TalkingShop December 2023

Talking Shop ISSUE 127 – December 2023

The magazine for Premier retailers

PLUS

Posting success

New InPost deal will drive sales and profits

Festive value

Sparkling deals on Jack’s festive favourites

Pulling Power

Shoppers can’t resist the pull of Rakesh Odedra’s new Premier store.

Talking Shop | November-December 2023

Welcome

Talking Shop ISSUE 127 – Decemb

er 2023

The magazin

A very warm and festive welcome to this, your final issue of Talking Shop for 2023. It has been another very positive year for Premier, albeit with a few challenges along the way – but we’re certainly looking forward to a fantastic 2024 together.

Before we get to that however, we have the exciting Christmas opportunity ahead of us and another great chance to grow footfall, sales and, of course, profits.

The drinks opportunity at Christmas is clearly huge and Premier has an extensive range of exclusive products and fantastic deals to help make sure you squeeze every penny of profit out of the festive period.

There is also a really exciting package of Jack’s Christmas essentials fresh produce deals that offers shoppers huge savings of up to £1.39 on lines like Brussels sprouts, potatoes, carrots and parsnips. These fantasticvalue promotions mean all four lines are available to shoppers for just 39p with retailer PORs north of 25%.

When the new year does roll around, one opportunity that is certainly worth having a look at is a new deal we have secured with Panasonic around digital shelf edge labels (SELs). More and more Premier stores are using digital SELS which help increase efficiency, ensure accurate and up-to-date on-shelf pricing and hugely reduce the workload for your team.

We have also reached a new agreement with InPost that allows retailers to install a parcel collections and returns service with guaranteed rental income. The service also presents a great opportunity to drive fresh footfall and incremental sales.

I wish you all a very merry Christmas and fantastic trading over the festive season.

e for Premier

retailers

PLUS

Posting success New

InPost will drive sale deal s and profits

Festive value

Sparkling dea on Jack’s fest ls ive favourites

Pulling Power

Shoppers can’ t resist the pull of Rakesh Odedra’s new Premier store.

COVER STORY Rakesh Odedra has given a fresh lease of life to an old Leicester store THE THREE BIG STORIES 7 SEL success Premier retailers have access to an exclusive new SEL package.

8 Winning ways Premier Broadway Convenience Store has won the 2023 Raj Aggarwal Trophy.

38 SAY CHEERS! Toast merrier sales and profits with Premier’s sparkling festive offer

Share your shop news

If you’ve got news, tips or feature ideas, please get in touch with Talking Shop: EMAIL:

talkingshop@booker.co.uk DISCLAIMER:

Martyn Parkinson, Sales Director – Booker Wholesale

4 TalkingShop December 2023

Prices are correct at time of going to press, but may be subject to change.

38

Say cheers to merry sales and profits

18

63 7

8

53

SEL success Exclusive SEL package available to

Premier’s sparkling drinks offer has all you

Premier retailers.

need for festive success.

Raj Aggarwal Trophy winner

43 Jack’s update

Broadway Convenience Store wins the

The latest news on Booker's great value

2023 prize.

and quality own brand.

11 Community News The latest round-up of community news.

49

38 Get into the spirit

49 New products Some of the latest new products to hit the shelves.

13 Food and drink sales climb Sales through independents grow by 5.9%.

The hot new products making their way in store

53 Sustainability Booker continues to make major strides

17 Grocery Aid update

forward in its sustainability journey.

A new retail support kit is available to Premier retailers.

55 Meet the Team Say hello to Booker's new Press and PR

18 New beginnings

Manager Jess Horton.

New concept Premier makes a splash in Salisbury.

58 Spring clean Get your store fit for 2024.

24 Pulling power Shoppers can’t resist the lure of Rakesh Odedra’s new Premier store.

63 Posting success Premier has secured a major new deal with InPost.

43

30 Small and mighty Premier Vino's is the small store with a mighty big offer.

67 ACS Viewpoint New retail crime plan is a step in the right direction.

December 2023 TalkingShop

5

GRAB THE

FESTIVE FIZZ

PLUS EXCLUSIVE CONSUMER CAMPAIGN TO DRIVE YOUR SALES!

CHRISTMAS IS THE KEY SEASON FOR COLA WITH 8M LIGHT BUYERS COMING INTO THE CATEGORY!*

STOCK UP

NOW

* (Source: Kantar – Take Home Christmas: 12we 25 Dec ’22) Also available in PMP.

MAXIMUM TASTE NO SUGAR

PremierNews NEWS, ACHIEVEMENTS AND OPINIONS FROM ACROSS PREMIER

Booker-exclusive Digital SEL package now available to Premier retailers Premier retailers now have access to a fully customised digital shelf edge label solution under a Booker-exclusive deal with Panasonic Connect.

The benefits of converting from paper price tickets

team will ensure the solution is

to digital shelf edge labelling (SEL) are being felt in

up and running precisely to your

more and more Premier stores, with an increasing

requirements.

number of retailers embracing the solution.

Digital SELs help ensure that on-shelf pricing is always accurate and up to date and also help dramatically reduce the amount of staff time required to update labels, particularly during promotional period changeovers. This recovered staff time means that your team can be redeployed in more productive tasks like engaging with your shoppers.

To help Premier retailers take advantage of the

PANASONIC CONNECT DEAL l Agreed Booker price package

Your Booker Reta il • Agreed Booker

Deal:

price package • Free Store custo misation • Dedicated Proje ct Manager • Expert installatio n team • Dedicated Supp ort for Booker custo mers • Finance available

Fully integrated with PoS architecture In partnership with Booker, Retail Data Partnership, TLM and other POS software platfor ms

it approval) Standardized installa tion packages for small, medium and large-sized stores

customisation

connect.panasonic

.eu

l Dedicated project manager l Dedicated support l UK-based l Finance available (subject to credit approval)

integrated with Epos systems from key providers

CHOOSE YOUR SIZE

including Retail Data Partnership, TLM and more.

The digital SELs are available in a range of sizes, covering all use cases:

The deal features free store-specific customisation,

UK-based Premium in-hou se service & engine ering support from Panaso nic

(Subject to Cred

l Fully Epos integrated

a new exclusive agreement with Panasonic Connect.

the solution and the SELs themselves are fully

Benefits

l Free store-specific

l Expert installation team

an agreed preferential Booker price package on

Exclusive Deal for Booker Retail Cus tom

ers

many benefits of digital SELs, Booker has secured The deal ensures Premier retailers benefit from

Automated Pric ing and Promot ions across your stor e

l From 1.6” to 12.2”

and benefits from dedicated UK-based support for

l High resolution up to 144 DPI

Premier retailers. A dedicated project manager will

l Up to IP68 certified

oversee the entire process while an expert installation FOR MORE INFORMATION, SPEAK TO YOUR RDM, OR EMAIL INTEGRATEDSOLUTIONS@EU.PANASONIC.COM OR VISIT CONNECT.PANASONIC.EU/BOOKER

December 2023 TalkingShop

7

Grocery inflation hits single digits Grocery price inflation has fallen below 10% for the first time since July 2022 and now sits at 9.7% for the four weeks to 29

Premier Broadway Wins 2023 Raj Aggarwal Trophy Dennis, Linda and Sophie Williams of Premier Broadway Convenience Store in Edinburgh have been named as the outright winners of this year’s Raj Aggarwal Trophy for community retailing.

October 2023, new data reveals.

The Kantar data also shows that take-home grocery sales over the same period rose by 7.4% compared with last year.

The data shows consumer spending on promotions has now hit 27.2% of total grocery sales – the highest since Christmas last year.

In addition, own label lines have grown ahead of their branded counterparts every month since February

Dennis, Linda and Sophie

anniversary in the store. Dennis,

ACS Chief Executive James

2022, with the latest four

Williams, who run Premier

Linda and Sophie work tirelessly

Lowman said: "Congratulations

weeks showing a sales

Broadway Convenience Store in

to support their customers and

to the Williams family who are

boost of 8.0% for these

the Oxgangs area of Edinburgh,

colleagues, are embedded within

deserved winners of this award,

lines.

have been named as winners of

local schools, and go above and

which highlights the very best

the 2023 Raj Aggarwal Trophy.

beyond to make their store a

of community retailing. The

community hub.

competition was extremely close,

The Kantar data shows the gap between own

Organised by the Association

label and branded

of Convenience Stores (ACS),

Dennis told Talking Shop:

and it was great to hear so many

goods is at its narrowest

the Trophy is awarded to retailers

“To win this award is a massive

examples of community activity

since spring last year.

who have demonstrated “an

privilege and everyone at the

that make a real difference."

Branded sales

exceptional commitment to

store is exceptionally proud.

The three finalists were invited

increased by 6.7% in the

community retailing over the last

I was lucky enough to know

to ACS’ Heart of the Community

latest month, raising the

year, supporting their colleagues,

Raj Aggarwal and he was a

conference, where they took

distinct possibility that

customers and fellow retailers”.

fantastic retailer and a fantastic

part in a panel session on the

they will push ahead

The Williams family has

man. He was renowned for

day discussing the range and

by Christmas, when

been demonstrating exceptional

his commitment to his local

importance of their community

shoppers typically turn

community retailing in their

community, so it means a lot to

activity over the last year. The

more to brands.

store for over four decades,

us that we have been honoured

winner was voted on by retailers

recently celebrating their 40th

with this trophy in his name.”

and suppliers in attendance.

8 TalkingShop December 2023

Living Bournemouth Premier wins £10k with Camelot Wage ‘up 10%’

Caglar Kirici of Premier Hillview in Bournemouth has won the £10,000 top prize in National Lottery operator Camelot’s Site, Stock, Sell online quarterly prize draw.

