Road successto Clacton on Sea Premier moves up a gear with major refit. PLUS Subsaleszero Cashing in on frozen boom toProudstockJack’s New promotionJack’ssetstillsringing ISSUE 119 September 2022 Talking ShopThe magazine for Premier retailers
Red Bull Energy Drink 250ml remains the No.1 Single Serve Soft Drink and delivers 10% of all Sports & Energy Drink sales in the UK alone.²
77% of Red Bull shoppers agree Flavours are important.7 The latest Red Bull Editions line up delivers the functional benefits of Red Bull Energy Drink, along with an invigorating burst of flavour, in Tropical, Coconut & Berry, the Red Edition, the Green Edition and all new Summer Edition (with a taste of Apricot-Strawberry) all offering shoppers a choice of tastes.
ENERGY 250ML DRIVING THE CATEGORY
EDITIONS 250ML ATTRACTING NEW CONSUMERS
For over 10 years, Energy Drinks have driven growth with sales increasing by 140% faster than any other Soft Drinks Category.¹
WHY IS RED BULL GOOD FOR BUSINESS?NO.1SINGLESERVESOFTDRINK.10%SPORTS&ENERGYSALES Order today Red Bull 250ml Range M109315Red Bull Energy PMC 24x250ml M256817Red Bull Sugarfree PMC 24x250ml M275785Summer Edition PMC (Apricot-Strawberry Flavour) 12x250ml M259787Red Edition PMC (Watermelon Flavour) 12x250ml M256832Coconut & Berry Edition PMC 12x250ml M190372Tropical Edition 12x250ml M264583Green Edition PMC (Cactus Fruit Flavour) 12x250m 7Tribes Qualitative and Quant research | Online forum| Rep Sample 1,353 mixed gender/demographics – August 2021
Source: ¹Euromonitor Passport, off-trade Value RSP, 2006-2020; 2Nielsen Value Sales 52 we 08.01.22 Sports & Energy Drinks.
MOREMORECHOICES.SALES.
A very warm welcome to the latest issue of Talking Shop as we look forward to the fresh opportunities that the autumn months will bring. Speaking of fresh opportunities, we are delighted to share some more information on our latest Jack’s ‘Fresh 4’ rolling promotional programme. We are all very well aware of the increasingly important role of the fresh category in independent retailing and the ‘Fresh 4’ programme is a great example of how Premier has responded to feedback from retailers who were keen to grow their fresh fruit and vegetable sales and drive more footfall and profits.
Road successto Clacton on Sea Premier movesup a gear with major refit. PLUS SubsaleszeroCashing in onfrozen boom Fresh 4New promotionJack’ssetstillsringing ISSUE xx 2021 Talking ShopThe magazine for Premier retailers 4 TalkingShop September 2022 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: Prices are correct at time of going to press, but may be subject to change. COVER STORY Huge refit drives huge footfall, sales and profit boost in Clacton on Sea. THE THREE BIG STORIES 7 Just Eat exclusive deal Booker JustexclusivesecuresdealwithEat. 50 Grape expectations Follow key trends to maximise wine sales. 80 Save time and money Saffron SolutionsBusinesscanhelp you save. Talking Shop | September 2022
We are also delighted to reveal in this issue a new exclusive commission deal that Booker has secured with Just Eat, the UK’s largest delivery platform. With home delivery being adopted by so many Premier retailers, this new market-leading deal offers retailers a fantastic 24% commission rate. This deal leaves retailers to focus on growing their sales and profits without the hassle of the complex element of a home delivery service.
I wish you all fantastic trading over the next couple of months.
As part of another fantastic deal, Booker has agreed exclusive terms with Barclaycard offering Premier retailers enhanced deals on credit and debit card rates as well as terminal rental. The agreement means retailers pay just 0.29% per transaction on debit card payments.
In the current challenging economic climate, it’s vital that retailers leave no stone unturned when it comes to cutting costs and saving money, which is why you’ll find a feature in this issue on Saffron Business Solutions who have worked with Booker customers over the last decade or so and have saved them thousands of pounds per store on their electricity, gas and water bills. Why not get in touch to see if they can save you some money?
WelcomeMartynParkinson,SalesDirector–Retail
12
9 News
Saffron Business Solutions can help you save time and money.
Grape expectations
7 Premier News
78 Save money and time
Townhill stores has a large shop floor but an even bigger heart.
Townhill stores has a large shop floor but an biggerevenheart. theproductsandlatestsomeShowcasingofthenewexclusivetohitshelves.
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Sub-zero sales
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Clacton-on-Sea Premier sees sales fly after refit.
72
New rolling Jack’s promotion set to drive fresh growth.
Rundown Spalding store given a new lease of life.
New Premier range helps retailers cash in on frozen growth.
Premier retailers winning local hearts, minds and spend in Welsh village.
56 Shop floor stars
Bring your OTC medicine sales to life by moving them to the shop floor.
71 Own brand
17 GroceryAid
Some of the latest new and exclusive products to hit the shelves.
September 2022 TalkingShop 5
Premier retailers can now gain access to a market-leading exclusive new deal with Just Eat.
Moving your OTC medicine to the shop floor can boost sales.
24 Follow your instincts
Industry charity annual report reveals huge surge in demand for its services.
Rundown Spalding store given a new lease of life.
32 Talk of the town
63 New Products
Make the most of wine by keeping in line with the latest trends.
68 Meet The Team
72
Wine and RTDs buyer Mark Oldfield offers some top tips.
New app makes ordering easier than ever.
38 Change for the better
Proud to stock Jack’s
24
Premier stores continue to work hard in their local communities.
18 The comeback kings
New rolling Jack’s promotion set to drive fresh growth.
13 Community News
Booker Trade Shows deliver 12,500 meals for the hungry.
56
A closer look at some must-stock Jack’s products.
Premier Scanning App
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Booker’s exclusive deal with Barclaycard offers Premier retailers enhanced deals on credit and debit card rates.
community.Minimum contract period is one year with a one month notice period and no termination fees for correctly processed cancellations.Forfurther information, call 02045 257 497 or email justeattakeaway.comgroceryonboarding@
The deal means that retailers can focus on growing their sales and profits without the hassle of managing the complex element of a home delivery service.
The new deal delivers a market-leading commission rate of 24% for Premier retailers, helping them reach thousands of new shoppers in their area and gaining access to a network of more than 19 million shoppers who already use Just Eat, the UK’s largest delivery platform.
Booker secures exclusive Just Eat commission
To take advantage of the deal, all that Premier retailers have to do is complete a registration form, then review and sign the contract that Just Eat will provide within two weeks. Just Eat will then set up your account, upload your pre-prepared Bookerspecific line listing and send the devices you need to manage your orders and picking.
deal
deal with Just Eat which will allow Premier retailers to grow their businesses and profits with home delivery. TALKING TACTICS What are you doing in-store to stand out in your local market? Share it with us and your Premier retailer colleagues at talkingshop@booker.co.uk JUST DEALEXCLUSIVEEAT l 24% commission rate exclusively for Booker Group l No sign-up fees or costs l 1,000s of new shoppers in your area l 19 million UK shoppers using Just Eat Join Just Eat today and we’ll deliver groceries to your customers Convenience stores are one of the fastest growing markets for home delivery. Reach thousands more customers in your area with the UK’s largest delivery platform. Four simple steps to grow your business Any questions? Call us on 02045 257 497 or email us on groceryonboarding@justeattakeaway.com Own 1-3 stores? Complete this registration form for eachstoreindividual We’ll set up your account, upload your menu and send your devices Agree a start date and you’re good to go No feessign-uporcosts 1a 1b 1,000s of customersnewinyour 19 million customersUK We’ll get your details and issue a contract to review and sign24 3 Own 4 stores or more? Send your name, store name & postcode to groceryonboarding@justeattakeaway.com to get started 24%ratecommission forexclusivelyBooker
With home delivery one of the most attractive growth opportunities available for Premier retailers and with independent retail among the fastest growing sectors for home delivery, Booker has announced a fantastic new group exclusive deal with Just Eat to help Premier retailers capitalise on this outstanding opportunity.
September 2022 TalkingShop 7
PremierNews NEWS, ACHIEVEMENTS AND OPINIONS FROM ACROSS PREMIER
Booker has secured a group exclusive 24% commission
After that, it’s simply a case of agreeing a start date and launching your new delivery service for your shoppers and your
Premier has launched a new Weekly Retailer Bulletin which is emailed to all retailers every Thursday and keeps them fully up to speed and ahead of the game on all important issues andTheopportunities.newmobile-friendly
Personal cash withdrawals were up almost 8% month-on-month and up over 20% year-on-year in July.
Drinkaware, the independent charity which aims to help shoppers make better choices about their drinking, has expanded the suite of resources it has available for responsible independent retailers keen to support their shoppers.Anewonline shop increases access to a range of information, training and downloadable assets including free factsheets, posters and digital materials.
Premier’s new Weekly E-Bulletin keeps retailers up to date on all key issues and opportunities as well as providing timesaving ordering features.
Shoppers return to cash as withdrawals soar
To find out more or to see the range of materials available, please resources.drinkaware.co.ukvisit: to
access the Drinkaware shop.
Post Office has attributed the record amount for personal cash withdrawals to more consumers choosing to have staycations in the UK as well as people increasingly turning to cash to manage their budget on a week-by-week basis and often on a day-today basis.
The materials will help retailers support shoppers keen to make informed decisions when purchasing and consuming alcohol.
l Choice: More focus on new products.
l Service & Operations: Promotional changes, new services and support from Booker and important industry updates.
Content includes news, new product information, key dates for the diary, seasonal guidance and updates on everything from promotions, central billing and legislation to availability and Jack’s own brand developments. Additionally, added functionality allows retailers to order stock directly through the Bulletin. A tapping finger icon within the Bulletin means that retailers can simply tap or click to order the featured products online, or find out more information.Thebulletin can be accessed at Booker.co.uk or via email and WhatsApp.
New figures have revealed Post Offices handled a record £801m in personal cash withdrawals in July with over £3.3bn in cash deposited and withdrawn over Post Office counters, the first time figures have crossed the £3.3bn threshold in Post Office’s 360-year history.
Consumers choosing staycations over foreign holidays and shoppers managing their budgets more tightly have resulted in record cash withdrawals in July.
format means you can quickly and easily catch up on the latest developments whether you are on the shopfloor, on the go, in branch or wherever you happen to Thebe. content of the Bulletin has been fully refreshed and includes important information on:
Martin Kearsley, Banking Director at Post Office, said: “Our latest figures clearly show that Britain is anything but a cashless society. We’re seeing more and more people increasingly reliant on cash as the tried and tested way to manage a budget. Whether that’s for a staycation in the UK or if it’s to help prepare for financial pressures expected in the autumn, cash access in every community is critical.”
INBRIEF
8 TalkingShop September 2022
News
New Weekly Bulletin keeps aheadretailersofthegame
l Price: The key sales opportunities each week.
RESOURCESRETAILERADDSDRINKAWARENEW
TALKING TACTICS
INBRIEF
Some 89% of shoppers also reported seeing increases in the prices of everyday items with the majority noticing that butter (53%), milk (51%) and meat (47%) were more expensive than they were in June.
The new Environmental Protection Bill would prohibit the sale of these products and make it an offence for a person to supply or offer to supply (including for free) a shopper in Wales with singleuse plastic products including cups, cutlery, drink-stirrers, lids for cups or takeaway food containers, straws, plates, balloon sticks, carrier bags and cotton buds.
The report noted a trend towards more frequent grocery trips with less spend per visit with two in five shopping on a ‘need-to-buy’ basis to save money and avoid waste.
Martyn Parkinson, Sales Director – Retail, commented: “As a group we are always working to find new ways to help Premier retailers reduce their costs and increase their profits. This latest group exclusive agreement with Barclaycard is another important step in that direction and offers Premier retailers enhanced deals on card payments and helps them cut their costs every day.”
What are you doing in-store to stand out in your local market? Share it with us and your Premier retailer colleagues at talkingshop@booker.co.uk
Subject to subscription criteria. For all of our charges and full terms and conditions please click here or call 0800 151 0122. Other exception charges and authorisation fees may apply. All prices exclude VAT. Call charges info Barclaycard is a trading name of Barclays Bank PLC and Barclaycard International Payments Limited. Barclays Bank PLC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register number: 122702). Registered in England No. 1026167. Registered Office: 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP. Barclaycard International Payments Limited, trading as Barclaycard, is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Registered Number: 316541. Registered Office: One Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, Ireland, D02 RF29. Directors: Paul Adams (British), Steven Lappin (British), James Kelly, Mary Lambkin Coyle, Peter Morris and David Rowe. Powering change through payments Check out what Barclaycard Business could do for you. Or find out just how much you could save by calling 0800 151 0122 – and quoting ‘Booker symbol’. See how much your business could save with Barclaycard Debit card rates per0.290%transaction* + authorisation0.005p fee Credit card rates per0.699%transaction* + authorisation0.005p fee rentalTerminal per£from10month September 2022 TalkingShop 9 New exclusive agreement offers Premier retailers enhanced deals on credit and debit card rates as well as terminal rental.
News
Booker has announced that it has secured a fantastic new group exclusive deal with Barclaycard that offers Premier retailers deals on both credit and debit card rates as well as terminal rental.The agreement means retailers pay just 0.29% per transaction on debit card payments and just 0.699% per transaction on credit card payments. An authorisation fee of 0.005p is also payable for taking each card payment.
Booker Exclusive card deal secured with Barclaycard
Extra spending on food, drinks and petrol saw shopper card spend climb by 7.7% in the latest Barclaycard spending report. Data from Barclaycard, which sees nearly half of the nation’s credit and debit card transactions, saw shopper spending on essential items like food and drink rise 7% in July year-on-year, up from the 4% increase recorded in June.
Food and drink spending ‘up 7%’
Rising petrol prices led to a 29.9% jump in fuel spending during the same period. Spending on utility bills, however, also grew significantly, up 43.9% in a single month.
To find out just how much you could save, call 0800 151 0122 and quote ‘Booker symbol’.
The Welsh Government has published a draft Bill which aims to ban or restrict the sale of single-use plastics in Wales, including a ban on plastic bags which are currently subject to a 5p charge.
Additionally, terminal rental is available to
Premier retailers from just £10 a month.
BAGSTOWALESBIN
Wales was the first UK nation to introduce a single use plastic bag charge at 5p per bag.
upStocknow COFFEENO.1UK’SCHILLED*
THE
*Nielsen 21/05/22
“It has been a true team effort and I can’t thank my colleagues enough. They’ve been instrumental in helping us exceed our targets and achieve our aims. I would also like to thank the local community who have also been nothing short of fantastic. They’ve been so supportive every step of the way – and I think they have really appreciated having a modern, high quality Premier store at the heart of the community. They view the store as a real community asset and, as far as they are concerned, this store belongs to them as much as it does to me! That’s the biggest compliment the community can pay me.”
RDM’s VIEW
Following what he called “an unbelievable first year”, Premier retailer Dev Patel recently hosted a fantastic first birthday party for his local community and his hard-working team at his Premier Belben store in Poole, Dorset.
Many of the local community attended the birthday party, enjoying some special birthday
Premier Belben celebrates its first birthday in style
INBRIEF
“Premier Belben looks as stunning today as it did a year ago when it first opened. Dev and his team work so hard at maintaining the highest of standards – which is perhaps why we see so many other Premier retailers dropping by for a visit! Dev has also continued to evolve and develop his store alongside the latest shopper trends which is why his turnover is still growing a year later and why he will continue to be a success long into the future.”
