RETAIL THE WEEK IN
VAPING
UNDERAGE SALES UKVIA WANTS FINES INCREASED
REGULATIONS
HFSS DELAY
●
GOVERNMENT DELAYS SOME RESTRICTIONS
ILLEGAL CIGARETTES SEIZED IN DUNDEE
● JAMES HALL & CO OPENINGS
FRESH START
EXPANDS GREENER FLEET
● TOBACCO TRACK
AND TRACE TO CHANGE IT PROVIDER
FOUNDER OF MORNING, NOON & NIGHT LAUNCHES NEW CHAIN
+
UP S TESCO GIVES
Brought to you by:
E WO R K E R S IC F F O O T E C A SP UPERMARKET Commercial Partner:
Issue 105 Wednesday May 18 2022
Spring is the season of
GROWTH
for Mr Wintermans’ profits When the sun’s out so are Henri Wintermans smokers. Stock up now to profit from the spring trade.
Visit us online to learn more
For the information of tobacco traders only
stgtrade.co.uk
T H E W E E K I N R E TA I L
EDITOR’S COMMENT
Purple pound My favourite story of this week, other than the news that the government is delaying some of the HFSS regulations, is the news that the ACS has launched a guide to help retailers welcome all customers – including the millions of customers with disabilities and different needs. The ACS worked in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Society, Business Disability Forum, Age UK, and National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise to create the guide that offers easy, practical, and cost-effective steps that all store owners can take to ensure that everybody feels welcome in store. It’s a subject close to my heart because officially I am disabled – I have epilepsy – and retailers could help me by having someone on site that knows a bit about seizures. They’re not all falling to the ground and frothing at the mouth: I used to talk nonsense and be very confused, and people would often assume I was drunk. In addition, my boyfriend has cerebral palsy, his mother has sight problems, and my mother had dementia. Everyone knows someone that has a disability or special needs and that’s why it’s so important.
In the UK alone, the #PurplePound – the spending power of disabled people and their families – is worth a staggering £274bn and is estimated to be rising by 14% per year, yet less than 10% of businesses have a targeted plan to access the disability market. This is not only a huge frustration for disabled people, but is also a huge missed opportunity for retailers who could be benefiting both socially and commercially by accessing the disability market. A great initiative for retailers to get involved in is Purple Tuesday, which aims to improve the customer experience for disabled people, and this year takes place on 1 November. Another initiative in this area is the Sunflower lanyard scheme for people with hidden disabilities like myself. I’ll get off my soapbox now and wish you all a very successful run-up to the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
LIZ WELLS, DEPUTY EDITOR
WEDNESDAY 18TH MAY 2022/ ISSUE 105 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 3
Helping you to make an extra 3% Gross Profit Ease of use
Simple to use touch screen till software
Backoffice admin software
Cigarette Gantry integration
Indepth reporting and analysis
Touch screen handheld device to control the shop from the shopfloor
Supplier Data links with all major Wholesalers
Credit Card integration
Weekly health check reports to guide you to improve your sales and margin.
Access to background database with over 100,000 products
Benefits of MPos ✓ Built around a retailer, not a computer user ✓ Simple to use till, powerful admin tools ✓ Built from retailers perspective ✓ Reduces labour by downloading products, price changes, invoices and promotions
✓ Reduces labour by allowing one click order generation and one click invoice downloads - easily shave off 10 hours of work per store
✓ Increased control on stock; all stock deliveries downloaded and all stock adjustments emailed to the owner; NO stock is unaccounted for
✓ Emails store performance to the user with real actionable data once a week rather than stats heavy reports that overwhelm the user
✓ Based in Scotland with excellent support and training program
✓ Easy to use Hand Held terminal to control the store from shop floor ✓ Integration with Credit Card terminals, Zapper, Cigarette Gantry, Loyalty Schemes and more ✓ Developed and supported by people that know the retail trade
So How much Could our System make for you? We can demonstrate a 3% uplift in Gross Profit in using our system.
£5,000 £10,000 £15,000 £20,000 £25,000
£7,800 Current Weekly Turnover Extra profit per annum
£15,600 £23,400 £31,200 £39,000
Even a Single Lane system can more than pay for itself in the first 4 months!