Almost half a million workers in the UK whose employers are signed up to pay the voluntary real living wage are in line for a 10% pay rise to at least £12 an hour, taking their annual wage to £3,000 a year above the government’s minimum wage.

According to the Living

Bournemouth-based convenience retailer Caglar

Wage foundation, which

Kirici of Premier Hillview Stores on Hill View Road

sets the rates, the rise was

has won the £10,000 top prize in National Lottery

needed after research

operator Camelot’s Site, Stock, Sell online quarterly

found the cost-of-living crisis

prize draw.

is far from over for low-paid

Caglar maintained high in-store standards for the

holiday, and we’ll be able to visit lots of attractions.

workers, with 50% worse off

sale of National Lottery products during the quarter,

I can also take my colleagues for a meal to thank

than a year ago.

giving him automatic entry into the big draw. The

them for their hard work.”

prize pool was £20,000, with one £10k top prize and ten £1,000 prizes up for grabs each quarter.

Camelot’s

Retail

Director,

The Living Wage rates for

Green,

2023-24 were announced in

commented: “Congratulations to Caglar, who has

Alex

October and employers will

Caglar said: “I felt really overwhelmed when

worked hard to win his prize. Maintaining high

have six months until May 1

I found out from my Camelot Sales Exec that I’d

in-store standards takes time and effort and helps

2024 to implement them.

won. I wasn’t expecting it at all, especially winning

keep The National Lottery front of mind among

the top prize which is a huge amount of money. I

customers, which positively impacts sales and,

will use it to support my family and take them on

importantly, returns to Good Causes.”

Parliament celebrates retailers A Members Business debate held in the Scottish Parliament and lodged by Gordon Macdonald MSP has highlighted the substantial and positive benefits that independent convenience stores bring to their local communities, and the contribution of the sector to the economy.

TALKING TACTICS What are you doing in-store

The Motion recognised the fact that Scotland has 5,171 convenience stores employing over 49,000 people

to stand out in your local

and offering access to key amenities ss well as providing a one stop shop for essential foods and home

market? Share it with us

items, all within the local community.

and your Premier retailer colleagues at talkingshop@booker.co.uk

The UK-wide sector contributed over £9.1bn in taxes last year and expected to grow to £50.9bn by 2026.

December 2023 TalkingShop

9

UP TO

700

PUFFS* VUSE GO 700

UP TO

800

PUFFS* VUSE GO EDITION 01

DESIGNED FOR EVERY MOMENT NEWAND IMPROVED VUSE GO RANGE Vuse e-cigarettes contain nicotine which is addictive.

Dispose of responsibly.

This product should not be discarded in household waste but in the nearest WEEE collection bin. *Based on laboratory testing of newly manufactured product and may vary depending on individuals usage behaviour. For tobacco trade use only. Not to be left in the sight of consumers.

CommunityNews NEWS, ACHIEVEMENTS AND OPINIONS FROM ACROSS PREMIER

Saying thanks

FERRY FRIENDS Premier Millport, on the Isle of Cumbrae, has been praised for rallying round to help stranded

MY Hospitals Charity has presented retailers

passengers after the

Surinder and Rama Pugal of Premier Wakefield

island's ferry service was

Road in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, with a

suspended last month.

certificate of thank you for their incredible support over the years.

An engine room fire put the route’s usual

The couple has recently announced they are

vessel out of action, and

retiring after almost 40 years of service. The shop,

a queue of passengers

which opened in 1985, was originally an off licence

formed while a

and video library.

replacement boat was

The charity said: “Today, we would like to showcase the amazing Mr and Mrs Pugal & Family

sourced.

The store was

who have supported their community and local

requested by ferry

hospital for the last 40 years in remembrance of

operator Calmac to

their son, Sajit.

distribute drinks and

“We would also like to thank Mr and Mrs Pugal

snacks among the

& Family for their generous donation of £500 to our

stricken travellers.

Children's Department at the Pinderfields Hospital.

Your kind gesture holds a great significance for both us and the community.”

CARING FOR CATS Llanfachraeth Convenience

Community fridge

Store in Holyhead, North

Bipin and Jagruti Gurjar, from Premier Stores on Reepham Road

Support & Rescue.

in Norwich, Norfolk, have been thanked for supporting the area’s community fridge.

A community fridge brings people together to eat, connect, learn new skills and reduce food waste.

Hellesdon Parish Council said: “We were thrilled to show Bipin Gurjar and his lovely wife Jagruti our community fridge.

Wales, has raised £39.85 for Anglesey & District Feline

The store collected the funds from its customers via an in-store collection pot.

Anglesey & District Feline Support & Rescue,

“Bipin and Jagruti have been great supporters of our community

which is run by a team of

fridge since it first opened. Along with community stalwart Russell

volunteers, has helped

Barber, who assists with bringing the food to our fridge, we explained

rehome 1,000 cats and

how the project is helping reduce food waste and supports those in

kittens since 2017.

need in the local area.

“Thank you Premier for all your support.”

December 2023 TalkingShop

11

IndustryNews A DIGEST OF NEWS FROM THE INDEPENDENT RETAILING INDUSTRY

Food and drink sales ‘up 5.9%’ in October Sales in independent retailing outlets continued to grow in October, up 5.9%, having grown 8.0% in September.

‘SMOKE-FREE GENERATION’ CONSULTATION The UK government says more than 12,000 responses have been received as part of its consultation on plans

Food

and

in

to create a smokefree

outlets

generation and crack

continued to grow in October,

down on youth vaping.

despite shopper concerns over

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak

rising energy bills and the cost of

recently announced

Christmas, according to the latest

plans to introduce a

data from Barclays.

historic new law to stop

independent

drink

sales

retailing

Card spending slowed slightly

children who turn 14 this

from 8.0% YOY in September to

year or younger from

5.9% in October but independent

ever legally being sold

stores

cigarettes in England.

continued

to

perform

ahead of supermarkets which saw growth of 5.3% in October.

The Barclays report combines hundreds of millions of customer

King Charles III set

CPIH inflation rate of 6.3%

restaurants, potentially presenting

out plans for the

and the smallest uplift since

an opportunity for convenience

government to introduce

September 2022 (1.8%).

store retailers.

the Tobacco and Vapes

consumer

Most shoppers – 69% – say

Looking ahead, over a third

research to provide an in-depth

they are continuing to look for

(36%) expect Christmas to be

view of UK spending.

transactions

with

Bill in The King’s speech on 7 November.

ways to reduce the cost of their

more expensive than in 2022, and

The 'Stopping the start'

Total shopper card spending

weekly shop, with more than half

a fifth (21%) have concerns about

consultation closes on 6

grew 2.6% YOY in October,

of this number (56%) saying they

keeping up with outgoing costs

December.

noticeably less than the latest

plan to cut down on eating out in

during the festive period.

Deadline looms on Lottery switchover Retailers are being reminded that the deadline

from Camelot on 1 February 2024 and

‘How To’ video to help you complete the

for completing their Transfer of Retailer

retailers who have not yet completed their

TRA process. You will require the last three

Agreement (TRA) for the National Lottery

TRA are being asked to do so

digits of the bank account used to

is fast approaching. Retailers must complete

urgently.

pay your current National Lottery

the TRA on or before 18 December or their

To do so, visit the TRA portal

invoice and proof of identity

National Lottery terminal may be switched

at www.TNLPartners.co.uk or

such as an image of your driving

off.

scan the QR code here [INSERT

licence, passport, birth certificate

QR code]. Then watch the simple

or another form of approved ID.

New operator Allwyn is set to take over

December 2023 TalkingShop

13

*THE BOTTLE, NOT LABEL AND CAP

U

S

AG AIN

ottles ma b e de r ’ e W

c*

recycled plas m ti o r f

RE Y

LE

Choose a bottle made from recycled plastic* To find out about further ways we can support you please visit MY.CCEP.COM © 2023 The Coca-Cola Company. All rights reserved. COCA-COLA, COCA-COLA ZERO, Sprite Zero and Fanta Zero are registered trademarks of The Coca-Cola Company.

Be accessible for all this Christmas Premier retailers are being urged to ensure that their stores welcome all shoppers this festive period, including disabled shoppers and those with support animals.

MORE SHOPPERS TO SPEND MORE AT CHRISTMAS New data from Deloitte’s Consumer Tracker report suggest that 26% of shoppers plan to spend more this Christmas than they did in 2022, a 7% increase on this time last year when only 19% planned to do so.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW… l 1 in 4 people in the UK has a disability l The annual spending power of disabled people in the UK is £274bn and rising.

period

charge from the Business Disability

The survey of more

underway, convenience retailers are

Forum website and retailers can find a

than 3,100 UK shoppers

being asked to help ensure that their

host of other helpful information on the

also found that the

stores are welcoming to all shoppers this

site.

number of shoppers who

With

the

busy

Christmas

Christmas including disabled shoppers,

Bela Gor, Head of Legal at Business

said they will spend less

those who require extra assistance and

Disability Forum, said: “We know that

this year has also fallen,

those with support animals.

animals can offer vital assistance and

from 36% in 2022 to 29% this year.

has

support to many disabled people making

published a series of short guides

it possible for people to shop and

offering advice to retailers explaining

socialise independently. For businesses,

Harcourt, head of retail

the different types of animals that

however, there are legitimate concerns

at Deloitte, said: “Those

some disabled people rely on in their

about the impact of different animals on

businesses that focus

daily lives. The guides also cover

other shoppers and the wider business.

on creating a good

what businesses should consider when

Our guide explains what businesses

customer experience,

deciding whether to allow shoppers

need to know in order to be able to

through engaging

to bring in different animals and how

make reasonable adjustments and make

promotions and

to anticipate and meet the needs of

sure all customers can access your

convenient offerings,

disabled shoppers with animals.

business.”

such as click and collect

Business

Disability

Forum

The guides are available free of

Oliver Vernon-

and extending store hours, will help attract

WELCOMING SHOPPERS WITH ASSISTANCE ANIMALS

thrifty shoppers.”

l Businesses must not refuse entry to shoppers with guide dogs and assistance animals – as long as the animal is quiet, well-behaved and not disruptive. l Shopper-facing staff must be made aware that refusing entry to shoppers with guide dogs and assistance dogs is against the law. l Stores are allowed to advertise a “no dogs” policy – but if they do, they must also advertise that guide dogs and assistance dogs are exempted from this policy. l Retailers should look at shopper spaces and identify any barriers to a person accompanied by a guide dog and remove those barriers where possible before a shopper raises an issue.