Premier RDM Wayne Bradley comments:
September 2022 TalkingShop 11
Usdaw described the new data as “a worrying reversal of the recent trend downward” and urged retailers to be on the lookout in their stores.
“It has been a truly remarkable year,” Dev told Talking Shop. “We have achieved every single goal and aim that we set ourselves when we opened the store a year ago in the most challenging of circumstances.
“It was a lovely party,” said Dev. “We had lots of shoppers drop by and wish us well and it’s a great way to start our second year’s trading with Premier. The store turnover continues to grow and we have plenty of plans to keep it that way. We are currently looking at bringing in a Costa Coffee machine and our application for a Post Office has been submitted. We want to cement our place at the heart of this community and give them a store they can always be proud of.”
Premier retailers are being urged to pay special attention to shoplifting after the latest Police recorded crime statistics revealed a 21% increase in the crime during the 12 months March.Thenew statistics, published in July, came as a surprise after an 11% decrease in shoplifting over the last Shopworkersdecade.trade union
cake and having the chance to spend some time with Dev and his team.
Paddy Lillis, Usdaw General Secretary, said: “The reported 21% increase in shoplifting may well be a consequence of Covid restrictions being lifted in stores last year. Social distancing and limiting the number of customers in stores does make life more difficult for shoplifters, so the return to normal will have an impact. We want to see action to ensure this reversal of a downward trend does not continue.“Weare aware that the cost of living crisis may also lead to more shoplifting. However, the answer to the squeeze on household budgets is not to turn a blind eye to theft from shops, which in itself contributes to rising prices as retailers try to recover losses.”
News
USDAWWARNS‘REVERSED’DECLINESHOPLIFTING
Dev Patel celebrated the first anniversary of his store in Poole in Dorset recently by hosting a party with his community and his team.
12 TalkingShop September 2022
ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “Local shops are experiencing rising operating costs in a similar way to households and many retailers have had to absorb costs impacting their profitability, pass on increases through higher prices and reduce staff hours and numbers.
Booker has provided enough food to provide 12,500 meals for those in need after working with the Phoenix Resource Centre charity to collect and distribute over five tonnes of surplus supplier food from Booker’s two recent trade shows at Doncaster andTheSandown.food would otherwise have gone to waste, but was instead used by the charity to help so many people that are struggling to have even the basics following a few hard years for many communities and families.
The Association of Convenience Stores gave oral evidence to the LPC and highlighted the unique and significant challenges faced by independent retailers as a result of the cost of living crisis, increased energy and supply chain costs and other regulatory challenges.
News
The Low Pay Commission (LPC) has been urged to take a “cautious approach” to future National Living Wage rates and to take into consideration the challenges facing employers at the current time.
More than five tonnes of surplus supplier food was collected from Booker’s two trade shows earlier this year and redistributed to provide 12,500 meals for the hungry.
Booker Trade Shows deliver 12,500 meals for the hungryWAGEMINIMUMURGEDCAUTIONON
“It is vital that the Government seeks to set wage rates which avoid negative impacts on businesses and support the good quality employment available in our sector.“We are urging the Low Pay Commission to take the current economic situation into context when setting future wage rates, looking at the significant disruption that businesses and consumers are experiencing as a result of the cost of living and cost of trading crisis.”
Andrew Richardson, Trustee and Founder of Phoenix Resource Centre, told Talking Shop: “Wow, what an amazing couple of shows we had this year with Booker. From both combined we collected 12,500 meals.“These donations have enabled us to help thousands of people and lets us give to the most impoverished of our society. It makes such a huge difference. A huge thanks has to go to the Booker team and to all of the suppliers for donating the surplus products.“Weare distributing up to 2,000 meals a day through our partners including Shine in Northampton. They are supporting a very diverse community with a high number of ethnic minorities in the area, a high level of homelessness and disengaged youth. The donated food from the trade shows has a massive positive impact on all of those in need in the area.”
INBRIEF
Having supported the local Kirkcaldy Parks Running Festival since its inception in 2019, Faraz Iqbal of Premier Linktown Local in Kirkcaldy is once again supporting the event which returns this year after a pause for the pandemic.Thestore has provided thousands of bottles of water for runners during these events and will again be sponsoring this year’s festival.
September 2022 TalkingShop 13
TALKING TACTICS
Edinburgh recently joined forces with the SGF Healthy Living Programme to celebrate the start of primary school and the start of secondary school for the first time for pupils in the local secondaryThecommunity.childrenstartingschoolforthe
Faraz backs local running festival
able to sponsor the Kirkcaldy Parks Running Festival again this year! It is a great honour to give back to our community and bring such an amazing event to Kirkcaldy once again and we are looking forward to seeing you all there! Good luck to all taking part on the day!”
CommunityNews
IN
Generous retailer Julie Kaur who runs Premier Jules Convenience Store in Telford, has a long track record of fantastic community engagement under her belt, but she hasn’t rested on her laurels and is more than busy with a fresh set of commitments and challenges, all to benefit her localShecommunity.iscurrently preparing for a Macmillan Hike in September to raise money for Cancer Research and the following month will tackle the London Marathon to raise money for the Fauja Singh Clubhouse Charity. She expects to raise more than £2,000 over the two events.
first time were offered free healthy goodie bags to encourage them to adopt healthier eating habits as they entered the next phase of their education.
Julie’s store has been shortlisted in the Community categories at both the Retail Industry Awards and the The Convenience Awards.
SCHOOLSTARTHEALTHYTO
Premier ConvenienceBroadwayStore in
Julie keeps community top of her priorities
What are you doing in-store to stand out in your local market? Share it with us and your Premier retailer colleagues at talkingshop@booker.co.uk
Telford community-focused Premier retailer Julie Kaur has a busy diary of events and activities as she continues to put her community first.
She also managed time to get involved in the opening ceremony for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham where she found herself on stage and rubbing shoulders with stars like Duran Duran and Tom Daley. She said: “I’ve always supported local charities and causes, and that will never change. I’m really looking forward to the hike and the marathon and it will be great to raise more money for such great charities.”
Water stations will be sited every 5km along the half marathon route and halfway in the 10k route and there will be a bottle waiting for every finisher, with Faraz and his team supplying it all and making sure that everyone stays safe and hydrated on each day.
Faraz said: “We are extremely proud to be
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OPINION, NEWS AND ACHIEVEMENTS FROM PREMIER RETAILERS
MUP draws nearer in NI
The Scottish Government announced that Scotland’s DRS will go live on 16 August 2023.Retailers will play a key role in the scheme by collecting empty bottles and cans from shoppers ready for recycling. The scheme will add a refundable deposit of 20p to single use drinks containers to encourage recycling and reduce litter.
The polling also revealed that support for
Share
talkingshop@booker.co.uk
The scheme includes soft drinks and alcoholic beverages and covers PET plastic bottles, metal cans and glass bottles ranging from 50ml to three litres.Inreturn, retailers will receive 3.55p per container for the first 8,000 containers returned each week using a reverse vending machine and 1.35p for each additionalRetailerscontainer.optingfor manual handling of returns will receive 2.69p per container.
DRS BEGINSCOUNTDOWN
to stand
Executive James Lowman said: “Our polling clearly shows that people want safe local neighbourhoods with vibrant established businesses and innovative new services. The services in our communities, including local shops, need more support and incentives to invest.”
As the UK Government continues to pursue its ‘Levelling Up’ policy, a new survey conducted on behalf of the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has found that the vast majority of shoppers would prefer to see public investment going into local communities rather than just towns and cities.
The move follows the recent publication of a paper by the Department of Finance tax strategy group on tax excise which suggested the introduction of MUP in the Republic of Ireland earlier this year could lead to less tax being paid due to people shopping across the border.
September 2022 TalkingShop 15
Independent retailers in Northern Ireland have reiterated their support for the introduction of minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol.
Carried out as part of ACS’s 2022 Community Barometer report, the survey found that 70% of consumers would prefer to see investment in their local neighbourhood, compared to just 30% who would prefer investment in their nearest town or city centre.
existing local businesses would be the top investment priority for consumers, followed by better community policing, and support for new businessesGovernmentlocally.policy around levelling up has long been focused on high streets and town and cityACScentres.Chief
New centres.townratherlocalinvestmentwould70%ACSpollingconsumerfromthehasfoundthatofshoppersprefertoseeintheircommunitiesthaninjustandcity IndustryNews
Responding to a consultation, NFRN leaders in the province said MUP would create a “level playing field” and allay fears of cross-border trading.
TALKING TACTICS
INBRIEF
What are you doing in-store out in your local market? it with us and your Premier retailer colleagues at
Levelling Up investment should ‘prioritise local’
There is now less than a year left for independent retailers in Scotland to get ready for the implementation of the new Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) which is set to go live next year.
A DIGEST OF NEWS FROM THE INDEPENDENT RETAILING INDUSTRY
Time to STOCK UP NOW * 1Nielsen – Total Coverage – Cola – Value & volume Sales – MAT – 21.05.22 NO.1 SOFT DRINKS BRAND SOLD IN 1/2WORTHRETAIL,OVERBILLION£s.*
Visit www.barcodefestival. co.uk to find out more or to book tickets.
INBRIEF
Mandi Leonard, GroceryAid Welfare Director, added: ‘‘We will continue to be here for everyone who needs us in the grocery and independent retailing industry.”
Industry charity GroceryAid experienced a 61% increase in instances of welfare support for industry colleagues last year, according to its latest annual Impact Report.
GroceryAid services more in demand than ever
“In the past year, GroceryAid has provided more emotional, practical and financial support than ever before in its 165-year history. As employers take admirable steps to protect colleagues from the emotional and economic aftermath of Covid, we are helping record numbers cope with the unforeseen changes to their personal circumstances. This year’s Impact Report outlines how we are using the generous donations of our supporters to improve the lives of our colleagues across the industry.”
Industry charity GroceryAid’s annual Impact Report reveals the highest-ever demand for its support services for industry colleagues.
The report also details a 98% increase in the number of Relate counselling sessions delivered in 2021 and a 101% increase in legal advice referrals. The GroceryAid Welfare Team also dealt with an average of 744 applications for financial support per month, a rise of more than 150% compared to the previous year.
September 2022 TalkingShop 17
Allan Leighton, GroceryAid President, said
A DIGEST OF NEWS FROM THE INDEPENDENT RETAILING INDUSTRY
BARCODE 2023 OPEN FOR BOOKINGS
The increase in demand for GroceryAid’s services highlights the vital role played by the charity and reflects growing awareness among industry colleagues of the support that GroceryAid can offer in times of need.
TALKING TACTICS
Following the huge success of GroceryAid’s flagship event, Barcode Festival 2022, the charity has announced that tickets are already on sale for the 2023 running of the musical extravaganza.Thisyear’sfestival raised an incredible and record-breaking £900,000 for the charity and GroceryAid is looking to build on that success with an even “bigger and better” event in 2023.More than 200 businesses are expected to be in attendance and Premier retailers can reward their team for their hard work with a Barcode 2023 ticket.
IndustryNews
What are you doing in-store to stand out in your local market? Share it with us and your Premier retailer colleagues at talkingshop@booker.co.uk
Tickets cost £350 and include food and drink all day, as well as performances from some of the world’s bestknown artists.
The full Impact Report is available to read on the GroceryAid website: www.groceryaid.org.uk
young family to bring up. However, despite the significant uphill challenge, the lure of taking on and transforming the 27-year-old store proved too strong for this ambitious pair to resist – and so twist they did.
back in 2016, they had one very big decision to make: stick or twist? In many ways, sticking with the old store and eventually selling up would have been the easy option. After all, the pair had already taken up successful careers in different professions, trade at the store was slow and they had a
Store CV: Name: Nash’s Premier, Jaywick, Clacton on Sea Retailers: Nash, Sharlie and Veer Patel Size: 1,500 sq ft Opening Hours: 6am-11pm Services: Fuel, Cash Machine, E-Top Up, National Lottery Staff: 12
W
TEAM WORK: Nash and Sharlie with their fantasticteam.
CUSTOMER PROFILE | Nash’s Premier, Jaywick, Clacton on Sea
18 TalkingShop September 2022
hen Nash and Sharlie Patel first took ownership of Nash’s conveniencefamily-ownedstore
Sharlie sets the scene: “When we first took the site on we knew that we had a very clear choice – we had to either put everything into it or we had to walk away and lose it which would have been a real shame, especially for Nash, who had known it since he was a boy. Despite all the challenges, he could see the
The comeback kings
Nash and Sharlie Patel had to make a difficult choice when they took on the family’s store but it was a choice wellworth making.
potential that the site could offer.”
The potential he could see came in the form of a 1,500sq ft convenience store with a forecourt in Clacton-on-Sea – just a stone’s throw away from the beach and on the main B-road into and out of the town of Jaywick. The pair spent the next couple of years making various small investments in the business and building stocks back up, until in February 2018 they made the game-changing decision to join Premier.
And so in February 2022, and with lockdown restrictions behind them, the family invested in a significant refit. The shop floor was extended to 1,500sq ft by converting space that had formally been occupied by a Post Office years before. “Our goal with the refit was to be the best that we could be for our shoppers,” Sharlie says. “We wanted to give them more variety, a far greater range of chilled products, and we wanted to shake things up with an amazing impulse and drinks to go “Theoffer.”Premier team offered us incredible support throughout the process,” Sharlie adds. “The collaborative working was secondto none. The planning and merchandising teams in particular were fabulous, nothing
was pushed on us, they took on board all of our local knowledge and we created the plan together. Our Premier RDM Tim Clements was also a fantastic support, He worked alongside of us for a whole week before the refurb began, helping us to move stock, dismantle fixtures and fittings and put them into storage.
“Another major benefit was the support that
September 2022 TalkingShop 19 What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk
“The team at Premier were amazing from the get-go,” Sharlie says. “They were so supportive, they gave us the facilities that we needed and crucially the Premier offer was the perfect fit for our audience. Value for money is so important to our shoppers and Premier really stands out here.”
Over the intervening years, Nash, Sharlie, and their son Veer, who joined the business in 2019, accrued a deep and meaningful understanding of what their shoppers truly wanted – building up even stronger local connections and bags of goodwill in the process.“Thebusiness had been growing ever since we joined the Premier fascia and we knew that if we wanted to maintain that growth, we needed to make further big changes,” Sharlie says. “We wanted to offer our shoppers even more products and services and ultimately deliver an even better in-store experience for them.“Shoppers want to come to a nice store, they want more products, they want better services and despite all the great progress we’d made up until that point, we knew that if we didn’t move with the times, we’d get left behind again.”
And so, four weeks after it closed for
we received with staff training. Our staff spent a whole day refreshing their due diligence training with a wonderful man called Freddie Griffin from Booker’s Store Operations Advisor team prior to us re-opening. It was such a positive experience, the staff loved the process, I really think things like that make them feel valued as employees.”