MHouse, 349 Shields Road, Motherwell, ML1 2LD
Tel: 0800 242 5360 email sales@mhousesolutions.com
CONTENTS
WEDNESDAY 18 MAY 2022 / ISSUE 105
6
12
28
THIS WEEK’S NEWS
COVER STORY
SUSTAINABILITY
Midcounties Co-op invests £1m to protect staff and stores, and Morrisons partners with Warner’s to launch a dual-branded fascia.
The founder of Morning, Noon & Night launches a new convenience chain, which will create 500 jobs in Scotland over the next five years.
The SWA is asked to join Scotland’s new Zero Emission Truck Taskforce in recognition of its ongoing work to decarbonise the wholesale industry.
8
Accessibility
27 Store openings
The Association of Convenience Stores
The Scottish Retail Food & Drink Awards
Retailer Mimar Cantay swaps London for
launches a guide on how to provide
unveils its shortlist.
Lowestoft and will launch a new Nisa Local
excellent service for every customer. 9
20 Business awards
22 Vaping
store this month.
Regulation
Under-age vape sales need to be cut off at
The Government delays HFSS restrictions
source, says UKVIA as it calls for £10,000
James Hall & Co expands its greener fleet
on multibuy deals and TV and online
fines for those caught selling to under-18s.
with the purchase of three Volvo tractor
advertising. 11 Covid-19 update The latest coronavirus-related news. 14 Retail crime A man is charged after more than 800,000
23 Vaping UKVIA urges the Scottish Government to rethink its proposals to restrict the advertising and promotion of e-cigarettes. 25 Deposit Return Schemes
29 Sustainability
units that feature an Ecodrive refrigeration system. 30 Picks of the week A look at the latest new products and marketing campaigns. 34 Out the box: desks in stores
suspected illicit cigarettes are seized by
Circularity Scotland secures a total of £18m
HMRC at an industrial park in Dundee.
to fund the start-up costs of Scotland’s
Tesco pilots in-store flexible working
Deposit Return Scheme.
areas, allowing office work to take place in
17 Tobacco The Association of Convenience Stores
26 Community
redundant supermarket space. 37 Before you go...
urges retailers to familiarise themselves
Retailers raise over £5,700 for Nisa’s
with forthcoming changes to the UK
Making A Difference Locally charity through
A look at the world’s most inconvenient
tobacco track and system.
clothing banks.
convenience store.
TWITTER.COM/SLRMAG
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SLRMAG
WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK
WEDNESDAY 18TH MAY 2022/ ISSUE 105 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 5
NEWS DIGEST
THIS WEEK’S NEWS FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS, HEAD TO WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK/CATEGORY/NEWS/
MADL WINS AWARD Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally charity has been presented with the National Commitment to the Community
SECURITY
Midcounties Co-op invests £1m to protect staff and stores
The retailer is introducing the latest technology and further deepening its relationships with the police.
Award at the Better Society Awards in London. MADL was recognised for the positive impact made to communities by the charity and Nisa retailers.
GREENCORE NAMES CEO Convenience food producer Greencore has appointed Dalton Philips as Chief Executive and Executive Director, succeeding Patrick Coveney who left at the end of March. Philips, who will join the group on 26 September, joins from global airports and travel retail group daa.
TESCO SUPPORTS PIG INDUSTRY Tesco has unveiled £10m in extra funding for UK pig farmers as the industry battles challenges related to increases in on-farm costs including feed such as wheat and soya. The accelerated and enhanced payment plan will see Tesco suppliers increase payments to farmers by £6.6m until August.
6 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 105 / WEDNESDAY 18TH MAY 2022
Your Co-op Food, part of The Midcounties Co-operative, is investing £1m to protect its staff, stores, and customers. The retailer is introducing a range of measures and systems to deter retail crime in partnership with security supplier Amberstone. The measures include creating a dedicated Safe Stores team and rolling out technology in stores, including CCTV systems connected to a remote operator who will be able
to speak to staff and offenders via the cameras and alert them that the police have been called. The retailer will also introduce roaming guards and is developing a crime hub, which will automatically create a file for each incident for the police, helping to streamline the reporting process. The society will also be trialling the introduction of additional panic alarms for staff and perimeter alarms. Rupert Newman, Chief Retail Officer at The Midcounties Co-operative, said: “By using the latest technology and further deepening our relationships with the police, we are sending a clear message that we have a zero-tolerance approach to criminal incidents that could affect our colleagues, members, customers, and local communities.”
