The Week In Retail Issue 14

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THE WEEK IN

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COVID-19

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MASKS:

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW MINIMUM WAGE, MAXIMUM COMPLEXITY BIG NIGHT IN REIMAGINED SCOTLAND LOVES LOCAL

RETAIL TECH

SCAN & GO FIRST

CONGLETON PREMIER DEBUTS NEW JISP APP

+ RONDEPIERRE JOINS SNAPPY SHOPPER Commercial Partner:

Brought to you by:

Issue 14 Wednesday 22nd July 2020

Symbol Partner:

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THE WEEK IN RETAIL

EDITOR’S COMMENT SHARE YOUR NEWS AND VIEWS WITH ME AT ABEGLEY@55NORTH.COM

INVEST IN TECH – OR BE LEFT BEHIND Among its many achievements, coronavirus can probably lay claim to being the biggest accelerator of retailing technology adoption that the convenience sector has ever seen. Tech has long been on the radar for many forwardthinking retailers, but the last few months have seen the independent retailing industry hurtle headlong into embracing a whole array of newfangled tech that does all sorts of often weird and sometimes wonderful things.

A good example is the Jisp ‘Scan & Go’ app that features on this week’s cover. There’s no denying it’s a slick solution that ticks a lot of boxes: fast, convenient, cashless, contactless and very much in line with how a big chunk of today’s consumers want to shop. Gen Zs live their lives on their mobile phones. They’re used to relying on them and they can get frustrated or, worse, bored having to engage with businesses that don’t let them do what they want, how they want it, when they want it.

Tech will transform convenience retailing.

The biggest stopper for many retailers has simply

been not knowing what to invest in. Sitting tight and watching how the rest of the world develops has been the game plan so far, to all intents and purposes. But coronavirus has changed that – and that will ultimately turn out to be A Good Thing.

I’m not in the habit of quoting iffy retailing billionaire Philip Green, but he did say something interesting about tech in the retail space: “Good, bad or indifferent, if you are not investing in new technology, you are going to be left behind.” And, for me, he has a point. It’s a daunting prospect investing your hard-earned cash in some tech solution that might be redundant in six months, but the alternative – not investing in tech at all – is an even worse prospect. You will be left behind, as big Phil says.

You might not get it right every time. You might not even get it right the first time. But with every mistake you make you learn something, and with every learning you’ll be better placed for the next investment. Tech will revolutionise convenience retailing and all retailers will need to make sure they don’t miss that boat.

ANTONYBEGLEY ANTONYBEGLEY ANTONYBEGLEY

ANTONY BEGLEY, EDITOR

WEDNESDAY 22ND JULY 2020 / ISSUE 14 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 3

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CONTENTS

WEDNESDAY 22ND JULY 2020 / ISSUE 14 WWW.SLRMAG.COM

6

14 THIS WEEK’S NEWS IN BRIEF

Philippe Rondepierre joins Snappy Shopper while the ACS urges minimum wage ‘restraint’.

8 COVID-19 UPDATE

A ROUND-UP OF THE LATEST CORONAVIRUS

18

STORE PROFILE: PREMIER HIGHTOWN, CONGLETON Steve Archer’s store is the UK’s first to install Jisp’s ‘Scan & Go’ solution.

One consequence of the coronavirus outbreak has been a reinvigoration of the ‘Big Night In’ occasion, says KAM Media’s Blake Gladman.

12 FACE COVERING POSTERS

17 PICKS OF THE WEEK

CHOOSE FROM A DOWNLOADABLE

20 ANALYSIS: NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE

SELECTION OF POSTERS FOR YOUR STORE.

COVID-19 HAS ADDED MORE COMPLEXITY

NEWS FROM THE LAST SEVEN DAYS. 10 COVID-19 SPECIAL

16 OUT THE BOX: #RUSTLERSRETAILHERO

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN IT

OPINION

TO THE MUCH-DEBATED ISSUE.

THE KEPAK BRAND WILL GIVE £10 TO

22 SCOTLAND LOVES LOCAL

COMES TO THE MANDATORY WEARING OF

GROCERYAID FOR EVERY STORY OF A

FACE COVERINGS IN-STORE.

COMMUNITY RETAIL HERO.

TWITTER.COM/SLRMAG

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SLRMAG

A NEW CAMPAIGN ASKS SHOPPERS TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES.

WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY 22ND JULY 2020 / ISSUE 14 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 5

NEWS DIGEST

THIS WEEK’S NEWS FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS, HEAD TO WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK/CATEGORY/NEWS/

NISA HIGHLAND DEAL

APPOINTMENTS

Nisa has signed a deal to

RONDEPIERRE JOINS SNAPPY SHOPPER

supply Hertfordshire forecourt

MARKETING VETERAN PHILIPPE RONDEPIERRE RETURNS TO

retailer the Highland Group,

DUNDEE AS HE JOINS HOME DELIVERY APP SNAPPY SHOPPER.

which operates four sites.

The first store to convert is the Highlands of Royston, Greenfields Service Station which has moved to Nisa’s Evolution format and fascia.

CARBON CAPTURE Tennent’s has installed a new carbon capture facility at its Wellpark Brewery in Glasgow allowing the site to repurpose the carbon that’s given off during the brewing process.

It is the biggest in Scotland and allows the brewery to be as close to self-sufficient as currently possible from a carbon emissions perspective.

