Retail Express - 3 May 2022 (London edition)

PLATINUM JUBILEE

Boost your sales during the upcoming bank holiday BACK PAGE 3-16 MAY 2022 betterRetailing.com

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THE PLATINUM JUBILEE what SS team finds out The RETAIL EXPRE ing for the Platinum Jubilee retailers are expect they are preparing how bank holiday and

3-16 MAY 2022 STRICTLY FOR TRADE USERS ONLY what the community We’re waiting to see How are other retailers committee is planning.

Johnson, Dafarn Newydd preparing? – Andrew Village Stores, Powys

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Christine Hope, Hopes of Longtown, Herefordshire

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events happening event and two community “THERE’S a village weekend, so we’re going to be supporting out in a over the Jubilee long bunting out, but we won’t go all the most imthose. We’ll have we are now. The least that’s where for the entire weekend. massive way – at will be staying open what we’re going portant thing for us will want, so that’s That’s what our customers or two as well. going for. We’ll have a tent be like a normal bank holiday. It’s As “I don’t think it will weather-dependent. and will be massively any potential waste to be a mixed bag avoid to for to be �lexible be very important a result, we’ll have Local suppliers will will allow us to respond over the weekend. to if it’s needed. That ordering extra stock core for this weekend will be the ability The with very short supply to meet demand. whether it’s dealing be quick on our feet, reacting to the weather.” or chains in the week

Harj Dhasee, Village Stores, Mickleton,

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Joe Williams, The Village Shop, Hook Norton, Oxfordshire

someGloucestershire village is organising on as normal. The donating things to that.

“WE’RE carrying be doing a full beacon the Jubilee, so we’ll and we’ll be committee and we’re for the children and thing around the store with bunting and PoS, lot of people a “I’M on the village early in the evening all the We’ll decoratethe Easter bank holiday. I can’t see lots of events be lighting for it. One of the village. There will be music, be treating it like Jubilee. There will rest all the societies will one later for the away for the Platinum around the village, so I don’t think up their doors and up their going in and into clubs will be opening gardeners will also be opening on locally, particularlyelsewhere. It’s not a weekend leading The be going of it, so I think in the village hall. school either side and a people will got �ield the you’ve in – party allotments. school holidays we’re having a big hot for that. And then “On the Saturday, stay where they are. hoping for some tea. people will expecting 3,000 people to be on the weather. We’re football match. We’re a street food event – a sort of high be “It also depends People are going doing draw people out. but it’s looking at the And we will on Sunday, we’re weather, which will it to be a busy weekend. of street parties, So, we are expecting prepared in terms as a result. More than anything, it’s it all. holiday and more we’ll have going to be open throughout it like a normal bank it’s knock-on sales there for the community. My staff are our part.”

“We’re going to approachbe different, though. For a start, being us involved and playing ly. It will holiday, about us stock appropriate but it’s about getting But, like any bank working, Sunday. to running from Thursdayby the weather.” demand will be driven

r ahead. ing for the summe retailers are expect o.uk team finds out what .whitting@newtrade.c the Retail Express , please email charles In the next issue, s you’d like us to explore If you have any problem

As the stresses of the pandemic and cost-ofliving crisis continue to take their toll on the convenience sector, retailers tell us…

‘I’M READY TO WALK AWAY’

• Store owners and experts share advice on how to manage mental and physical well-being P3

COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS

RECYCLING HASSLE

ENERGY DRINKS

How store owners can tailor their ranges and pricing to beat inflationary pressures

Retailers chased for debt over expired waste contracts from two years ago

The latest trends designed to help increase demand within the category

P2

P4

P20

our say

Alex Yau, acting editor

The stress doesn’t end when the shop closes AS retailers, you have been at the forefront of the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis, among many other challenges, over the past two years.

Although you’ve quite rightfully been given the praise for tirelessly going above and beyond for your local communities during an incredibly tough period, it would be wrong for me not to acknowledge the immense toll and strain that has had on you mentally and physically.

Being a small-shop owner can be a highly fulfilling experience, but it also comes with frustrations.

The abuse from customers and the stress you face doesn’t just end when your store closes.

As Premier retailer Anita Nye stresses in our cover story on page 3, retailers can’t just “switch off” when their store shutters come down.

I HOPE IT CAN The stress can have a severe impact on personal lives and REDUCE THE has even escalated to the MENTAL AND point where some retailers are considering leaving the PHYSICAL LOAD industry entirely.

In the story, retailers and charities share their advice on how they’ve dealt with this stress.

Although it won’t resolve the issue overnight, I hope it can help reduce the mental and physical load.

On a more positive note, I’m excited to announce the upcoming launch of Retail Express’s cash and carry crime campaign on 17 May. It will highlight the issue of wholesale crime, and has received support from Conservative MP Matt Vickers.

The aim is to ensure wholesalers and local police forces are doing all they can to tackle the problem. @retailexpress betterRetailing.com facebook.com/betterRetailing Acting editor Alex Yau @AlexYau_ 020 7689 3358

Editor – news Megan Humphrey @MeganHumphrey_ 020 7689 3357

Features writer Jasper Hart 020 7689 3384 @JasperAHHart

News reporter Noemi Distefano @NoemiDistefano_ 07597 588955 Deputy insight & advertorial editor Tamara Birch @TamaraBirchNT 020 7689 3361

Features editor Charles Whitting @CharlieWhittin1 020 7689 3350 Senior features writer Priyanka Jethwa @PriyankaJethwa_ 020 7689 3355

Magazines reporter Tim Murray tim.murray@ newtrade.co.uk

Production editor Ryan Cooper 020 7689 3354

Head of marketing Kate Daw 020 7689 3363

Sub editor Jim Findlay 020 7689 3373

Senior account director Charlotte Jesson 020 7689 3389

Senior account managers Barry Lavis 020 7689 3372

Sub editor Robin Jarossi Head of design Anne-Claire Pickard 020 7689 3391 Designer Jody Cooke 020 7689 3380 Production coordinator Chris Gardner 020 7689 3368

Head of commercial Natalie Reeve 020 7689 3372 Business delivery manager Ifzal Afzal 020 7689 3382 Account manager Marie Dickens 020 7689 3366

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The five biggest stories this fortnight 01

Cost-of-living crisis not a ‘bad thing’ for retailers NOEMI DISTEFANO

RETAILERS can use the cost-of-living crisis to their advantage by “thinking smartly” about pricing and range, according to experts.

Speaking at the ACS Summit in Birmingham on 26 April, Bestway retail director Mike Hollis told attendees “food in�lation when you’re a retailer isn’t a bad thing”.

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Retailers were encouraged

by Hollis to use the crisis to their advantage by introducing or expanding their ownlabel lines as an alternative to heavily discounting tertiary products.

Additional advice included targeting “new customer needs” and investing in local produce.

“As retailers, you should be seeking to evaluate your price

Evri expansion

EVRI – formerly Hermes – is planning to work with 1,000 independent retailers this year to grow its network.

The company said the decision comes after two years of growing demand for online shopping, and feedback from independent retailers

and the quality of products to retain an affordable basket to be attractive and pro�itable,” meet the needs of the more he added. “You need to strike price-conscious customers.

“The answer is in matching a balance between the value that shoppers are looking value across a range with for, while ensuring you’re the smartest promotions, combined with adequate maintaining decent margins.

“The pandemic was value to you” he said.

Financial company PwC, challenging, but the hard which also spoke at the Sumwork starts now.”

Hollis added that, while mit, warned the full impact in�lation drives up wholesale of the cost-of-living crisis is prices, there is still scope to “yet to hit”.

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Costcutter hybrid

SECOND Costcutterwho previously saw a loss in A pro�it due to the �irm opening Bargain Booze hybrid store is due to launch in May, fola site nearby.

As a result of the expansion, lowing a 166% boost in alcoEvri aims to refresh point- hol sales at the �irst trial site of-sale material in partnered in Meopham, Kent.

The trial was announced shops by July. It also promised signi�icant investment in by Bestway last year. As part of the pilot, the �irst site in customer service.

Kent has doubled in size, with the Bargain Booze section making up a quarter of the store. Bestway added basket spend has also increased in the store since it reopened in January, while customers have compared it to an M&S store.

Editor in chief Louise Banham @LouiseBanham

Lindsay Hudson 020 7689 3366 Management accountant Abigayle Sylvane 020 7689 3383 Managing director Parin Gohil 020 7689 3388 Head of digital Luthfa Begum 07909 254 949

42,281

For the full story, go to betterRetailing.com and search ‘Evri’

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Oil shortage

SHORTAGES in sun�lower oil have forced independent stores to stockpile in the same week supermarkets began rationing.

Most of the UK’s product comes from Ukraine, which has led to restrictions in supply, and increased the price

For the full story, go to betterRetailing.com and search ‘Costcutter’

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of cooking oils by 7%, nearly 25% more expensive than a year ago.

Birmingham Nisa retailer Bal Singh said: “I started stockpiling when I �irst read reports of shortages. In Birmingham, there are �ive cash and carries we can source from.”

McColl’s strain

MCCOLL’S has admitted re�inancing is unlikely to bene�it shareholders after reporting a weakerthan-expected performance over Easter.

The news comes a month after reports suggested McColl’s was “on the brink of

collapse” with just weeks to �ind a buyer or secure new funding.

In its latest trading update, published last week, McColl’s said it “experienced softer trading through the Easter period, affected by reduced consumer spending”.

Audit Bureau of Circulations July 2020 to June 2021 average net circulation per issue

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Newtrade Media Limited accepts no responsibility for submitted material. Every possible care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information. No warranty for goods or services described is implied.