Ultra-rapid charging station opens in Scotland European rapid charging company Fastned has opened Scotland’s biggest ultra-rapid charging station in the Palace Grounds Retail Park, Hamilton. The station, which is located just off the A72 and near the M74, comprises eight chargers, each of which is supplied by 100% renewable energy. The station, Fastned’s 10th in the UK, was part-funded by the Scottish Government’s Low Carbon Infrastructure
Transition Programme and supported through the European Regional Development Programme. Tom Hurst, UK Country Manager and Network Development Manager for Fastned, said: “Scotland has long been at the forefront of the UK’s transition to a greener future, and transport is no exception. “We are delighted to be helping with this transition.”
NEWS DIGEST
THIS WEEK’S NEWS FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS, HEAD TO WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK/CATEGORY/NEWS/
PARTNERSHIPS
Morrisons ties up with Warner’s to launch dual-branding fascia
The 6,000sq ft store features a drinks bar, food-to-go counter, along with an area dedicated to discovering frozen food from Cook.
Morrisons is partnering with independent retailer Warner’s to launch a new joint-branded store called Warner’s Supermarkets – Together with Morrisons. Located in Upton-upon-Severn, Worcestershire, the new fascia is opening its doors on 26 May, offering locally sourced food and drink, along with big brands. Boasting a drinks bar, food-to-go counter, along with an area dedicated to discovering frozen food from Cook, the 6,000sq ft store will also give back to the community with the Warner’s Community Savings scheme, which has been running for over 15 years. The partnership is expected to combine the “freedom to be an independent
ACS ADDS VAPING GUIDE ACS has developed guidance to help retailers with the sale and supply of e-cigarettes and other vaping products. The guide covers the regulations that govern the sale and supply of e-cigarettes, retailers’ responsibilities, and advice on how to ensure that underage sales do not take place.
retailer” along with being able to offer a wide range of products. Morrisons is expected to supply about 90% of the stock to the stores, with Warner’s sourcing the rest through local suppliers. The supermarket giant is reportedly talking to other retailers about the concept and asked anyone interested to get in touch.
ALDI UNWRAPS BEANS Aldi is removing plastic shrink wrap from multipacks of its Corale baked beans. The move will save 78 tonnes of single-use plastic from going to landfill each year, while still offering shoppers a multipack discount. Aldi will also trial the removal of the outer plastic wrap for its sweetcorn mini
BoE head warns of ‘apocalyptic’ food prices The Bank of England governor has rung the alarm over heightened concerns about food supplies, which he blamed on the war in Ukraine. Andrew Bailey
told MPs that the highest inflation seen in the UK for three decades was caused by factors outside the Bank’s control, warning that a “very big income shock” from the increase in global goods prices would result in an increase in unemployment. He described the shortages of food supplies from Ukraine as a “major worry”, as wheat already rose 25% over the past six weeks.“Sorry for being apocalyptic for a moment,” he added, “but that is a major concern”.
packs.
UBER TRIALS ROBOTS Uber Eats is set to trial robot delivery in Los Angeles, according to reports. It’s working with Motional and Serve Robotics to conduct the trial. Motional will deliver via self-driving cars and Serve Robotics will use robots that operate on paths.
WEDNESDAY 18TH MAY 2022/ ISSUE 105 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 7
T R A D E A S S O C I AT I O N S
ACCESSIBILTY
ACS guide helps retailers welcome all customers The guide offers easy, practical, and cost-effective steps all store owners can take to welcome customers with disabilities and special needs.
T
he Association of Convenience Stores has launched a guide on how to provide excellent service for all customers, including the millions with disabilities and different needs. The Everyone Welcome Guide has been developed in consultation with the Alzheimer’s Society, Business Disability Forum, Age UK, and National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise.