A hit, it certainly has been. On average the store’s Refresh zone takes around £500 a day with a huge 60 cups of Tango Ice Blast alone sold each day, rising to beyond 100 cups on hot weekends. The Refresh zone also includes Hershey’s Freeze and Reese’s hot chocolate, plus Jolly Rancher and Snow Shock slush. Another key change has been the re-merchandising and re-positioning of the store’s vape range into a locked gantry on the shop floor. “I was a bit apprehensive at first but sales of vape products have tripled since they were moved onto the shop floor,” Sharlie says. “I would really recommend this change to other retailers. Having the display on the shop floor means that shoppers can browse the range so much better and properly take in the full range. Now, rather than just buying one Elf Bar disposable vape
September 2022 TalkingShop 21
“WeCave.are beyond proud of our Beer Cave,” Sharlie says. Featuring bright neon lights and automatic doors, the fully insulated Beer Cave not only provides local shoppers with a uniquely-refreshing experience that is helping to drive footfall and sales. “Due to our seaside location and the many large events, such as air shows, commonly held around here, demand for multi-packs has always been high. However, the size of our
refurbishment, Nash’s Premier was re-born in early March 2022 – following a fullscale overhaul and the implementation of new cutting-edge features. “The extra space that we gained on the shop-floor enabled us to almost double our chilled food and soft drinks offer from nine metres to just over 16 metres,” Sharlie says. “We were able to increase our fruit and vegetables by a whole fridge and crucially to offer a much wider range of ready meals and Meal Deals which, thanks to the new Jack’s brand, are flying out.
Around here there is no-where else for shoppers to buy a Tango Ice Blast, unless they go to the cinema, and given our proximity to the beach and other green spaces we knew it would be a real hit.”
“We’ve also doubled our frozen food offer. Frozen has really taken off since the start of this year and especially in recent months. It’s obviously cheaper for shoppers to buy, but its long shelf-life also means that frozen really appeals to shoppers who like to buy it when they can and save it up for the end of the week or month when cash is becoming tight. Shoppers round here don’t have a lot of money, they buy what they can afford from week to week and Premier’s £5 frozen meal deal is incredibly popular for that reason.
“Because of our busy seaside location, which attracts a vast amount of tourist trade in the summer months, we also wanted to extend our impulse and ‘to go’ offers, so that’s where the ‘Refresh’ concept came into play,” she adds. “We knew that we had a massive opportunity to drive footfall with Refresh and with the Tango Ice Blast offer in particular.
The store’s existing American Confectionery offer was also doubled – a move which Sharlie says has also led to a doubling of sales. However, the store’s biggest change and point of difference is without a doubt its show-stopping 170 sq ft Beer
Indeed, the store’s new vape offer has been such a success that the family are already planning to tweak it by replacing some of the slower selling e-liquid lines with ultrapopular disposables. Local cream cakes, merchandised in smart new refrigerated units have further enhanced the range, as has a new hot food to go offer from Delice De France.
for example, they will buy three.”
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The appreciation that shoppers already have for the new-look store is already clear to see, with footfall and sales both having grown “significantly” since the refit ensued. “The change has been such a success that we’ve had to take on an extra seven members of staff to help us manage the new demand,”
Sharlie“Shopperssays.
And the store refit is not the only change made to the business in recent months. “We also launched a brand-new home-delivery service via Zeus Labs in July,” Sharlie says. “It’s still very early days and we’ve not yet done a big marketing push, but even so it’s already going down well with local people. We’re really confident that once we push it on Facebook and get the leaflets out, home delivery will take off. We’ve even bought an e-scooter to help us carry out the deliveries and meet demand. It’s yet another change that we’ve made because we know our local shoppers and know this is something that
are in love with what we’ve done and even now, almost five months on, they are still commenting on it and thanking us for the difference that it has made to them, which is so heart-warming to hear. Even now, I still stand back some days and think, ‘wow I can’t believe this is our store!’ It really is something to be proud of and to celebrate –and most exciting of all, we’re not done yet!”
“It’s allowed us to expand our range hugely. We now have over 500 lines in the beer cave, including loads of multi-packs and more than 10 different types of kegs, but we want to add even more. It’s all properly insulated so it’s a super-cool 6 degrees inside but it feels colder. It’s been such a hit with shoppers, especially on hot days! The Beer Cave also features two freezers for bags of ice and ice cream, but later on this year we actually plan to relocate them onto the shop floor to make space for even more chilled alcohol lines. There’s nothing else like this around here so the whole Beer Cave concept is really exciting for local shoppers. To any retailers thinking about investing in a Beer Cave, I say do it! It’s made such a phenomenal difference to us.” Spirits have also received some extra love in the form of a brand-new back-lit display behind the store’s busy till points.
“We opted for a very premium spirit display with enhanced lighting technology which really makes the products stand out. The whole spirits display is like a work of art now” Sharlie adds.
old store didn’t allow for us to sell them chilled. Thanks to the Beer Cave that’s all changed now though.
many of them will appreciate.”
September 2022 TalkingShop 23
Parvinder and Amandeep Klair have transformed a run-down convenience store on the banks of the river Glen into a thriving community hub.
ometimes in life, you just have a hunch that you’re on to a good thing. Even if at first, it might not seem that clear-cut. Husband and wife duo Parvinder and Amandeep Klair had a hunch they were on to a good thing when they first set foot inside an old run-down convenience store on the banks of the river Glen in Surfleet, Lincolnshire, back in 2019.
Follow your instincts
Parvinder, known to his shoppers and the wider Surfleet community as PK, explains: “While I’d been brought up in the convenience industry by my parents who ran a store in Doncaster, I had actually spent the years following university working in various management roles for a local packaging company based in Doncaster, where we lived. My wife Amandeep however, had been working alongside my parents in their store for many years and loved it.”
S
CUSTOMER PROFILE | Premier PK Glenside, Surfleet, Spalding
And it’s a good thing that hunch was strong, because it needed to overpower a number of prominent obstacles present at the outset. Namely: the old unaffiliated store’s state, the distinct lack of stock and the overpowering odour of fish thanks to the bait and tackle shop next door!
She loved it so much in fact, that when PK’s parents made the decision to retire and sell up in 2018, he and Amandeep decided to establish a store of their own that Amandeep would run while PK continued to work at the packaging company. In a bid to find the store of their dreams, PK and Amandeep expanded their search nationally, eventually stumbling on the small village of
ON A ROLL: Amandeep and Parvinder know an opportunity when they see one.
24 TalkingShop September 2022
As part of their stock-building exercise, one of the first things that PK and Amandeep did was to invest in two new 3.75m and 2.5m chillers, plus a new freezer, to offer local shoppers a good core fresh and chilled offer.
And then Covid-19 hit. “Lockdown changed everything,” PK recalls. “Business boomed overnight and it was during that time that I left my packaging company job to focus on the store full time.” For local shoppers, the store’s new fresh and chilled focus transformed it into a real life-line during lockdown and PK and Amandeep
Store CV: Name: Premier PK Glenside, Surfleet, Spalding Retailers: Parvinder and Amandeep Klair Size:1,000 sq ft Staff: Services:3 Post Office, National Hours:Lottery7am till 7pm Mon to Sat 8am-5pm Sun What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk
Making the most of that opportunity however, would require a vast amount of work.“We took over the store in January 2019 and immediately set to work trying to build the stocks back up,” PK explains. “While it had a Post Office which did drive footfall, the store itself was very run down with almost no stock and practically no chilled offer. The previous owners had also barely invested in the store since the late 80s, so all the fixtures and fittings were very dated, as was the flooring, while the ceiling had cracks in it.”
“Back then Amandeep was running the store during the week with the help of a wonderful lady called June who we recruited at the outset and has been an incredible support ever since,” PK adds. “I was still working for the Doncaster packaging company, doing a 140-mile roundtrip every day and helping out in the store on evenings and weekends. It was utterly exhausting.”
September 2022 TalkingShop 25
pulled out all the stops to maintain stocks and supplies – much to the delight of local shoppers.“Fromthe outset we had a really positive response from the local community and during lockdown I went anywhere and everywhere I could to source stock and better support our local shoppers,” he says. “It helped to create an incredibly strong bond with local shoppers that we continue to build on.”
“From the moment we saw it, and despite its sorry state and the distance, we knew that the site ticked all the key boxes for us,” PK explains. “The size was the first thing. The existing convenience store and associated fishing tackle business offered the space we were looking for and the residential property above was nice and roomy too. The location was the key though. The village itself is very picturesque, with a good amount of residential housing, plus lots of holiday rentals owing to its scenic location which also makes it very popular with walkers and hikers. The store itself overlooks the river Glen, which is popular with boaters and fishermen. We just had a hunch that the site would lead to a fantastic opportunity.”
Surfleet – more than 70 miles away.
And so, emboldened by the warmth of local affection, in early 2022 PK and Amandeep decided to make a significant investment in the business.
“We knew that we wanted symbol group membership from the start and the Premier offer immediately stood out for us,” PK explains. “It was the right fit for us and for the local community and from the minute we met our RDM Dan Inott we knew we were on to a winner.”
No.2chewysweetsbrand** VEGETARIAN sweetsNo.1bag* sweetsNo.2bag*sweetsNo.4bag* sweetsNo.5bag* 17.4.22endingwks26Sales,£Independents,&SymbolsSuperbrand,bySweetsChewyMarketplace,**IRI17.4.22endingwks26Sales,£Independents,&SymbolsProduct,byConfectionerySugarMarketplace,*IRI No.1 sweets manufacturer Available to order now Stock the category best sellers!* M259847 M259839 M259822 M259833 M259834 M259826
“It was a big job but actually a relatively simple one as it all had to be ripped out and started again which gave us a totally blank canvas,” PK explains. “The team was incredible and the whole build and fit-out came together seamlessly. It was wonderful to watch it being created, I thoroughly enjoyed the process,” he adds.
the shoppers comment on. It includes bean to cup coffee, complemented by a Fwip machine and Jolly Rancher slush. There’s nothing else like it around here and we’ve had such positive feedback. The offer is so popular with locals but also with the many hikers and holiday-makers who visit the village, especially the Fwip ice cream of which we are currently selling around 20 cups a day.”
Ranges that were already selling well were allocated more room as part of the refit. A hit with locals and thirsty hikers alike, soft drinks, for example were treated to 4m of new chilled space. “The store you see today looks so bright, clean and exciting. It’s also incredibly professional looking thanks to the Premier promotions and the branded POS. The old store didn’t even have shelf labels! Price is important to our shoppers and we now offer all the core Premier promotions along with other optional deals that we know will be popular with our shoppers. We also have the benefit of the new Jack’s range which offers great value for money in a high-quality format.”
“The new Refresh Zone has been a particularly big hit and is something that all
September 2022 TalkingShop 27 What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk
Having been extended from 600sq ft to just over 1,000sq ft and fully re-fitted, the store proudly re-opened as Premier Glenside on 10 March 2022. “Shoppers were absolutely blown away by the change,” PK says. “The increase in the size of the shop floor means that we’ve been able to extend ranges that were already selling well, such as soft drinks, snacks and chilled, and also introduce totally new ranges such as a ‘Refresh’ drinks to go zone.
Other new categories added to the store’s mix have included American confectionery and vape. “Vape was something that a growing number of shoppers were asking us for, especially the disposable vapes,” PK adds.
The store closed down on 28 Feb 2022 while the mammoth task of gutting the interior and knocking down the wall between the old fishing tackle shop and the old convenience store took place.
**Recommended retail price. Light: 80% fewer calories than most regular soft drinks. Ribena is a registered trade mark of Lucozade Ribena Suntory Ltd. M274858 Ribena Blackcurrant PMP 12 x 500ml M274975 Ribena Light Mango & Lime PMP 12 x 500ml M274974 Ribena Light Pineapple & Passion Fruit PMP12 x 500ml M274903 Ribena Light Strawberry PMP 12 x 500ml M274979 Ribena Raspberry PMP 12 x 500ml M274978 Ribena Light Blackcurrant PMP 12 x 500ml M274859 Ribena Very Berry PMP 12 x 500ml
“This summer we also helped to organise a big celebration for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee,” he comments. “Once again Premier Glenside donated all drinks for that event and I ran the bar on the day. I also managed to get the Royal cakemaker David Avery to make us a special Jubilee cake for the event, which we sponsored.
part of it. As the local convenience retailer, I was well aware of the positive difference I could make to the local community so I also joined the ‘Celebrate Surfleet’ committee almost as soon as we bought the store.”
The store’s Premier-supplied range is also complemented by new local lines including cakes made by the local church and bread from the local bakery. Despite all the new and extended ranges, thanks to Premier’s efficient planning and merchandising, PK says that the store has managed to retain “a wonderful open and airy feel, which is so important to shoppers today”.
“It was such a wonderful community day and we received lots of coverage in the local press which was so rewarding. We are just so thrilled with what we’ve built here and continue to develop, it was definitely a hunch that proved to be a hit.”
“This summer we also helped bar I also managed to get the Royal cakemaker David Avery to make us a special Jubilee cake for the event, which we communitysponsored.dayandwe received lots of coverage in the local press which
“We’vetoo.made such progress in the last three and a half years and we are just so optimistic about the future. We’ve really got to know the local community and have become a key
become a key outside our store.
September 2022 TalkingShop 29 What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk
And multipacks aren’t the only thing flying. Sales at Premier Glenside have also shot up by 35% since the February 2022 refit and continue to grow month on month. Average basket spend has also ballooned to £12.
“Going forward we’re continuing to keep an eagle-eye on category performance and tweak where we need to,” he adds. “For example, American confectionery is selling really well, so we will probably look to dedicate slightly more space to that, along with crisps in the near future. Multipacks are also flying now that shoppers are enjoying sharing occasions to the full once again.”
“We’ve noticed that shoppers are shopping far more of the store now,” PK says. “Prior to the refit, lots of shoppers came in just for the Post Office, or just to buy a couple of essential items but now
they are buying really big baskets. We’re welcoming in new trade from younger audiences thanks to the Refresh and American confectionery offer while many of our elderly shoppers are now buying bigger baskets and shopping more regularly with us
The committee organises all the community events, such as the Summer and Christmas fetes and the store donates all the drinks for those. Last year, funds raised by the committee helped to buy a community defibrillator, which has been positioned outside our store.
PERFECT STORENORDICSPIRIT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE NICOTINE POUCH CATEGORY NOW &Distributionavailability PILLAR1 Keep in stock at least 3 cans of each priority Nordic Spirit SKU
The five pillars to drive Nordic Spirit sales and maximise your profits Speak to your JTI representative and use your Perfect Store Booklet to find out more Your Perfect Store Booklet will be available through your JTI representative *Recommended retail price. You are, of course, at all times free to sell JTI’s products at whatever price you choose. Visibilty Presence engagementRetailer On-shelfpricing PILLAR2 PILLAR3 PILLAR4 £FORPILLAR520POUCHES6.50RRPComplete the quarterly Nordic Spirit training quiz on JTI Advance Locate your Nordic Spirit Merchandising Unit in a prominent position on your counter top Make sure all your Nordic Spirit POSM is on display in the key locations Price Nordic Spirit competitively to give your customers the best value *FRONT PURCHASEPOINTSTOREOFOFBACKWALL
aldev Singh and Mandy Kaur have certainly seen a lot of change since they first started trading at Townhill Stores back in 2002. However, despite the flux of recent years their commitment to the needs of local shoppers has remained constant – in fact, if anything, it has strengthened.Thestorejoined Premier in 2014 and boasts a prime location, perched on a major roundabout connecting four arterial roads. It’s also just a stone’s throw away from the local school and other community amenities, including the local park, skate park and community centre. The sea of residential housing that surrounds the store lends it a very mixed shopper demographic, with plenty of young families, middle-aged shoppers and many elderly residents.
Until very recently, the store also benefited from a sizeable student demographic, owing to its proximity to student housing on Swansea Metropolitan University’s Townhill campus. However, at the start of 2022, much of the old accommodation was torn down to make way for new family housing. Set for
Townhill stores may have a large shop floor but it’s got an even bigger heart.
COMMUNITY STARS: Baldev Singh and Mandy Kaur are the beating heart of the local community.