SMITH’S FEE HIKE Smiths News is to increase Its carriage charge by 3.02% from 30 August. This equates to an average 97p increase, requiring independent retailers to find a further £50 a year to pay to have their news supplies delivered.

6 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 14 / WEDNESDAY 22ND JULY 2020

Fast-growing home delivery app Snappy Shopper has appointed ex-Spar and Nisa marketing veteran Philippe Rondepierre as Marketing Director, effective as of September.

Rondepierre joins the Dundeebased from Nisa where he has been Head of Marketing since 2017. His career in the convenience retail and wholesale sector spans nearly 30 years, including four years as Head of Marketing for Spar UK. He started his career with another Dundee company, the Spar wholesaler and retailer CJ Lang.

Rondepierre commented: “It is an exciting opportunity to be involved with an ambitious tech start-up in the sector I have spent my career in and in the city I call home.“

Snappy Shopper Chief Executive Mark Steven added: “We’re delighted to have recruited someone of Philippe’s calibre to head up our key marketing function and work with the rest of the team to drive growth of the Snappy Shopper brand.”

WAGON WHEELS INSIDE STORY Burton’s Biscuits is on TV tomorrow night at 8:30pm on ITV as the Wagon Wheels brand features in the latest edition of the Inside Britain’s Food Factories series.

NEWS DIGEST

THIS WEEK’S NEWS FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS, HEAD TO WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK/CATEGORY/NEWS/

BUSINESS COSTS

ACS URGES MINIMUM WAGE ‘RESTRAINT’

JOHN LEWIS EXTENDS CO-OP DEAL John Lewis has announced that it will be making its fast

THE ASSOCIATION OF CONVENIENCE STORES HAS URGED THE

track click and collect delivery

LOW PAY COMMISSION TO “SHOW RESTRAINT” IN SETTING THE 2021

and returns service available

MINIMUM WAGE RATE.

in 400 more Co-op food stores by the end of the summer,

In its submission to the Low Pay Commission last week, the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) once again outlined convenience retailers’ concerns about the impact that rising wage costs will have on the jobs offered by the convenience sector.

ACS urged the Low Pay Commission to show restraint when setting the 2021 wage rate and to consider revising their longer term goal of the National Living Wage rate of reaching two-thirds of median earnings by 2024, currently projected to reach over £10 per hour.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman says: “Local shops offer secure, local and flexible employment

opportunities, but this model is under threat from rising wage costs and the use of gig economy employment by competitors. We have also seen that rising wage costs continue to lead to retailers reducing paid working hours and pay differentials, making it harder to recruit and reward store supervisors and managers.”

Written evidence from ACS to the Low Pay Commission outlined that convenience retailers have responded to the 2020 National Living Wage rate by increasing the hours worked in the business (64%), taking lower profits from the business (56%) and reducing staffed working hours (48%).

See page 20 for analysis.

DOBBIE’S TO SELL SAINSBURY’S LINES Garden centre chain Dobbies is to begin selling Sainsbury’s food and grocery products featuring a range of over 3,000 products across the ambient, chilled, fresh and frozen categories alongside some grocery, household and toiletry items.

The partnership launches later this month at Dobbies’ Edinburgh branch, one of 68 garden centres it operates nationwide.

Mike Luck, Director of Business Development at Sainsbury’s, said: “We’re always looking for new ways to bring our distinctive, high quality products to more customers. This opportunity with Dobbies will bring a fantastic choice of food and grocery products to convenient locations for lots of shoppers, helping them shop for what they need quickly and conveniently.”

growing the total number of Co-op stores featuring the service to 505. The roll-out is already underway and is expected to be complete in September.

ALBION JOINS UNITAS Kent-based independent wholesaler Albion Fine Foods has joined Unitas Wholesale, taking the total number of independent wholesale members in the memberowned group to 170.

MORRISONS FAMILY BOX Morrisons has launched a weekly food box with ingredients and recipes to create five family meals for £30, including delivery. Each meal will cost around £1.50 and recipes include classic spaghetti bolognese, sausage tray bake and mixed bean chilli.

WEDNESDAY 22ND JULY 2020 / ISSUE 14 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 7

NEWS SPECIAL

COVID-19 UPDATE FOR ALL THE LATEST CORONAVIRUS NEWS, HEAD TO WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK/CATEGORY/NEWS/

POUNDLAND DELIVERS Poundland is to trial an online shopping and delivery service at the start of 2021, closing one of its stores in Staffordshire to convert it into

CRISIS GRANTS

LAST CHANCE FOR RETAILTRUST GRANTS TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO APPLY FOR GRANTS FROM RETAILTRUST TO SUPPORT THOSE AFFECTED BY COVID-19, WITH APPLICATIONS CLOSING AT THE END OF THIS MONTH.

an online fulfilment centre. The company is also making wi-fi available in its stores.

ALDI PAYS UP Aldi has written to its small suppliers to let them know that it will extend its immediate payment terms agreement for small suppliers until the end of the year.

SGF EVENTS PULLED Scottish Grocers’ Federation has cancelled all its remaining events scheduled to be held in 2020. These include September’s mini summit in Falkirk and the Federation’s annual conference, which was due to take place in Glasgow in October. The mini summit had already been postponed from April. Those who had booked a place at one of the upcoming events will be contacted in the next week or so to confirm future arrangements. SGF is currently making arrangements for all events in 2021.