The guide offers easy, practical, and cost-effective steps that all store owners can take to welcome disabled customers. ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “We have created this guidance to provide retailers with practical advice on how they can ensure that they are delivering excellent customer service to every single person who visits their store.”
Diane Lightfoot, Chief Executive of the Business Disability Forum, said: “One in five people in the UK have a disability, but it’s important to remember that it’s not only disabled people who benefit from more accessible shops and spaces – it’s everyone.” The guidance is available to download here.
POWER UP YOUR SALES
HIGH CAFFEINE ENERGY DRINK WITH THE INDESC
RIBABLE TASTE OF IRN-BRU
FROM THE N0.1 SCOTTISH GROCERY BRAND *
*Source: Kantar World Panel, Value Sales, Take Home Non-Alcohol Brands, MAT to 06.09.21, Total Scotland
8 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 105 / WEDNESDAY 18TH MAY 2022
R E G U L AT I O N S
HFSS
Government delays some HFSS restrictions
Restrictions on multibuy deals and advertising on TV and online have been delayed to enable the government to review the impact of the restrictions on the cost of living.
R
ules banning multibuy deals on foods and drinks high in fat, salt, or sugar (HFSS) and restrictions on free refills for soft drinks will be delayed for a year. The government said the delay would enable it to review and monitor the impact of the restrictions on the cost of living in light of an “unprecedented global economic situation”. However, restrictions on the placement of less healthy products will still come into force in October 2022 as planned. These will mean less healthy
and confusing regulations at a time when consumers and retailers are facing significant financial pressure is nothing short of astonishing. While everyone else is trying to navigate the worst cost of living and cost of business crisis in memory, the government is regulating to send officials round to shops with tape measures to make sure yoghurt and pizza aren’t displayed too close to the door or on the end of an aisle. “Going ahead with the location restrictions in October this year, costing thousands of pounds per store, will have a huge impact on thousands of small businesses. Retailers cannot absorb these costs, they will ultimately have to pass them onto their customers during the same month that everyone’s energy costs are set to skyrocket.” products are no longer promoted in key locations, such as checkouts, store entrances, and aisle ends. The restrictions banning HFSS adverts on TV before 9pm and paid-for adverts online will also be paused for a year, meaning they will come into force in January 2024. This is due to a delay to the Health and Care Bill receiving Royal assent, as well as a growing recognition that the industry needs more time to prepare. In response, ACS Chief Executive James Lowman, said: “The government’s insistence on pushing ahead with costly
WEDNESDAY 18TH MAY 2022/ ISSUE 105 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 9
Fort Matilda Industrial Estate, Greenock, Scotland PA16 7QF Tel: +44 (0)1475 721099 www.goldencasket.co.uk
enquiries@goldencasket.co.uk www.millionssweets.co.uk
NEWS SPECIAL
COVID-19 UPDATE
Brits choosing to work from home
COCA-COLA PILOTS ‘SMART’ DISPENSER TO REDUCE CARBON FOOTPRINT
Research shows the UK has the highest share of employees who said they would quit their job if they were forced to return to the workplace full-time.
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners is trialling a new Compact Freestyle dispenser to reduce the environmental impact of its packaging. The pilot begins this month at on-the-go and at-work outlets in France and Belgium. Other European markets will follow this year. The dispenser is an extension of the CocaCola Freestyle brand and portfolio and aims to allow consumers personalise
such as Germany, France, and Italy, according to the data. However, some countries saw an increase in journeys to the office. Poland has seen an 11% rise in people going back to the office, while Slovenia saw a 2% increase, the figures reveal. In addition, a survey of 33,000 people by WFH Research reveals that the UK has the highest share of employees who said they would quit their job or look for a work-fromhome job if they were forced to return to their office full time.
their drink from around 40
TECH SOLUTIONS
T
he UK is lagging behind Europe on the return to the office, as Brits choose to work from home, according to Google’s mobility report. The figures reveal that journeys to workplaces are 23% lower compared to pre-pandemic levels. The work-fromhome trend is particularly acute in London, the figures show. Journeys to places of work in the capital city were more than 30% lower than they were pre-Covid. The UK’s decline in journeys to workplaces is more than double the percentage drop in European countries
beverage choices, and choose to fill their own reusable vessel. According to Coca Cola, preliminary analysis of the new dispenser has identified a lower carbon footprint per litre of chilled beverage compared with conventional pack types, for example cans and PET bottles.