For the full story, go to betterRetailing.com and search ‘oil’

For the full story, go to betterRetailing.com and search ‘McColls’

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3-16 MAY 2022 betterRetailing.com

alex.yau@newtrade.co.uk 020 7689 3358

Store owners look to exit retail as fatigue grows ALEX YAU A GROWING number of retailers are turning their backs on the convenience sector as their mental and physical health continues to take a “relentless” hit from the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis.

Several store owners and workers told Retail Express constant abuse from customers and burnout from overworking has led to high levels of fatigue and stress over the past two years.

Sophie Towers, of One Stop Kibble Bank in Burnley, said: “I’ve had enough, and I think lots of retailers have. I will sell my stores soon. I’ve been doing this for 13 years, but it’s been really hard over the past three years.

“Customers have forgotten how retailers helped them during the pandemic, and if you don’t look after yourself, no one else will.

My dad died young and worked himself into the ground, and I’m not going to do the same. I’m ready to walk away.”

Similarly, Ken Singh, of BB Nevison Superstore in Pontefract, revealed he is looking to sell his store within the next two years after rising utility costs have made it harder to run.

“It might be time to call it a day after 40 years,” he said.

“I’m assessing my options and looking for potential buyers.”

Anita Nye, of Premier Eldred Drive Stores in Orpington, Kent, added the fatigue from managing her store had been felt in her personal life. “It’s taken a toll,” she said.

“It’s mentally tiring.

Staff sickness has been a real worry and now all the prices are going up. When you get home, you can’t switch off.

“The cost-of-living crisis has taken over from the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s one thing after another.

People are being more careful about what they buy and they are going for the cheaper stuff and buying more pricemarked packs.

“For us, the wage rise and increased energy costs are very dif�icult. We are due to sit down and look at our staf�ing situation.

“We don’t want to reduce staff hours, but we need to make cuts, so we’re in a catch-22.

“We will look at everything across the business and decide from there.”

Health charity Retail Trust has provided 12,000 counselling sessions to businesses over the past year, an 88% increase from more than 6,400 the previous year.

“It has also seen a 130% increase in online registrations for its service during the period.

Harj Dhasee, of Morrisons Daily in Mickleton, Gloucestershire, stressed

express yourself “Everyday items, including milk, bread, tea and coffee, have gone up across the board by 20p, on average. It’s really affecting us. Everything in the shop has gone up in the past month, particularly across staple lines. People are the wariest of process they’ve ever been and there’s nothing we can do about it. Rises like this hurt independents. I’m feeling the pinch.”

Graeme Pentland, Ashburton Village Store, Newcastle upon Tyne

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GOOD WEEK IMPULSE: One Stop has extended its Eat Street food-to-go concept to franchise retailers. Aman Uppal is one of the convenience chain’s first franchisees to receive the concession, which combines machines such as Costa Coffee, Rollover and F’real. He reported an increase in impulse sales.

For the full story, go to betterRetailing.com and search ‘One Stop’ TOBACCO: The majority of noncompliant menthol stock has been collected from independent retailers. In August, store owners across England claimed they still had menthol cigarettes from Philip Morris Limited and BAT, despite the ban on products coming into force in May 2020.

For the full story, go to betterRetailing.com and search ‘menthol’

BAD WEEK Experts and retailers have stressed the importance of opening up to others

the importance of having a support network with other retailers when the stress of running a business becomes too much.

“When [fellow retailer] Raj Aggarwal died at the beginning of the pandemic, it was a real shock.

“I know many retailers felt it and they didn’t see their families or they lived in their shop for fear of infecting them. They became detached and they didn’t have that safe support structure around them.

“For me, connecting with other retailers and sharing problems and solutions and just listening became important. We video-called and messaged each other

the column where you can make your voice heard

all the time. You have to be proactive, not reactive, and not be scared if something fails.”

Dhasee added he is still continuing to receive support from a counsellor following the pressures of the pandemic. “It’s been relentless. During the pandemic, I had burnout, and I booked to see a counsellor once a week, which I am still doing,” he said.

“There was so much going on, I couldn’t see the wood for the trees. I needed some space to talk about everything and put everything in perspective.

“I think men �ind it harder to open up, but I would encourage people to pick

up the phone.”

Commenting on how retailers can look after their well-being, Retail Trust transformation and operations director Amy Prendergast said: “Many more retail workers are needing mental support as there’s a feeling of mass disillusion.

“The key is to spot the signs of stress and write them down. Self-care is key, such as getting a good sleep, following a healthy diet and staying active.

“For those who have fewer resources, looking after your mind and body doesn’t have to take an hour. This can be practiced for a few minutes whenever time can be made.”

SUPERMARKETS: Retailers are to face more competition from Tesco’s smaller Express format, as the multiple has announced major expansion plans. In its annual results for the year ending 26 February, Tesco chief executive Ken Murphy announced plans to open 65 Express sites over the next year.

For the full story, go to betterRetailing.com and search ‘Tesco’ NEWSPAPERS: Readly has added 160 newspapers to its digital subscription service, including the Liverpool Echo, Manchester Evening News, The Western Mail and Daily Record. The additions will create more competition for newsagents as the online subscription provider reported a 23% increase in average reading time per month for users of its service. Readly has more than 6,300 titles available to members through its subscription service.

Have you seen the price of everyday staples increase?

“We’ve had another milk price increase and are now paying £1.45 for a 2l bottle. It’s absolutely crazy. With all the other price rises going on across other products at the moment, especially with energy, it is a lot to handle. Prices of milk are going up quite regularly now and there’s not really anything we do about it, which is a concern. I’m going to just have to keep going and see what happens.”

Anonymous retailer

“Price rises have forced me to prioritise margins in almost every decision I make when running my shop.

I’ve always considered it, but, as of late, I have to think about it all the time now. If a product on our shelves isn’t making us enough money, then I need to think about what it needs to be replaced with to make it worth taking up the space in the store.”

Samantha Coldbeck, Wharfedale Premier Convenience, Hull

Do you have an issue to discuss with other retailers? Call 020 7689 3358 or email alex.yau@newtrade.co.uk

Samantha Coldbeck

NEWS

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3-16 MAY 2022 betterRetailing.com

Waste firm threatens debt collection ALEX YAU

RETAILERS are being threatened by debt collection agencies after refusing to pay a waste-collection company for services they claim they did not receive.

Store owners told Retail Express CheaperWaste sent numerous demands for payment in the past month, despite not having a service with them since 2020. One

affected retailer, who asked not to be named, said: “I started using their service at the start of the pandemic, but they only collected my bins once.

“I cancelled my direct debit. It was creating a serious health-and-hygiene risk of attracting rats to the back of my shop. I didn’t want to get in trouble with the council.

“I’ve spoken with them several times to explain what

has happened, but they keep demanding that I pay them £400. I had messages from a debt-collection agency a couple of months ago.

“I’m willing to go to court because I have all the evidence through emails.

CheaperWaste is trying to push its luck.”

Kiru Nadarajah, of Everydays in Middlesex, claimed he has experienced previous issues with overcharging

from CheaperWaste in the run-up to the termination of his contract more than two years ago.

He said: “I had a letter from their solicitor in March this year about a settlement and I didn’t reply to it.

“I received another one earlier this year. They were demanding about £500 and told me to send the payment within seven days.

“I didn’t bother to respond.

I saw the letter and just threw it in the bin. I don’t think they’ll have a chance to take it to the small claims court. They’re just trying to milk the system.

“I experienced issues two years ago when I was overcharged for wastecollection services without being given notice.”

CheaperWaste was unable to comment as Retail Express went to print.

Milk price increases

NISA is to review the milk prices for retailers monthly, instead of quarterly, as a result of “significant increases in the cost of production”.

In a message sent to retailers, the wholesaler said: “Despite the increase, we remain competitive across the range

if in doubt ASK FOR ID

when compared to our direct competitors. RRPs have been amended to continue to offer a strong partner margin, but RRPs are at your discretion.”

For the full story, go to betterRetailing.com and search ‘Nisa’

It is illegal to sell National Lottery products to anyone under the age of 18

TOP TIPS TO PREVENT UNDERAGE SALES

F’REAL LEGAL ACTION

` Always look at customers to assess their age ` If in doubt, ask for ID ` Ensure all staff are fully trained to correctly ask for ID, especially new starters

ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF IDENTIFICATION  Passport  Photo Driving Licence  Military ID Card  Or any ID which has the PASS logo, e.g. CitizenCard

Rules & Procedures apply. Players must be 18+.

For the full story, go to betterRetailing.com and search ‘Booker’ 14/04/2022 10:06

For the full story, go to betterRetailing.com and search ‘F’real’

Booker store increase BOOKER has added 283 Budgens and Londis stores in the year ending 26 February 2022. The additions were revealed by Tesco chief executive Ken Murphy during a financial update last month.

More information and our Responsible Retailing training modules are available on The Retailer Hub. Scan here to visit now

439687 TNL Responsible Retailer Trade Ads RE 240x172 AW1.indd 1

RETAILERS are considering taking legal action against F’real, in protest of its decision to remove milkshake machines.

In January, the company sent letters to a number of stores informing them they would have machines removed. The decision affected retailers on F’real’s ‘free on loan’ model unable to sell 10 cups a day.

F’real declined to comment on the potential legal action.

He said One Stop was on track to reach 1,000 stores, following the addition of 59 shops during the period. “The fact we grew numbers is a testament to how compelling the Booker offer is,” he said.

PROFIT FROM PLOOM W H AT I S P L O O M ?

Ploom is an award-winning heated tobacco device from JTI. By heating tobacco instead of burning it, Ploom offers an alternative but familiar tobacco experience with a no smoke smell. The category is now worth £25m in convenience1, a 50.6% increase over the past year2.