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Those in the retail industry have only a few days left to apply for non-repayable grants from retailTRUST to support those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The application portal closes at the end of this month.

Non-repayable crisis grants are available to support you in a variety of situations including outstanding rent or mortgage payments, risk of homelessness, priority bills, and boiler or heating repairs.

The grants are available to those working in the retail or supporting

service industries across the spectrum, including retail, wholesale, supply chain, food distribution, warehousing and manufacturing. All applications will be assessed on an individual basis.

If you know of anyone who would be helped by this financial assistance, please ask them to click on the link below which takes them to the qualifying criteria and the application forms: grantportal.retailtrust.org.uk.

When completing your application select ‘Covid-19’ as the particular appeal.

£1.3M SUPPORT FOR RENFREWSHIRE BUSINESSES Renfrewshire Council has unveiled plans for a £1.3m package of support designed to help local businesses get back on their feet after the coronavirus lockdown. The proposals include crisis loans, grants and advice services and were based on the results of a detailed survey of more than 500 local firms run by the council and Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce.

The council’s Emergencies Board will be asked on Friday to approve proposals for several new funds targeting short-term support to the local economy. These include:

Q £500k for zero-interest business restart loans of up to £5,000 to help small-and-medium-sized business with short-term cashflow Q £400k for grants of up to £10,000 to help sustain businesses and plan for growth in the medium term Q £250k for grants of up to £2,500 to help businesses adapt their premises to allow for physical distancing Q £150k to help fund expert advice to businesses in crisis and selfemployed people over training and access to funding.

NEWS SPECIAL

COVID-19 UPDATE FOR ALL THE LATEST CORONAVIRUS NEWS, HEAD TO WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK/CATEGORY/NEWS/

NFRN ISSUES RETAILER’S GUIDE TO FACE MASK

MAIL-A-MASK TO YOUR SHOPPERS With face masks already mandatory in stores in Scotland, and England following suit on Friday, a new solution allows retailers to encourage shoppers to return to their stores safely by mailing a single-use mask to their home.

IN TIME FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF MANDATORY FACE COVERINGS

W

IN STORES IN ENGLAND ON FRIDAY, NFRN HAS PRODUCED A GUIDE TO MANAGING THE PROCESS IN-STORE.

ith Friday set to see the implementation of new rules enforcing mandatory wearing of face coverings in stores in England, NFRN has created a comprehensive guide for retailers.

With mandatory face coverings already in place in Scotland, the guidance covers all aspects of the new rules including enforcement, exemptions, staff and employers’ responsibilities as well as a best practice guide.

The advice is broken down to accommodate the different rules in England and Scotland.

For a full overview of the guidance, turn to page 10.

The proportion of UK small businesses predicting growth has almost doubled in just three months – from 14% to 27% – giving one of the first tangible indications that the Government’s easing of lockdown is having a positive impact on a key area of the UK economy.

The quarterly tracking study by Hitachi Capital Business Finance examines the percentage of small businesses that actually predict growth in the next three months. Following last quarter’s report, which saw the percentage of small business owners predicting growth plummeting from

39% to just 14%, the new findings show the highest quarter-on-quarter rise in five years.

With 27% predicting growth overall, there were significant rises in the percentage of small businesses predicting moderate expansion the next three months (up from 10% to 23%) or no change (26% to 43%). This meant there has been a huge reduction in the percentage of businesses that fear contraction (down from 31% to 19%) or collapse in the next three months (down by almost two thirds from 29% to 11%).

TECH SOLUTIONS

SMALL BUSINESS CONFIDENCE RETURNS

Produced by a company called Go Inspire, the masks are designed to help drive footfall to stores and strengthen customer relationships.

Prices start at 99p per mail piece, including mask and postage on volumes of 1k-10k, with economies of scale available on volumes of 10k-10mil.

The customer pack includes a fully personalised A4 letter in a C5 outer envelope with an “intelligently enclosed” mask.

For more information, visit Go Inspire’s website.

WEDNESDAY 22ND JULY 2020 / ISSUE 14 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 9

COVID-19 SPECIAL

FASK MASK ADVICE NFRN

FACE MASKS: HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW THE NFRN HAS PRODUCED A HANDY RETAILER’S GUIDE TO EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN IT COMES TO THE MANDATORY WEARING OF FACE COVERINGS IN-STORE.

REQUIREMENTS

EXEMPTIONS

Q From 24th July 2020 customers in England will be required to wear a face mask when inside retail premises Q This follows a previous decision by the Scottish Government to introduce the wearing of face masks in store Q Wales and Northern Ireland have yet to require the wearing of face masks in retail premises.

In England the following are exempt from the requirement to wear a face mask on public transport or in a retail premises: Q Young children under the age of 11 Q Not being able to put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability Q If putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress Q If you are travelling with or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading to communicate Q To avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others Q To avoid injury, or to escape a risk of harm, and you do not have a face covering with you Q To eat or drink, but only if you need to Q To take medication Q If a police officer or other official requests you remove your face covering Q If asked to do so by shop staff for the purpose of age identification Q If speaking with people who rely on lip reading, facial expressions and clear sound. Some may ask you, either verbally or in writing, to remove a covering to help with communication.