B
32 TalkingShop September 2022
Store CV:
Name: Townhill Stores, Swansea Retailer: Tony and Mandy Kaur Size: 3,000sq ft Opening hours: 7am-10pm Services: Post Office, Lotto, cash machine, defibrillator Staff: 13 Key categories: Alcohol, Chilled, Refresh
CUSTOMER PROFILE | Townhill Stores, Swansea
Talk of townthe
he says. “We’ve got it across most key categories in chilled now including fresh meat and fruit and vegetables, ready meals and more. The ready meals are selling very strongly. At just £3.39 for meals like Spaghetti Bolognaise, Lasagne or Chicken Korma, the price is a big draw. The on-pack ‘Part of the Tesco family’ messaging is another major sales driver. Shoppers really likeBaldevthat.” says the quality is also very good and he gets lots of very positive feedback about the fresh meat and vegetables. “We are selling more fresh products, especially vegetables, now that they have the Jack’s branding,” he says. “That’s good news for our profits but it’s also good news in terms of wastage. Food waste was already low here, but it has dropped even further as a result.”Thestore has almost six metres of chilled soft drinks, including 2L take-home bottles and a further 7.5 metres of chilled beers, white wine and rosé, while red wine enjoys two metres of dedicated space. A four metre backlit display behind the till showcases the store’s on-trend spirits offer.
September 2022 TalkingShop 33 What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk
completion in 2023, the new build will create 84 new homes, a development which is sure to help push the store’s already considerable average daily footfall of 900 a day yet Whilefurther.thestore’s prime location undoubtably helps to draw shoppers in, it’s the vast and unique range and packed schedule of community support that makes Premier Townhill truly magnetising to local people.At3,000sq ft, Premier Townhill has the space to offer local people a full shopping experience. “We’re fortunate to not have a great deal of local competition which means many shoppers come to us for big weekly shops as well as regular top-up missions,” BaldevHelpingsays.shoppers to achieve their
especially in the off-licence zone where Baldev and his team carefully stack large multi-packs of beers, ciders and RTDs to drive take-home sales.
“Shoppers can’t get enough of Jack’s,”
shopping goals is a vast eight metre bay of chilled food ideally positioned at the front of the store. The new Jack’s range is the undeniable star of the show here with the Booker-exclusive own-brand shining brightly from behind the doors of Baldev’s energy-efficient chillers.
The large shop floor means allows the store to create ‘wow-factor’ displays,
The store’s sense of space is further heightened by low-level shelving across the centre of the shop floor and low-level chest freezers which allow the eye to take in
STOCK UP ON THE BRANDTEQUILA#1 * IN THE UK *IWSR Vol 2019-2020. †Nielsen: Tequila & Mezcal MAT – Impulse. JOSE CUERVO® AND OTHER TRADEMARKS ARE OWNED BY TEQUILA CUERVO LA ROJEÑA, S.A.DE C.V. ©2022PROXIMO SPIRITS. PLEASE DRINK JOSE CUERVO® RESPONSIBLY. 1 X M810713/670CL X 70CL M810705 1 X M103789/670CL X 70CL M103787 Tequila is the fastest growing spirit category in the ChannelImpulse†
“Our local bread loaves and rolls come from the Garth Bakery and we display them in wooden fixtures which add an attractive rustic feel,” Baldev says. “We also sell premium cakes from a small supplier called Ruby’s – the cakes are priced at £5 and up but shoppers still buy them because they are lovely.”Forshoppers after a great value for money proposition, Premier Townhill also stocks a wide range of Euroshopperbranded goods, including eggs, which at £1 for a box of six are bestsellers. “Price and price-marking is also key in our confectionery zone and we so shift a lot of bagged confectionery price marked at 2 for £1.50,” Baldev adds. The store devotes a 1.5-metre bay to American confectionery, offering brands like Nerds, Swedish Fish andAlsoHershey’s.catering to the needs of Baldev’s younger shoppers is a striking Refresh zone introduced at the end of 2020 as part of a mini refurbishment. “The Refresh zone has been a huge hit,” he explains. “The shoppers, especially our younger shoppers
September 2022 TalkingShop 35
Given the store’s average footfall of 900 shoppers a day, it operates a twolane queuing system at all times, to guarantee speedy service. “Service is a key consideration,” continues Baldev.
pandemic, when Baldev and the Townhill team assisted their loyal local shoppers in a variety of ways, including establishing a new home-delivery service.
“Local people really valued the service, especially our elderly and more vulnerable shoppers of whom we have many.” What started out as an initiative to help more vulnerable shoppers has since blossomed into a new scheme offering ultra-fast and
The welcomesstore an average of 900 shoppers a day
the wider offer. Further-in-store theatre can also be found in the grocery aisles, where local bread and cakes complement its strong range of branded baked goods.
adore the concept. It includes Tango Ice Blast, F’real and Freeze,Hershey’splusa
“Having been here since 2002 we have built up strong and toparticularlyelderly.”can,themofreallyshopperswithrelationshipspositivemanyofourandwedogooutourwaytohelpwhereweespeciallytheThatsupportwasclearseeduringthe
barista-style coffee-to-go machine. Tango Ice Blast is the key draw though and we sell well over a hundred cups of that alone each week during term time, rising even higher during the school holidays.”
“The home delivery side of things took off during the pandemic and I appointed two dedicated members of staff to help me manage it as well as possible,” Baldev says.
Shoppers were invited in to enjoy a fun-packed afternoon with face painting and balloon modelling along with free refreshments and a raffle. “The day was a great success and brought people together in such a positive way which was wonderful to see after the recent challenging years,” he adds. “We’re in a strong place at the moment, both as a store and as a community and I’m optimistic about the road ahead.”
also passionate about the store’s strong community ethos, which sees it support an array of local good causes. “We support all manner of local initiatives with donations to raffles and such like but we also do big charitable drives each year,” Baldev explains. “One local good cause in particular that we always supported heavily is our local Air Ambulance. We put on fundraising drives throughout the year and last year we raised just under £4,000.”
September 2022 TalkingShop 37 What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk
Offering home delivery to local houses in under one hour and for a minimum order of just £10 the new Kwik-e-Shopper service is already hugely popular. “It’s still early days but shoppers seem very pleased with it,” Baldev
As such a key location in the Townhill area, Baldev and Mandy’s store also hosts the community’s defibrillator which they recently agreed to mount on its exterior wall. Further goodwill was spread in June of this year when Baldev and Mandy organised a community celebration for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at the store.
Shoppersadds.are
convenient home delivery for all. In July this year, Baldev and Mandy launched a secondary home delivery service via the app-based Kwik-e-Shopper platform.
Shoppers buy more than 100 cups of Tango Ice Blast a week
IN THIS TOGETHER: The pair are enjoying life at the centre of the local community.
38 TalkingShop September 2022
Change for the better
CUSTOMER PROFILE | Premier Cefn Hengoed
Premier retailers Jas and Navi Singh are winning local hearts, minds and spend in the Welsh village of Cefn Hengoed.
Store CV:
September 2022 TalkingShop 39 What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk
Name: Premier Cefn Hengoed Retailers: Jas and Navi Singh Size: 1,400 sq ft Staff: 4 Key categories: BWS, chilled, drinks to go
Jas and
developmentin£100,000investedNavithestore
J
“The first store that we bought in 2013 totally changed the game for us,” Jas explains. “It was a run-down site when we took it over, but once we’d replenished the stock levels, invested in the fixtures and fittings and adopted the Premier fascia, sales started to fly.”
However, as Jas explains, his first outing as a retailer was far from an easy one. “It was a very challenging and exhausting time. Local competition was fierce and despite us having invested in the business, it started to become a struggle,” he says.
as and Navi Singh are certainly no strangers to change, and no strangers to adversity either. In fact, the pair have encountered sizeable measures of both over the course of the past 15 years. However, thanks to an innate sense of determination, passion and a whole lot of hard work, the pair have come out the other side winning.
So, in 2013 and after having sold the Hoxton store, Jas and his young family made the bold decision to relocate to Wales. “We’d heard though friends and other retailers that the Welsh convenience store market could offer much greater opportunities for growth and profit, so we decided to go for it,” he says.
Jas explains: “My career didn’t start in retail, I was actually a London bus driver for many years before deciding to switch professions after our first child was born. I was keen to be my own boss and be around the family more during the day. I bought my first ever store, a small unaffiliated CTN in Hoxton, back in 2007. I was running that in the day with Navi’s help but still driving buses at night to make ends meet and provide the best I could for our young family.”
“Going for it” certainly paid off.
1. RRP = Recommended Retail Price. All on shelf prices selected by retailer 12.alone90£RRP¹ THE WORLD OF STARTSFLAVOURHERE.PURSUEFLAVOUR.
“We’d been inspired by some of the other Premier store development projects that we’d seen in Talking Shop magazine and we couldn’t wait to get stuck into our own,” Jas says.
The success of this initial store paved the way for Jas to purchase a number of other properties over the years, including 35 residential flats. Then in early 2020 and on the hunt for another site, Jas and Navi came across a 1,400 sq ft convenience store in the Mid-Glamorgan village of Cefn Hengoed.
Jas and Navi got the keys to the new site in June 2021. Back then it was turning over just under £13,000 a week. “The main problem with the site was its stock levels, they were so low,” Jas recalls. “Shoppers were crying out for more products. Fortunately, we were able to put £70,000 worth of stock into the store as soon as we took over and within just one week, sales had hit £20,000.
Centrally located in the heart of a rural residential housing estate, with little in the way of other competition, Jas and Navi knew that with a carefully orchestrated store development project, sales would be propelled to even loftier heights.
Valentines Day 2022 saw the pair do just that. On 14 February, the store closed its doors as a £100,000 refurbishment project guaranteed to melt local hearts began.
Weekly sales are now hitting £35,000 a week
“We were shocked at the impact that higher stock alone had made, and sales continued to climb over the weeks, eventually hitting £25,000 and that was without any big investments in fixtures or fittings. The store’s potential was so clear for us to see, all it needed was a bit of extra TLC.”
Three weeks later, Premier Cefn Hengoed re-opened with a show-stopping new look and offer majoring on fresh, chilled, and drinks to go.
September 2022 TalkingShop 41 What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk
“Our chilled food offer has doubled to 7.5m in line with shopper demand and we’ve also extended our range of frozen products as that’s what local shoppers were asking us for,” Jas says.
“I’d had my eye on the store for a while, but initially the previous owner only wanted to lease it to me” Jas explains. “Fortunately, a few months later he called back, offering to sell us the freehold. We were delighted! Just like the first store that we had taken on, this was quite a run-down site, but we knew that if we rolled up our sleeves, we could turn it around.”
“From floors, to wall, ceilings and fixtures and fittings, you name it, we fixed it,” laughs Jas “Everything is new in the store.”The fresh-faced store also showcases a variety of extended and totally new ranges.
*bottle made from 100% recycled plastic. Sleeve and cap are not made from recycled plastic. ©2022 Costa Ltd. All rights reserved. For more ways we can support your business please go to MYCCEP.COM Dive into profitsbiggerStockupnow250ml Recycled100%PET* indulgentCreamyand Less coffee, more flavour bySupportedmarketinglaunchcampaign M276068 M276069 NEW
“Average basket spend is now just under £12 but it’s not uncommon to get £60 baskets as shoppers buy into new ranges that simply didn’t exist before. It’s been such a transformation and we are beyond proud.”
September 2022 TalkingShop 43 What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk
opportunities.”However,perhaps
the biggest change to the store’s offer has been the introduction of a new Refresh zone.
“Our staff are without doubt, our biggest asset,” he smiles. “They are all local and have a genuine passion for this community and this store. The service they deliver is truly second to none. We get lots of shoppers who visit the store multiple times in one day but our staff always welcome them like it’s their first visit. I also have to give a special mention to Premier. The group’s support has been invaluable to us throughout this process, especially our RDM Gerwyn Williams.”
“Refresh has been a spectacular hit,” Jas says. “Our Refresh offer features a Tango Ice Blast machine which is totally unique in this area. Despite our more rural location and lack of passing trade, we sell more than 30 cups of Tango Ice Blast a day and on hot days it’s beyond 50. Our shoppers are very value conscious, though so we’ve been careful with the pricing, we’ve kept the price at £3 for a small cup and £4 for a largeThecup.”store’s value for money focus is also highlighted by its vast array of special offers and deals.
“Premier offers some of the best deals and low prices in the market and our shoppers know that,” he explains. “Since the refit we are seeing more and more of them coming to us for things like chilled foods and BWS as they know they can get a great deal locally and don’t need to spend time and money driving to the supermarket.”Thestore’shit range of American
confectionery has also been extended, in line with demand from its local teen shoppers. A new free-to-use cash machine has been fitted in the store’s exterior wall to help improve access to cash. Flashy fixtures and radiant ranges aside, Jas says that it’s his hard-working team of loyal, local staff of whom he’s most proud.
There’s no doubt that the turnaround has been a spectacular one. “Sales since we re-opened the store have been huge and are now £35,000 a week” Jas says. “Shoppers have been blown away by the change, jaws dropped when we first opened and we are still getting such positive feedback now.
Recognising the opportunities offered by the profitable BWS category, alcohol lines were also extended, with best-selling categories such as spirits and beer given more space. “Alcohol is one of our bestperforming categories,” says Jas “and since the refit, we now take around £1,500 on alcohol each day on the weekend. Sales of larger and cider multi-packs in particular are seeing very solid growth, especially over the summer months and we expect that trend to keep on climbing as we head into the autumn months and all their seasonal
Shoppers are overjoyed with the new range and the overall look, they all comment on how clean and fresh and cool it is in here.
Sub-zerosales
Shoppers are rekindling their relationships with the freezer and providing Premier retailers with cool opportunities to drive sales and profits.
“As part of our recent store refurbishment we’ve doubled our frozen food offer. Frozen has really taken off since the start of this year and especially in recent months. It offers great value for shoppers but its long shelf-life also means that frozen really appeals to shoppers who like to buy it when they can and save it up for the end of the week or month when cash is becoming tighter. Shoppers round here don’t have a lot to spare, they buy what they can afford from week to week and Premier’s £5 frozen meal deal is incredibly popular for that reason.”
he popularity of the frozen fixture in Premier stores has grown and grown in recent times with household penetration and sales both soaring. The market has grown by some £2.4bn since 2005 with some categories such as ice cream having more than doubled in value, according to the British Frozen Food Federation’s (BFFF) 2022 Frozen Food Report.
T
The popularity of frozen foods growth in the last couple of years and with the current pressure on shoppers’ budgets the category is fast-becoming a shop-floor saviour.
The BFFF Report reveals that the frozen category has emerged from the recent challenges “in better shape than ambient and chilled food” with the overall value of the market up by a huge 13.2% on pre-pandemic levels.
44 TalkingShop September 2022 foodMinimisedshelfLonglifewasteGreatvalueAttractyoungershoppers
FEATURE | Frozen
RETAILER VIEW
SHARLIE PATEL Nash’s Premier Jaywick, Clacton-on-Sea
What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk September 2022 TalkingShop 45
Premier has added 16 new lines to its frozen range to help retailers capitalise on the growth of the frozen category.
OneDeals.such retailer is Jas Singh, of Premier Cefn Hengoed. Jas recently invested in an extra freezer for frozen foods, “as that’s what local shoppers were asking for”.