Compatible with EVO tobacco sticks, which are designed exclusively for use with the Ploom device, the range is available in seven flavours.

Ploom + EVO stick bundle:

18%* POR

Amit Patel, retailer at Stratford Post Office, says: “Since we started stocking Ploom, sales have grown significantly. JTI supplied me with a counter display unit and invaluable training so I can easily demonstrate how the device works to customers. Now we have shoppers visiting on a regular basis to sample the latest EVO flavours. JTI have helped make Ploom a big success in my shop.”

Want to experience the same level of success as Amit?

Ploom is sold exclusively through Accredited Retailers in London3. These retailers can purchase their supply of devices via the dedicated online Ploom platform, ploomworld.co.uk. The EVO tobacco sticks are available for all London retailers to purchase via the same channels as well as most wholesalers within the M25.

For more information retailers should visit JTIAdvance.co.uk/ploom or speak to their local JTI Ploom specialist

EVO sticks: 10% POR*

1. IRI Market Place, Value Sales, Total T-Vapour Category, Symbols & Independents, MAT Jan 2022. 2. IRI Market Place, Value Sales, Total T-Vapour Category, Symbols & Independents, Jan 2022 vs Jan 2021. 3. 200 retailers that have been specially selected by JTI and trained to be able to converse with consumers about the Ploom product range. *At participating wholesalers.

PRODUCTS

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Juul Labs launches Juul2 system and new pods JUUL Labs has launched its next-generation Juul2 system into convenience, wholesale and grocery.

It follows the initial launch on the supplier’s website last September, where more than 90% of devices and 75% of re�ill kits sold are now Juul2.

Juul2 has been updated with new technology, including the capability to target counterfeit pods with JuulPod ID, which prevents consumers from re�illing the device with other e-liquids, which may be harmful or illegal.

Other updates include a more consistent vapour experience that competes with combustible cigarettes. This means that it has more than 20% more battery capacity, a smart light system, which indicates e-liquid level and battery life, and 70% more e-liquid capacity.

It also features a new internal component which limits the amount of leakage to ensure there is consistent wicking.

This will be joined by Juul2 pods, which come in 18mg/ml nicotine strengths, available in Virginia Tobacco, Polar Menthol, Crisp Menthol

COCA-COLA Europaci�ic Partners’ (CCEP) limited-edition Coca-Cola Intergalactic (RRP 77p) has now been made widely available to all convenience stores in a 250ml can after launching in One Stop retailers in April.

The new sugar-free, spaceinspired variety is the �irst launched in the UK under Coca-Cola Creations, the supplier’s new platform looking to reimagine the popular soft drink with limited-editions inspired by culture, music and gaming.

Martin Attock, vice president of commercial development at CCEP GB, said: “Innovations like Intergalactic give us an opportunity to drive excitement, talkability

and momentum around the Coca-Cola brand – engaging new and existing shoppers with innovative �lavours and experiences unlike anything they’ve had before.

COCA-COLA Europaci�ic Partners (CCEP) has extended its Fanta Zero range with a Strawberry & Kiwi �lavour, available exclusively to Booker.

Fanta Zero Strawberry & Kiwi 500ml is available in cases of 12 for £7.79+VAT and offers retailers a pro�it on return of 52.8% when sold at £1.65 RRP. Alan Mannings, of Shop on the Green in Chartham, Kent, started stocking the product when it became available.

He said: “Sales have been quite slow, but with CCEP’s marketing campaign and the demand for new �lavours, we’re expecting them to pick up quickly.

“It’s also HFSS-compliant,

which is a massive bonus to us as retailers. Our aim now is to increase visibility to boost sales.”

JASPER HART

All stores can go Intergalactic

New Fanta Zero now in Booker

and new Autumn Tobacco, Ruby Menthol and Summer Menthol varieties. Only Juul2 pods will be compatible with the new device.

In line with its Challenge 25 policy, the supplier is also in the process of launching a new retailer website, juullabsretailer.co.uk, which

will host training materials, including assets and protocols to ensure they aren’t selling nicotine products to minors.

3-16 MAY 2022 betterRetailing.com

September launch for Brooklyn Pilsner

Thatchers Blood Orange gets ad boost THATCHERS Cider has launched a new multimedia campaign in support of its new Blood Orange variety, which it �irst launched in February.

A new TV advert is airing now until August across ITV2, ITV Hub, All 4 and Sky TV, with the supplier anticipating an estimated 15 million

impressions this summer.

It will also be played in cinemas before a variety of �ilms, including Top Gun: Maverick, Morbius, The Northman and The Batman.

It will also be complemented by social media and urban billboard appearances to maximise impact and drive awareness.

07

Thatchers Blood Orange will also be available at more than 25 events this summer,

including Camp Bestival, Goldcoast and Barcode Festival.

CARLSBERG Marstons Brewing Company (CMBC) is set to launch premium world lager Brooklyn Pilsner in the off-trade in September, following its on-trade launch in March.

Brooklyn Pilsner (4.6% ABV) will be available to convenience and wholesale in single 660ml bottles with an RRP of £1.90 and 12x330ml bottle multipacks with an RRP of £14.

There will also be a six-pack of 330ml cans available, with the supplier having con�irmed Waitrose as the �irst major listing for this format.

CMBC is supporting the

launch with a multimillionpound marketing campaign, including out-of-home, ondemand, digital, social media and shopper marketing.

DIAGEO has added a Cold Brew Coffee Beer to its Guinness range.

The launch (4% ABV) is rolling out across convenience and wholesale throughout May and June, having launched in Tesco on 19 April.

It will be available in a 4x440ml pack with an RRP of £5.50. The supplier is targeting new adult drinkers as �lavoured alcohol grows in popularity and 95 million cups of coffee are drunk every day in the UK. Guinness Cold Brew Coffee Beer contains approximately 2mg of coffee per can, the same as a decaf coffee.

Diageo will support the

new product with social media and in�luencer activity.

ACCOLADE Wines has announced a partnership between Lambrini, the UK’s number-

one perry brand, and actor and presenter Denise van Outen.

The ‘Bring the Brini’ partnership is Lambrini’s �irst major advertising activity since its acquisition by Accolade in 2021.

It will see van Outen and Lambrini share lifestyle imagery and videos on their social media channels, with a nod to the ’90s, when Lambrini was created.

Lambrini has a 60% market share in the perry category.

It also has a 26% value share of the perry and �lavoured wine category, with this share rising to 46% in impulse.

Guinness launches Cold Brew Coffee Beer

Accolade’s first Lambrini promotion

PRODUCTS

08

New HFSS measures for KP JASPER HART KP SNACKS has announced new measures to support retailers ahead of the introduction of HFSS legislation this October.

The supplier is launching product cases stamped with a newly-developed KP Snacks non-HFSS �lash to help retailers identify products that comply with the law.

The new product cases will be launched across brands including Popchips, Hula Hoops Puft and KP Nuts.

Additionally, KP has launched a step-by-step HFSS guide for retailers.

The guide provides retail-

ers with tips for optimising their snack �ixtures to prevent lost sales and includes a QR code, which directs retailers to the Association of Convenience Stores’ HFSS guide when scanned.

Matt Collins, trading director at KP Snacks, said: “We are committed to supporting retailers as they respond and adapt to the new HFSS legislation.

As an industry leader, we have ensured we are prepared for the upcoming

changes, and we’re working hard to make sure our retail partners feel similarly ready to continue driving category growth once the legislation

non-alcoholic category, compared to 18% in total alcohol.

ACCOLADE Wines has announced a new non-alcoholic range of Hardys wine called Hardys Zero.

Hardys Zero will be available to grocery, convenience, wholesale and the ontrade from June in Shiraz, Chardonnay and Sparkling varieties, each with an RRP of £5.50.

It is made with a new de-alcoholising technology called Zero Tech X. Accolade says this is a process that operates at a lower temperature than traditional de-alcoholising processes, retaining more of the aroma, body and �lavour.

The launch comes as zeroalcohol wine is in 28.2% annual growth and is now

Gordon’s Premium % Pink 0.0% DIAGEO has announced the launch of Gordon’s Premium Pink 0.0%, a new alcohol-free spirit.

The supplier said the new spirit will be available to convenience and wholesale following an initial launch in Morrisons in a 70cl bottle.

It combines �lavours of raspberry and strawberry blended with redcurrant and distilled botanicals, and is the latest in a line of non-alcoholic releases from Diageo, including Guinness 0.0, Gordon’s 0.0% and Gordon’s 0.0% Spirit & Tonic RTD can.

According to Kantar research, adults under 45 account for more than a quarter of all spend in the

is introduced.”

By the time the legislation comes into force, KP intends for more than 100 of its lines, a quarter of its total range, to be non-HFSS.

June launch for Hardys zero-alcohol

worth more than £39m.

Accolade is supporting the launch of the range with a campaign focusing on digital and in store, with premium displays and PoS available.

Lucozade offers Xbox Berry good flavours for Vimto prizes on-pack LUCOZADE Energy has teamed up with Xbox to give shoppers the chance to win gaming prizes with an onpack promotion from May. The promotion will be live across 380ml, 500ml, 900ml and 4x380ml multipacks, supported by a £2m campaign.

By scanning an on-pack QR code, shoppers will have the chance to win prizes including Xbox Series X consoles with 12-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions.

A retailer competition will also give away an exclusive Xbox prize pack, including an Xbox Series S console, to raf�le off to their shoppers. Retailers can

email SBFTrade@ hanovercomms.com to receive a full toolkit to run the competition, which includes posters and PoS.

NICHOLS PLC is extending its Vimto range with a new �lavour, Sparkling Cherry, Raspberry & Blackcurrant, and has launched its Blackberry, Raspberry & Blueberry �lavour in an on-the-go format.