ENFORCEMENT Q It is not the responsibility of retailers to enforce the wearing of face masks; that falls to the police Q Retailers are entitled to require the wearing of face masks in their store and to bar entry to those not complying Q Failure to wear a mask can lead to a £100 fine (reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days) in England, or a £60 fine in Scotland.

Some police forces are resisting their role to enforce this and the political engagement team at NFRN would be interested in any example of where the police refused to act or where they did intervene and issued a warning or a fine. You can email them at connect@nfrn.org.uk.

IN SCOTLAND THE RULES ARE DIFFERENT, WITH EXEMPTIONS INCLUDING: Q Children under five years of age Q Police constables or workers such as paramedics acting in the course of their duty

10 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 14 / WEDNESDAY 22ND JULY 2020

COVID-19 SPECIAL

FASK MASK ADVICE NFRN

STAFF AND EMPLOYERS RESPONSIBILITY Q There is no requirement in these regulations for retail staff to wear a face mask Q Employers are required to carry out a risk assessment and this should be updated to reflect changes to social distancing rules, any changes in the operation of the stores and the requirement for customers to wear masks Q It may defuse any potential issues with customers who are unhappy being forced to wear a mask if staff members are also wearing masks.

BEST PRACTICE

Q Staff such as drivers or checkout assistants who are physically separated, by means of, for example, screens, from passengers or customers Q Shop workers if they maintain a two-metre distance from customers or members of the public.

YOU MAY ALSO HAVE A REASONABLE EXCUSE NOT TO WEAR A FACE COVERING IF, FOR EXAMPLE: Q The person has a health condition or you are disabled and a face covering would be inappropriate because it would cause difficulty, pain or severe distress or anxiety or because you cannot apply a covering and wear it in the proper manner safely and consistently. Individual discretion should be applied in considering the use of face coverings for other children including, for example, children with breathing difficulties and disabled children who would struggle to wear a face covering Q The person needs to eat or drink Q The person is taking medication Q The person is communicating with someone else who relies on lip reading Q A relevant person, such as a police officer, asks you to remove your face covering.

The NFRN recommends that members take the following steps: Q Display a reminder poster at or near the entrance to your store Q In order to diffuse any possible tensions with customers, staff wear face masks when not behind protective screens Q Always be careful not to escalate any situations. If a customer is not wearing a mask, politely find out if they have an exemption before asking them to wear one. Keep a list of the exemptions handy and ensure your staff are aware of these Q If your store operates a no mask, no entry policy, make sure this is clearly displayed at the door Q Ensure that your risk assessment is up to date Q Ensure that you have sufficient supplies of masks and hand sanitiser Q Regularly check for updates on the NFRN website.

WEDNESDAY 22ND JULY 2020 / ISSUE 14 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 11

RESOURCES

FACE MASK POSTERS DIRECT DOWNLOAD OPTIONS

NEED FACE MASK POSTERS? TAKE YOUR PICK...

WITH FACE COVERINGS ALREADY MANDATORY IN SCOTLAND AND STORES IN ENGLAND SET TO

W

FOLLOW ON FRIDAY, IT’S VITAL TO REMIND CUSTOMERS OF THEIR NEW OBLIGATIONS.

hile many retailers and retail industry bodies view the mandatory wearing of face masks in-store as tantamount to an invitation to theft, both the Scottish and UK Governments have chosen to introduce new rules forcing all customers to wear masks instore.

Retail staff in Scotland (with some exceptions) are also obliged to wear face coverings in-store while the rules in England, which come into force on Friday, do not require store staff to wear masks.

Note that retailers will not be obliged to police the wearing of masks in-store although in England the vague wording of the advice states that store staff should “encourage” customers to comply with the new rules.

One simple way of reminding customers that wearing face coverings is now mandatory is by displaying posters and POS in-store.

Several trade bodies have already produced professionally designed posters that retailers can simply download and print. Here are a few examples:

12 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 14 / WEDNESDAY 22ND JULY 2020

Phase 3

FACE COVERINGS MUST BE WORN IN SCOTLAND’S SHOPS AND ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT Remember, you can have coronavirus but show no symptoms, so a face covering reduces the risk of you unknowingly infecting others.

YOU MUST WEAR A FACE COVERING

OPEN

By wearing one in shops and on public transport you can feel confident that you’re helping to protect yourself, staff and others.

Remember

FA C T S

Remember

FA C T S for a safer Scotland

Phase 3

Face coverings

Avoid crowded places

Clean your hands regularly

Two metre Self isolate and distance

book a test if you have symptoms

gov.scot/coronavirus

Face coverings

for a safer Scotland

Avoid crowded places

gov.scot/coronavirus

1

Clean your hands regularly

Two metre Self isolate and distance

book a test if you have symptoms

2

We must all wear a face mask to shop in this store

We must all wear a face mask to shop in this store

Supported by

Supported by

3

4 DOWNLOAD #1 DOWNLOAD #2 DOWNLOAD #3 DOWNLOAD #4

Thank you for wearing a face covering © ACS 2020. Design by www.fluiddesignstudio.com

DOWNLOAD #5 DOWNLOAD #6 5

6

Learn more at tomra.com/uk

We make deposit return systems work for everyone.

TOMRA reverse vending machines collect 40 billion containers every year, keeping bottles in the Clean Loop and out of the oceans.

