there as well. At Christmas, one of our team got some empty boxes and wrapped them to look like presents, and we put them in the window as a little display.
“There’s no harm in it and decorating the store is just nice. You don’t necessarily gain anything, but the kids enjoy it and it’s nice to be part of the community at the end of the day.”
“WE’VE got a lot of glass at the front of our store. It’s the �irst thing people see when they come in, so we’ve got a lot of vinyls that we’ve put up in the windows. At the moment, it’s all pictures of the countryside to emphasise the fact that we’re a countryside store that’s all about local community. We’ve just signed off on new ones that will shout about the local community and what we do for it and all the local suppliers we use.
“Then, as soon as the customers come through the door, there’s a big open space with a power aisle complete with big stacks. And not far off are the chillers, which also showcase some lovely stuff. And then you can also see the deli right at the back even from the door, which has a big graphic behind it shouting about the local aspect again. Vinyls are a great way to shout about who you are and what you’re about. Even if you’ve got 95% standard lines, you need to shout about something.”
In the next issue, the Retail Express team nds out how retailers monitor and improve customer satisfaction. If you have any problems you’d like us to explore, please email