The former, initially a limited-edition last year, comes in 2l and 500ml bottles, while the latter now also comes in a 500ml format.

This will be backed by a convenience-exclusive campaign, Vimto’s Big Cash Giveaway. Running until 28 August, it offers shoppers the chance to win £10 with any 500ml bottle across all varieties of the Vimto Stills and Sparkling ranges via QR codes on PoS material and social media.

3-16 MAY 2022 betterRetailing.com

£500k investment for Bottlegreen SHS DRINKS is set to give its premium soft drink brand Bottlegreen its biggest-ever advertising spend as part of its marketing plans in 2022.

Through a £500,000 investment, the supplier hopes to amplify the brand’s sales in independent stores with its ‘Add a dash of extraordinary’ campaign.

The campaign will focus on Bottlegreen’s range of 500ml dilutable cordial �lavours and their role as key components of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Running throughout the summer, it will include digital outdoor posters, print advertising, advertorials in

women’s and lifestyle magazines, and paid social media advertising.

Whitley Neill expands tropical flavours

HALEWOOD Artisanal Spirits is adding Pineapple and Peach varieties to its Whitley Neill gin range in time for summer.

It aims to tap into the cocktails-at-home occasion, with more people wanting to recreate bar serves.

Moreover, Whitley Neill’s other recent tropical �lavour launches, such as Watermelon & Kiwi and Mango & Lime, are among its fastest sellers.

Whitley Neill Pineapple Gin is available in a 70cl format, with an ABV of 43%. It is available via Booker with an RRP of £26.

Meanwhile, Whitley Neill Peach Gin, also with an ABV of 43%, is available in a 70cl

format across convenience and wholesale.

Florette gets Minions on-pack FLORETTE has announced an on-pack partnership with animated franchise Minions, ahead of the release of new �ilm Minions: The Rise of Gru. Through the promotion, the popular characters will be featured on more than 13 million packs of Florette Mixed, Classic Crispy, Baby

Leaf Trio and Sweet & Crunchy varieties.

It offers shoppers the chance to win one of 20,000 Minions plush toys. There will also be a social media campaign offering shoppers the chance to win a family trip to Universal Studios in Orlando.

The packs highlighting the promotion will be available from 16 May ahead of the �ilm’s release on 1 July.

PRODUCTS

10

New lines to drive Monster sales JASPER HART COCA-Cola Europaci�ic Partners (CCEP) has added two new lines to its Monster energy drink brand.

Monster Ultra Gold and and Monster Juiced Khaotic are both available now in 500ml plain and pricemarked cans.

Ultra Gold is the latest addition to the zero-sugar Ultra range. The pineapple�lavoured drink’s launch follows Monster Ultra – the UK’s number-one zero-sugar energy drinks range – rising in value by 41.4%.

Monster Khaotic has a tropical orange �lavour and a pack design by

American street artist RISK. Currently, the Monster Juiced range is in 60% growth and is worth £75m.

Martin Attock, vice president of commercial development at CCEP GB, said: “Monster delivered more than 50% of energy drinks’ £200m growth in 2021, but it didn’t just put the energy into energy drinks; it was the biggest value contributor to the entire soft drinks category.

“The latest great-tasting variants will bring excitement to the energy �ixture and help drive sales for retailers, offering new �lavours – with and without sugar – alongside the high-octane marketing and in-store

activation that Monster is famous for.”

Retailers will have access to PoS materials to highlight

the launches including shelf strips, totems, wobblers, free-standing display units and more.

pers to Magnum’s website, where they can learn about the brand’s community initiatives with the farmers whose ingredients it uses and its commitments to sustainable packaging.

making by selecting the top �lavours and brands we know will drive sales,” he said.

UNILEVER is launching a £10m advertising campaign to support the relaunch of Magnum ice cream’s core Classics range.

The campaign, which runs until August, includes a new TV advert, out-of-home advertising in major UK cities, as well as radio, cinema, social media and digital advertising.

Magnum Classics’ relaunch includes refreshed packaging of the range, which accounts for 50% of all Magnum sales. It will highlight the brand’s cracking chocolate and its sustainably sourced coca.

There will also be a scannable QR code onpack which takes shop-

BURTON’S Biscuit Co is launching a campaign for Jammie Dodgers that is designed to draw attention to the brand on the biscuit �ixture.

From 11 May, the Jammie Dodgers logo will be replaced on packs by a series of funny and relatable phrases, chosen to resonate with families.

These limited-edition packs will include the campaign hashtag

#WitnessTheMischief and a QR code, encouraging families to share their moments on social media. “#WitnessTheMischief will tap into the successful trend for bespoke packaging,” said Kate Needham, Burton’s marketing director.

“We’re bringing it into the biscuit �ixture with a campaign that is certain to excite consumers and attract attention to the category.”

KP adds two £1 PMPs KP SNACKS has continued to expand its £1 price-marked pack (PMP) range with the addition of Hula Hoops Big Hoops Salt & Vinegar and Discos Cheese & Onion.

Hula Hoops is worth £155.4m and is growing by 10.8%. Meanwhile, Discos is worth £16.4m, and is bene�itting from 39.1% growth.

Overall, KP Snacks’ £1 PMP range is worth £67.6m and has risen by 12.2%, according to Matt Collins, trading director at the supplier.

The two new additions are expected to bolster the value of the range further.

“As we continue to expand our extensive PMP portfolio, we are keeping retailers at the forefront of our decision-

£10m campaign for Magnum’s Classics

Cofresh’s new frozen Jammie Dodgers on-pack campaign snacks and veg COFRESH has launched a wide range of frozen Indian snacks and vegetables as it expands out of the sharing snacks category.

The new snacks include Punjabi Samosa, Vegetable Kathi Roll, Tandoori Chilli Potato Kathi Roll, Batata Vada, Aloo Tikki and Tandoori Garlic Naan Bread.

Meanwhile, frozen vegetable launches include Whole Baby Okra, Karela, Tindora, Cut Okra, Patra and Whole Casava.

“With our widened range of frozen vegetables, we bring health-conscious consumers and scratch-cookers nutritious exotic vegetables from around the Indian subcontinent,” said Khushroo

Nariman, NPD manager at Cofresh. “The �lash-frozen format packs in nutrients and �lavour at their peak, so consumers can enjoy these tasty plant products allyear-round while reducing food waste.”

3-16 MAY 2022 betterRetailing.com

Cadbury FC launches ‘Away wins’ promo MONDELEZ is running a promotion offering customers the chance to win a range of football-themed prizes across several of its Cadbury brands.

The ‘Away wins’ promotion runs until 29 July across Cadbury Twirl Orange, Cadbury Caramilk, Maynards Bassetts Wine Gums and Cadbury Brunch Bar, among others.

Prizes include a chance to win a family trip to watch a participating football club on its 23/24 pre-season tour including �lights and accommodation. Other prizes include one of 300 away

team football shirts and thousands of Love2Shop vouchers.

Four clubs are included in the promotion: Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Manchester United.

To enter, shoppers buy any promotional product and scan its batch code and barcode at awaywins. cadburyfc.com.

MasterChef finalist’s 10% spirit range

MASTERCHEF 2016 �inalist Billy Wright is launching a new range of 10% spirits called Decem.

Decem is launching with three varieties – Aperitif, London Dry and Spiced Blend – each with a blend of 10 natural ingredients, designed to be poured with classic mixers for easy drinking.

The range will be available to wholesalers in the coming months.

“Drinking is at the very heart of our society, yet so many of us still can’t enjoy it without that slight fear of enjoying it a little too much,” said Wright. “By reducing the alcohol content in our drinks, it makes for

a more enjoyable drinking experience and still allows us to retain all the �lavours.”

Kopparberg’s pre-mixed cocktails KOPPARBERG has launched three ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail varieties in 250ml slimline cans.

The new �lavours – Strawberry Cosmo, Cherry Storm and Lemon Collins – use Kopparberg vodkas and gins as part of their ingredients, and take inspiration from classic cocktails the Cosmopolitan, Dark & Stormy and Tom Collins.

Their launch comes ahead of summer, with pre-mixed drinks seeing the fastest growth within the ready-toserve category.

Rob Salvesen, Kopparberg’s head of marketing, said: “We felt it was a natural extension for the brand to reach into the growing

and exciting ready-to-serve category, but wanted to add something different to the category with our modern take on classic cocktails.”

**Based on Vype/Vuse estimated value share from RRP in measured retail for vapour (i.e. total vapour category value in retail sales) in the USA, Canada, France, UK, Germany as of December 2021. These 5 markets cover an estimated 77% of global vapour closed system NTO, calculated in July 2021.

NEW VUSE GO BOLD FLAVOUR DISPOSABLES. UP TO 500 PUFFS.* SAME FLAVOURS ALSO AVAILABLE IN ePOD.

Coming soon to

vapermarket.co.uk

Contact your local sales representative.

Dispose of responsibly.

18+ only. This product contains nicotine and is addictive. *Based on laboratory testing of newly manufactured product and may vary depending on individuals usage behaviour.

OPINION

14 E EXCLUSIV r te s o Jubilee p re to s for your sue in this is

COMING UP IN THE 6 MAY ISSUE OF RN

RETAILER OPINION ON THIS FORTNIGHT’S HOT TOPICS

What do you think? Call Retail Express on 020 7689 3358 for the chance to be featured ABSENCES: How are Covid-19 staff illnesses impacting your store?

“I HAVE a post office, and I’ve only been able to open it two days out of the usual seven because we do not have the staff to operate it. I employ 10 staff at my store in total, and right now, there are four of them off due to illness. It is a difficult one for us.”