We look forward to helping retailers in Scotland get ready for the forthcoming deposit return scheme.

STORE PROFILE

PREMIER HIGHTOWN CONVENIENCE, CONGLETON STEVE ARCHER

CHESHIRE RETAILER FIRST WITH JISP ‘SCAN & GO’ PREMIER HIGHTOWN CONVENIENCE STORE IN CONGLETON HAS BECOME THE FIRST STORE IN THE UK TO INSTALL JISP’S ‘SCAN & GO’ SOLUTION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NFRN.

Coronavirus has had a remarkable role to play over the last few months in accelerating the adoption of many new tech solutions, with the latest example being Steve Archer’s Premier store in Cheshire becoming the first UK site to implement a new ‘Scan & Go’ solution.

The result of a ground-breaking partnership between tech providers Jisp and Scandit and the NFRN, the solution combines Jisp’s Scan & Go app with Scandit’s computer vision technology which turns everyday smartphones into powerful barcode scanners.

The solution helps “convenience stores deliver the contactless service and digital relationships today’s customers expect”, say the partners.

The Jisp app enables Scan & Go shopping instead of queuing at tills, provides Home Delivery and Click & Collect functionality, and also opens up new opportunities for digital engagement.

The first store to implement the technology is Steve Archer’s Premier Hightown Convenience Store in Congleton which went live earlier this week. “Local retailers have played a significant role in serving their communities during lockdown,” says Steve. “The fact that our customers will now be able to simply scan and go in my store means that we can offer our customers an even safer environment.

“Purely and simply, this technology levels the playing field. My store will be offering something that has previously

14 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 14 / WEDNESDAY 22ND JULY 2020

only been available at the big supermarkets. So now we can show people we are positively enhancing our offering and it allows my little shop to compete with the big boys.”

The technology was developed specifically for the convenience market and is aimed at the UK’s 46,000 or so convenience stores which have played a crucial role in helping communities during the Covid-19 pandemic. NFRN believes, however, that smaller retailers often struggle to market themselves to today’s ‘always-on’ shoppers, often lacking the skills, technology or resources to digitise and compete with larger supermarket chains.

NFRN aims to have 500 independent retailers using the solution by the end of the year, with the app enabling them to “deliver competitive and frictionless Scan & Go shopping“ that will allow them to compete with larger retailers head-on.

Paul Davis, Vice President of Sales at Scandit, says: “Independent retailers have always understood the value of

STORE PROFILE

PREMIER HIGHTOWN CONVENIENCE, CONGLETON STEVE ARCHER

convenience, but providing it has become harder in today’s digital-first environment. However, by embedding highperformance scanning technology into a mobile shopping app, stores can deliver the fast, frictionless service their customers have come to expect.”

In Steve’s store, shoppers simply have to download the app before they can start shopping immediately by scanning a QR code located on Jisp’s Payment Pod located at the store entrance. They then simply scan items as they move through the store then scan the displayed QR code at the Payment Pod a final time to complete the purchase.

The Scan & Go experience rivals the speed and convenience of contactless, self-service options available at larger retailers. NFRN expects the service to increase footfall and total basket spend and will help convenience store owners serve more customers, more quickly.

The app will also give retailers a direct, one-to-one digital relationship with their customers. Convenience stores using the app have the ability to market themselves outside of the store, strengthening customer relationships, loyalty and retention.

The app, for instances, enables retailers to hold weekly quizzes for repeat customers through their smartphones, advertise events happening in their local communities and offer unique deals and offers through the app.

“We want to give smaller businesses a bigger voice,” says Julian Fisher, CEO and Founder at Jisp. “So, we’re helping to bring independent retailers into the digital age by empowering them with technology only previously afforded by superstores. And, in the age of Covid-19, we want customers to feel safer when shopping with Scan & Go, spending less time queuing and more time enjoying the experience they get when using our app.”

NFRN National President Stuart Reddish says: “What we appreciate about the app is that it gives our members immediate digital access to their customers. Commerce has been moving increasingly online for many years, and Covid-19 will only accelerate this. The larger players have usually had the advantage when it comes to resources, but the Jisp app empowers us to digitise and provide a more

modern customer experience. Shoppers can pay quickly and easily and, post Covid-19, this will satisfy their preferences for not handling cash.”

WEDNESDAY 22ND JULY 2020 / ISSUE 14 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 15

NOW THAT’S A GOOD IDEA…

OUT THE BOX #RUSTLERSRETAILHERO CAMPAIGN

A TENNER FOR YOUR THOUGHTS? RUSTLERS IS ON THE LOOKOUT FOR RETAIL COMMUNITY HEROES AND THEIR STORIES AND IS PROMISING TO PAY £10 TO GROCERYAID FOR EVERY STORY SUBMITTED BY ANYONE IN THE RETAIL INDUSTRY.

WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA? Rustlers is going to donate £10 to industry charity GroceryAid for every story it receives from anyone in the retail industry.

WHY IS IT DOING THAT? Kepak’s brand is looking to highlight and reward all the amazing hard work that goes on behind the scenes in the retail industry to deliver fantastic service to communities across the UK. Based around the #RustlersRetailHero hashtag, the Twitter campaign is encouraging anyone in the retail industry to share their stories of how they have been supporting communities over the last few months. Every story submitted using the #RustlersRetailHero hashtag will see Rustlers donate £10 to GroceryAid which will allow the charity to keep supporting colleagues in our industry who are in need of a little help in these difficult times.