WEDNESDAY 18TH MAY 2022/ ISSUE 105 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 11
C OV E R S T O RY
EDDY’S FOOD STATION
New beginnings The founder of Morning, Noon & Night launches a new convenience chain, which will create 500 roles across central Scotland over the next five years.
S
tephen Thompson, former Chief Executive and co-founder of convenience chain Morning Noon & Night, has launched a new convenience chain in Alloa, Clackmannanshire. Stephen worked alongside his father, Eddie Thompson, who also co-founded Morning, Noon & Night. One of the most significant retail deals in Scotland saw the chain of 50 stores sold for £30m in 2004. The new chain – Eddy’s Food Station – plans to open a further 30 stores and create 500 roles across central Scotland over the next five years. The chain will use a combination of new sites and the conversion of existing convenience store locations. Stephen said: “The opportunity to operate a successful chain of convenience stores is very promising right now and this venture is an extremely exciting first leg of a long journey for the Eddy’s Food Station brand. The retail industry is an industry I know and love. It’s an avenue I’ve always wanted to return to, and I couldn’t be happier that it’s finally happening. “We’re investing heavily in resources and research into our offering and we’re
passionate about giving our customers an unrivalled, superior experience. We’re taking this opportunity to shake up the market, creating a retail experience that combines convenience and quality and goes above and beyond customer expectations. Our employees are fully equipped to create an environment that will give customers the best possible experience and create a real sense of community.” Stephen added: “The name Eddy’s Food Station is a nod to my father and his successes in the industry. I’m thrilled to be following in his footsteps with this new venture and look forward to embracing the journey ahead as the Eddy’s Food Station network grows. Expansion is very much front and centre and so we are continuing to scope out further sites for future stores in more central and convenient locations.” The chain provides daily essentials and groceries, alongside an extensive menu of fresh, local takeaway foods. Partnering with a number of Scottish food wholesalers, Eddy’s provide
“The retail industry is an industry I know and love. It’s an avenue I’ve always wanted to return to, and I couldn’t be happier that it’s finally happening.” 12 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 105 / WEDNESDAY 18TH MAY 2022
customers with products tailored to the Scottish market. As the chain expands, the retailer is eager to work with more local food and drinks producers to enhance its offering. John Richardson, Head of Food Service at Eddy’s Food Station, said: “Eddy’s Food Station stores aim is to surpass customers’ expectations from their local shop, as the offering goes far beyond basic, day-to-day supplies. In addition to a wide range of groceries our point of difference will be a high-quality, Scottish, daily takeaway menu of hot and cold
fresh foods. From filled rolls to hot pizza slices, there are options for every meal.” In response, John Lee, Head of Public Affairs at Scottish Grocers’ Federation, said: “The development of a new group of convenience stores is an indication of how strong the convenience sector is and how popular the convenience channel is with customers. This is a very impressive level of investment which will create significant new jobs and provide valuable services to our communities. We wish Eddy’s Food Station every success.”
WEDNESDAY 18TH MAY 2022/ ISSUE 105 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 13
R E TA I L C R I M E
ILLEGAL TOBACCO
HMRC seizes illegal cigarettes in Dundee
Tobacco seized from an industrial park in Dundee is believed to be worth an estimated £378,000 in lost duty and taxes.
A
man has been charged after more than 800,000 suspected illicit cigarettes were seized by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) inside a container at an industrial park in Dundee. A further 31kg of hand-rolled tobacco was also confiscated, alongside the 824,620 cigarettes. The tobacco products found in the container are believed to be worth an estimated £378,000 in lost duty and taxes. A man in his 40s from Dundee was arrested at the scene and interviewed by HMRC officers. He has been charged with Excise Duty fraud and released pending further enquiries. Joe Hendry, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “Cheap cigarettes come at a cost, as they often fund organised crime and other illegal activity that causes real harm to our communities. HMRC continues to relentlessly pursue the determined minority who refuse to play by the rules. “Anyone with information about the illegal sale of cigarettes and tobacco should report it to HMRC online at gov.uk.” Meanwhile, Aberdeenshire Council’s trading standards team has seized an estimated 18,000 illegal cigarettes and vaping products from two addresses in Fraserburgh.