Boost your profits with RN’s complete guide to global confectionery, including the most in-demand products, ranging tips and promotional advice

Andrew Board, Core Convenience Premier, Newton Hall

“WE’VE not had any recent issues, but the past two years has taught us a lot. We’ve put in many safeguards to minimise any potential disruption to the business. For example, we never have two members of staff working at the same time.”

Ken Singh, BB Nevison Superstore, Pontefract

+

Protein and energy products: what to stock, how to stock it and marketing tips to drive sales

We do not have the staff to operate the post office

Pricewatch: see what other retailers are charging for mints and boost your own profits

CBD: Will official guidance encourage you to stock the category?

At RN, our content is data-led and informed by those on the shop floor

3,451 retailers’ sales data analysed for every issue

69+ unique retailers spoken to every month

71% of RN’s news stories are exclusive

CBD will become really popular among customers

betterRetailing.com/subscribe

Sanjiv Kumar, Olive Stores, West Midlands

“WE are having to look at different products to stock, which will help us earn additional margin, but it’s also important to tie in what kind of lines are trending. I think the CBD category is something that is going to become really popular among our customers.”

Arjan Singh, Premier Morley, Leeds

PAPERS: Will the i’s latest promotional campaign improve sales?

“WE always take part in anything to promote news.

This initiative offers 50% off for four weeks in return for a subscription and it shows that publishers have got an interest in independents. It’s good to see publishers supporting us where they can.”

Ray Monelle, Orchard News, Weston-super-Mare

“THE collaboration will provide an opportunity to improve newspaper sales. We have worked with many newspaper publishers on promotional campaigns in the past. I think it is worth it for other stores to consider, as long as it is beneficial for the reader.”

Hetal Patel, HRDV News, Maidenhead

It shows they have an interest in independents EMPLOYMENT: How are you ensuring you have the right staff?

STAY INFORMED AND GET AHEAD WITH RN ORDER YOUR COPY from your magazine wholesaler today or contact Kate Daw on 020 7689 3363

“I WOULD not stock CBD products as I do not want myself or staff getting into conversations around their health or mental issues. I wouldn’t want to discuss what the potential ‘benefits’ are, either. Healthcare professionals need to take the lead on these products.”

All our training is done on the job

“WE have used Indeed and Facebook, as well as put up notices in the store and use word of mouth. With new jobs, you get lots of people applying and you have to filter those in the first instances, then we do phone interviews to find out if they’ll turn up to speak to us.”

Julian Taylor-Green, Spar Western Downs, Staffordshire

“I TEND to look for new staff in the local community before expanding my circle. All our training is done on the job. You teach them how to do stuff in the store or when doing a paper round, and you get a feeling on whether they’re good workers. It’s up to your staff to help themselves.”

Randip Kaur, M&R Stores, Gloucestershire

LETTERS

3-16 MAY 2022 betterRetailing.com

15

Londis Solo

natalie Convenience, lightfoot Baillieston, Glasgow

Letters may be edited

US confectionery is a massive opportunity

‘I’m stopping HND service due to late deliveries’ I STOPPED the HND service from my Milford Haven store on 30 April.

Last month, there were two occasions where Menzies delivered my newspapers four hours late. A logistics company such as Menzies should have a backup plan for this. Instead, they did not have any spare drivers, capacity or vehicles.

The newspapers sat in the depot until the next run later in the day. You couldn’t make this up and it’s disgusting.

I paid a £300 news bill across my �ive shops, yet they consistently failed to get a driver out to the store where I did all my HND. Menzies did not contact me at all. They buried their heads in the sand.

I’m not putting up with it anymore because I can’t run a service when I don’t get products. That’s more than 400 accounts that are no longer getting deliveries.

Other newsagents are going to do the same with Menzies, who are frankly ruining their businesses.

Peter Robinson, multi-site One Stop retailer

A Menzies spokesperson said: “We thank Mr Robinson for bringing this to our attention and have reached out to resolve his concerns. Menzies Distribution remains committed to its role in the newstrade supply chain. If retailer customers have concerns regarding late deliveries, we ask that they contact our customer service centre so we can investigate.”

COMMUNITY RETAILER

OF THE WEEK

WIN £50-worth of Vuse stock

RETAIL Express has teamed up with BAT UK to give five retailers the chance to win £50-worth of Vuse stock when they complete a short survey about vapes in their stores.

BAT’s leading vape brand Vuse has continued to increase in popularity over the past year as adult consumers seek out alternatives to smoking.

TO ENTER Fill in your details at:

betterRetailing.com/competitions This competition closes 31 May. Editor’s decision is final.

Amrit Singh Pahal – H & Jodie’s Nisa, Walsall

‘We’ve partnered with Citizens Advice’

SINCE energy prices went up at the start of April, many local residents will feel real pressure at the rising cost of living.

To help, we partnered with the Citizens Advice Bureau, which parks outside our shop in Walsall twice a week to offer fantastic advice and guidance to those who need it the most. The ‘Let’s Chat’ bus provides support with financial concerns and debt, employment, housing challenges, seeking new skills, well-being and benefit maximisation.

The service also offers connections to organisations offering counselling and therapy, as well as many other support services.

I’VE spoken in the past of the benefits of stocking US confectionery in our store and it still applies because global confectionery is something that really appeals to the children and adults in our area.

We’ve got a lot of schools near us, so we wanted things that would appeal to the schoolkids, but we’ve found that Each issue, one of seven top adults are just as retailers shares advice to keen to buy these make your store magnificent products. We make sure they’re different every time customers come in. We’ve turned ourselves into a bit of an Aladdin’s cave for it.

We don’t put them near the till because we don’t need to. They’re not an impulse purchase. Instead, the US confectionery has its own little corner and it really stands out. We’re now well known for it in the area. If people want something after school or on the way to the cinema, they come to us.

These are products you’re not going to find in a supermarket, so it’s been really good for building up a name for ourselves. There are loads of stores that are doing the same thing even better than me, but doing this is keeping my store in people’s minds.

The popular lines are always kept in because that’s what people come in and ask for. But while it’s hard to get hold of the same stock all the time, that actually works in our favour because it keeps our offer interesting.

People will come to see if you’ve got something new in.

They can also have a look at our US section online and get it delivered via Snappy Shopper. I try to put out fresh posts on social media as well to keep it in people’s minds.

We use Facebook and Instagram and dress the store so we can show off that good range. People have questioned whether you can keep getting new products in, but it happens naturally.

A recent success was Lotus Biscoff KitKat Chunkies from Dubai. It’s being sold through Booker Retail Partners at the moment. We got hold of them before and they flew out. I look around all the cash and carries to find these products.

There are a few in Glasgow that are great – some deliver and some don’t.

Get in touch

@retailexpress betterRetailing.com facebook.com/betterRetailing alex.yau@newtrade.co.uk 020 7689 3358

THE OPPORTUNITY

£800M%

1

85.5%2 THE LESSONS

1.

FLOW YOUR PRODUCTS

BY CATEGORY

2.

BLOCK STIMULATION TOGETHER

1 IRI SL Data latest 8 week data to 17.05.20 (Total Drink Later change vs. YA) 2 EXT IRI, MarketPlace, GB, latest 52 week data ending 21.02.21

3.

INCLUDE BOTH PMP AND STANDARD PACKS

THE RESULTS

THE CHANGES WE MADE STEP ONE

BEFORE

AFTER

STEP TWO

BEFORE

AFTER

STEP THREE

BEFORE

AFTER

TO SEE MORE OF RAVI’S SHOP AND FOR ADVICE FOLLOW @SUNTORYBF_GBI ON TWITTER AND LINKEDIN 3 EXT IRI MarketPlace GB, Total Soft Drinks, Value, Latest 52-week data ending 26.12.21

INDEPENDENT ACHIEVERS ACADEMY

SEMI-FINALISTS ANNOUNCED We are delighted to share the 48 local news and convenience retailers who are consistently delivering excellence in the 10 IAA disciplines below. From these, four finalists for each category will be announced exclusively on betterRetailling.com on Monday 16 May

In association with RN

MARKETING TO CUSTOMERS Day Today Stenhousemuir, Stenhousemuir H & Jodie’s Nisa, Walsall Londis Ferme Park Road, London Nisa Local Colley Gate, Halesowen Premier Linktown Local, Kirkcaldy Premier Morley, Leeds Premier Mo’s Blantyre, Glasgow Tysoe Village Stores, Warwick

In association with Mondelez International

MERCHANDISING & DISPLAY Gwilliam’s of Edington, Bridgwater H & Jodie’s Nisa, Walsall Hopes of Longtown, Herefordshire Mulkerns Spar Jonesborough, Newry Spar Pennings Road, Tidworth Spar Rocket Stores, Bolton Welcome Liberty Quays, Southampton White’s Calver, Calver

In association with Vape Retailer

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Bassett’s Londis Stour Road, Christchurch Family Shopper – Little Hulton, Manchester Nisa Local Colley Gate, Halesowen Nisa Mackworth, Derby Spar Pewsey, Tidworth Tenby Stores & Post Office, Tenby Tysoe Village Stores, Warwick Welcome Harbour Parade, Southampton

In association with JTI UK

RESPONSIBLE RETAILING

Bassett’s Londis Abbotsbury Road, Weymouth Budgens of Hinchingbrooke, Hinchingbrooke Costcutter & The Food Shop, Swanage H & Jodie’s Nisa, Walsall Nisa Axe Close, Luton Premier St Mary’s Supermarket, Southampton Wharfedale Premier, Hull White’s Calver, Calver

In association with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners

EFFECTIVE RANGING

Ash’s Shop, Huntingdon Bassett’s Bridgwater Londis, Bridgwater Londis Ferme Park Road, London Miserden Stores & Post Office, Miserden Mulkerns Spar Jonesborough, Newry Nisa Local Colley Gate, Halesowen One Stop Central Stores Winterslow, Salisbury Premier Green End Store, Huntingdon