WHO CAN GET INVOLVED? Anyone! People in the industry can share their stories or nominate others who they feel deserve a little recognition.

Or even shoppers can nominate their retail heroes. Just don’t forget to the use the #RustlersRetailHero hashtag so that GroceryAid gets a tenner every time. It’s a real win-win.

IS IT ONLY FOR THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC? No. It has been inspired by the amazing way the industry has responded to the pandemic, but it is also running on an ongoing basis until 14 August.

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WHAT ARE KEPAK SAYING ABOUT IT? Ross Davison, Convenience Controller at Kepak, says: “As a key brand within the Convenience Channel we know first-hand how challenging it is for the sector to consistently meet shoppers’ ever-evolving needs through stocking the right ranges and delivering great service. Add the issues we’ve all had to face recently, and it’s been a particularly tough time. We want to shine a light on the hard-work, passion, and dedication that the sector put in seven days a week, 365 days of the year.

The #RustlersRetailHero campaign will highlight some great examples of the work being done behind the scenes, across the industry by people working extraordinarily hard, going above and beyond to help serve their customers and their communities.”

WHAT ARE GROCERYAID SAYING? Steve Barnes, GroceryAid CEO, says: “Backing like this means we can enhance our assistance for colleagues in need.

A great example of this is our GroceryAid Covid-19 Fund designed to help colleagues who need support now and throughout the full impact of the pandemic.”

HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?

Head to Kepak’s trade website to find out more information and visit @KepakTrade on Twitter to make your nomination.

Don’t forget to use the #RustlersRetailHero hashtag every time!

NPD AND MEDIA

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branding and bold colour

from tomorrow. Malbec grew

and Apple Pie & Custard.

palettes for stand out on-shelf.

20% in value last year.

RSP: £1.29

RSP: £22

RSP: £6 (promo price)

MINIS MOVING

TASTEFUL CAMPAIGN

FRUITBALL CUP

Burton’s Biscuit Company is

Sanpellegrino is launching

Del Monte Europe has

encouraging children across

a new ‘Take the Time for

launched a ‘Del Monte

the UK to get active with an

Taste’ £2.5m media campaign

Fruitball Cup 2020’ social

instant win on-pack promo

on 3 August. Sanpellegrino

media campaign featuring a

to coincide with the ‘Back

Tastefully light is also

competition between European

to School’ occasion. Prizes

launching a new premium can,

nations. Prizes include a

include FitBit Ace 2s, bikes,

available in single 330ml and

€10,000 prize fund to be split

scooters, skateboards and

fridge pack formats.

between three grassroots

more.

RSP: 95p / £3.79 (6-pack)

football teams.

WEDNESDAY 22ND JULY 2020 / ISSUE14 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 17

INSIGHT

BIG NIGHT IN BLAKE GLADMAN, STRATEGY & INSIGHT DIRECTOR, KAM MEDIA

THE ‘BIG NIGHT IN’...

REIMAGINED CORONAVIRUS MAY HAVE KEPT CONSUMERS APART, BUT IT ALSO BROUGHT THEM CLOSER TOGETHER

T

IN OTHER WAYS. ONE OF THE RESULTS HAS BEEN A REINVIGORATION OF THE ‘BIG NIGHT IN’, BRINGING PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR RETAILERS, ARGUES KAM MEDIA’S BLAKE GLADMAN.

he lockdown may have been designed to keep us apart but in many respects, it has brought people closer together. Nights out down the pub were replaced with nights in, in front of a screen. Catch-ups, quizzes, birthday parties, dates and even weddings have all been taking place online as Britain discovered the world of Zoom.

The initial spike in demand for online communication platforms, from Zoom to Houseparty may have slowed and the reopening of hospitality will also play a significant role, but we predict that this doesn’t spell the end for the ‘Big Night In’, just simply a second phase. Recent research by KAM Media in the few days after pubs and restaurants re-opened their doors in England showed that 55% of consumers are still not planning on visiting a pub or restaurant and won’t be doing so for some time. This suggests there is still going to be a high demand for online socialising and making the most of nights indoors.

“Over half of consumers are still not planning on visiting a pub or restaurant and won’t be doing so for some time.”

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The ‘Big Night In’, of course, is not a new phenomenon in the world of local retail. It’s a marketing dynamic which has played a role in promoting BWS and snacking opportunities for many years. However, the key difference here is that this new trend is now consumer-led, and not driven by suppliers or retailers. Before, we were trying to create occasions from which we wanted shoppers to buy into. Now, consumers have created their own occasions and we now need to fit our products to meet their new needs. The key here, then, is to understand these consumers and these occasions first, to truly offer a solution which delivers.

Alcohol remains a key category within the ‘Big Night In’ occasion and there are two specific macro-trends which have been slowly filtering into consumer behaviour for some time now which have been accelerated by lockdown. The first is the significant rise in alcohol-free consumption and the other is an increase in demand for ‘premium’.