14 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 105 / WEDNESDAY 18TH MAY 2022
A dedicated detection dog helped find the haul of illegal cigarettes, worth thousands of pounds, at a residential property and a commercial premises in the town. The contraband was hidden inside the empty casing of a printer, placed on the shelf in the storeroom of the shop. A larger haul of illegal cigarettes was found in the property after trading standards obtained a warrant issued by a court to search the premises. Investigations are now under way with a view to reporting those involved to the Procurator Fiscal.
ENT ER NO W! THE SLR AWARDS ARE BACK AND THEY’RE LIVE FOR OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY!
ENTR IES NOW OPEN LIVE EV ENT :
7 S EPT 2022 R ADIS SON, GLASGOW
TO ENTER, VISIT SLRAWARDS.COM
ENTRY DEADLINE
2 0 MAY 2 022
Scottish Grocers’ Federation
BO OK NO W ! THE SLR AWARDS ARE BACK AND THEY’RE LIVE FOR OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY!
LIVE EV ENT :
7 S EPT 2022 R ADIS SON, GLASGOW
TICK ETS AVAILABLE NOW TAB LE OF 10 £ 125 0 EX VAT TICK ET £ 14 0 EX VAT
Scottish Grocers’ Federation
TO BAC C O
TRACK AND TRACE
Tobacco track and trace system to change IT provider ACS says it is extremely important that retailers familiarise themselves with the changes to the track and trace system.
T
he UK tobacco track and system will be moving from its current IT provider De La Rue (DLR) to Dentsu from 1 July. ACS says retailers registered on the existing track and trace system will have all their information automatically transferred to the new Dentsu system. This means that their Economic Operator Identifier Code (EOID) and Facility Identifier Code (FID) will remain the same. In addition, retailers will receive two communications from Dentsu – to their email account registered on the current track and trace system – in the coming weeks and months. An initial email from Dentsu about their automatic registration will give retailers access to a test system. This will be from no-reply@qa-uk-trackandtrace-dentsutracking.com.
A second email between 20 June and 1 July will confirm retailers’ registration to the live Dentsu UK track and trace system. It will be sent from no-reply@ uk-trackandtrace-dentsutracking.com
and will also include login details that will let retailers access and manage their account. Retailers will be given a default password that must be changed when they first log on to the new system. ACS Chief Executive, James Lowman, said: “We have worked to provide retailers with comprehensive guidance and support on the track and trace system since it was introduced in 2019. “It is extremely important that retailers familiarise themselves with the changes to the track and trace system and follow the instructions in the communications from Dentsu to ensure that they stay on the right side of the law in the sale of these products.”
WEDNESDAY 18TH MAY 2022/ ISSUE 105 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 17
Introducing the all new JUUL2. Same simplicity, enhanced vapour experience.
70% more e-liquid per pod
Over 20% more battery capacity
Great tasting, all new flavours
WARNING:WARNING: This product This contains productnicotin conta
Now available, stock up on the JUUL2 product range.
For more information on the responsible retailing of vapour products, visit juullabsretailer.co.uk
Designed for adult smokers. Not for sale to minors. JUUL is an e-cigarette. This is an age restricted product and age verification is required at sale. TM and © 2022 JUUL Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.
UNDER 25? Please show ID when buying e-cigarettes ©
W in
e&
Sp irit Tra de
A sso c iati
on 2
018
snea which highly is addictive a highlysubstance. addictive substance.
BUSINESS
THE SCOTTISH RETAIL F
SRFDA 2022 shortlist out now The Scottish Retail Food & Drink Awards, a celebration of the very best food and drink available in Scottish retail outlets, has unveiled its shortlist.