In association with BAT UK

STAFF DEVELOPMENT

BB Nevison Superstore & Post Office, Pontefract Family Shopper – Little Hulton, Little Hulton Mickleton Village Stores, Mickleton One Stop Central Stores Winterslow, Salisbury Premier Gostwick Road, Bedford Spar Beech Hill, Tidworth Tenby Stores & Post Office, Tenby Vicky’s Convenience Store & Post Office, Bromsgrove

IT’S ANYTHING BUT AVERAGE

#IAA22

In association with Mars Wrigley

AVAILABILITY

Ash’s Shop, Huntingdon Bassett’s Londis Abbotsbury Road, Weymouth Go Local Wolviston Convenience, Stockton-on-Tees Londis Chatsworth Road & Post Office, Chesterfield Nisa Local Paddington, London Tenby Stores & Post Office, Tenby Welcome Liberty Quays, Southampton White’s Calver, Calver

In association with Suntory Food & Beverage GB&I

SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY Budgens of Donington, Donington H & Jodie’s Nisa, Walsall Jules Convenience Store, Telford Miserden Stores & Post Office, Miserden Mulkerns Spar Jonesborough, Newry Spar – Hackenthorpe, Sheffield Spar Beech Hill, Tidworth Woosnam & Davies News, Llanidloes

In association with Retail Express

SHOP LAYOUT

Ash’s Shop, Huntingdon Bassett’s Londis Abbotsbury Road, Weymouth Budgens of Hemingford Grey, Hemingford Grey Costcutter Marlpool, Kidderminster Nisa Marsh Farm, Luton Premier St Mary’s Supermarket, Southampton Spar Pewsey, Tidworth Tenby Stores & Post Office, Tenby

In association with JTI UK

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Bassett’s Londis Abbotsbury Road, Weymouth Desford Shop & Post Office, Desford Hopes of Longtown, Herefordshire Mulkerns Spar Jonesborough, Newry Premier Mo’s Blantyre, Glasgow Spar Pennings Road, Tidworth Tysoe Village Stores, Warwick White’s Calver, Calver

What is the Independent Achievers Academy?

The Independent Achievers Academy is a year-long learning and development programme that supports independent retailers with growing their sales and profits, by showing how small, measurable changes can make a big difference.

DID YOU MISS THIS YEAR’S OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE THE LIST? Scan our QR code or head to betterRetailing.com/iaa-semi-finalists-2022 to register your interest and we’ll be in touch to help you take part later this year.

CATEGORY ADVICE ENERGY DRINKS TOP TRENDS

20

TRENDING BEHAVIOURS IN ENERGY DRINKS Understanding and adapting to new and longterm trends is vital to succeeding in energy drinks.

TAMARA BIRCH runs through what to focus on

THE ENERGY DRINKS OVERVIEW THE sports and energy category totals more than £276.4m versus 2021 and added more than £197.7m in value.

The market continues to grow, with more flavours, formats and brands launching each year. Most recently, CocaCola Europacific Partners (CCEP) expanded its Monster range with two new flavours, Monster Ultra Gold and Monster Juiced Khaotic.

Martin Attock, vice president of commercial development at CCEP, says of the launch: “Monster Khaotic is a shake-up of one of the original Monster Juiced varieties launched more

than a decade ago when real fruit juice was first combined with the functionality of energy drinks. Today, the Monster Juiced range is worth £75m and is in 60% growth.”

Meanwhile, Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I’s (SBF GB&I) Lucozade Alert is expanding its range, with an Original variety joining the brand’s Tropical and Cherry flavours.

Matt Gouldsmith, channel director for wholesale at SBF GB&I, says: “Stimulation energy drinks have had year-onyear growth of more than 22%.

New flavours are important for retailers to continue to drive

excitement and provide different options for shoppers in this growing category.”

Trends come and go, especially in a fast-moving category such as soft drinks, but building a range based on longterm trends will maintain sales. Reviewing your range regularly using sales data and keeping up with trade press and product launches will help boost sales.

Long-term trends include the shift towards value and low- and no-sugar lines; the increased demand for added benefits, such as extra vitamins; and the boom in new flavours.

3-16 MAY 2022 betterRetailing.com

the stat

17% The growth of energy drinks in the past year

CATEGORY ADVICE ENERGY DRINKS TOP TRENDS

22

3-16 MAY 2022 betterRetailing.com

IT’S ALL ABOUT FLAVOURS “FLAVOURED energy drinks now account for more than half of all volume sold, so it’s important retailers offer a wide range of formats to cater for all shoppers,” says Adrian Troy, marketing director at Barr Soft Drinks.

Vasanti Jesani, of Cellar 57 in Atherton, Greater Manchester, says the energy drinks market is dominated by flavour. “Shoppers love the Monster Original, Punch and Mango flavours, and other trends don’t really come into play,” she says. “Shoppers like trying new flavours.”

Barr Soft Drinks recently launched Rubicon Raw Apple & Guava to help retailers capitalise on demand for new flavours.

Troy adds: “In market research, consumers said Rubicon Raw delivers on taste and interesting flavours more than its bigcan energy competitive set.

“The Rubicon Raw Apple & Guava flavour allows us to grow our brand, but, more importantly, it allows retailers to invigorate and excite their category with a product that has delivered exceptional results in consumer research.”

The challenge for many convenience store owners is knowing which flavours to stock, and a large portion of maximising the opportunity is trial and error. Retailers could monitor the success of any new flavours using EPoS data. If a

product hasn’t sold consistently for eight-to-12 weeks, consider delisting.

Troy also recommends making space on the fixture for different energy flavours. He says: “Consumers are increasingly choosing flavoured varieties when choosing an energy drink, with flavoured energy now accounting for 35% of the mainstream energy market and growing faster than original energy.

“Energy should be given its fair share of space on the fixture to offer the choice of flavours that shoppers are looking for, which will ultimately increase retailer’s profits.”

the stat

1 in 3

soft drinks sold in convenience stores are energy drinks

top products

Lucozade Alert Original SBF GB&I has expanded its range with the launch of Lucozade Alert Original. The flavour aims to build on the success of its Tropical Burst and Cherry flavours, which generated £1m in sales in less than two months through wholesale and convenience stores.

HEALTH IS PLAYING A PART LOW- and no-sugar energy drinks have had faster growth than full-sugar varieties, according to Red Bull, with 21.8% growth versus full-sugar’s 16.9%.

A spokesperson says: “Sugar has played a key role in the sports and energy category as consumers increasingly pick up sugar-free and zero formats that appeal to the more healthconscious shopper. Sugar-free varieties have been growing penetration by 48.8%.”

Barr Soft Drinks’ Troy has also reported this shift, but recognises the importance of offering both options. He says: “Sugar is an important component of energy for most consumers, but a growing number are looking for a lower-calorie or even sugar-free option.

“Some energy drinkers may want zero-sugar energy, but they don’t want it to look, feel, perform or taste different to regular energy drinks.”

Jesani says most of the category is dominated by low- and no-sugar lines, and customers

don’t really notice the difference. “We noticed the shift a few years ago and people actually prefer them now, but customers will still choose the latest lines, such as Monster Gold,” she says.

While it’s not a new trend, the demand for these options will increase come October following the introduction of the high fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) legislation. Amy Burgess, senior trade communications manager at CCEP, says: “With 29% of consumers saying they are focused on sugar reduction following the pandemic, and with HFSS due to come into effect later this year, low- and nosugar options should be high on the agenda with retailers.”

SBF GB&I’s Gouldsmith recommends retailers focus on lower-sugar energy drinks, such as Lucozade Zero. “Lucozade Zero is now worth £20m and retailers should stock drinks like these to capitalise on the ongoing consumer trend towards lower-sugar choices,” he says.

Monster Ultra Watermelon The new addition to the Monster Ultra range was launched in February and aims to capitalise on the brand’s zerosugar range, which is currently growing by 27%. Monster Ultra Watermelon is available in plain and price-marked 500ml cans, as well as four-can multipacks.

Rockstar Britvic has reduced the sugar content across its Rockstar energy drink range to make it HFSS-compliant. The updated range has less than 4.5g of sugar per 100ml.

The updated varieties include Original, Punched Tropical Guava, XDurance Blueberry Pomegranate Acai, Juiced El Mango, Juiced Tropical Punch and Juiced Tropical Orange Passion Fruit.

Boost Energy Boost Energy is a brand exclusive to independents, giving them a real point of difference. The range has several flavours, including Red Berry, Mango, Cherry and Fruit Punch. The range has an RRP of 65p and is available in different formats. Retailers can also stock a sugar-free option.

Red Bull Summer Edition Apricot-Strawberry Apricot-Strawberry is this year’s Summer Edition flavour from Red Bull. The line is available now in 250ml orange cans in plain and price-marked formats, and aims to drive the continual growth of flavoured options in the sports and energy category. The flavour is also available in a sugar-free variety.

Rubican Raw Apple & Guava Barr Soft Drinks has expanded its Rubicon Raw range with a Raw Apple & Guava flavour. The flavour joins three existing lines, with 90% of shoppers saying they would buy the flavour again and 87% rating it as good or excellent.

Irn-Bru Energy Irn-Bru Energy combines the brand’s flavour with the taurine, caffeine, B vitamins and taste of an energy drink.

The brand is available in sugar and no-sugar varieties in 330ml and 500ml formats. The 500ml format was launched in December 2021.

LARGEST SELLING FLAVOURED 500ML 74% OF CONSUMERS SEE CAN SIZE +28% YOY * ENERGY +39% YOY * AS NEW & DIFFERENT ** *IRI GB Symbols & Independents and NI Convenience sales to 26/12/21 **Cousins Davis research boost 500ml quantitative study - 198

STOCK UP NOW

MORE CHOICES. MORE SALES.