The ease in which people can connect online, or access films and boxsets means that the ‘Big Night In’ can be every night of the week. So we are seeing consumers changing their alcohol consumption behaviours to fit in with this increased frequency of drinking occasions. One in six consumers in a recent KAM Media study into the ‘low & no alcohol’ category said that they use low & no to regulate their total alcohol consumption. In other words, still having the same enjoyment and experience but with a slightly clearer head and less of a hangover in the morning. This trend is more prevalent with the younger generation, with as many as one in four doing so.

INSIGHT

BIG NIGHT IN BLAKE GLADMAN, STRATEGY & INSIGHT DIRECTOR, KAM MEDIA

FASTSTATS Q 55% of consumers are still not planning on visiting a pub or restaurant and won’t be doing so for some time Q One in six consumers use ‘low & no alcohol’ drinks to regulate their alcohol consumption Q One in four younger consumers use ‘low & no alcohol’ drinks to regulate their alcohol consumption Q IPAs (28% up), Pale Ales (21% up) and Lagers (21% up) have seen increased penetration by beer drinkers Q 80% of ‘beer enthusiasts’ have drinking sessions with their mates online during lockdown as a way to replace their traditional pub meet-ups; half of them will continue to do so even after the pubs have opened.

As far as premiumisation goes, the biggest trend in behaviour has seen shoppers drinking on more occasions but having fewer drinks on each occasion. In essence, we have seen a premiumisation of the drinking experience.

Beer drinking has become a little and often treat as consumers trade up and, as a consequence, seek out more variety in what they buy and, indeed, where they buy it from.

IPAs have seen the biggest increase in consumption by these drinkers (28% saying they’ve drunk more) during lockdown. Pale Ales (21% more) and Lagers (21% more) are also seeing significant consumption increases. Some eight in 10 of these ‘beer enthusiasts’ have been drinking online with their mates during lockdown as a way to replace their traditional pub meet-ups, but interestingly half of them will continue to do so even after the pubs have opened.

Suppliers and retailers need to understand the dynamics at play and ensure that they include these online hangout occasions as part of their ‘Big Night In’ marketing mix

because for many drinkers (both premium and alcohol-free) they have not just become a stop-gap until the pubs open, they have become an acceptable and enjoyable part of their everyday social lives. Focussing on a core range that offers both variety within the alcohol-free and premium ranges is therefore key when it comes to tapping into this new breed of ‘Big Night In’ shoppers. And that’s before we even get to associated categories…

SOURCES: KAM MEDIA LOW & NO ALCOHOL REPORT / KAM MEDIA & BREWLDN BEER ENTHUSIASTS, THE IMPACT OF LOCKDOWN REPORT.

ACCESS A FREE COPY OF KAM’S LATEST REPORT – BEER ENTHUSIASTS: THE IMPACT OF LOCKDOWN.

WEDNESDAY 22ND JULY 2020 / ISSUE 14 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 19

ANALYSIS

NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE ANTONY BEGLEY, EDITOR, SLR

MINIMUM WAGE, MAXIMUM COMPLEXITY THE LOW PAY COMMISSION IS NEARING THE END OF ITS CONSULTATION PERIOD BEFORE IT SETS THE NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE LEVELS FOR 2021, WITH COVID-19 MUDDYING ALREADY MURKY WATERS.

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here are few issues that generate as much debate and friction every year in retail life as the seemingly inevitable annual increase in the National Minimum Wage. The Low Pay Commission’s regular consultations often generate fierce debate around what is undoubtedly a very complex topic and it’s an issue that has taken on even more layers of complexity thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Even the Low Pay Commission has been hit by the crisis with the consultation itself suffering from the effects of coronavirus. The original plan was for the consultation on the 2021 minimum wage rates to be launched on Thursday

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12 March and run for 12 weeks with a deadline of Thursday 4 June, but lockdown put paid to that.

A carefully worded statement on the Low Pay Commission’s website read: “This deadline was originally set to allow time to read consultation responses ahead of in-person evidence sessions in July. We still intend to go ahead with these sessions, although may seek to hold them remotely.

“We recognise the difficulties our stakeholders may face in responding by this deadline. We will leave the formal deadline in place, but in practice will accept evidence presented to us up until mid-July“.

ANALYSIS

NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE ANTONY BEGLEY, EDITOR, SLR

But a shift in the deadline for the consultation was not the will have on the local, flexible and secure jobs offered by the only consequence of Covid-19. The remarkable role played convenience sector. by local retailers and their staff over the last few months Among new evidence shared with Low Pay and recognised formally in their official designation as key Commissioners at an oral evidence session, ACS explained workers has, for many, reinforced their beliefs that many that 70% of people working in the convenience sector felt workers are under-valued and under-paid. valued in their current role, 72% expected to stay in their Paddy Lillis, General Secretary of trade union Usdaw is role in the next five years, and that the convenience sector among those with that opinion. has a higher proportion of workers “We provided the Low Pay on permanent contracts than the Commission with evidence of why economy as a whole. The findings we need a new deal for workers are from the ACS Colleague Survey, that includes at least £10 per based on a sample of 2,000 people hour and an end to youth rates. working in convenience stores.