Or, ‘Buy any 2 Birds Eye Crispy Chicken Grills or Dippers, a pack of Birds Eye Potato Waffles (567g) and either a Pack of Classic Chock Sticks or Classic Strawberry Cones for just
NEW FROZEN LINES
MEALMIGHTYDEALS
Premier retailers currently have access to a range of Frozen Meal Deals including ‘Buy 2 Chicago Town Takeaway Pizzas and 4x100ml Cadbury Buttons Cones for £5’
All£5’.Meal Deals also offer retailers a Birds Eye Cod Fish Fingers WSP: £26.19 RSP: £5.50 POR: 20.6% Birds Eye 22 Chicken Dippers WSP: £20.59 RSP: £3.25 POR: 20.8% Birds Eye WSP:VegetablesMixed£11.99RSP:£1.00POR:25.1% Magnum Mini 6pk WSP: £15.89 RSP: £3.99 POR: 20.3% Solero Exotic 3pk WSP: £14.99 RSP: £2.25 POR: 20.05% Kelly’s ClottedCornishCreamWSP:£11.99RSP:£3.00POR:20.1% Walls Twister 8pk WSP: £8.19 RSP: £2.09 POR: 21.6% Walls Max Mini Calippo 6pk WSP: £9.49 RSP: £2.50 POR: 24.1% CadburyWSP:BlastCrunchie3pk£15.99RSP:£3.00POR:20.1% Carte Dor Vanilla WSP: £12.99 RSP: £3.50 POR: 25.7% Mars Ice Cream 4pk WSP: £15.59 RSP: £2.09 POR: 25.4% Cadbury Dairy Milk Vanilla Ice Cream 3pk WSP: £15.99 RSP: £3.00 POR: 20.1% Nestlé Fab Strawberry Fruity Lollies 6pk WSP: £11.19 RSP: £2 25 POR: 25.4% Ben & Jerry’s Caramel Chew Chew, Netflix & WSP:Chill’d£22.29RSP:£4.25POR:21.3% Walls Cornetto 6pk WSP: £11.89 RSP: £2.99 POR: 20.4% POR of 20%. NEWLINES 16
“From students to young families, you can’t argue with the great value that Premier’s Frozen Meal Deals offer,” he says.
With many UK shoppers keeping an eagle-eye on spending, Premier retailers are also reporting strong take-up for the group’s Frozen Meal
REFRESHINGTHE TASTEITALIAN PERONI NASTRO AZZURRO 6 X 4PK X M278717330ML REFRESHING
FREEZER MUST STOCKS
Party Ice Cubes
B&J Phish Food Ice Cream RSP: £4.25 POR: 21.3%
Cornetto Strawberry RSP: £1.50 POR: 29.0%
Walls Feast RSP: £1.15 POR: 31.5%
Walls Calippo Orange RSP: £1.20 POR: 32.1%
Classic Van IC Tub PM225 RSP: £2.25 POR: 31.4%
Cornetto Classico RSP: £1.50 POR: 29.0%
Walls Solero Exotic RSP: £1.50 POR: 31.9%
Clas Xtra ChocVan Cone PM100 RSP: £1.00 POR: 34.1%
Magnum Classic Ice Cream RSP: £3.20 POR: 41.5%
Classic Strw&Cr IC Tub PM225 RSP: £2.25 POR: 31.4%
It’s not just frozen’s low-cost credentials that are driving its growing popularity. The longer shelf life and ability for shoppers to use just what they need also lend frozen foods some serious brownie points when it comes to reducing household food waste –another key concern for today’s shoppers.
B&J Choc Fudge Brownie IC RSP: £4.25 POR: 21.3%
Just ask Premier retailer Sharlie Patel of Nash’s Premier in Jaywick, Clacton-onSea: “Frozen has really taken off since the start of this year and especially in recent months. Its long shelf life means that frozen really appeals to shoppers who like to buy it when they can and save it up for the end of the week or month when cash is becoming tighter”.
Classic Wht Chc Stk IC PM75 RSP: £0.75 POR: 40.1%
Classic Choc Cone IC PM75 RSP: £0.75 POR: 40.1%
Walls Magnum White Chocolate RSP: £2.00 POR: 31.6%
Classic Milk Chc Stk IC PM75 RSP: £0.75 POR: 40.1%
B&J Cookie Dough IC RSP: £4.25 POR: 21.3%
Classic Orange Pop Up PM60 RSP: £0.60 POR: 40.1%
Classic Almond Stk IC PM75 RSP: £0.75 POR: 40.1%
Premier recommends the following 30 lines as must stocks for all Premier stores.
Cad Flake 99 Cone RSP: £1.80 POR: 30.6%
Premier has just bolstered its impressive ice cream range with 12 new lines including Cadbury Dairy Milk Sticks which have an RSP of £3 and offer a POR of 20.1%. The Premier range also includes 30 “Must Stock” ice cream lines to help retailers drive sales and margins.
Magnum White Choc Cookie RSP: £1.90 POR: 28.0%
– especially within ice cream and other on-trend categories such as meat-free and smoothie mixers. Feedback from Premier retailers suggests these types of innovations are also helping to attract new younger shoppers into the category, which historically has tended to attract a higher proportion of elderly shoppers and young families.
CREAM OF THE CROP
Classic App&Bl Pop Up PM60 RSP: £0.60 POR: 40.1%
Classic Choc IC Tub PM225 RSP: £2.25 POR: 31.4%
Walls Magnum Classic RSP: £2.00 POR: 31.6%
Ice cream is the largest single category in frozen, worth £1.3bn to retailers and accounting for 18.6% of their overall frozen food sales according to The British Frozen Food Federation’s Frozen Food 2022
September 2022 TalkingShop 47
Classic Mini Ast Stick PM200 RSP: £2.00 POR: 31.5%
Classic S/bry Cone IC PM75 RSP: £0.75 POR: 40.1%
Classic Car&Van IC Tub PM225 RSP: £2.25 POR: 31.4%
Walls Twister RSP: £1.20 POR: 31.5%
The rise in flexible working is also behind the current rise in sales, with time-pressed home-workers increasingly opting for the freezer and boosting the lunchtime occasion in particular, according to the BFFF. In fact, the market for savoury frozen (as defined by Birds Eye) is currently 11% bigger than it was in 2019, with £400m of additional Retail Sales Value generated and the average household spending £25 more a year on the category.
RSP: £1.69 POR: 44.3%
Classic Mint Cone IC PM75 RSP: £0.75 POR: 40.1%
have “boomed” of late and are currently up 22.7% since 2019, equivalent to £248m.
“Ice cream has been flying from the freezers for the past two years, as out-of-home occasions have shifted inside the home and more shoppers have sought to treat themselves,” the report says.
WIN-WIN
Categoryreport.sales
Bolstering the category’s kudos yet further has also been a flood of innovation
Classic Trop Stick IC PM75 RSP: £0.75 POR: 40.1%
Products, including Kershaws Beef Dinner, Chicken Dinner, Chicken Curry, Fish and Chips and many more, are all available in £2 price-marked packs, and as part of a ‘Any 2 for £3’ offer. Meals also offer retailers a POR of 22.3%.
New products from Big Night In favourite Ben & Jerry’s include 465g tubs of its popular ‘Netflix and Chillld’ and ‘Caramel Chew Chew’ variants – both of which offer retailers sweet PORs of more than 20%. Indulgent single-serve sticks from the likes of Magnum and Solero are also available.
EVERYDAY HEROES
Among these new products are 20 Birds Eye Cod Fish Fingers, which are available for retailers to buy in 6-packs of 560g for a WSP of £26.19. With an RSP of £5.40, these frozen family favourites also serve up a POR of 20.6% for retailers.
to its Frozen Food Report 2022, this sterling sales performance has been driven by frozen pizza and poultry, as well as a “boom in sales of plant-based products” which have also achieved 16.8% growth since 2019.
FREEZER HOT SPOTS
The remaining 18% of frozen plantbased sales is made up of conventional “veg says.products,forward”theBFFF
Premier’s focus on Every Day Low Price (EDLP) is also helping retailers offer their cash-conscious shoppers an array of great-value frozen meal options, including an array of lines from the Kershaws brand.
Meat-free sausages and burgers that have been formulated to mimic the taste and mouthfeel of real meat are particularly significant for the frozen plant-based sector, accounting for 82% of sales.
Savoury frozen foods have witnessed a very hot sales rise of 19.8% equivalent to £237.4m, since 2019 the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF)
Premier was quick to recognise this increasingly important opportunity and is helping retailers to make even more of the decidedly cool frozen category by expanding its already strong frozen offer with 16 new lines.From quality mains to iced delights from big name brands including Birds Eye and Carte D’or, the new lines have been carefully curated to help retailers offer their shoppers even-tastier meal solutions whatever the time of day or occasion.
And with no meal truly complete without a sweet ending, Premier retailers also have access to a raft of new frozen desserts including tub ice creams from the Kelly’s, Carte D’or and Ben & Jerry’s brands.
Accordingsays.
Further new savoury meal
BIGGER RANGE
solutions sure to appeal to the whole family include packs of 22 Birds Eye Chicken Dippers. Made with 100% chicken breast and with no artificial colours or preservatives, retailers can buy them in case sizes of 8x403g for £20.59. Sold at the RSP of £3.25, the packs offer retailers a POR of 20.8%.
What are your views?
Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk September 2022 TalkingShop 49
Alongside these exciting new lines, Premier retailers have access to 30 muststock lines to help them drive those allimportant sales. The vast majority of these lines offer retailers PORs of more than 30% while over a third offer PORs of more than 40%, also helping retailers to post hot profits.
50 TalkingShop September 2022
“There are very clear trends in wine that change and grow over time,” says Mark. “And it’s our job to make sure that Booker retailers have exactly the right range available to them so that they can offer shoppers precisely they are looking for.”
Like many products in independent retailing, wine is a constantly evolving category with clear, discernible trends. By following these trends, retailers have the best possible chance of maximising footfall, sales and profits.
Uncork
FEATURE | Wine
W
It’s certainly not a one-size-fits-all
new sales with wine
Oldfield, the team lives and breathes wine and is perfectly placed to offer Premier retailers simple, effective advice to making sure that the range on their shelves is meeting the demands of today’s shoppers.
Taking a fresh look at your wine range could help drive new footfall, sales and profits in a hugely important category. Talking Shop is here to help.
ine is a massively important category in Premier stores, but it can also be a complex and at times confusing category to manage with so many products available and so many types of wine on the market.Wine is an important category in Premier stores but it can also be a complex category to manage with so many products available and so many types of wine on the market. That’s why it can be helpful to draw on the experience of experts in the wine trade, people like Booker’s wine-buying team who have between them more than 60 years of experience.Headed up by Category Lead Mark
MAKE MORE OF AUSTRALIAN WINES
Australian wines tend to offer that sweeter taste profile which a growing number of shoppers are looking for these days. They also tend to be more robust in terms of price and availability, which is key.
What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk September 2022 TalkingShop 51
“We recently did a trial with a Premier retailer where we took 57 SKUs out of his wine range and then gave two or three facings to his best-sellers. The result? Sales went up 17%.
“It’s tempting to think that offering a huge range of wines is necessarily a good thing but it can often lead to a situation where the vast choice is overwhelming for the shopper. If you make it simple and stick to great brands at good value prices, you could find that shoppers enjoy the experience more and your footfall, sales and profits grow as a consequence.”
When it comes to the importance of meeting all key price points to meet different shoppers needs, Mark highlights how price is obviously front-of-mind for shoppers at the moment so it’s more important than ever before for retailers to have a good offer across each of the key price brackets. However, says Mark, it’s critical that Premier retailers don’t lose sight of the huge opportunity
BIG PICTURE
While the Premier wine promotions are clearly extremely powerful in growing sales, the biggest volumes are actually driven at slightly higher price points. Mark comments: “The entry level price bracket of around £5 or £6 is typically where Premier retailers will see most of the promotions – and those promotions are clearly very effective. But what retailers might want to note is that it’s at the £6 to £8 price point.”
In other words, a great place to start when analysing your current wine range is at this £6 to £8 level. “It’s so important for retailers to have the right offering of key brands in and around this price bracket,” says Mark. “The promotional lines will sell well, we know that, but to a certain extent they take care of themselves. Retailers will continue to see strong ‘2 for £10 and ‘2 for £12’ promotions on key brands throughout the year which really do help to drive footfall and profits.
PREMIUM MATTERS
Australia is the biggest country in terms of sales volume so it’s really important that Premier retailers have a good core Australian offering across each of the price brackets.
Another important message from Mark and his team is that less can often be more. Decluttering the range and making it easier for shoppers to make a choice can have a huge impact on sales. “Having too many single facings can be a real problem,” he says. “To shoppers, a display with too many single facings just looks like a wall of bottles.”
approach, as Mark explains: “We tailor the range and the offering to specifically meet the needs of Premier retailers and their shoppers.”
Australian wines don’t really struggle with some of supply challenges that other countries such as France and New Zealand can, which helps to keep prices low and availability high.
“But it’s at the next level up that retailers can really make a difference to their wine sales by stocking the right brands and the right products. Brands like Jam Shed and 19 Crimes have experienced phenomenal growth and they’re massively on-trend at the moment.”
LESS IS MORE
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l Delist lines that aren’t working to make space for big sellers.
l Have at least two or three facings of your best-selling wines.
RANGE
l Sweeter wines are on trend, so try to reflect this in your range. Australian wines are a great option.
If you would like to refresh your wine range to make sure that your offer is in line with the latest shopper trends, Mark and his team offer the following advice:
l You could try creating a dedicated promotional bay where you site all your promotional wines together.
Premium wines will be particularly important as Christmas approaches and shoppers look to trade up to something a little more special to celebrate the festive season.
This trend lends itself to Australian wines and Mark encourages retailers to make more of Australian wines in their stores.
MERCHANDISING
What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk September 2022 TalkingShop 53
l Follow the RSPs.
l Focus on the brands that sell.
l Offer a solid range across the key price points.
that still exists in premium wines. He says: “Despite the pressures shoppers are facing, premium-priced products remain key. We think that premium wines will continue to motor over the coming months. That’s why we have also been very working really hard to introduce more premium-priced products to close that important £8 to £10 gap.”
In terms of flavour trends, Mark says there is one trend that’s more noticeable than all the rest: a move towards wines with sweeter taste profiles. “That’s another reason why the Jam Shed brand is turning the dial at the moment,” he says.
l Run the Premier promotions and support them with displays in prominent sites in your store like gondola ends.
WINE: TOP TIPS
l Having the right range will drive more sales than simply having a big range.
l Chill all white and rosé wines, where possible.
TREND WATCH
l Why not create dedicated seasonal displays for major promotional periods like Christmas if you have the space?
And if you are looking to add a low or no alcohol wine to your range, Mark suggests that McGuigan Zero is a safe bet. He explains: “McGuigan Zero is one of the better-flavoured no alcohol wines. It really stands up well. There’s also a really good no alcohol sparkling wine available from Booker too called Nozeco which is a great option as an alcohol-free alternative to Prosecco.”
Another key trend to keep an eye on is the continued growth of the low and no alcohol wine category. “Low to no alcohol products are flying and wine is certainly no exception,” says Mark. “They’re growing at around 900% year on year!”
There’s no doubt Exclusive products are a hit across many categories in Premier stores and that also applies in wine. Mark comments: “We will be securing even more premium,
mid-level and entry-level price point wines and we are sourcing much more from across the Group to help us do just that. We’ve already seen some fantastic Tesco brands start to come into Booker recently, including an Italian Pinot Grigio and Italian Rosé under the Caparelli brand, which is now a Booker Exclusive.”