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cider

CATEGORY ADVICE ENERGY DRINKS TOP TRENDS

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SHOPPERS WANT ADDED BENEFITS ENERGY drinks are no longer about an instant boost, but one that lasts hours after consumption. SBF GB&I developed a strategy to break down the category into four simple consumer ‘need states’ to help retailers make the most of their range.

“The four states are enjoyable refreshment, uplift & energise, special moments and posi-

tive choices,” says Gouldsmith.

“Each of these is based on insights and trends that highlight the headroom for growth, and these will continue to dictate the market in the year ahead. To increase relevance and expand consumption, retailers need to have the right pack, in the right place, for the right occasion.

“We know, for instance, 75%

of people are concerned about their levels of tiredness and stress.”

In addition to helping with tiredness and stress, shoppers are turning to energy drinks to maintain their fitness regimes and lifestyles. CCEP’s Burgess says this remains a priority for consumers.

“Shoppers are increasingly

looking for food and drink with functional qualities that can help them achieve maximum results during sports or workouts,” she says. “Our Reign Total Body Fuel range is worth £7.56m and growing by 23.3% in retail.

“As well as containing 200mg of naturally-sourced caffeine, the recipe is enriched with

branded-chain amino acids to help prevent protein muscle breakdown, L-arginine rginine to improve blood flow and stimulate the release of growth hormones, and vitamins B3, B6 and B12, which can contribute to reducing fatigue and normalising metabolism.”

the stat

£1.7bn The value of sports & energy

top tips Paid for by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Amy Burgess, senior trade communications manager, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners

VALUE IS INCREASING RISING living costs and the energy crisis aside, the shift towards value has been happening for the past few years.

Retailers have long been reporting shoppers choosing to buy multipacks and larger formats over on-the-go varieties.

According to SBF GB&I’s Gouldsmith, take-home formats grew during lockdown and, as summer quickly approaches, he recommends moving a selection of these formats to the chiller to boost sales.

Price-marked packs (PMP) are a controversial subject among convenience stores, especially with some offering a

reduction in margin. However, some shoppers will switch to buying PMPs in a bid to help them budget, especially with on-the-go formats.

Despite this noticeable shift towards larger formats, onthe-go formats have grown since lockdown restrictions were lifted. Gouldsmith says: “Across the whole soft drinks market, 500ml and 330ml formats have had more than 20% and 11% year-on-year growth, respectively. Retailers should stock up on on-the-go formats of popular soft drinks, such as Lucozade Zero and Lucozade Energy, to capitalise on

this ongoing trend.”

Energy drink consumers are brand loyal, though, according to Red Bull. “Shoppers will actively look for their drink of choice when seeking a functional boost, with 33% of consumers always going for their favourite brand and choosing it regardless of their venue or situation,” says a spokesperson for the manufacturer.

Despite this, however, Jesani has strong success in Booker’s own-label energy drinks range.

“Some shoppers are motivated by price, so we stock the range to offer an alternative, helping to drive sales,” she says.

There are a few simple things retailers can do to make their energy fixture work harder and attract more customers.

These include: Always offer chilled Shoppers are more likely to buy an energy drink for immediate consumption if it’s chilled, so make cold cans available throughout your store. Use Monster-branded chillers for maximum impact.

Low- and no-sugar options Twenty-nine per cent of consumers say they are focused on sugar reduction following the pandemic, so options such as Monster Ultra – the number-one zero-sugar energy drinks brand in GB – should be high on your agenda.

Pack formats It’s important to find the right balance between on-the-go and at-home formats, keeping space for both.

In with the new Make room for new products that will excite shoppers, such as Monster Ultra Watermelon, and activate promotions at point of sale.

Price-marked packs With value likely to be a priority for consumers, PMPs can be an effective way to deliver this.

CATEGORY ADVICE MINTS & GUMS

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A FRESH LOOK AT MINTS AND GUMS CHARLES WHITTING finds out how retailers can cater to customers’ needs in the lucrative mints and gums category

“As the UK returns to more normal living patterns with people returning to work and travelling, retailers have had an opportunity to boost their sales of mints,” says Bailor “The unlocking of society has driven an uplift of 10.3% in the number of shoppers buying confectionery on the go within the past 12 weeks compared with the same period last year.

“This has benefitted independent retailers and the mints segment, which has grown by 6.7% in the past 12 weeks, even outperforming to-

tal confectionery within independents, which by grew 3.7% in the same period.”

However, Val Archer, from Biddulph Convenience Store in Stoke-on-Trent, hasn’t had much change in interest from her customers when it comes to the category, with Extra Strong Mints her bestselling line.

She gets a good margin and it turns over quickly, but her focus doesn’t need to extend much beyond stocking the best-known brands near the till for impulse sales.

“Despite a more functional

top tips Katie Walland, gum portfolio director, Mars Wrigley Why customers chew gum Refreshing breath is cited by 65% of consumers as the number-one reason why they chew gum.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN MINTS AND GUMS MINTS and gums are predominantly impulse purchases, and 59% of total mint single sales take place in convenience stores, according to Nestlé Confectionery shopper marketing manager Helen Bailor.

The category experienced considerable popularity during the pandemic as mask-wearers became increasingly keen to improve the freshness of their breath.

Now mask-wearing is no longer enforced by law, what does the future hold for mints and gums?

3-16 MAY 2022 betterRetailing.com

Chewing gum for enjoyment is a leading trend in the mints and gums segment, and is the second-biggest reason to chew gum cited globally. approach to shopping, there is still an opportunity for retailers to boost the appeal of their sugar confectionery and mint products effectively,” says Levi Boorer, trade and shopper marketing director at Ferrero UK & Ireland.

“When it comes to impulse, it’s important retailers are taking proactive measures to ensure their sugar confectionery offering stands out and attracts shopper interest, which can be done through stocking recognisable brands such as Tic Tac.”

Another increasing trend within the segment is consumers chewing gum while working or studying.

Airwaves Menthol & Eucalyptus is a popular brand for this occasion – this gum brand has a loyal consumer following, with 45% of Airwaves shoppers only buying Airwaves.

Nearly 50% of gum consumption comes from Generation Z, especially fruity gum, which overindexes with under25-year-olds.

Singles tend to be popular for on-the-go purchases with consumers, so ensuring retailers stock popular lines by the till in this format can help boost impulse sales and increase basket spend. Gum bottles, which are convenient for placing on desks at work or at home, or in cars, tend to be more popular as sharing options.

CATEGORY ADVICE MINTS & GUMS

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FLAVOURED OPPORTUNITIES WHILE demand for mints has dropped in his Premier St Mary’s Supermarket in Southampton, Meten Lakhani says his customers remain relatively steadfast in their mint preferences – Trebor and Polo – and demand for gum is growing considerably, particularly within flavoured varieties.

“Extra Apple and Extra Blueberry are flying out,” he says. “When they bring out a new flavour, they tend to do really well. Young customers look at it and think it looks interesting.”

This demand for flavours resulted in fruity gum outperforming the category as a whole in the UK, according

to Mars Wrigley’s Katie Walland. This makes stocking these products a worthwhile investment, particularly for retailers with younger customer bases.

Ferrero’s Levi Boorer adds: “The three biggest flavours consumers are looking for in this category are mint, fruits and extra-strong mint. Offering the right core range is key to encouraging shoppers to pick up Tic Tac as part of their planned shop.

“People typically look for mint and fruit flavours from this sector, which is why we recommend retailers stock a variety of flavours from our Tic Tac range, so they can cater to different tastes.”

PROMOTION AND MERCHANDISING AS AN impulse purchase focused on being HFSS-compliant, mints and gums make a great addition to your till-side offer, but there are other ways retailers can bolster sales.

With people on the move more and more, there is certainly an on-the-go purchase opportunity, but there will also be people keen to buy larger packs for sharing in their cars or offices. A dedicated second siting can also be worth investing in.

“Making your gum range visible and available will be key in increasing your mints and gums sales, with 46% of gum consumers reporting that they will not buy gum if the product they want is not avail-

able,” says Walland. “Creating a clear display with engaging PoS to intrigue consumers will be an effective way of drawing shoppers to the fixture and increase basket spend.

“A secondary siting can also be an effective way of making the most of the sales opportunity. Gum displays generate £2,000-worth of sales per year, on average, so making the most of gum fixtures is essential.”

By stocking mints and gums near to other impulse or habitual purchases – such as newspapers, soft drinks and lunchtime snacks – retailers can further bolster their customers’ basket spend, adding a high-margin margin product like gum to an existing purchase

or encouraging the purchase of a paper while grabbing some mints on the go.

“Use key products to create bundle deals whereby customers can pick up the product along with a magazine, newspaper or snack to cater to morning commuters.

“Across lunch, feature Tic Tac in meal deals so customers can add it.

“This will highlight the variety you have in store,” says Boorer.

the stat

1 in 3 Brits chew gum

Launches & promotions

Mondelez International is encouraging Trebor shoppers to ‘Own it’ in 2022 by rewarding them with the chance to win £10,000 in cash, as well as hundreds of other prizes. Other winners will get the chance to win their own personal stylist or private shopping experience, their own personal trainer or nutritionist, or their own business coach or office space, among a host of prizes.

To win, shoppers need to pick up a Trebor multipack or single pack, enter their contact details and barcode on the pack at trebor.co.uk and follow the instructions on the site. There they will find out instantly if they’ve won one of the prizes and been entered into the prize draw for £10,000.