O
ne hundred
in line with on-pack
and forty
instructions for the Plat-
outstand-
inum judging panel.
ing Scottish
food and drink products
Read the full shortlist.
have made it onto the shortlist for the Scottish Retail Food
Bruce Langlands, former Head
available to t
of Food & Beverage at Harrods and
“I really belie
products represent a broad selection of
Selfridges and Chair of the Platinum judg-
ners will go o
food and drink categories and have been
ing panel, commented: “I am so pleased to
tish retail out
chosen by more than 50 experienced,
be involved once again with The Scottish
can take prid
expert judges after more than four weeks
Retail Food & Drink Awards because the
helping that
of intense judging.
judging process is impeccable, entirely
& Drink Awards 2022 (SRFDA). The
fair and completely transparent. This is
SRFDA Direc
To replicate the consumer experience as
exactly how food and drink awards should
entries up ov
closely as possible, the majority of the
be judged – and I have to say that over
the judging w
judging was carried out at home with the
the last month or so we have tasted some
in equal mea
judges having the products delivered to
absolutely outstanding products.
our judges th
their doorsteps, allowing them to expe-
and had the o
rience the products in exactly the same
“It’s very clear to me as a proud Scot that
way as the consumer would.
the industry is in fine fettle and we’ve
products.
seen some exceptional creativity, inno-
“The passion
The final phase of the judging, including
vation and quality during the judging.
food and drin
the Platinum judging, was carried out in two
With locally, regionally and nationally
look forward
days of face-to-face sessions at The Corin-
sourced products arguably more popular
on 31 May an
thian in Glasgow where Executive Chef
than ever, there is clearly no shortage of
entrants to he
Stewart McAllister prepared the products
fantastic Scottish food and drink products
grow sales lo
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A SPECIAL CER
S AWARDS
FOOD & DRINK AWARDS
Judging panel hard at work
tempt retailers and consumers.
The winners will be announced at a special
Glasgow. To reserve your place, please
eve that many of this year’s win-
ceremony on 31 May at The Corinthian in
email events@55north.com.
on to secure new listings in Scot-
tlets and, when that happens, we
de in the small part we played in happen.”
ctor Antony Begley added: “With
ver 30% on last year, we knew that
would be challenging and rewarding
asure, but I think it’s fair to say that
horoughly enjoyed the experience
opportunity to try so many exciting
n and energy in the Scottish retail
nk sector is inspirational and we to both announcing the winners
nd to working with all winners and
elp them develop their brands and
ong into the future.”
REMONY ON 31 MAY AT THE CORITHIAN IN GLASGOW
R E G U L AT I O N S
UNDERAGE SALES
Underage vape sales need to be cut off at source – industry UKVIA wants fines increased to a minimum of £10,000 per instance for those retailers who are caught selling directly to those under the age of 18.
N
o holds barred enforcement and severe penalties need to be introduced by regulators to ensure the sale of vape products to minors is cut off at source, according to the sector trade body UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA). The call by UKVIA follows recent reports which point to a rise in vaping amongst Scottish school children who have been able to buy disposable vape products online and from local retail outlets. UKVIA wants fines increased to a minimum of £10,000 per instance for those retailers who are caught selling directly to under 18s. The move would
22 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 105 / WEDNESDAY 18TH MAY 2022
help “to rid the industry of the scourge of rogue traders intent on making a fast buck out of kids at the expense of the safety of young people and the reputation of the wider sector” it said. UKVIA has already worked directly with trading standards on retailer guidance to prevent youth access to vaping products, as well as assisting in operations in the field. John Dunne, Director-General said: “Enough is enough, the industry has a duty of care to young people. We need to send a strong message out to the minority of rogue retailers and wholesalers who do not care about breaking the law
as they know they won’t get severely punished for doing so. “The time has come to introduce heavy fines to deter rogue retailers from re-offending and putting vape products into the wrong hands. There needs to be consistency across the board and any regime that is introduced to stamp out under-age access to vapes needs to be applied to all retailers, including specialist vape stores and e-commerce sites, convenience stores, supermarkets, and online marketplaces.” UKVIA will be holding a consultation with its membership around future enforcement of age of sale regulations.