“Australia is the biggest country in terms of sales volume so it’s really important that Premier retailers also have a good core Australian offering across each of the price brackets,” he advises.
“Australian wines tend to offer that sweeter taste profile which a growing number of shoppers are looking for these days. They also tend to be more robust in terms of price and availability, which is key.”
What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk September 2022 TalkingShop 55
EXCLUSIVE OFFERS
We tailor the range and the offering to specifically meet the needs of Premier retailers and their shoppers. Mark Oldfield, Wine Category Lead {}
that you stock a strong range of the bestselling Over the Counter (OTC) medicines is critical in maximising footfall, sales and profits not just in winter time but all year round.
56 TalkingShop September 2022
ith shoppers arguably more health thanwellness-consciousandever,ensuring
time
FEATURE | OTC Medicines
OTC medicines typically offer very strong PORs, often in excess of 50%, so it makes sense to take a fresh look at your range to make sure you have all the important bases covered.
W
Medication
If you want to truly take your medicine sales to the next level, however, it’s worth considering learning from fellow Premier retailers who have placed their medicines onto the main shop floor and seen sales surge.
OTC medicines can be a great source of footfall, sales and profits but bringing medicines out onto the shop floor can help really grow the category.
Case size: 6x16s WSP: £16.49
What are your views? Email
Galpharm Paracetamol Capsules
Case size: 10x16pk WSP: £4.49 RSP: £1.19 POR: 54.72%
Case size: 8x24pk WSP: £11.79
Anadin Extra Case size: 12x16pk WSP: £19.19 RSP: £2.65 POR: 27.58%
Case size: 6x7pk WSP: £17.69 RSP: £5.75 POR: 38.50%
Galpharm Ibuprofen Caplets
Calpol Six Plus Bottle Case size: 6x80ml WSP: £16.29 RSP: £4.69 POR: 30.53%
Case size: 8x24pk WSP: £11.79
Case size: 8x16pk WSP: £4.49 RSP: £0.99 POR: 31.97%
RSP: £2.55 POR: 30.65%
Case size: 6x16pk WSP: £25.99
Case size: 12x14pk WSP: £19.99
RSP: £0.99 POR: 50.00%
Premier recommends the following range as ideal to meet the majority of shopper requirements:
RSP: £2.89 POR: 30.80%
RSP: £4.55 POR: 27.50%
Case size: 6x10pk WSP: £12.35 RSP: £3.39 POR: 27.14%
Panadol Advance Tablets
Nuromol Tabs Paracetamol
Galpharm Paracetamol Caplets
OPEN DISPLAY
Calpol Infant 2+ Months Bottle
Nuromol Tabs Ibuprofen
RSP: £4.25 POR: 28.52%
Case size: 12x16s WSP: £4.95
REFRESHED RANGE
To get maximum value from the category however, it’s vital to list the bestselling lines and deliver both quality and value for shoppers. Booker has recently refreshed its range of OTC medicines to ensure that Premier retailers have access to precisely the right range to meet the needs of the vast majority of shopper requirements, whether that’s hayfever or allergies, summer colds, sore throats or child-specific remedies like Calpol.
The refreshed range includes popular key brands such as Nurofen, Piriteze, Strepsils and Panadol, all delivering premium products at great value prices. Critically, the range also delivers fantastic PORs for retailers.
Nurofen tablets, for example, deliver PORs in excess of 34%, as do Panadol Advance Tablets.
Case size: 6x100ml WSP: £15.59 RSP: £4.49 POR: 30.56%
Galpharm Ibuprofen Capsules
Nurofen Express Liquid Caps
Case size: 6x6s WSP: £15.00 RSP: £4.15 POR: 27.71%
RSP: £2.55 POR: 30.65%
Panadol Extra Advance Tablet
“We were keen to find out what would happen when we sited medicines on open display on the shop floor,” says Justin. “We placed the fixture right next to the till so that the team could keep an eye on it and could hardly believe how well that worked. Sales, footfall and profits grew, and the category has become much more important to us as a result. I would definitely encourage other Premier retailers to try it. It can transform the category for you.”
Case size: 12x16pk WSP: £13.99
RSP: £3.49 POR: 25.50%
RSP: £2.15 POR: 34.90%
Case size: 12x12pk WSP: £17.59 RSP: £2.69 POR: 34.61%
Imodium Capsules
Piriteze Allergy Tablets
Case size: 12x16s WSP: £4.62 RSP: £0.99 POR: 53.33%
Nurofen Tablets
Rennie Spearmint
Strepsils Honey & Lemon
Lemsip Cold/Flu Caps Max Strength
Case size: 6x12pk WSP: £15.19
Case size: 6x12pk WSP: £15.19 RSP: £4.25 POR: 28.52%
Despite the category being named ‘over the counter’, retailers like Justin Whittaker have seen huge success from moving their range of medicines out from behind the till onto the floor where shoppers can browse, take their time and, ultimately, buy more.
Galpharm Paracetamol 500mg Case size: 12x16pk WSP: £3.99 RSP: £0.99 POR: 59.70%
Rennie Peppermint
talkingshop@booker.co.ukRecommendedRange
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STARSFLOORSHOP
l Sit the medicines fixture near the tillpoint to allow your team to keep a close eye on it.
l Encourage your team to highlight the fixture to shoppers who may be looking for medicines behind the till.
PARVINDER KLAIR Premier PK Glenside, Surfleet, Spalding
What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk September 2022 TalkingShop 59
By siting medicines on open display on the shop floor, Premier retailers can give shoppers the time and space they need to make informed purchasing decisions, often leading to bigger basket spends. Here are some top tips on moving your medicines from behind the counter onto the shop floor:
l Stock the bestselling, most popular products as prominently as possible –ideally at eye level.
l Offer a good mix of premium and value products to cater for every budget.
l Keep the fixture well stocked and check it regularly.
THE MARKETOTC
Leading OTC medicines company Reckitt offers the following market information and advice to ensure retailers are offering the right range to meet the needs of the majority of shoppers:
l Proactive shoppers will look after their own health to minimise the risk of becoming unwell.
l Reactive will be the main contributor to category growth in the next three years, delivering an additional £420m of spend between 2022 and 2024.
l Reactive shoppers will treat symptoms when they suffer or when they know they are likely to suffer.
For shoppers looking to minimise their spend, Premier also offers a range of outstanding value products from Galpharm which offer retailers PORs of up to 59.7%, while allowing shoppers to pick up a 16-pack of ibuprofen, for instance, for just 99p.
“As the only store in the village, medicines are an sellcategoryimportantforus.Wequiteawiderange of various painkillers for adults and children plus hay fever remedies and plasters, which are quite important around here and often bought by tourists and especially hikers. The same is true for cold and flu remedies and medicines for stomach upsets.
RETAILER VIEW
l 80% of the population will try OTC medicines first before seeking professional help.
l Merchandise the range in logical groupings: allergies, sore throats, pain relief, children’s medicines and so on, to make it easy for your shoppers to find what they need.
l Shoppers tend to be either proactive or reactive when it comes to looking after their self care needs.
l The reactive category is three times larger than the proactive category with a 77% market share.
FOOTFALL FAVOURITES
By stocking a strong range of medicines, Premier retailers can give their shoppers the confidence they need to visit your store in times of minor distress, safe in the knowledge that they will find a product to help alleviate their ailments and help them get on with their lives. And who knows, they might also pick up another product or two while they are there.
l The three reactive categories which will deliver 69% of that growth are: seasonal medicines, gastrointestinal medicines and pain relief medicines
l Be sure to list premium products to drive bigger sales and bigger cash profits.
l Reactive shoppers have 93% penetration, an annual visit frequency of 17.3, spend £3.67 per trip and £1.69bn a year in total.
^Retailers are free to set their own prices
get to Know the category
how to drive your Sugar bag SaleShow to drive your Sugar bag SaleS
Sugar Bags are 61% of all sugar confectionery sales, so are the largest Sugar segment. This makes it a key focus to drive sales in your store. Sugar Bags are growing and driving the sector growth* Shopper frequency and occasion are up, driven by 'Big Night In' 69% of Sugar Bags shoppers are female and bags are mainly incremental to singles** 43% of the Sugar Bags growth is from Vegan and Halalproducts*approved top tipS to drive Sugar bag SaleS 1. Make sure you are driving sales by signposting 'BIG NIGHT IN', and create a bundlesharingdeal 3. Ensure you are sweetsdifferentstockingtypesoffromhardtosofttoappealtoallyourshoppers 2. 75% of Sugar Bag sales price-markedarepack-Driveshopperpurchasebyhighlightingtheseinstore* 4. Excite thestockingshoppersyourbythelatestnewproductsandbiggestbrands drive big SaleS with Sugar Sharing bagS StocK the beSt SellerS Clearly Merchandise Your Display Separate Sugar and Chocolate Bags to make shopping easy for your customers ChocolateBags Group toonBestSegmentbyBlockbyBrandSellersBestShelvesAlignSpaceSharetoSalesMerchandisingCandyBags Principles Top Selling Sugar Bags in Independent and Symbol Stores* *Indies & Symbol, Standard Candy, Value Sales, MAT 06/11/2021 **Kantar Worldpanel, Total Candy Bags, 52w, w/e 21.03.21 M259834 M213648 M144696M213646M259826M145569 M259833 M265946 M259822 M269488
Source: (1) AC Nielsen, Total GB, MAT volume sales, week ending 26/02/2022 (2) Kantar, FY 2021, CCZS recruited shoppers, having not drunk CCZS in the prior 12 months*GB, 18+. Purchase a promotional pack & enter pin code under ring pull /under label in downloaded Coke App. Open [09:00 30/05/2022- 09:00 29/08/2022]. Further purchases required for additional entries. Regular draws available or App Instant win. Tier 1 Draw Prizes (end date in App) incl: 375 x pairs/sets (3 people) of festival tickets, 200 x Ticketmaster Vouchers (£250 each). App Instant win prizes via winning moments incl: 300 x bluetooth speakers, 200 x sports cameras, 300 x Bluetooth headphones, 300 x headphones & 300 x music streaming vouchers (£20). Winning moments roll over if not claimed. Not all prizes may be won. Epic Prize Draws from all valid entries throughout promotional period (dates in App) across 8 draws incl: 16 x 3 tickets to a European music festival and 1 x Music Experience for 3 people. Max 2 Instant win App wins/person & Max 91 entries to the draw throughout the promotional period. 1 win/person/prize type. Mop Up draw for 1 x headphone set 09:00 29/08- 17:00 29/09/22. Excl. apply. Full T&Cs: coca-cola.co.uk/app/screentime. Promoter: Coca-Cola GB SUBSCRIPTIONSGADGETSFESTIVALS SCAN TO ORDER YOUR FREE POS KITCoca-Cola Zero Sugar new2.5Mrecruitedhasovershopperstothebrand Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is the No.1 fastest growing Cola Brand(1)recruitedhasoverthebrand PMP COKE ZERO 500ML M274676 PMP COKE ZERO CHERRY500ML M274675 PMP COCA-COLA CLASSIC 500ML M274687
Case size: 8x 1.5ltr
RSP: £8.49
POR: 30.3%
WSP: £31.85
WSP: £7.85
POR: 30.3%
WSP: £37.45
RSP: £10.99
d’AgdeRoseCalvetCap
RSP: £7.99
POR: 22.4%
A selection of key products that will deliver for you in-store
RSP: £10.99
RSP: £1.69
WSP: £30.99
Jack’s Apple SquashBlackcurrant&PM169
Case size: 6x 75cl
Case size: 8x 1.5ltr
WSP: £7.85
BlancSauvignonCoveWairau
Jack’s Orange Squash PM 169
Case size: 8x 1.5ltr
WSP: £7.85
POR: 30.3%
WSP: £37.45
POR: 25%
GrigioItalianFreixenetPinot
POR: 25.8%
POR:RSP:WSP:
RSP: £1.69
£10.99£37.4525.8%
New Products
Case size: 6x 75cl
Case size: 6x 75cl
Case size: 6x 75cl
ItalianFreixenetRose
RSP: £1.69
POR: 25.8%
Jack’s Lemon Squash PM 169
MORE60%THANANNUALINCREMENTALROSÉGROWTH AVERAGE SPEND 60% MORE DARK FRUIT THAN FLAVOUREDMAINSTREAMCATEGORY MORE DOUBLETHAN ORIGINAL THE AVERAGE SPEND PER BUYER VS TOP COMPETITOR ON THE NATION’S FAVOURITE ENJOY STRONGBOW RESPONSIBLY favourite cider brand SOURCE: BBPA DATA UP TO THE END OF AUGUST 2021 & AGENCY DATA TO 11th september 2021 ROSE and Original SOURCE: KANTAR WORLDPANEL, 52 W.E. 11TH JULY 2021 dark fruit SOURCE: KANTAR WORLDPANEL, TOTAL GB OFF-TRADE, 52 W.E. 11TH JULY 2021 CIDER BRAND
September 2022 TalkingShop 65 What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk
HUN Fairtrade Rose
Case size: 12 x 20cl
WSP: £16.99
RSP: £7.79
WSP: £16.99
Case size: 12 x 500ml
POR: 39.0%
RSP: £2.50
RSP: £2.50
Case size: 12 x 20cl
WSP: £16.99
RSP: £2.00
WSP: £10.39
POR: 45.1%
RSP: £1.39
WSP: £8.35
Case size: 12 x 500ml
WSP: £10.99
POR: 32.0%
Case size: 12 x 20cl
HUN MoscatoBubblesRose
POR: 32.0%
POR: 39.0%
POR: 32.0%
UltraMonsterRosaPMP
EXCLUSIVEBOOKERGROUP IT’SWHENGONE,IT’SGONE EXCLUSIVEGROUPTESCOPACKDESIGN
POR: 20.0%
HUN BlancSauvignonFairtrade
UltraMonsterBlackPMP
WSP: £8.35
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Kate Moss & Diet Coke 12-pack
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Case size: 12 x 20cl
Case size: 2 x 12 x 330ml
Meet The Team | Mark Oldfield, Category Lead Wine & RTDs
Say Hello To: Mark Oldfield
66 TalkingShop September 2022
In this issue we catch up with Mark Oldfield, Premier’s Category Lead for Wine and RTDs, to find out what he and his team have been working on and what’s coming down the track in these important categories.
There are four category managers in our fantastic team, of which I am the lead. We split responsibilities across the major suppliers and that covers product listings, range, promotions, pricing and availability, so we have quite a broad remit!
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Australia is the biggest country in terms of sales volume so it’s really important that Premier retailers have a good core Australian offering across each of the price
Australianbrackets.winestend to offer that sweeter taste profile which a growing number of shoppers are looking for these days.
However, it’s really important for retailers to note that despite the cost-of-living crisis, premium-priced products remain key. That’s why we have also been very working really hard to introduce more
DESCRIBE YOUR CAREER JOURNEY UP UNTIL NOW?
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT THE KEY FUNCTIONS OF YOUR ROLE?
WHAT KEY TRENDS ARE DRIVING WINE SALES AT THE MOMENT?
A key priority is maximising availability and mitigating cost price
They also tend to be more robust in terms of price and availability, which is key.
Australian wines don’t really struggle with some of supply challenges that other countries such as France and New Zealand can, which helps to keep prices low and availability high.
There are three key things: the first one being that every day is different. There’s no set timetable, it varies throughout the day, week and year. Sometimes the role is office-based, sometimes I’m out in the field visiting retailers and sometimes I’m visiting suppliers and getting insights and information from them, so it’s really broad.