Mars Wrigley has introduced two fruity gum flavours, Apple and Blueberry, to the Extra range to capitalise on the growing popularity of flavoured options, particularly among younger consumers. “Apple is the most popular fruit in the UK, and Blueberry is a leading flavour for confectionery. Last year, fruity gum outperformed the category in the UK, so these two additions are positioned to increase gum sales and help grow fruity gum,” says Mars Wrigley’s Katie Walland.

CATEGORY ADVICE BABYCARE

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FEED YOUR BABY FIXTURES Give back-to-work shoppers the babycare products they want, and they’ll be back for more, writes CHARLES SMITH

A STRONG CATEGORY FOR STORES BABY and toddler care products remain strong sellers in convenience stores, as timestrapped parents continue to shop locally.

Some grocery categories have declined dramatically in convenience stores since the peaks of the lockdowns, but the baby and toddler care category is holding steady, with sales to October only slightly down on 2020, according to Matt Stanton, head of category & insight at DCS Group, which distributes household, health,

beauty, baby and healthiersnacking brands.

The category is down overall by 9.4% annually in the independent convenience channel.

Baby-feeding is down by 3.4%, and babycare – nappies, wipes and toiletries – barely at all, down 1.1%.

Stanton says the main reason for the slight decline is the falling birth rate. There are a number of factors, one being uncertainty for non-UK families since the Brexit vote in 2016.

Breastfeeding is driving the decline in demand for formula baby milk. Parents are also starting to wean earlier from baby milk to alternatives such as cow’s milk.

Three key facts retailers need to remember are: young families spend 38% more than the average shopper; 62% of babycare shoppers will shop elsewhere if they can’t find the brand or product they’re looking for; and 86% of babycare shoppers plan their missions in advance.

GETTING STOCK ANY drops in sales aren’t necessarily all due to shopping habits shifting, however. Wholesalers’ stock availability and delivery charges could be putting some retailers off backing the category.

Paresh Vyas, from Limehurst Mini Market in Ashtonunder-Lyne, says stock availability is currently a problem for his store. Vyas says: “Booker’s availability on babycare is bad. It’s got worse since Tesco took over.”

Since Booker implemented its £30 delivery charge in February, Vyas has cut his orders to two deliveries a week.

Availability is also a problem with his other wholesaler, Parfetts, so he’s looking at buying directly from manufacturers.

Despite his frustrations, however, Vyas remains committed to the category, having built up a strong range of products that continue to bring in consistent profits.

“The difference between this store and the supermarkets is we go the extra mile,” he says. “We have a three-anda-half-feet-wide babycare section, with everything in one place, which is doing much better than it was two years ago.”

CATEGORY ADVICE BABY CARE

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BACK TO WORK, BACK TO BABY FOOD BABY-FEEDING sales have proved resilient in impulse and convenience for much of the past couple of years, as stay-at-home workers initially turned to local shops for many essential items, according to Sam Higgins, brand controller for Ella’s Kitchen at distributor RH Amar.

A gradual return to the physical workplace in the second half of 2021 – accompanied by brand consolidation within the baby-food category – has had strong recent

growth for the category and Ella’s Kitchen, its bestselling brand, as time-strapped parents continue to turn to the category’s top sellers.

As a result, total sales of baby food are up by 4.6% in value year on year, while volume sales in impulse and convenience rose by 1.5% during the 12 weeks to the beginning of September.

Ella’s Kitchen accounts for more than £1 out of every £3 spent on baby food across all retail channels. In

SUPPLIER

VIEW

impulse and convenience, where Ella’s market share is even greater (41.3%), the brand also accounts for the top five bestselling wet babyfood lines and returns significantly more value per distribution point than any other brand.

Matt Stanton, head of category & insight, DCS Group Merchandise all babycare products together – display baby milk and food in the same bay as (or very nearby) nappies, wipes and toiletries.

Locate the feminine care and adult incontinence categories nearby to drive incremental sales, as there is a high level of cross-shopping between the two categories.

Baby milk should make up around two-thirds of a babyfeeding display, with food making up the remaining space.

Merchandise milk by brand, then age stage and then format. Stage 1 is the main priority, followed by Stage 2 and then Stage 3 in larger stores.

AN EVOLVING CATEGORY

Merchandise food by age stage, then format and then brand.

Cover all key age stages, prioritising the youngest stages first.

WITH shoppers visiting superstores less frequently during the pandemic, convenience stores’ role has had to evolve.

Previously, says Matthew Goddard, sales director at Organix, shoppers used these outlets for impulse or top-up purchases, but they now provide more of a full range to fulfil parents’ regular needs, Because of this, the demand for larger supermarket visits has decreased, so it’s impor-

tant to provide a range of prices to maximise shopper reach and ensure there is something available to all consumers on different budgets.

In bottled baby food, Vyas says his shoppers have moved from Cow & Gate and Heinz, which he’s cut down to three varieties of each, to pouches that are ready-made and easier for travelling. Desserts are still big sellers.

The greatest change Vyas

top tips Tips from Sam Higgins, brand controller, Ella’s Kitchen Make the best of your baby-food range Wet food makes up almost two-thirds (66%) of all babyfood sales in impulse and convenience.

Shoppers overwhelmingly want to see pouched formats when it comes to baby food.

Finger foods account for almost a quarter (23%) of all baby-food sales in impulse and convenience.

Dry baby food represents just 4.5% of total volume sales.

has seen since Covid-19, however, is new parents going for organic. “We ask customers what they want, and organic baby food is the biggest request,” he says. “Working parents are very health-conscious when it comes to their babies, after spending time at home with them in the lockdowns. They realise they can buy organic, and it’s better value,” he says.

If Vyas gets requests for

new lines such as Farley’s Rusks Reduced Sugar, he stocks them. He used to sell powdered baby milks, but says its popularity has waned in favour of ready-made milk, which is more convenient.

He adds: “Supermarkets sell [powdered milk], but nobody buys it, and they don’t buy baby food when it’s on offer. We offer products half price if they’re running short on date, but they don’t sell.”

NAPPIES ARE CLEANING UP NAPPIES are doing particularly well at Limehurst, and Vyas sells a lot of larger packs. “The price isn’t important, it’s how many they get,” he says.

He sells a lot of 10-12packs as distress purchases.

Vyas also tries to allocate more space to the new waterbased baby wipes. He adds: “Parents go for biodegradable, or own label, depending on their budget.”

Toiletries such as cotton buds and baby powder also sell steadily.

DCS Group’s Stanton echoes Vyas’ perspective. “In the UK market as a whole, shoppers are buying larger packs of nappies,” Stanton

says. “The fastest-growing pack size is ‘jumbo plus’, containing around 60-80 nappies, depending on nappy size.

“Shoppers in convenience stores are looking for smaller packs, with 94% of sales being ‘carry-pack’ sizes, which contain 17-30 nappies. Consumers respond to promotions, and Pampers Carry Packs are available as PMPs at £5.49.”

Shoppers need to know a store stocks the right range, otherwise they will shop elsewhere. The range needs to be easy to find in store and it also needs to be easy to access while pushing a pram or pushchair.

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THE PLATINUM JUBILEE The RETAIL EXPRESS team finds out what retailers are expecting for the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday and how they are preparing

We’re waiting to see what the community committee is planning. How are other retailers preparing? – Andrew Johnson, Dafarn Newydd Village Stores, Powys

1

Christine Hope, Hopes of Longtown, Herefordshire

“THERE’S a village event and two community events happening over the Jubilee long weekend, so we’re going to be supporting those. We’ll have the bunting out, but we won’t go all out in a massive way – at least that’s where we are now. The most important thing for us will be staying open for the entire weekend.

That’s what our customers will want, so that’s what we’re going for. We’ll have a tent or two as well.

“I don’t think it will be like a normal bank holiday. It’s going to be a mixed bag and will be massively weather-dependent. As a result, we’ll have to be �lexible to avoid any potential waste over the weekend. Local suppliers will be very important for ordering extra stock if it’s needed. That will allow us to respond to meet demand. The core for this weekend will be the ability to be quick on our feet, whether it’s dealing with very short supply chains in the week or reacting to the weather.”

2

Harj Dhasee, Village Stores, Mickleton, Gloucestershire

“I’M on the village committee and we’re doing a full beacon lighting for it. One early in the evening for the children and one later for the rest of the village. There will be music, all the clubs will be opening up their doors and all the societies will be in the village hall. The gardeners will also be opening up their allotments.

“On the Saturday, we’re having a big party in the �ield and a football match. We’re expecting 3,000 people for that. And then on Sunday, we’re doing a street food event – a sort of high tea.

So, we are expecting it to be a busy weekend. And we will be open throughout it all.

“We’re going to approach it like a normal bank holiday and stock appropriately. It will be different, though. For a start, it’s running from Thursday to Sunday. But, like any bank holiday, demand will be driven by the weather.”

3

Joe Williams, The Village Shop, Hook Norton, Oxfordshire

“WE’RE carrying on as normal. The village is organising something around the Jubilee, so we’ll be donating things to that.

We’ll decorate the store with bunting and PoS, and we’ll be treating it like the Easter bank holiday. I can’t see a lot of people going away for the Platinum Jubilee. There will be lots of events on locally, particularly in and around the village, so I don’t think people will be going elsewhere. It’s not a weekend leading into school holidays – you’ve got school either side of it, so I think people will stay where they are.

“It also depends on the weather. We’re hoping for some hot weather, which will draw people out. People are going to be more prepared in terms of street parties, but it’s looking at the knock-on sales we’ll have as a result. More than anything, it’s about us being there for the community. My staff are going to be working, but it’s about getting us involved and playing our part.”

In the next issue, the Retail Express team finds out what retailers are expecting for the summer ahead.

If you have any problems you’d like us to explore, please email charles.whitting@newtrade.co.uk