Shop beats ATM fees with Euronet

An independent retailer in Scotland has successfully brought back freeto-use ATM services for his local community after switching from NoteMachine to Euronet.

Dan Brown, of Pinkie Farm in Musselburgh, East Lothian, is one of thousands of NoteMachine partnered stores that has had charges introduced on their previously free-to-use ATM.

He told RN he had been with the company for 10 years, but swiftly began fighting to regain a free ATM for his customers after a 99p per transaction cost was introduced at the end of 2019.

Despite NoteMachine claiming it had no choice but to introduce fees on thousands of its machines, rival Euronet said it could still operate a free-to-use machine from Brown’s store and installed it this month.

“It’s really helped attract more footfall and ensure we continue offering a vital community service,” Brown added. “We were unable to change provider until this year as we were on a contract.

“Our previous provider kept adding charges and the commission was also dropping off at the same time. Now we’ve got one of the only free cash machines in the area. We don’t have any charges, as they pay to rent the space from us.”

Brown said he already had a contact at Euronet prior to the end of his previous NoteMachine agreement.

However, he had encouraged the local community and MSPs to petition against ATM charges and join campaigns to protect access to cash.

He added that, while the company is seeking expansion, Euronet’s criteria for taking on stores would be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Snappy Shopper has partnered with EPoS company ITS, giving more than 1,400 retailers across the UK access to home delivery services.

The deal will give retailers real-time stock, pricing and sales updates when they use Snappy Shopper’s services.

ITS counts 1,429 retailers across Booker, Bestway, Spar, Simply Fresh and Unitas symbol groups among its customer base.

ITS managing director Tanveer Mirza said: “Providing retailers with data is an additional way for them to see their businesses grow.”

‘Most wanted’ list urged

Police forces need to create a ‘most wanted’ list of prolific shoplifters, the ACS urged last week, as it revealed more than 1.1 million thefts occur per year in convenience stores.

The trade body published its annual crime report last week, with 77% of retailers believing the cost-of-living crisis had led to an increase in theft, with meat, alcohol and confectionery listed as the most commonly stolen items.

Nearly three-quarters (68%) of incidents were carried out by repeat offenders.

In a bid to crack down on people repeatedly targeting stores, the ACS urged more funding for rehabilitation, the prevention of antisocial behaviour within communities and crime-prevention measures such as the ‘most wanted’ lists.

EXCLUSIVE 650 Daily stores opened

Morrisons has opened nearly 650 Daily convenience stores, with 400 of them being former McColl’s sites.

The figure was revealed in Morrisons’ results for the 13 weeks ending 30 April. It said 107 Daily stores opened in the period and expects to have almost 1,000 sites by the end of the year.

Morrisons chief executive David Potts added: “Convenience continues to be a strong area of focus and growth. Converted stores continue to see a significant sales uplift as we work through the McColl’s estate.

“By the year end we expect to have a significantly enhanced position in the important UK convenience sector.”

Wholesale sales grew 20% annually, fuelled by new supply deals with local shops.

BAT seeks female panellists

BAT is set to launch a retailer panel, with equal gender representation at the forefront.

In an email to retailers, the firm said it was seeking female store owners interested in joining the panel. BAT added the decision was influenced by last year’s Women in Convenience event, organised by RN owners Newtrade Media.

The panel would allow panellists to “shape future business plans and ideas”, while giving access to category insights, business updates and an opportunity to be a voice for independent retailers.