WHAT IS THE MAIN FOCUS OF ACTIVITY IN YOUR DEPARTMENT AT THE MOMENT?
The second thing is the retailers themselves. They really keep you on your toes! Getting to spend time with retailers in their stores is something I love and fortunately since lockdown restrictions have eased I’ve been able to get back to doing that a lot this year.
MAKE MORE OF AUSTRALIAN WINES
September 2022 TalkingShop 67 What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk
I took up the post of Category Lead for Wine and RTDs a year ago, but I’ve been at Booker for 16 years and have worked across grocery, catering and now wine and RTDs, so I have a really good understanding of the business. Ten years prior to that, I started my career at an independent cash and carry in the Midlands. I progressed from the ground up, from checkouts to supervisor, then duty manager before moving into the buying team. My early years have proved invaluable as they meant that I’ve seen almost every facet of the business.
WHAT’S THE BEST BIT ABOUT YOUR JOB?
Having too many single facings can be a real problem. To shoppers, a display with too many single facings just looks like a wall of bottles, which can be really confusing. We recently did a trial with one Premier retailer where we took 57 SKUs out of his wine range and then gave two or three facings to his bestsellers. As soon as we stripped all those single facings out, in favour of three facings for the bestsellers and two facings for everything else, his sales went up 17%.
Price is currently front-of-mind for shoppers, meaning that it’s more important than ever before for retailers to have a good offer across each of the key price brackets. The entry level £5 to £6 price bracket is where you tend to get most of the promotions but £6 to £8 is where most of your volume sits, so it’s really important for retailers to have the right offering of key brands here. Jam Shed and 19 Crimes for example, are two brands that have experienced phenomenal growth and really driven the numbers this year.
premium-priced products to close that important £8 to £10 gap. Taste-wise, shoppers have started to move towards sweeter profiles – another reason why the Jam Shed brand is turning the dial at the moment.
The third thing is my team. They are an incredible bunch of truly dedicated people who between them have more than 60 years of wine-buying experience, so they certainly know their stuff!
The entry level £5 to £6 price bracket is where you get most of the promotions but £6 to £8 is where most of your volume sits, so it’s important for retailers to have the right offering of key brands here.
WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE RETAILERS FACE WITH WINE?
l If you have additional space, where you can create an exciting display for one of the big promotions, such as at Christmas, then do so!
l A nice off-shelf display of all the deals together will help to drive sales and profits.
MARK’S TOP TIPS
Seasonal events are really important in the wine category. We are currently working on the Christmas opportunity at the moment which is obviously a key one. Everyone wants to treat themselves at Christmas, so there is a huge opportunity for retailers to upsell more premium products. Sparkling products and red wines in particular will offer fantastic opportunities for retailers to grow sales and profits this Christmas.
Retailers will continue to see strong ‘2 for £10 and ‘2 for £12’ promotions on key brands throughout the year, which really do help to drive footfall and profits. With sweeter wines also making a comeback we will also be increasing our range on Jam Shed and 19 Crimes. Argentinian Malbec is still a really on-trend growth area too, so we’ll also be doing more work with brands such as Trivento.
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l Don’t be afraid of chopping out lines that aren’t working to make space for more facings of your top-sellers.
increases from the supply base and we’re working really hard with our suppliers to do this. Helping Premier retailers to develop their premium ranges will also be another big focus. Despite the cost-of-living crisis, wine is still a category that shoppers like to treat themselves with. We think that premium wines will continue to motor over the coming months as shoppers swap meals out for indulgent nights in with a premium bottle of wine. As a result, for Premier retailers, we will be focusing hard on strengthening that key £8 to £10 price-bracket.
The total low to no alcohol category is flying and wine is certainly no exception, growing at 900% year on year. For a retailer looking to enter the low to no wine category for the first time I would suggest keeping it small and simple to start with. Go for something like a McGuigan Zero which is one of the better-flavoured no alcohol wines. The low to no market has made some major improvements recently and some of these new products such as McGuigan Zero really stand up. For a no alcohol sparkling I’d also suggest stocking Nozeco.
We recently did a trial with a Premier retailer where we took 57 SKUs out of his wine range and then gave two or three facings to his best-sellers – his sales went up 17%.
HOW IS THE LOW TO NO WINE CATEGORY PERFORMING?
l Try to keep most, if not all, of your white wine and rosé chilled to make the most of the ‘drink now’ market.
l We recommend at least two or three facings of your best-selling SKUs.
l When it comes to wine, having the right range with more facings is key.
l Make sure you have a good solid offering across the key price points and follow the RSPs.
The other exciting thing to note is that in addition to all the great work we are doing on premium, we will also be securing even more entry-level price points and we are sourcing much more from across the group to help us do just that. We’ve already seen some fantastic Tesco brands start to come into Booker recently, including an Italian Pinot Grigio and Italian Rosé under the Caparelli brand, which is now a Booker Exclusive.
l Support promotions with gondola end displays.
September 2022 TalkingShop 69 What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk
WHAT ELSE CAN PREMIER RETAILERS LOOK FORWARD TO ON WINE?
TALK TO US ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED BY SEASONAL EVENTS?
With more than 500 Jack’s products coming online for Premier retailers, there’s a world of choice and value available so it makes sense to stock as many Jack’s lines as you can to maximise footfall, sales and profits.
OwnBrand
T
September 2022 TalkingShop 71
Back Jack’s for footfall, sales and profits!
he full rollout of the Jack’s brand is now well underway with more than 500 new Jack’s lines set to make their way onto the shelves of Premier stores. Jack’s is your new exclusive own brand range and will play a central role in helping Premier retailers differentiate themselves from the competition by offering their shoppers a fantastic quality range of products at outstanding value prices. So it’s a great opportunity to make the very most of this exciting new brand by stocking as many lines as you can and featuring them prominently throughout your store.
The vast majority of Jack’s lines deliver PORs in excess of 30% and retailer PORs are being maintained or improved on every single Jack’s line when compared to the outgoing own brand products they replace. Additionally, every product in the Jack’s range is HFSS compliant.
GO LARGE
store’s offer. To help you ensure that you are making the most of the Jack’s range we have listed 10 must-stock lines across 10 important categories.Theselines are already proving hugely successful and they truly are products that every Premier retailer should be stocking to help maximise footfall, sales and profits. Stock them as prominently as possible within the relevant fixture and give them plenty of space on shelf or in the chiller to attract attention and trigger bigger baskets.
With such an extensive range, Jack’s offers fantastic options in virtually every product category and feedback from both retailers and shoppers so far makes it very clear that the new range is a very welcome addition to a Premier
BetterService
Proud to stock Jack’s products�
T
he fresh fruit and veg category is now of fundamental importance to Premier retailers and is a category that has been in steady growth in independent retailing for many years. Having a strong range of great-quality, outstanding-value fresh products is now a must for stores looking to maximise footfall, sales and profits.
With fruit and veg a vitally important category for Premier retailers, a new regular Jack’s promotion is set to ensure retailers have a marketleading fresh offer to drive footfall and sales.
IDEAS TO THE
GIVE YOUR BUSINESS
A strong, well-presented fresh fruit and vegetable range can help unlock big basket spends as shoppers on a ‘meal for tonight’ mission can find everything they need for that night’s dinner, all in one place. Whether it’s spaghetti bolognese, chicken curry or any
EDGE 72 TalkingShop September 2022
GET FRESH
The promotion was created specifically in response to feedback from Premier retailers. With a brilliant fresh offer now critical in independent retailing, Premier retailers made it clear that they needed a powerful way to grow their fruit and veg sales – and Premier
The promotion will feature in all upcoming promotional periods with the products
The extensive range of Jack’s fresh fruit and vegetables that launched earlier this year has gone a long way to making that easier than ever for Premier retailers. A new rolling promotional programme, however, is set to help retailers take their fresh offer to an entirely new level.
has listened and responded.
The new regular promotion will offer Premier shoppers market-leading, attention-grabbing deals on four top-selling seasonal fruit and vegetable products every promotional period.
“From what we’ve seen of the Jack’s range so far, mostly in fresh produce, it’s an absolutely fantastic range. Shoppers have gotten used to it so quickly and easy to see why: it looks superb on the shelf, the product quality is genuinely outstanding and the value is exceptional. It’s everything that today’s shoppers are looking for and I’m looking forward to welcoming many more Jack’s products into the store in the very near future.”
In Promotional Period 6, for example, the promotion offered shoppers outstanding deals such as £1.99 for Jack’s Red and Green grapes, a saving of 60p on the RSP, and just 99p for Jack’s washed white potatoes, a saving of 30p on the RSP of £1.29.
number of other popular dishes, shoppers need to be confident that they can find the onions, tomatoes, garlic and more that they need to save them having to visit two or three stores or visit a supermarket which may be many miles away.
RETAILER VIEW
For shoppers, the promotion is equally attractive, offering Jack’s lemons 4-packs for just £1.09 and a 1kg bag of Jack’s cooking onions for just 65p. These represent savings of up to 30p on the RSP.
While these deals help deliver marketleading value for shoppers, they also delivered strong PORs of up to 25.25% for retailers.Similarly,
DENNIS WILLIAMS Premier EdinburghBroadway,
September 2022 TalkingShop 73
the Period 7 promotion, which runs from 31 August until 4 Oct, offers exceptional deals on best-selling seasonal fruit and vegetable products like cooking onions, red apples and lemons, all delivering a POR of 20% for retailers.
ROLLING PROGRAMME
*GB18+. Purchase promo 500ml, 2l, 8/10/12x330ml pack & enter pin code under cap/inside board in downloaded Coke App for chance to win fashion prizes, in weekly draws or Instant App wins, between 18.7-11.9.22. Not all prizes may be won. Max 2 instant win ents/pers/day & max 112 prize draw ents throughout the entire promo period. Max 1 win/pers/prize type. Mop Up draw for 1 x fashion prize 12.9-10.10.22 Excl. apply. Full T&Cs: coca-cola.co.uk/app/dietcoke. Promoter: Coca-Cola GB. © 2022 The Coca-Cola Company. All rights reserved. DIET COKE is a registered trade mark of The Coca-Cola Company. give your customers the chance to win the look they love 1,000s of prizes* selected by Kate Moss 40 years of refreshing breaks pack exclusivedesignto M243131
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Mandeepmost.Singh
Another retailer hugely impressed with the Jack’s fresh range is Justin Whittaker of MJ’s Premier in Royton, who has seen his shoppers respond extremely positively to the Jack’s range and, in particular to the Tesco branding. He said: “I was interested to see how my shoppers would respond to the
it has become clear that the quality of the Jack’s range is unquestionable. Feedback from both sides of the counter has made it obvious that the new, fast-expanding range of Jack’s lines is landing extremely well – and it’s the quality and freshness that seems to be impressing retailers and shoppers
With shopper deals as outstanding as those featured in the promotions, it’s a great opportunity for retailers use these free digital materials to drive footfall to their stores. And once your shoppers arrive to take advantage of the deals, there’s an outstanding opportunity to drive big basket spends and also increase visit frequency.
Thankfully,
Offering attention-grabbing deals to bring shoppers to your door is, however, only part of the story. Driving initial trial of the Jack’s range in general and the promotional products in particular is obviously key – but to generate those all-important repeat purchases, it’s quality and value that matters
While the POS packs will help make the promotion unmissable in-store, Premier will also create professionally designed, readymade social media posts which Premier retailers can easily use to highlight the deals to their shoppers online and on social media.
QUALITY COUNTS
FAMILY VALUES
featured evolving seasonally.
of Singh’s Premier in Sheffield told Talking Shop: “What I’m hearing from my shoppers most is that the quality of the Jack’s range is a clear step up on the products the new range replaced. The fruit and vegetable range in particular has been transformed. I’ve had so many shoppers tell me that not only are the products much better quality, they’re also fresher – and they stay fresh for longer. That’s what’s driving the repeat sales and that’s what’s making Jack’s such an important brand for Premier retailers.”
For every promotion, Premier retailers will receive a bespoke POS pack which features eye-catching materials including posters, shelf barkers and shelf-edge labels. This high quality POS features the critical ‘Part of the Tesco family’ message, which retailer feedback has made abundantly clear is highly valued by shoppers.
Müller 4 packs EDLP AddingTaste to Life DeliciousDessertTwin-pot4pack LOW FAT & SO MÜLLERLICIOUS! On Promotion in NP8, NP11 On Promotion in NP7, NP10, NP13 CrunchMüllerCornerM276473 M276562GreekMüllerlightStyleMüller M277524Rice M277835M276464FruitMüllerCornerCadburyHeroes Most of our products are made in Shropshire, in the heart of Britain using fresh milk from 1300 British farms ChocolateMüllerlightFixM271026
Tesco branding on-pack but I have to say it’s been overwhelmingly positive. That famous Tesco name gives them even more confidence in the products. We’ve had the Jack’s range in since it first launched and I have to say I’ve been really, really impressed, as have my shoppers.
“The Jack’s range is also extremely fresh and it stays fresh, which makes the fixture look great day after day and drives sales and profits. It’s all about shopper confidence in the fresh category so to have a fixture full of bright, attractive packs with really fresh, amazing quality products inside is just superb.”
“The products look great on shelf, the packaging is really strong and modern, and the pricing is spot on. Vitally, however, the quality is just fantastic. On the fresh lines, the quality is fantastic and that’s also what my shoppers are telling me. I’ve tried most of the lines myself and I would have to agree.
FRESH THINKING
September 2022 TalkingShop 77
FRESH DEALS: PERIOD 7 The promotion delivers top-selling fresh seasonal products at fantastic value pricing for shoppers. In Period 7, for example, which runs from 31 August until 4 Oct, the following deals are available: Product Pack size Promo Price RSP Shopper Deal POR Jack’s Cooking 1 x 1kg £0.52 £0.99 Only 65p 20% Jack’sOnionsSavoy 1 x Single £0.68 £1.19 Only 85p 20% Jack’sCabbageRed Apples 1 x 4pk £0.79 £1.19 Only 99p 20% Jack’s Lemons 1 x 4s £0.87 £1.49 Only £1.09 20% A full set of bespoke POS will be provided in your Period 7 packs to support the promotions, including eye-catching and sales-driving shelf barkers and SELs. Minimum20%POR Jack’s Savoy Jack’s Red
exceptionallylinesandreallyrangeTheeverycomingwithlines200nowexplains:Stockton-on-Tees“WehaveoverJack’sin-storemoreinwithdelivery.entirehasbeenwellreceivedthefruitandveghavebeensellingwell.“Thepromotionsinparticular have been massive for us. To be able to sell key products like apples and grapes at unbelievable prices has definitely helped drive footfall which then converts into bigger spends and bigger profits. Getting a minimum of 20% POR on the promoted lines is just fantastic too. This promotion is set to be a major success in the future, I believe, and it’s also helping drive trial of the Jack’s range in general.”
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the promotion has also gone down a storm with Premier retailers and shoppers, as Sag Patel of Premier Norton Road in
BetterService IDEAS TO GIVE YOUR BUSINESS THE EDGE 78 TalkingShop September 2022 Saveaddsavemoney,time,value
September 2022 TalkingShop 79
SAFFRON SOLUTIONS’BUSINESSOFFER
l Lifetime support whether you sign with Saffron or elsewhere.
1. You provide some basic information from a bill.
Saving money on energy and water bills has never been more critical for Premier retailers which is so many of them have turned to Saffron Business Solutions for expert, experienced support.