THE GUIDES ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE AT: BUSINESSDISABILITYFORUM.ORG.UK/DISABILITY-ESSENTIALS/

December 2023 TalkingShop

15

STOCK TH E NO.1 PERFORM I NG C O R E S TA N D A R D L A G E R *

Probably the best beer in the world

*Source: Nielsen Total Coverage, YOY % change (vol/value) & Value Share Growth in Core Standard Lager Category (includes Fosters & Carling) – MAT data to 20th May 2023. Brewed in UK, the Danish Way. Enjoy responsibly.

Help spread the word!

To help Premier retailers ensure that new and existing colleagues are aware of the free and confidential support available from the charity, GroceryAid has published a new independent retailing support kit.

FULL PRINTED MATERIALS KIT As well as the new

Independent Retailing leaflet, on the GroceryAid website you can also order a full Printed Materials Kit, for

Industry charity GroceryAid offers an unrivalled

practical support available, including the free and

free, which includes:

support service covering financial, emotional and

confidential Helpline.

1. 10 x A5 leaflets

practical support of all kinds – but that support can

Independent retailers can order the leaflets from

2. 10 x wallet cards

only be accessed by retailers and colleagues who

the GroceryAid website for delivery to their store.

3. 1 x sheet of stickers

know that it exists.

There is no cost for the leaflet or delivery.

That’s why GroceryAid has launched a new

Mandi Leonard, GroceryAid’s Welfare

leaflet and support kit to help independent retailers

Director, says: “GroceryAid is here to support

inform new starts and existing colleagues about the

anyone working in the grocery industry and we

charity’s free and confidential support available to

are committed to making it as easy as possible

them from the first day of employment.

for employers to inform their staff about how we

The newly launched document is designed to

can help them. Now more than ever, GroceryAid

enhance the onboarding process for independent

is a valuable resource to colleagues, and we

retailers, as well as remind existing employees

hope retailers will take advantage of this new

about GroceryAid’s support. It provides an

information leaflet to spread awareness.”

introductory guide to the charity's welfare services, explaining the emotional, financial, and

Visit groceryaid.org.uk/get-help to see the full range of support services available.

December 2023 TalkingShop

17

CUSTOMER PROFILE | Premier Mathies, Ramparts, Salisbury

A different take New concept store Premier Mathies is pulling in the punters with its unique local offer.

I

retail

opportunity to open a store the likes of which

which blew me away,” Mathi says. “I’d never

landscape, the need to stand out from

Salisbury’s shoppers had never seen before,”

seen a store like that before and I was fired up

the convenience crowd has never

Mathi explains.

to create a similar sort of offer for my local

n

today’s

ultra-competitive

Primely located on a busy roundabout and

shoppers. My Premier RDM Stuart King and

retailer

adjacent to a major pedestrian crossing point,

the wider Premier team offered me fantastic

Mathi Thiruchelvam to bite the bullet and

the new unit features smart floor-to-ceiling

help and support throughout the whole process

invest around £200,000 in the creation of a

windows all the way around its striking

as we worked to create the new store.”

showstopping new Premier concept store on

curved exterior, offering excellent visibility to

the outskirts of Salisbury town centre.

the inside and out.

been so important. It’s a need that drove

multi-site

Premier

That new store opened its doors on 20 August 2023, providing Salisbury’s shoppers

Located at the base of a new mixed-use

At just over 2,000sq ft, the new store is also

with an unrivalled convenience offer, totally

development featuring flats above, the large

the largest in Mathi’s portfolio – offering him

unique to the local area. Chief among the

well-lit retail unit can be found just a few

the chance to introduce a raft of cutting-edge

new store’s brimming bank of USPs is a

yards away from one of Mathi’s existing sites:

new concepts designed to drive footfall, sales

footfall- and profit-driving Refresh@Premier

Prime Stores on Devizes Road.

and profits.

bar featuring Costa Coffee, Tango Ice Blast,

“My existing store was performing strongly

“The Premier team took me to visit a new-

but I knew that the new unit would offer an

concept Premier store in Greywell, Portsmouth

18 TalkingShop December 2023

Coke Frozen, Jolly Rancher Slush, Hershey’s Freeze and Thick Fresh Shakes.

Prominently located at the front of the store,

shoppers flood in to buy drinks ahead of nights

the high impact Refresh zone greets shoppers

out or prepare for big nights in at home,” he

as soon as they enter and can also clearly be

explains.

seen from the street via the store’s large floorto-ceiling windows.

The store’s proximity to the town centre coupled with the high volumes of residential

Also helping shoppers to prepare for cozy nights in on the couch is a dedicated Big Night In zone featuring cinema-style snacks such as popcorn, candyfloss, nachos and dips.

housing and flats also prompted Mathi to

Shoppers seeking a taste of the US also

invest in the creation of a large Beer Cave.

have their sweet and sour needs met by a

At 300sq ft, the cave has allowed Mathi

large American Candy zone featuring top US

to offer a comprehensive range of perfectly

confectionery brands plus savoury and sour

chilled beers, ciders, wines and RTDs – all of

snacks and drinks including Pickle in a Pouch

which are supported by Premier’s outstanding

and Prime Hydration.

promotions and special offers.

The new store also boasts a large shopfloor

The large, focused space also lets Mathi

disposable vape unit featuring leading brands

create great visual impact with eye-catching

including Lost Mary, Crystal, Gold Bar and

promotional stacks of leading brands.

more.

In just three months, Mathi says that the

“Frozen has also been a huge hit,” Mathi

store’s showstopping alcohol offer has already

says. “We have five upright freezers and the

helped him to become “a destination store for

Frozen Meal Deal is very popular. Shoppers

drinks,” with alcohol now accounting for 30%

are buying more and more frozen foods. They

of sales.

are convenient, have long shelf lives and offer

“Alcohol is currently our biggest-selling category and sales soar in the evenings as

great value for money, all of which are key these days.”

December 2023 TalkingShop

19

Deck the halls with spotless dishes

M284428

M284429

M284436

Store turnover is expected to hit £40,000 once home delivery is fully established

{

Alcohol is currently our biggest-selling category and sales soar in the evenings as shoppers flood in to buy drinks ahead of nights out or prepare for big nights in at home.

Mathi Thiruchelvam

A comprehensive fresh and chilled

local lines, including locally sourced

food offering, bolstered by Booker’s

deli products, baked goods, milk, eggs,

own-label Jack’s brand, also allows

and ales from Downton Brewery.

local shoppers to fill their baskets

An exclusive range of sandwiches,

with great value meal solutions and

made fresh each day by Mathi’s sideline

components. “My old store hardly sold

catering business, are also on offer.

any fresh and chilled so this has been

A keen focus on social media is also

quite a change for me, but Booker’s

helping the store to pop online with a

support has been a huge help. Fresh and

carefully managed cycle of promotional

chilled sales are growing week on week

and community-focused posts made

and now account for a massive 27% of

each day.

total sales,” he adds.

The store posts regular giveaways

The store is also helping to promote

and competitions and recently gave

healthy eating with a well-received ‘Free

away a PS5 to one lucky local customer

Fruit For Kids’ initiative and has also

following a like and share competition

signed up to the Olio scheme, helping

which asked shoppers to tag five friends.

to keep food waste to a minimum and

Local shoppers are also thanked for

support disadvantaged shoppers.

The store’s fresh and chilled range is further complemented by a number of

}

their loyalty and support on a regular basis via weekly Thankful Thursday posts.

December 2023 TalkingShop

21

What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk

The fresh and chilled category accounts for 27% of total sales

“Social media is such a powerful tool these days and fun, informative and engaging posts are a great way to drive awareness of your range, offers and USPs, as well as build a strong community both on-line and in-store. We often tease shoppers with posts stating things like ‘Keep an eye out… we’ve got something special coming this afternoon,’ to keep those excitement levels up and keep our shoppers interested and engaged.

“The amount of shoppers taking pictures and videos to share on their social media pages is fantastic and has also helped to push the store on to a level that we didn’t expect so soon,” Mathi adds.

Less than three months after opening from a standing start, the store is currently turning over northwards of £25,000 a week with Mathi expecting sales to hit £40,000 once his new home delivery offer via Just Eat has bedded in.

“The Premier team have been fantastic from the start and the offer is simply perfect for this store and location,” he says.

“Premier’s promotional weight has also given us yet another key USP and one of the biggest learnings I have made is just how beneficial it is to follow the Premier promotions. Today’s shoppers are incredibly savvy and, thanks to many incredible Special Offers and Mega Deals, our store has already built an excellent reputation for value.