The Coronavirus pandemic has ACS urged the Low Pay clearly demonstrated how reliant Commission to show restraint the country is on low-paid key when setting the 2021 wage rate Paddy Lillis, General Secretary of workers. and to consider revising their shopworkers’ trade union Usdaw “Millions of low-paid workers longer term goal of the National have provided essential services Living Wage rate of reaching two to help ensure the country is fed, healthy and safe through thirds of medium earnings by 2024, currently projected to the lockdown and will continue to do so. Usdaw members reach over £10 per hour. employed in retail welcomed the key worker status, but that ACS Chief Executive James Lowman says: “Local shops respect and appreciation must not fade into the background offer secure, local and flexible employment opportunities, when this national crisis passes. but this model is under threat from rising wage costs and the “There must be lasting and fundamental changes to the use of gig economy employment by competitors. We have way society views our lowest paid workers. We need a new also seen that rising wage costs continue to lead to retailers deal for the workers: a minimum wage of at least £10 per hour, reducing paid working hours and pay differentials, making it an end to insecure employment, respect for shopworkers and harder to recruit and reward store supervisors and managers. action to ensure that retail jobs are no longer underpaid and “The Coronavirus outbreak is clearly going to impact undervalued.” sustained economic growth which is grounds for the Low Usdaw is also demanding the abolishing of youth rates on Pay Commission to extend their longer-term targets.” the grounds that “under-25s are more likely to be paid less Written evidence from ACS to the Low Pay Commission than older colleagues, even when doing the same job“. outlined that convenience retailers have responded to the The argument is not without its merits, but the flip side of 2020 National Living Wage rate by increasing the hours the minimum wage coin is the straightforward commercial worked in the business (64%), taking lower profits from the reality that retailers and retail industry bodies have been business (56%) and reducing staffed working hours (48%). routinely highlighting year after year. In its evidence to A very deep and complicated issue has only gotten even the Low Pay Commission this year, the Association of deeper and more complicated thanks to coronavirus. It’s a Convenience Stores (ACS) once again outlined convenience circle that looks impossible to square, but it’s one that our retailers’ concerns about the impact that rising wage costs sector is going to have to wrestle with for many years to come.

“We need a new deal for the workers: a minimum wage of at least £10 per hour and an end to insecure employment.”

WEDNESDAY 22ND JULY 2020 / ISSUE 14 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 21

CAMPAIGNING

SCOTLAND LOVES LOCAL SCOTLAND’S TOWNS PARTNERSHIPS

NEW CAMPAIGN URGES CONSUMERS TO SHOP LOCAL A NEW CAMPAIGN CALLED SCOTLAND LOVES LOCAL HAS BEEN LAUNCHED TO ENCOURAGE SHOPPERS TO SUPPORT THE BUSINESSES WHICH ARE AT THE HEART OF THEIR HOME COMMUNITIES.

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he coronavirus pandemic has helped highlight the fact that many local economies are perhaps more fragile than many had assumed, something a new campaign launched on Monday by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) aims to address.

Working in association with the Scottish Government, STP has unveiled the Scotland Loves Local campaign to encourage everyone to support the businesses which are at the heart of their home communities.

The campaign seeks to remind all those living in Scotland that town centres are much more than just

22 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 14 / WEDNESDAY 22ND JULY 2020

buildings and pavements, they are made up of real people and real businesses. The campaign intends to “harness the compassion and solidarity that was shown by communities during the coronavirus outbreak to help fuel the recovery“.

The launch follows publication of new polling figures which show two-thirds of Scottish residents intend to shop locally once their high streets reopen post-coronavirus and that the successful future of town centres depends on support at a local level.

Many traders – some of whom have been at the heart of community response campaigns during the crisis – have

CAMPAIGNING

SCOTLAND LOVES LOCAL SCOTLAND’S TOWNS PARTNERSHIPS

“Scotland Loves Local is all about getting people back to their roots and recognising that our town centre businesses and the people who run them are part of the fabric of our communities.“ been forced to temporarily close throughout lockdown, with customers instead turning to large internet retailers.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell MSP said: “It is now more vitally important than ever to consider shopping, eating and drinking locally as we all have a role to play in Scotland’s economic recovery. Simple steps like choosing to visit a nearby shop or café, or buying goods or services from a business in your own community, helps support jobs and goes a long way to fostering the vibrant selection of products and services on offer close to home.

“By following the public health advice, we can all make exploring what the neighbourhood has to offer as safe as possible. I would encourage everyone who is able to head out and discover for themselves what living locally can offer them – I know that business owners at the heart of our communities will appreciate it immensely.”

Phil Prentice, Chief Officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership, said: “The impact of coronavirus has hit our town centres and local businesses hard. Now is the time for us all to support them to get back on their feet in a way which recognises that we still need to stay safes.

“By thinking local first, we can help Scotland’s economic recovery from its grassroots, supporting our town centres within all of the public safety guidelines. The impact we can have by doing this should not be underestimated. The breadth of businesses in our town centres is vast. Whether you need a book, a pint of milk, a night out and a meal or some garden furniture, please think local first.

“Scotland Loves Local is all about getting people back to their roots and recognising that our town centre businesses and the people who run them are part of the fabric of our communities. Sometimes for generations these people have been there for us.

“Now it’s time for us to be there for them. One of the great positives of the terrible times in which we have found ourselves has been the greater appreciation of localism. We must now harness that to keep our communities vibrant and lay firm foundations as we work to ensure our town centres are fit for the future.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THE SCOTLAND LOVES LOCAL WEBSITE.

WEDNESDAY 22ND JULY 2020 / ISSUE 14 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 23

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