Helping Booker customers save £1,000s by switching their energy and water supplies since 2011.{ }
HOW DOES IT WORK?
deal can be a daunting task. This is why it is so important to work with an expert in the field, an expert that has worked with thousands of Booker customers in the last decade and more on securing contracts worth hundreds of thousands of pounds – and saving Premier retailers many thousands of pounds along the way.
ith the energy supply market in a state of flux the likes of which most retailers have probably never experienced before, it will be clear to all Premier retailers that securing the best possible deals on electricity, gas and water is more mission critical than it has ever been.
RETAILER VIEW
Saffron Director David Hawarth says: “We have been working with
“I have been using Saffron Business Solutions for the contracting of my business electricity and advice on a range of energy-related issues since 2011 for all retail sites in our group and I would recommend their excellent level of service to any business owner. Initially I saved a great deal of money by contracting my electricity supply through Saffron and I have recently undertaken our fourth renewal with them because, apart from their excellent service, I have not been able to beat the prices they have offered on
l Free advice on current supply.
W
electricityrenewal.”and
2. Saffron provides a solution tailored to your specific business.
3. You decide and then receive lifetime support.
l No obligation price comparison against your current supply.
l Single point of contact for all your requirements.
Possibly the major challenge for retailers is simply understanding the market in the first place, with so much change happening at once. Trying to find and secure the best
l Saffron handles all supplier switches with no disruption to your business.
Every penny that a retailer can save in cost is a penny that drops straight to the bottom line, which is why it could make sense to get in touch with Saffron Business Solutions.
RANJ HAYER, Premier Hayer’s Weston-super-MareStores,
Finally, thanks for continuing to support us and the 3,300 projects and charities that have already received funding through The Health Lottery, helping people in local communities live better and healthier lives.
Dear
Many thanks
Yours ComplianceJonathanfaithfullyPannamanManager
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exciting changes coming to The Health Lottery in the next few months! To make things simpler for you and your staff, we will be changing the age restriction on sales and prizes from 16+ to 18+ from 1st September 2022 in retail stores. This will ensure that we are aligned with our online platform, where players already have to be 18+ to take part in our range of games.
From September 2022, we will begin distributing new player facing POS items that will show the 18+ logo. These items will either be provided via a store visit from our Brand Ambassadors or by post. We request that you replace any items that you have showing 16+, with the new 18+ items as soon as you get them. Please also ensure that, where appropriate, staff are trained on the age change and that your till system is updated if you have an age verification process.
REFERRAL FOCUS
ENERGY
l Saffron’s partner has a support desk of its own and can speak directly to its service partner on any issues or queries that may arise.
WATER
l Working closely with a trusted service partner, Saffron will pass on your details to obtain a quote for you to consider.
l Saffron will help with the switching process and support, should you have any queries.
Booker customers since 2011 and in that time we’ve helped thousands of them save many thousands of pounds on contracts that are worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.
l With the help of a selected panel of providers, Saffron reviews your water supply and provides quotes suited to your business needs.
TELEPHONE AND BROADBAND
Saffron Business Solutions has helped thousands of Booker customers on contracts worth hundreds of thousands of pounds since 2011. Saffron’s service model continues to save money, save time, and add value to all new and existing Premier businesses.
l The switching is managed by Saffron’s partner, but Saffron will ensure any queries are dealt with quickly and correctly.
l Offering market prices and expert knowledge on switching and renewing your business gas and electricity supply.
l Using your details, Saffron asks its trusted service partner to get in touch to discuss your requirements before providing a quote to consider.
a great service.”
All solutions are tailored to the specific needs of the individual business from the first introduction all the way throughout the lifetime of the relationship.
Another factor that sets Saffron apart from the competition is the way the business finds new clients, as Hawarth explains: “Very unusually in this
MERCHANT TERMINALS
September 2022 TalkingShop 81
l Saffron helps with every aspect of your supply from initial pricing through to support.
“Many of our Premier retailers have been working with us for years and years and that’s because we have consistently delivered unbeatable prices and unbeatable service. In fact, our annual retention rate is over 84%, which is unheard of in the energy brokering market. The average retention rate is around 40%. The reason why so many Premier retailers come to us and use us time and again for renewals is because we offer them
One such happy customer is Ranj Hayer, a multi-site Premier retailer who has been working with Saffron consistently since 2011. He has recently undertaken a fourth renewal with Saffron and the reasons he gives are simple: “Apart from their excellent service, I have not been able to beat the prices they offered on renewal.”
SOLUTIONS PROVIDED
l Saffron operates a formal complaints procedure as part of the Energy Ombudsman.
l As your renewal window approaches, Saffron we will be in touch up to six months before your contract expires.
l Saffron will obtain prices tailored to your business needs from their range of selected suppliers.
PRICE
SAFFRON MODEL
ANALYSIS
l Present prices to you with likefor-like comparisons against your current supplier or offers received elsewhere with no obligation to proceed.
l Continue to review the market and update their ‘best’ quotes up until the point where your decision is being made.
When retailers approach Saffron to ask them to find them the best deals available, the process involves four distinct steps: analysis, pricing, switching and support.
l Saffron will analyse your first invoice to ensure all is as expected, and every three months thereafter.
l As standard Saffron provides Fully Fixed and Inclusive contracts.
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SUPPORT
l Ensure that you are presented with the right contract with the right supplier and at the right price.
Hawarth comments: “Retailers don’t need to be told that, in terms of energy supply, we are in unprecedented times. The market has never been in as much flux as it is today. That’s why retailers need someone they can rely on and someone who will be open, honest and transparent and who will seek out only those deals that are in the very best interests of the individual business that we are talking to.”
“Essentially, we wrap our arms around our customers and support them from start to finish,” concludes Hawarth. “We pride ourselves on offering a complete ‘cradle to grave’ solution from the first contact through the entire lifetime of our relationship. We treat our money as if it was yours – and thousands of happy Booker customers can testify to that.”
l They will be in touch on the day your contract goes live to remind you to take a meter read. This will avoid any excess charges. This will be logged with your old and new supplier.
l They will also assist with any queries or issues raised, whether contracting through Saffron or not, helping to push suppliers to resolution.
Once potential new clients get in touch, Saffron adopts a completely transparent and open approach.
Saffron is proud and open about the fact that it does not have preferred or favoured suppliers in any of the markets in which it operates. “We have no formal allegiance with any electricity, gas or water supplier,” comments Hawarth. “Once we have understood the specific needs of the retailer, we will reach out to the entire market to find the best deal. And once we have found the best deals, we present them to the retailer and it’s entirely the retailer’s decision which option he or she wants to go for. We apply absolutely no pressure.”
Saffron receives its fee direct from the supplier or service provider that you choose, which means that retailers will never receive a bill from Saffron. This does not change at any point during your contract, so you know precisely what you will be paying.
T: 03448 222 802 E: INFO@SB-SOLUTIONS.CO.UK W: WWW.SB-SOLUTIONS.CO.UK
l Throughout the duration of your supply contract, they will support with the amendment of any supply or account details regarding, site, billing, payment, metering, or any other matters relating to the site’s supply or account.
l Energy (electricity and gas)
l Saffron gathers information on your existing supply to present to suppliers, including half-hourly data squares and any non-halfhourly meter information.
So what does all of this look like in practice? Saffron specialises in four distinct areas where it can bring its expertise and experience to bear in securing the best possible deals for Premier retailers:
l Saffron will correspond with your current and future supplier in the matter of release and registration of your meter. They have access to the national database, which ensures your switch of supplier is successful, and will resolve any objections to the switch.
SWITCHING
l Saffron will provide you with contract documents and all other relevant documents on the agreed offer. These can be signed via e-mail, post or electronically.
l Merchant Terminals
l Water
l Full analysis of your existing supply contract is carried out to pinpoint any anomalies or areas of concern.
l A Notice of Termination is provided for your existing contract to ensure freedom of choice.
l They will ensure your preferred payment terms are implemented with your supplier, including help in getting any VAT reduction that may be due.
l Telephone and Broadband
industry, we do not have an outbound call desk and we have never cold called a retailer. Every new client we get comes through as a referral, either from another satisfied retailer or from Booker themselves. That speaks volumes about the service we provide and we are firm believers in the mantra that retailers want to talk to people they can trust.”
To find out how Saffron Business Solutions could help save you money and time, contact them now by phone, email or via the Saffron website.
STOCK UP NOW FROM EXPERTSORIGINALTHEGINGERWWW.OLDJAMAICAGINGERBEER.COM @OLDJAMAICAUK *IRI MARKETPLACE: VOLUME AND VALUE SALES - MAT TO 23/1/22 SKU - M964643 OF GINGEROF GINGER THE OG Sthe og STHE UK’S NO.1 GINGERBRANDBEER*
Premier has added new mobile scanning functionality allowing retailers to scan and order single products or cases direct from the shopfloor, the stock room or from anywhere at all!
The scanner is available on all mobile devices and allows retailers to quickly and
Instant ordering with new mobile scannerFreeforallPremier
retailers!
IDEAS
f you’ve ever found yourself wandering around the shopfloor or the stockroom with a broken biro and a torn notepad in hand putting your next Booker top-up order or shopping list together, you’ve no doubt wondered if there isn’t an easier way to order small amounts of Evenstock. if you have a handheld terminal available, it’s not always as convenient as it might be if you can’t find it right this very second or if someone else in your team is using it. So what could be more convenient than a mobile phone or tablet-based solution instead?Tohelp retailers overcome that frustration and to help them simplify and streamline their ordering processes, Booker has introduced a new mobile scanner that is available free of charge to all Premier retailers.
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I
BetterService
ORANGE & MANGO: M264909 RASPBERRY & BLUEBERRY: M264913 CHERRY & POMEGRANATE: M264914
DENNIS WILLIAMS Premier EdinburghBroadway,
“The scanning app is just brilliant. Rather than having to always rely on the handheld terminal, we can let some of the team quickly do visual stock checks and add lines to the order if they’re running low. It makes it a quick and easy process and because anything scanned goes straight onto the order it’s easy to check for duplications or errors before the order is submitted.”
RETAILER VIEW
The new scanner icon appears next to the search bar on your phone or tablet when you’re using the Booker app or website and lets you quickly scan a barcode there and then.
Premier Coldean Convenience 02, Brighton
No more lost paper shopping lists, illegible writing or inaccurate Midas codes – and no more searching the Booker website for products on your shopping list. Simply scan the products you need and they’ll be sitting there waiting for you the next time you are ready to submit an order.For more information, speak to your RDM.
Using the new app couldn’t be easier:
l Open the Booker website or app on your mobile phone or tablet
l Scan the barcode on the side of the case or the product itself
APPSCANNINGPREMIER
RETAILER VIEW
“Like all great ideas, the scanning app is really simple. How many times have you walked past a fixture or a shelf in the store room and thought ‘I really must order more of that’ and then completely forgotten about it? Now you can just whip out your phone and add it to your order in seconds. It’s a really great solution and it’s making a big difference.”
easily scan single products or cases on their device and have the products added to their next order.The new scanner icon appears next to the search bar on your phone or tablet when you’re using the Booker app or website and lets you quickly scan a barcode there and then. It couldn’t be simpler to use and it will help retailers efficiently order products that are running low on shelf or in the stock room with a very minimum of fuss.
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MANISH SUCHAK
l Choose how many cases or products you would like to order
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RETAILER VIEW
l All products will be added to your order, ready to be included the next time you submit your order
“Everybody has a mobile phone in their pocket so it’s a really clever solution to embed scanning functionality like this. A 10 minute wander around the shopfloor and you can add everything that’s running low to the order with absolutely no fuss and no need for expensive handheld terminals or bits of paper and pens. It’s quick, it’s easy, it’s free and it works.”
JOHN JONES Premier Blackrod, Bolton
Snowshock
DRINKS TO GO!
is the one stop shop for all your drinks to go needs. We supply everything you need from machines to consumables. The UK’s most protable slush and iced products range. An expert partner at your side bringing you maximum prots. ENQUIRY LINE 0330 053 6132 EMAILsales@snowshock.co.ukwww.snowshock.com Same price to call as 01 or 02 landlinesincluding from mobiles The UK’s newest, tastiest and best value carbonated slush. You can’t buy Fizzee in cans or bottles which gives it a strong advantage when it comes to unbeatable sales. Frappina – is the only ready to drink, dispensed iced coffee in the UK, it is fantastically popular and growing every day. Low cost bundle including free stock and nowaste.Themainstay of drinks to go. 76%PROFITMARGIN Iced Coffee is a rapidly growing market, this is the product the UK has been waiting for! 57%PROFITMARGIN Fizzee carbonated slush puts more money in your pocket than its rivals! Better quality, lower prices, more profit! Still the strongest seller & Britains favourite slush 87%PROFITMARGIN FREENOCOMMITMENTCONSULTATIONSBOOKTODAY *T&Cs Apply LARGE FREE STOCK PACK Free stock to more than• cover the cost Monthly payments*• Try before you buy*• On-site warranty• Exceptional back up and• support 84%PROFITMARGIN The real profit in ice cream is a good soft ice cream dispenser. The compact, high performance yet efficient machine from Snowshock is more than capable of meeting any shops needs. Self serve is definitely an option and easier than you think to set up. Snowshock’s set up for Self Serve Ice Cream is a game changer in it’s simplicity and tried and tested operation. We sell the worlds best ice cream machines, at unbeatable prices.
A new livingduringtoretailersgreatshowcasingcampaignGovernmentistheworkthataredoingsupportshoppersthecostofcrisis.
Convenience stores are also important local ways for people to take advantage of Government support schemes like Healthy Start. The new Healthy Start pre-paid cards mean that there are no vouchers to deal with
and no process to worry about, as eligible customers can just use the card like they would a normal Mastercard to purchase milk, formula and fruit and veg. Healthy Start is a great scheme that is still hugely underutilised and underpromoted, so we hope that it will be amplified as part of the Help for Households campaign.Duringthis time, it’s important to remember that we have a responsibility to support not just our customers, but our colleagues as well. We’ve heard some great examples of how retailers are providing direct support through bonuses, staff discounts and other benefits, but there’s also an opportunity to highlight resources that give colleagues the best information about how to manage their finances effectively and responsibly.
New campaign highlights how retailers are supporting shoppers in challenging economic times.
If you’ve got a great initiative or campaign that you’re launching locally to help with the cost of living crisis, we want to hear from you. Send us a message on social media and tell us all about it – our handle is @ACS_ localshops.
J
hailedshopperssupportRetailers’of
ust before the start of the summer holidays, the Government launched a new campaign aimed at showcasing some of the great work that retailers are doing to support consumers during the cost of living crisis. The campaign, called Help for Households, focuses on four key periods of time in the remainder of 2022, namely the summer holidays, return to school, the energy price cap rise in October, and Christmas, where it is likely that consumers will be feeling the squeeze on their incomes and living standards.
ACS is pleased to support the campaign, and attended the launch at 10 Downing St with the Prime Minister in one of his final engagements before passing the baton on. Some of the UK’s biggest retailers are committing to new deals and offers to support customers over the next few months, but the campaign isn’t just about new deals, it’s about highlighting the existing and ongoing support that businesses provide to
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households.Bytheir very nature, convenience stores are really well placed to support local people looking to save and manage their money. Typically people walk to their local shop, saving money on the cost of fuel to get to a bigger store (whilst also helping the environment). While during the pandemic there were many customers getting a full weekly shop from their local convenience store, most will be shopping little and often – this is a useful way of managing food waste and keeping track of finances on a day to day basis. We’re also one of the last places where people can get access to cash, in addition to a wide range of other services, and we know that during difficult financial times, some people use cash instead of cards to manage their spending more effectively.
James Lowman