I follow 100% of Premier’s promotions and it’s helping to drive footfall and impulse sales – especially in categories such as vape, BWS and confectionery.

“Overall, shoppers are delighted with the new store – as am I. Premier Mathies is totally unique in the local area and what’s even more wonderful is that we still have so much room to grow.”

Store profile

Name: Mathies, Ramparts, Salisbury Retailer: Mathi Thiruchelvam Size: 2,000sq ft Opening hours: Mon-Sun 7am-10pm Services: Beer Cave, Refresh@Premier, Evri, Olio, Staff: 8

December 2023 TalkingShop

23

CUSTOMER PROFILE | Thurmaston Stores, Leicester

Pulling T power

hey say that retailing is in your blood and that once a retailer, always a retailer – the call of commerce is just too tempting to resist.

Just ask long-serving convenience retailer Rakesh Odedra, who after two decades in the game, thought

he’d take a little time out from retail to try something new. However, just a matter of months after leasing out his previous store, Rakesh found himself signing on the dotted line as he bought another.

“I’d been in retail for 20 years and have owned two stores in that

Rakesh Odedra couldn’t resist time. Back in 2022 I thought I’d try my hand at something new but one day shortly after I’d leased out my old store I came across the pull of his brand-new store then another store for sale,” he explains. and, following a comprehensive “I’d known the store for many years. It was primarily focused but also sold a basic convenience range including news refit and move to Premier, onandalcohol magazines. Unfortunately, the gentleman who had owned it had neither can local shoppers. passed away. The site came on the market, and I just couldn’t resist snapping it up.

24 TalkingShop December 2023

What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk

Turnover has doubled from £8,000 a week to £16,000 a week and is on track to hit £20,000 and beyond.

“The store is located on the other side of Leicester from my old store, in a nice area with lots of residential housing. It’s also

and totally reimagine the store’s interior and

enables Rakesh to chill down his entire

range.

range of wines, beers and ciders – including

“My key aim was to offer local shoppers

multipacks – much to the delight of local shoppers.

located directly opposite a large industrial

far greater choice than they had ever had

estate featuring a number of factories with

before, backed by strong deals. I also wanted

Included in the Beer Cave’s cool new

lots of hungry workers. I knew the store

the store to look the part and to provide a bit

interior is also a Perfect Draught kegs offer

could offer great potential if we refocused the

of a wow factor,” he says.

which Rakesh says has “picked up really

offer to deliver greater variety and a strong

“We only closed the store for one day and

well.”

“A lot of shoppers have Perfect Draught

promotional focus, as well as high quality

even then, we managed to serve shoppers

breakfast, lunch and dinner solutions.”

from the front door so that loyal shoppers

machines at home so they are delighted

weren’t deprived of their essentials – even for

that they can now pop in here and pick up a

one day.”

chilled ready to drink keg, rather than waiting

After purchasing the store in January 2023, Rakesh joined the Premier brand and embarked on a comprehensive refit designed

In a nod to the store’s alcohol heritage,

for hours to chill it down at home.”

to endow the old corner unit with a fresh

the new look Premier Thurmaston Stores

Rakesh has also introduced a loyalty

lease of life.

features a large custom-designed Beer

scheme offering shoppers £5 back each time

Removing an internal wall allowed Rakesh

Cave. Featuring high-impact blue-sky light

they return an empty keg to him.

to more than double the size of the shop floor

panels and smart dark shelving, the cave December 2023 TalkingShop

25

What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk

Another big success has been the introduction of a large new fresh and chilled offer including a four- door chiller dedicated to ready meals, a two-door dairy chiller and a six-door soft drinks offer.

“We also have an end bay of fresh fruit and vegetables.

The old store didn’t sell any produce, so this has been a big hit and is selling strongly,” Rakesh says.

“It’s the same story for chilled ready meals. The Jack’s ready meals fly out and that’s because of the factory workers. Large numbers of them come in each day to buy the ready meals which they then cook back at work. The meals are also incredibly popular with local shoppers who love the fact they can now stop in here for tasty and great value meal solutions. Shoppers always buy two meals at a time. The ‘2 for £6’ mechanic is hugely popular, and shoppers love the fact they can mix and match.”

Frozen foods, including Premier’s basket-boosting frozen meal deal, are sited within a smart new four-door freezer at the rear of the store, next to the Beer Cave.

All chilled and frozen zones are clearly highlighted with Premier’s bright and bold category signage.

STORE PROFILE

Name: Thurmaston Stores, Leicester Retailer: Rakesh Odedra Size: 800sq ft Staff: 4 Opening hours: Mon-Sat 7am-9pm, Sun 8am-9pm Services: National Lottery, PayPoint, Payzone, Beer Cave, Perfect Draught kegs

December 2023 TalkingShop

27

Get in the festive mix

M202553

M202554

To find out about further ways we can support you please visit MY.CCEP.COM © 2023 European Refreshments UC. All rights reserved.SCHWEPPES is a registered trade mark of European Refreshments UC.

What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk

{

I knew the store could offer great potential if we refocused the offer to deliver greater variety and a strong promotional focus, as well as high quality breakfast, lunch and dinner solutions.

Rakesh Odedra

The store has also introduced a small range of local products including sandwiches and some baked goods.

It also stocks some small-supplier products including indulgent cupcakes from Blackburn-based supplier, Cupcakes By Sophia.

Taking care of local drinks-to-go needs meanwhile is a brand-new Refresh@Premier bar sited right at the front of the store. The offer

}

and beyond,” Rakesh explains.

“The feedback that we have received so far has been really positive.

We’ve even had some great coverage of the new store and its Beer Cave in the local newspaper. Shoppers tell us that they love the new look, range and the fantastic deals that we can offer them under the Premier fascia.

includes Tango Ice Blast, Thick Fresh Shakes and Costa Coffee.

“A lot of credit must also go to the in-store team who have been

Disposable vapes are another new addition and Rakesh’s offer

an incredible support to me throughout the process. Two of our team

includes two large shop floor displays featuring top-selling disposable

members had worked in the old store for a number of years and so

brands.

have excellent ties with the local community.

“Since I took over, the store’s turnover has doubled from £8,000 a week to £16,000 a week and is on track to hit expectations of £20,000

"There’s still loads more that we want to introduce but we’re certainly on the right track!”

December 2023 TalkingShop

29

CUSTOMER PROFILE | Premier Vino's, Salisbury, Wiltshire

Small and mighty Premier Vino's is a powerful example of the profit-driving possibilities that can be achieved in a small space.

S

ize doesn’t matter; it’s how

– its small size having deterred other

yet still allowed shoppers to move about

you use it – or so it’s often

buyers,” he explains.

freely,” he explains. a

“Despite its size, we knew there was an

to store layouts, the adage

viewing. “The space was compact, and I

opportunity to introduce a comprehensive

is certainly true, as new

knew it would need a full refit, but I found

fresh and chilled offer, food and drinks to

the thought of it thrilling.”

go, and a number of standout features,” he

alleged. And when it comes

store Premier Vino’s on the outskirts of Salisbury so clearly demonstrates.

Undaunted,

Vinoth

requested

“Buying a run-down store, especially

adds.

At just under 550sq ft, the small

one of that size, is a challenge but it’s such

A 75sq ft beer cave, which holds 6.5

neighbourhood store has taken its local

an exciting one, because the turnaround

metres of range in its perfectly chilled

community by surprise – opening on 11

can be spectacular,” he says.

interior, was constructed to the rear of

November 2023, with a beer cave and separate soft drinks cave to boot!

“The store is located in a good area with

the store. Featuring faux brick walls and

lots of residential housing, a sixth form

energy-efficient light panels, the beer cave

Owned by retailer Vinoth Kumar, the

college less than a mile away and hardly

includes a winning mix of bestselling

store is the first Premier of its size to

any other grocery shops, so the potential

beer, cider, wine and RTD brands, in a

feature both footfall-driving concepts – a

for strong footfall was clear to see.

variety of formats.

merchandising marvel that has set tongues wagging and sales soaring.

Vinoth, who also owns a successful

“I contacted Premier straight away and

Located at the front of the store and

the RDM came out to view the site with

accessed via a smart power-assisted door,

me and it snowballed from there.”

is the 75sq ft soft drinks cave which holds

Family Shopper store in the nearby

Just a few weeks later, Vinoth was

village of Hurstbourne Tarrant, chanced

handed the keys and a two-week refit got

across the compact site in September

underway.

5.5 metres of range.

Featuring bright and bold graphics and a smart wood-effect floor, the soft

“Working with the Premier team we

drinks cave offers shoppers a bounty of

“The store was very run down and had

came up with a fantastic design that

choice from leading US and UK brands,

been on the market for quite some time

maximised the small space to its capacity,

including multi-packs.

2023, while out on a walk.

30 TalkingShop December 2023

The 75sq ft soft drinks cave holds 5.5 metres of range.

The store also manages to pack in 3.1 metres of fresh food, including fresh meats, ready meals and premium deli products, while ambient produce including eggs is housed in a further 800mm bay.

“Our fresh and chilled range is doing so well. The range includes local produce such as bacon, sausages and seasonal vegetables, which shoppers love. There’s a strong appetite to support local here and shoppers are delighted that we are helping them to do so,” Vinoth says.

December 2023 TalkingShop

31

HIGH QUALIT Y, PREMIUM VIRGINIA BLEND WITH A RICH TASTE AT THE PERFECT PRICE

PREMIUM BLEND

RRP £11.60* AVAIL ABLE IN KING SIZE AND SUPERKINGS *RRP - Recommended Retail Price effective as of October 2023. You are, of course, at all times free to sell JTI’s products at whatever price you choose. This advertisement is for Tobacco Traders only.

The 550sq ft store boasts a beer cave and a soft drinks cave!

Store Profile

Store Name: Premier Vino's Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire Retailer: Vinoth Kumar Size: 550sq ft Staff: 2 Services: National Lottery, PayPoint, Health Lottery, parcel collection Opening hours: Mon-Sun 7am-11pm

{

}

Buying a run-down store, especially one of this size, is a challenge but it’s such an exciting one, because the turnaround can be spectacular.

Vinoth Kumar

Fresh local pastries and cream cakes are also available in a dedicated Cossiga display cabinet at the front of the store. “There’s a wide range of local cakes and pastries available to us but rather than stock it all, we rotate the range regularly to keep the offer exciting.

We want to make shoppers curious about what local cakes and pastries are available on different days. That curiosity helps to drive footfall,” Vinoth says.

A three-door freezer for frozen foods, including Jack’s products and the Premier Meal Deal, has also been added to the mix, along with a comprehensive yet compact range of groceries, crisps and snacks and confectionery. There’s also a whole bay of American confectionery, plus a dedicated 800mm shop floor vape display.

Incredibly,

Vino’s

Premier

has

also

managed to meet shoppers’ food-to-go needs with a Refresh@Premier bar, featuring Think Fresh Shakes, Jolly Rancher Slush and a beanto-cup coffee and hot drinks offer.

“No other shops on this stretch of road sell coffee, or have a drinks-to-go offer quite like this,” Vinoth says. “It’s created such a buzz locally.”

December 2023 TalkingShop

33

Nperow ved im recipes

Bring out more

3 4 OUT OF

fussy cats love it!*

EDLP in NP10/NP11 © 2023 Mars or Affiliates.

*Study conducted by Mars Petcare, UK 2021. pricing at sole discretion of the retailer.

{

We’ve really pushed the boundaries with this store and shown what can be achieved in a small space. Size really doesn’t have to hold you back at all.

While it’s still early days, Vinoth says he’s been blown away by the strength of local goodwill towards the new store, with a number of shoppers having even penned letters of thanks. The store’s social media pages are also awash with posts of welcome and encouragement.

“The reaction has been amazing. Shoppers are just so delighted to have a store of this calibre and boasting such a great range on their doorsteps,” he adds.

“The soft drinks cave is proving to be one of the biggest footfall drivers. Especially among younger shoppers who have been pouring in and taking selfies inside it. We’re even had some dancing in there! It really is the place to be!

“We’ve really pushed the boundaries with this store and shown what can be achieved in a small space. Size really doesn’t have to hold you back at all.”

Vinoth Kumar

}

M286917

M286916

Buy ANY 2 cases from Booker FOR A CHANCE

to win £500 TEXT ROCKSTAR TO 60777 TO ENTER

FEATURE | Last Minute Christmas Drinks

Exclusive opportunities to get into the spirit!

THIS WAY 25/07/2023 17:09

115522 - Premier

Christmas 2023

- A3 Header.indd

1

With Christmas only weeks away, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of a series of amazing deals and group exclusives on key drinks brands to help you drive festive footfall, sales and profits.

T

he festive season is upon us once

range of fantastic deals and group exclusives

EXCLUSIVE BONANZA

more, bringing with it another

on some of the biggest names in the beers,

As all retailers know by now, nothing drives

sleigh-load

of

Christmas

wines and spirits category. These deals have

footfall and excitement quite like Group

opportunities

for

Premier

been carefully curated to allow you to cater

Exclusive products, those products that your

retailers to put on a show and

for all tastes, budgets and occasions from

non-Booker competitors don’t have access to.

set their drinks sales singing. With just weeks

small sofa soireés to big bashes.

For Christmas 2023 Booker has a stellar

to go until the big day, it’s the perfect time to

With the cost of living continue to affect

line-up of exclusive deals across beer, vodka,

get on board with the key trends set to shape

shoppers, Booker has some fantastic deals to

RTDs, lager, cider and liqueurs – with every

drinks sales this festive season and unwrap

allow you to offer great products from great

product only available from Booker.

merry sales and profits.

brands on truly great deals, helping shoppers

The new AU Vodka RTD Mixed Pack is

secure the value they will be looking for this

available on a MEGA DEAL and is not to be

festive season and into the new year.

missed. Available at a specially discounted

To help retailers do just that, this year Premier is offering retailers a truly sparkling

Group Exclusives!

Booker has secured a number of outstanding deals offering retailers exclusive access to some fantastic new products alongside some amazing deals.

Product

Case Size

WSP

Promo WSP

Deal

RSP

POR

Boe Vodka Raspberry Cream Liqueur

6x70cl

£77.89

£56.89

£13.49

£19.49

15.7%

AU Vodka RTD Mixed pack MEGA DEAL

1x8x330ml

£13.69

£12.30

£16.99

£20.99

13.1%

Brewdog Elf Lager

8x330ml

£8.29

£7.19

£11.00

£12.99

21.6%

Thatchers Apple & Blackcurrant PMP

6x4x440ml

£25.29

£24.49

£6.25

£6.69

21.6%

38 TalkingShop December 2023

What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk

WSP of just £12.30 – a saving of £1.39 on

8-pack, a saving of £1.99 on the standard

the standard WSP – the Mixed Pack will be

price.

£19.49, while still securing PORs of 15.7%.

These Group Exclusive deals are perfect

on offer to shoppers at just £16.99, compared

New Thatchers Apple & Blackcurrant PMP

for setting your store apart and driving fresh

to the RSP of £20.99. With a deal that good,

cans are also available on a Group Exclusive

footfall, especially when you flag the deals up

expect sales to be huge – and with a POR

deal with a specially discounted WSP of

on your social media channels.

of 13.1% on every pack sold, this deal

£24.49, allowing you to sell a 4-pack to your

will definitely help drive cash profits this

shoppers for just £6.25, a great saving on the

KEY PROMOTIONS

Christmas.

price-mark of £6.69. The POR on the new line

In addition to all these Group Exclusive

is an outstanding 21.6%.

deals, Booker is also offering retailers access

Also likely to be popular is the Group Exclusive Elf Lager from Brewdog. The

Last but not least, Booker is also offering

standard WSP on the festive-themed lager

the new Boe Vodka Raspberry Cream Liqueur

is £8.29 but retailers are invited to take

on a Group Exclusive deal which allows

Covering wines, beers, ciders, spirits

advantage of a reduced WSP of just £7.19, a

retailers to save a whopping £21.00 per case

and more, the deals allow retailers to build

saving of £1.10 a case, with outstanding PORs

against the standard WSP. That lets retailers

full drinks promotional campaigns around

of 21.6%. Your shoppers will also benefit in

offer the product to shoppers at just £13.49

exceptional shopper deals that are sure to

the form of a great deal of just £11.00 per

a bottle, a massive £6 saving on the RSP of

grow sales and profits.

to a suite of 21 fantastic promotions on key products in the run up to Christmas.

Key Deals Booker is also offering an array of fantastic deals on a range of drinks products over the next few weeks to help retailers maximise footfall, sales and profits.

Product

Case Size

WSP

Shopper Deal

RSP

POR

Smirnoff Red PM1699 MEGA DEAL

6x70cl

£64.49

£13.99

£16.99

7.8%

Plaza Centro Prosecco Rose MEGA DEAL

6x75cl

£30.79

£6.49

£9.29

5.1%

Plaza Centro Prosecco DOC MEGA DEAL

6x75cl

£30.79

£6.49

£9.29

5.1%

Casillero Merlot MEGA DEAL

6x75cl

£30.49

£7.49

£9.49

18.6%

Casillero Diablo Chardon MEGA DEAL

6x75cl

£30.49

£7.49

£9.49

18.6%

Casillero Diablo Cab Sau MEGA DEAL

6x75cl

£30.49

£7.49

£9.49

18.6%

Casillero Del Diablo Malbec MEGA DEAL

6x75cl

£30.49

£7.49

£9.49

18.6%

Casillero Del Diablo Pinot Grigio MEGA DEAL

6x75cl

£30.49

£7.49

£9.49

18.6%

Casillero Diablo Sauv Blanc MEGA DEAL

6x75cl

£30.49

£7.49

£9.49

18.6%

Funkin Mixed Pack WIGIG MEGA DEAL

3x8x200 ml

£24.59

£12.00

£15.00

18.0%

RSP

Beer & Cider Cases Product

Case Size

WSP

Shopper Deal

Fosters MEGA DEAL

1x10x440m

£6.75

£10.00 / ANY 2 FOR £18*

£12.99

POR 10.0%

Carling MEGA DEAL

1x10x440m

£6.75

£10.00 / ANY 2 FOR £18*

£12.49

10.0%

Coors MEGA DEAL

1x10x440m

£6.75

£10.00 / ANY 2 FOR £18*

£13.99

10.0%

Inch’s Medium Apple Cider MEGA DEAL

1x10x440m

£6.75

£10.00 / ANY 2 FOR £18**

£12.49

10.0%

*England, Wales and Ireland only. Scotland deal £9 per case. ** England and Ireland only. Scotland and Wales deal £9.90 per case (Minimum Unit Pricing).

December 2023 TalkingShop

39

M288298

To find out about further ways we can support you please visit MY.CCEP.COM

What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk

Say cheers to a stellar mix of Exclusive deals!

Key Deals – Hardy’s Bin 161 – GROUP EXCLUSIVES Product

Case Size

WSP

Shopper Deal

RSP

POR

Hardys Bin 161 Rose PM699

6x75cl

£24.49

ANY 2 FOR £12*

£6.99

18.4%

Hardys Bin 161 Sauv Bl PM699

6x75cl

£24.49

ANY 2 FOR £12*

£6.99

18.4%

Hardys Bin 161 Chard PM699

6x75cl

£24.49

ANY 2 FOR £12*

£6.99

18.4%

Hardys Bin 161 Pinot Grigio PM699

6x75cl

£24.49

ANY 2 FOR £12*

£6.99

18.4%

Hardys Bin 161 Shiraz PM699

6x75cl

£24.49

ANY 2 FOR £12*

£6.99

18.4%

Hardys Bin 161 Merlot PM699

6x75cl

£24.49

ANY 2 FOR £12*

£6.99

18.4%

Hardys Bin 161 Jammy Rich Red – NEW

6x75cl

£24.49

ANY 2 FOR £12*

£6.99

18.4%

* England, Wales and Ireland only. Scotland deal £6 per bottle.

Don’t miss the WOW deal available on

for choice this Christmas with an array of

Exclusive basis, once again helping retailers

Smirnoff Red which allows retailers to offer

MEGA DEALS, special promotions and a

set themselves apart from the competition and

£16.99 price-marked bottles of the UK’s

brand-new Group Exclusive wine variant.

drive new footfall. The new wine is included in the ‘Any 2 for £12’ deal highlighted above.

favourite vodka to shoppers at just £13.99. A

MEGA DEALS on two Plaza Centro

special promotional WSP means that Premier

Prosecco wines mean retailers can meet the

The Hardys Bin 161 range has recently

retailers can still secure a POR of 7.8% on

demand for Italy’s favourite fizz with rose and

had a pack redesign, giving each variant a

every bottle sold.

standard variants available to the shopper at

distinct colourway. All bottles have a peelable

There are also MEGA DEALS available on

just £6.49 a bottle, while no fewer than six

price-mark to give retailers the choice and

cases of Fosters, Carling, Coors and Inch’s

variants of Casillero Del Diablo wines are

flexibility to offer the amazing EDLP. A

Medium Apple Cider that let retailers offer

also available on MEGA DEALS. These deals

number of activities are supporting the range

shoppers in England, Ireland and Wales a

mean shoppers can pick up a bottle for only

over the next few months including a ‘Golden

fantastic ‘Any 2 cases for £18’ deal or sell

£7.49 – while retailers also secure impressive

Ticket’ competition for retailers which sees

single cases at £10 – both offering big savings

PORs of 18.6% on every wine.

103 golden tickets placed at random in cases

on the standard RSP of up to £13.99 a case,

Additionally, six variants from the popular

of Bin 161 wines with 100 winners collecting

while retailers earn PORs of 10%. In Scotland,

and Group Exclusive Hardy’s Bin 161 range

a free case of wine and three lucky winners

due to licensing regulations, the deal allows

are being offered as part of a ‘Any 2 for £12’

winning an Eskuta home delivery bike.

retailers to offer single cases for £10.

deal in England, Wales and Ireland and on an

A shopper ‘scan to win’ competition will

Another MEGA DEAL on Funkin Mixed

‘Only £6’ deal in Scotland. Standard RSPs are

also help drive sales with over 30 winners

Packs is available on a WIGIG basis and offers

£6.99 so the deal should prove popular, and

collecting a deluxe spa break for two.

a discounted promotional WSP of £24.39,

Premier retailers receive PORs of 18.4% on

letting retailers sell 8-packs for just £12, a

every bottle.

£3 saving on the RSP of £15, with retailers earning a POR of 18.0%.

When it comes to wine, retailers are spoilt

So, the stage is set for a fantastic and profitable festive period and all retailers have

Finally, Booker has recently announced the

to do is stock up on these amazing deals and

launch of a new Hardys Bin 161 Jammy Rich

shout about them to their shoppers on social

Red variant which is also available on a Group

media and in-store.

December 2023 TalkingShop

41

RED BULL GIVES YOU WIIINGS. THE RED BULL 250ML RANGE.

NEW

Now Available The Red Bull 250ml Range

Red Bull Energy

PMC £1.45 - M281549

Red Bull Sugarfree

PMC £1.39 - M281552

Red Bull Red Edition

PMC £1.45 - M281676

Red Bull Apricot Edition

PMC £1.45 - M282784

Red Bull Tropical Edition

PMC £1.45 - M281988

NEW Red Bull Winter Edition

PMC £1.45 - M288593

Red Bull Blue Edition

PMC £1.45 - M285788

Red Bull Green Edition

PMC £1.45 - M281674

Red Bull Coconut Edition

PMC £1.45 - M281617

Jack's Update | Feature

Festive essentials at knockout prices!

Promo available 11 Dec – 2 Jan

Booker is launching a fantastic series of promotions on Jack’s fresh festive essential produce, offering shoppers a range of products at just 39p – a saving of up to £1.30 per pack!

25.6% POR

W

Savings of up to £1.30 per pack!

ith the cost of living still very much a concern for many shoppers as the festive season approaches, Booker is helping cut the cost of Christmas by launching a series of outstanding promotions on key Jack’s fresh produce lines.

The new deals are available from 11 Dec all the way through to 2 Jan next year

and will see the price of four key lines slashed to just 39p. Jack’s White Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts, Carrots and Parsnips will be on offer at specially discounted WSPs to ensure that retailers benefit just as much as shoppers, with strong PORs of 25.6% available on all four products.

For shoppers, it means they can buy packs of all four Christmas essential products for just 39p each, a fantastic saving of up to £1.30 per pack.

December 2023 TalkingShop

43

Get ready

festive season a little better with Costa Express to make the

Sticky Toffee Latte* Sticky Toffee Hot Chocolate

This year we’re launching a new festive flavour- Sticky Toffee! Special edition drinks drive both incremental sales and festive cheer- so ensure your machine is clean and ready to go when the campaign kicks off in November.

Our festive range will be supported by heavy weight advertising out of home, on the radio and on your phone - so stock up and staff up to maximise sales.

Contact us on bookergroup@costacoffee.com to arrange a chat about bringing Costa Coffee to your customers. *Toffee pieces not included. Adults need around 2000 kcal a day.

For full calorie and allergen information, please visit www.costa.co.uk. Subject to availability.

What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk

RETAILER VIEW DENNIS WILLIAMS

Premier Broadway Convenience Store, Edinburgh

“The Jack’s brand is doing well in the store and has been a great addition. These new produce promotions are fantastic news because the pricing is just exceptional, and the deals are on products that just about everybody will be buying in the run up to Christmas. A lot of our shoppers already buy into the Jack’s brand and really trust it so I can see these promotions driving even more trial and bringing more people into Jack’s.”

JACK’S BRUSSELS SPROUTS CASE SIZE: 10X450G PROMO WSP: £2.90 SHOPPER DEAL: 39P RSP: £1.09 POR: 25.6%

JACK’S PARSNIPS CASE SIZE: 8X500G PROMO WSP: £2.32 SHOPPER DEAL: 39P RSP: £1.09 POR: 25.6%

JACK’S CARROTS CASE SIZE: 10X500G PROMO WSP: £2.90 SHOPPER DEAL: 39P RSP: £0.79 POR: 25.6%

JACK’S WHITE POTATOES CASE SIZE: 10X2KG PROMO WSP: £2.90

HUGE SAVINGS Jack’s White Potatoes, for example, carry a standard RSP of £1.69 but during the period of the

SHOPPER DEAL: 39P

promotion will be on sale at just 39p. Similarly, Jack’s both Jack’s Parsnips and Jack’s Brussels

RSP: £1.69

Sprouts carry a standard RSP of £1.09 but will also be available for just 39p.

POR: 25.6%

This represents a massive opportunity for retailers to deliver the critical value that many shoppers will be seeking this Christmas – and it also represents a great chance to drive fresh footfall and incremental sales by flagging the deals up prominently in-store and on social media.

To support the promotions, retailers will have access to a POS kit which will help make these outstanding promotions unmissable in-store.

The Jack’s brand continues to perform exceptionally well in stores and these new lines are certain to encourage more shoppers into the brand.

December 2023 TalkingShop

45

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December 2023 TalkingShop

49

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51

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Sustainability | Feature

Booker trials 100% electric delivery vans 5

100% electric vans being trialled

Booker continues to make major strides forward in its sustainability retailing journey.

B

ooker has continued to make major strides forward on its sustainability journey, having recently launched a trial of 100% electric delivery vehicles.

Five new 100% electric vans are being used as part of

the cutting-edge delivery trial which is helping Booker

take a big step towards to its green goal of operating a zero-emission

CO2 PROGRESS CONTINUES

Booker has also continued to make headway with plans to move all operations to natural refrigerant (CO2) by 2035, with nine branches and three distribution centres now completed. A further 10 branches will be switched to natural refrigerant by the end of this financial year, taking the total completed to 18%. Initial results have already delivered savings of 42% over the old F-gas refrigeration.

fleet of vans by 2030.

The goal forms part of Booker’s wider Better Trolley for a Better

also a benefit versus the majority of standard transit van type vehicles.

Planet initiative, which also includes the ambitious aim of de-

“The vehicle has only had positive feedback from customers,

carbonising Booker operations and achieving zero emissions by 2035.

including customers who are receiving the deliveries and customers

The sustainably-powered electric vans have a range of around 100

who take note of it when they see it coming and going from branch.

miles and are being trialled from Booker’s Brighton, Kettering and Stoke branches.

The smart Booker-branded vans feature striking green messaging on their side panels which explains that they are ‘100% electric’ and ‘helping to deliver a sustainable future’.

The vans are on the road now and making deliveries to Bookersupplied convenience retailers as well as its catering customers.

Booker’s Brighton and Hove Area Manager Paul Harris, said that Booker delivery drivers were also reacting positively to the smart new 100% electric vans.

“The drivers like the fact we have gone green and are playing a part in reducing the carbon footprint,” he said.

SITE SURVEYS

Early results of the trial, which takes Booker a vital step closer to

As part of the project, Booker has also carried out extensive surveys of

achieving its mission of operating a zero-emission fleet, are proving to

electrical capacity at all of its sites, to help in the future development of

be very encouraging, branch managers say.

on-site electric vehicle charging.

Booker Stoke Area Manager Garry Matthais said: “Early indications

The surveys represent another vital step in Booker's sustainability

are overall good. The vehicle has slotted in with very minimal disruption

journey as it transitions more vehicles to electric and continues to build

to being part of our fleet and does the job well. The enhanced payload is

the infrastructure needed to deliver on its green commitments.

December 2023 TalkingShop

53

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Jess Horton | MEET THE TEAM

Meet The Team:

Jess Horton In this issue we meet Booker’s new PR & Press Manager Jess Horton to find out more about her role and her exciting first few months with Booker.

JESS, TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF…

executed efficiently and in line with our overall

all sorts of different teams and individuals to

corporate strategy and goals. In practice

deliver the project – and that experience is

I’m Jess Horton and I’m the relatively new

that meant I got to work across virtually

really helping me in my new role at Booker.

PR & Press Manager for Booker across both

every aspect of the company and had the

the retail and catering divisions. I only joined

opportunity to get involved in a wide range of

Booker in August this year so I’m still very

projects, promotions, events and more. Much

WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE AT BOOKER INVOLVE?

much in the process of learning about the

of my role was shopper-facing but I also dealt

As Booker's PR & Press Manager, I’m

company, its people, its ethos and its customers

widely with retailers around executions such

essentially responsible for all aspects of

– but I can already say that it’s a fantastic

as on-pack promotions, in-store activity and

the company's internal and external PR and

place to work with endless opportunities for

general brand awareness projects.

communications. That means, for example,

me to help Booker and its customers continue to grow and develop.

WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE YOU JOINED BOOKER?

AND YOU WERE INVOLVED IN SOME EXCITING PROJECTS?

that I manage all of the Booker magazines, including Talking Shop.

I also write all of our press releases; liaise with

Yes, I was fortunate enough to work on

the trade media and organise and oversee our

a lot of really interesting projects. For

attendance at various industry events.

I was with Weetabix as Brand Execution

example, I managed Weetabix’s sponsorship

I also

Manager, which basically means that I

of the Women’s World Cup, which was

communications, as well as all of our external

oversaw how the brand was presented to

really fulfilling. I worked closely with the

communications, including responding to

the world. My role was to ensure that, from

Football Association and it was a truly multi-

questions from a really wide range of people.

start to finish, projects and initiatives were

disciplinary project and I had to work with

manage all of Booker's internal

December 2023 TalkingShop

55

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What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk

About Jess

SOUNDS LIKE YOU’RE BUSY?

Jess Horton joined Booker as PR & Press Manager in August this year from Weetabix, where she was Brand Execution Manager with a wide range of responsibilities that saw her oversee a range of largely shopper-facing projects and brand initiatives from start to finish. She also had responsibility for many of Weetabix’s major event activations, including managing the brand’s high-profile sponsorship of and involvement with the Women’s World Cup. She worked closely with the English Football Association and managed the brand’s activity across all customer touchpoints including on-pack promotions and in-store activity. At Booker her role is equally varied, covering all press, PR, events, internal and external communications and trade marketing.

ever the same and there are always challenges

I’m very busy! But that’s one of the things I really enjoy about the job. No two days are and deadlines to meet, but I thrive on that sort of role. I like to think I’m a very organised sort of person and I enjoy the challenge of having so many opportunities and tasks to deal with every day.

AND ARE YOU ENJOYING YOUR NEW ROLE? I’m loving it! Everyone at Booker has been so welcoming and supportive and it’s made my first few months really enjoyable. It’s a really nice culture within the company and I think that allows us to deliver a great service to our customers. In my role I have to deal with just about every department at Booker to make sure that all of our PR and communications, in the widest possible sense, is co-ordinated, joined up and timely. There are so many opportunities out there for both Booker and for its customers and I get a real sense of satisfaction out of helping unlock some of those opportunities, particularly so early in my career at Booker.

DO YOU HAVE TO SPEND MUCH TIME ON THE ROAD? Yes, I do, particularly at this time of year. At the moment I probably attend two to three events per week, usually in evenings – so I spend a lot of time travelling and in hotels, but the events provide a brilliant opportunity for me to meet our retailers, caterers, suppliers, trade organisations, media partners and the many Booker colleagues who aren’t based in the same office as me. It’s a great way of fast-tracking my learning about the company and our all-important customers. We are lucky to have so many amazing retail and catering customers and the more I meet them and the more I find out about them, the more excited I am about the opportunities that lie ahead in 2024 and beyond.

December 2023 TalkingShop

57

BetterService IDEAS TO GIVE YOUR BUSINESS THE EDGE

Clean start for 2024 With the new year fast approaching, it’s the ideal time to set aside some time to take a deep breath and have an objective look at your store to ensure that your range, service and offer is tip-top and your business is on track for the year ahead.

58 TalkingShop December 2023

Exterior The best place to start is outside as that’s the first thing new and existing shoppers see when they visit your store – and first impressions count: l

Is the signage neat, tidy and clean?

l

Are all posters up to date and in good condition?

l

Has the exterior been swept and is it litter-free?

l

Do the exterior walls need fresh paint or professional cleaning?

l

Are the windows clean, tidy and free of clutter?

l

Do you have a bin available for shoppers?

F

or retailers and shoppers alike

wisely and take stock. For us, January will

the start of a new year has

be about going back to basics, getting the

always represented a great

stock off the shelves, doing date rotations and

opportunity to start the year

ensuring that everything is in its best possible

with a clean page: clear out the

shape for the year ahead.”

clutter and reset the dial to regroup, refresh and refocus.

Following the festive frenzy, January is

Another Premier retailer planning to step back and sharpen up at the start 2024 is Gov Johal of Premier Birnam Stores in

traditionally a quieter trading month for

Kirkcaldy. He says: “Store standards and first

stores, making it the perfect period for

impressions are so important these days.

retailers to take the time to look at their stores through fresh and objective eyes.

One great way to do that is by taking a

“Every day we ensure that the exterior is swept and there’s no litter, while inside we have a strict rota for cleaning and

step back and trying to see your store the

merchandising to ensure everything looks

way your shoppers do. Spending every day

at its best. However, the start of 2023 will

in your store, it’s easy to get used to the little

see us take this to a new level as we work

issues and problems that you’ve meaning to

to streamline a number of categories and

get round to but have never quite found the

ensure that every product is earning its place,

time. View your store through the eyes of the

focusing on the bestsellers and cutting back

shopper, however, and you’re likely to find

on slower-selling items.”

lots of things you can do quickly and easily to improve the shopper experience.

Peter and Guv are both very clear on the areas in which they plan to focus their

That could be as simple as a spring clean, a

energies at the start of the new year but if you

re-merchandise, or a lick of paint - or it could

need a bit more of a guide, Talking Shop is

mean instigating a new programme of online

here to help, with key tips and advice to get

staff training or checking that all hygiene,

your store ship shape for 2024.

health and safety documentation and rules are up to date.

One store owner who will most certainly be looking to use the post-Christmas lull wisely is award-winning Peter Saleem, of Premier Blyth in Northumberland.

“Today’s shoppers want so much more from their local stores, and standards, cleanliness, availability and accessibility are more important than ever,” he says.

“Shoppers want to shop in stores where freshness, availability and standards are high.

They want the freshest-possible products; clean shelves; wide, uncluttered aisles that they can navigate easily; and clear signage.

“We work so hard to ensure that we deliver all year round, but January is a great time to go over all these things with a fine-tooth comb. Things are generally quieter in January

RETAILER VIEW KORA GILL

Premier Gill’s Food & Wine, Newcastle

“After the festive rush, the first few months of the year tend to be a bit quieter, making it the perfect time to channel a bit more energy into certain areas.

Our store is located on a main road which means the exterior can get fairly dusty so its the perfect time to give it a proper deep clean. We take a similar approach inside, taking it aisle by aisle, and literally removing all products from the shelves before giving every millimetre a thorough deep clean. We tend to repeat this process again in the summer."

so it’s a great opportunity to use that time December 2023 TalkingShop

59

Interior Once your shoppers step inside, what is the first thing they see?

Does it make a good impression and is it how you want your store to be perceived? After that, take a good walk around the store, just the way a shopper would, and make sure that everything is just as you want it.

Ask yourself:

Health, Safe and Legal With the basics dealt with, it’s time to move onto more complex areas.

Health, safe and legal are massively important issues and no more so than if you operate a hot food-togo counter. Areas to pay particular attention to are those with specific hygiene challenges like milk chillers, hot and cold food storage, and preparation areas. l

Is the milk chiller spotlessly clean?

l

Have any hot food storage units been deep cleaned recently?

l

Have all chillers been serviced as specified by the manufacturer?

l

Are your temperature checks up to date, accurate and within safe guidelines?

STORE TEAMS

Clearly, one of the most important factors on how shoppers judge your store is your team.

Some basic questions to ask yourself include:

l

Are the floors clean?

l

Are aisles easy to navigate for shoppers with mobility issues or prams?

l

Do all the lights work?

l

Is the ceiling clean and free of marks?

l

Are the shelves clean, neat and well merchandised?

l

Do any uniforms need replacing?

l

Does your team greet every shopper with a hello and a smile?

l

Is there any old POS that’s dirty or no longer relevant?

l

Are your team that handle food wearing the appropriate aprons, bibs, gloves and hair nets?

l

Is all in-store signage accurate and in good condition?

l

Are all shelf-edge labels and price tickets clean, tidy and up to date?

STORAGE AREAS

While the shopper-facing parts of the store naturally get the most attention, it’s still vital that all storage areas are kept in good shape to avoid accidents, hygiene issues and out-of-date stock. Ask yourself: l

Are the floor areas of any store spaces clean, tidy and trip hazard-free?

l

Has all shelving been checked recently to ensure it’s safe and sound?

Has the shelving in the soft drinks cabinet been thoroughly cleaned to remove sticky residues?

l

Has all the stock in the storage room been rotated properly to avoid out of date stock and wastage?

l

Do all the lights in the storage spaces work?

l

What about your food prep areas? It is a legal requirement that these must be cleaned and sanitised then left for 30 seconds before using again.

l

Could reconfiguring the stockroom make restocking of the shopfloor easier and quicker?

l

Is your EHO certificate displayed as it should be?

l

Is your CleanPro+ manual available to staff, and are they aware of it?

l

For products that you yourself package for sale, is the ingredient labelling fully compliant with Natasha’s Law?

l

December 2023 TalkingShop

61

BetterService IDEAS TO GIVE YOUR BUSINESS THE EDGE

New footfall, sales and profits with InPost Premier has recently agreed an exciting new deal with parcel collections and return service InPost which provides a guaranteed rental income for lockers and drives footfall, sales and profits.

What is InPost?

P

remier has recently agreed a major

Over 5,000 businesses in the UK already offer

new deal with parcel collections and

InPost, including Tesco, and the service has been

return service InPost which offers

proven to drive new and repeat footfall as well

Premier retailers an exciting new way

as boosting in-store sales. In an InPost survey of

to drive footfall, sales and profits as

almost 650 users, almost half (46%) said they

well as providing a guaranteed rental income.

would visit the location again after using the InPost

Retailers signing up for the service can choose

locker. Similarly, 54% of locker users in a survey

between having in-store lockers or external lockers

of almost 2,200 users at Lidl had made a purchase

outside their stores and InPost will pay them a

in-store during the visit to use the InPost service.

guaranteed rental income for providing the service.

InPost is incredibly easy for both retailers and

Retailers can also offer an in-store Pick Up Drop

shoppers to use. For retailers, there are no sign-

Off (PUDO) point .

up fees or hidden fees, and the entire process is

l

InPost is a collections and return service for e-commerce and other online ordering.

l

The service is provided either through on-site lockers or through InPost’s Pick Up Drop Off (PUDO) in-store service.

l

Lockers can be either internal or external.

l

All retailers offering InPost are added to the InPost online platform, helping to drive fresh footfall.

l

Over 5,000 UK businesses already offer InPost, including Tesco.

l

InPost has over 250 e-commerce partners in the UK.

l

The service has many loyal, regular users and has a Trustpilot score of 4.4.

December 2023 TalkingShop

63

Keeping the little helpers, Merry and dry.

M281226

M281224

M281227

M281225

M254345

Retailer options l Lockers: internal or external. If your store has space, a locker can be placed. l InPost Shop (PUDO): If your store does not have space to accommodate lockers, InPost can still provide all the materials needed to host collection and returns service. A handset is provided for quick and efficient parcel management.

delivered completely free of charge to the retailer. For retailers with space for a locker

Retailer benefits

helping to unlock the circular economy.

Guaranteed rental income – InPost pays for the lockers.

l

No sign-up fees or hidden charges. Zero cost to retailer.

l

Having InPost as a service has been proven to drive footfall and spend.

l

InPost helps recruit new shoppers with over 250 e-commerce partners.

l

Locker installation is nonintrusive. Lockers can be configured to fit any space and lockers require no maintenance.

l

46% of locker users said they would visit the location again after using an InPost locker.*

l

54% of locker users made a purchase in store after visiting a locker.**

In stores that are open 24 hours, or stores

inside or outside their stores, the installation

that offer external lockers, the service is

is entirely non-intrusive and lockers can

available to shoppers 24/7, every day of the

be configured to fit any available space.

year, making InPost extremely convenient.

Additionally, the lockers require absolutely

InPost already enjoys partnerships with

no maintenance from you or any members of

over 250 e-commerce partners in the UK and

your team.

has a Trustpilot score of 4.4.

For shoppers, the service offers a seamless,

l

All retailers signing up for the service

efficient way to send and receive parcels.

are automatically added to InPost’s online

The service is completely label-less and

platform, again helping to drive fresh footfall

all that shoppers need is a QR code which

and bring new shoppers to your door with

can be printed at home or displayed on any

more than half of those shoppers also likely

smartphone or mobile device. InPost offers

to make additional purchases. This represents

an entirely digital shopper journey with

a fantastic opportunity for Premier retailers to

users able to track and manage returns and

take advantage of the huge growth in parcel

collections from their smartphone or device.

delivery and collection while guaranteeing

It also helps make re-selling items easy,

new rental income.

*

BASED ON INPOST SURVEY OF 647 LOCKER USERS AT SHOPPING LOCATIONS

**

BASED ON INPOST SURVEY OF 2,166 LOCKER USERS AT LIDL

SHOPPER BENEFITS l Label-less service. InPost users only need a QR code which can be printed at home or presented on a smartphone. l Lockers can be accessed 24/7 (in stores open 24/7 or using only external lockers). l Completely digital customer journey: InPost users can track and manage returns and collections from any smartphone or device. l Makes re-selling items easy, helping to unlock the circular economy.

To find out more, speak to your RDM, visit inpost.co.uk/business/host-a-locker/booker or scan the QR code.

December 2023 TalkingShop

65

GREAT NEWS

Starting today, all applicable* Premier, Londis, Budgens, and Family Shopper locations across the UK will be eligible for a

There’s no better time to accept.

If you are already set up to accept American Express® Cards and would like to have this rate applied to your business, please call our Servicing team at

0800 032 7216 to get this updated.

new rate of 0.8% for American Express Card transactions.

Did you know?

AMERICAN EXPRESS® CARDMEMBERS SPEND 3.8X MORE ANNUALLY COMPARED TO THE AVERAGE UK CREDIT AND CHARGE CARDMEMBERS?1

Otherwise, if you are not set up to accept American Express and would like to take advantage of this rate, all you need to do is send an email to wthuk@aexp.com including your name and phone number and our team will call out to you to complete the set up or follow the QR code for a digital form.

Once you receive your American Express Merchant Number(s), simply contact your payment provider who will program your terminal(s) to accept American Express Cards.

Keep an eye out for Amex decals to display in your store that will be sent out shortly!

Ready to accept Amex?

SCAN TO APPLY

* Please note that stores currently accepting will not be given a rebate. Please note that your rate will be updated within 60 days. This rate is not available for franchise stores linked to a petrol forecourt. Certain exclusions apply to this offer, including, but not limited to, stores that operate with a Payment Facilitator.

1. American Express 2022 Internal data for United Kingdom Cardmembers spending across Europe compared to GlobalData Payment Card analytics for transactions with domestic cards at terminals in the country and outside the country. Including at physical terminal and initiated remotely.

American Express Payment Services Limited has its registered at Belgrave House, 76 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9AX. Registered in England and Wales with number 06301718. American Express Payment Services Limited is authorised in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Payment Services Regulations 2017 (reference number 484347) for the provision of payment services. Copyright © 2023. American Express Company. All Rights Reserved.

ACS Viewpoint | Retail Crime Action Plan

James Lowman hails the new Retail Crime Action Plan as a step in the right direction.

A step in the right direction The new Retail Crime Action Plan, published by the National Police Chiefs Council, has been welcomed as a step in the right direction in tackling the blight of retail crime.

R

ecently, there has been a lot of media attention on the

So, what does this mean for you and your business? The new strategy

issue of shop theft, something that we’ve been talking

signals a step in the right direction as shop theft will now be treated

about for many years now. Sadly, the vast majority of

more seriously and, with that, it is absolutely crucial that you report

you reading this will have your own experiences to

any and all incidents to the police with any evidence that you have to

draw upon about the impact that these incidents have

illustrate the detrimental impact that these offences have on you and

on your store, colleagues and your own wellbeing.

your local community. We recently wrote to all PCCs encouraging

We have welcomed the new Retail Crime Action Plan, published by

greater collaboration between retailers and the police, with the aim of

the National Police Chiefs Council, which sets out the way that police

arresting the thieves who are targeting your stores on a daily basis.

should respond to and investigate thefts. The plan sets out a series of

We know that theft is one of the biggest triggers for violence and

guidelines for the police on the following areas:

abuse against our colleagues and the plan will see prioritisation

l prioritising attendance at the scene of crimes where violence has

of incidents where violence has been used. Violent and abusive

been used; l the use of facial recognition technology to check CCTV evidence against the Police National database; l identifying ‘hot spot’ locations where additional patrols would be beneficial; l dealing with organised crime through the creation of a new dedicated intelligence team.

behaviour towards our colleagues is never acceptable and should always be reported and we’re pleased to see that the plan has recognised the urgent need to protect shopworkers.

For too long, shop theft has been thought of as a victimless crime and we have been working to make sure that the scale and severity of the problem is understood by the Government and the police, and it appears that the reality of this issue has finally gotten through.

December 2023 TalkingShop

67