R E G U L AT I O N S
VAPING
Government urged to rethink ‘damaging’ measures for e-cigarettes UKVIA is urging the Scottish Government to reopen dialogue with public health experts, industry representatives, and ex-smokers.
U
K Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) says the Scottish Government has taken a “damaging and disproportionate approach” in proposed measures to restrict the advertising and promotion of e-cigarettes. UKVIA has responded to the Scottish Government’s consultation, which proposes a range of “punitive” regulations, including a ban on e-cigarette advertising on billboards, buses, leaflets and flyers, as well as in-store promotional displays, free distribution, brand-sharing and sponsorship agreements. UKVIA’s view is that while the Scottish Government has accepted that vape products are a valuable tool to help smokers looking to quit, its approach paradoxically brings together the relevant risk of e-cigarettes and combustible tobacco, detrimentally impacting the industry’s ability to communicate the range of products available to smokers looking to quit. UKVIA’s Director-General John Dunne said: “In an environment where misinformation regarding the relative risks of vaping remains concerningly high, these measures will only serve to perpetuate existing misconceptions in government, public health bodies, and
individuals looking to quit combustible tobacco.” Instead, UKVIA has recommended a proportionate approach to regulation, which does not increase the burden on already stretched enforcement bodies. “The Scottish Government should instead consider UKVIA’s guidelines on preventing underage access, as well as its proposals for a comprehensive national test-purchasing scheme, and a more robust retailer licensing scheme to replace Scotland’s registration scheme,” Dunne added. UKVIA said these steps, alongside an increase in penalties for breaches of existing regulations, would go further to
prevent youth and never-smoker access, while retaining the visibility of e-cigarettes for adult smokers looking to quit. UKVIA also expressed concerns regarding the consultation, citing inaccurate and incomplete representations of data pertaining to public perceptions of vape products, a narrow set of international examples, as well as youth vaping rates. It has instead urged the Scottish Government to reopen dialogue with public health experts, industry representatives, and ex-smokers who utilised vape products to quit to better understand the opportunities e-cigarettes pose for achieving smokefree.
WEDNESDAY 18TH MAY 2022/ ISSUE 105 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 23
Let’s create a great recycling experience. The deposit return scheme (DRS) is coming to Scotland. Make it easy with TOMRA.
The global leader in reverse vending technology tomra.com/uk | Get in touch to find out more: tcs.uk@tomra.com
S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y
DEPOSIT RETURN SCHEME
Circularity Scotland secures DRS investment A total of £18m in funding from the Scottish National Investment Bank and Bank of Scotland will fund the start-up costs of Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme.
T
he Scottish National Investment Bank has committed £9m to fund the development of Circularity Scotland, which will administer the country’s deposit return scheme. The Bank’s investment was key to securing an additional £9m capital from Bank of Scotland. Together the investments will fund the start-up costs of the scheme, which will go live in August 2023. Mark Munro, Executive Director, Sustainable Investment at the Scottish National Investment Bank, said: “We are pleased to be able to support the roll-out of the deposit return scheme in Scotland by investing in Circularity Scotland.
Increasing recycling rates is a vital component in Scotland’s transition to net zero, one of the bank’s key missions.” David Harris, Chief Executive at Circularity Scotland, added: “We are delighted to be working with Scottish National Investment Bank and Bank of Scotland. Their investments alongside those already received from industry will support our work in providing Scotland with the most comprehensive and efficient deposit return scheme in the world. “We are committed to being a highly effective and efficient scheme administrator, creating exciting employment
opportunities, and this funding makes that possible.” The news has been welcomed by the NFRN. National President, Narinder Randhawa, said: “This investment is a show of confidence in and support for all the work being done to deliver the anticipated increase in recycling rates from August next year. “Twhe Fed’s members in Scotland will be on the frontline of the deposit return scheme. Unless exempted, they will form the backbone of the network of return points, where customers will bring their bottles and cans for the refund of the deposits.”
WEDNESDAY 18TH MAY 2022/ ISSUE 105 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 25
COMMUNITY
MAKING A DIFFERENCE LOCALLY
Nisa retailers raise over £5,700 for charity via clothing banks Any warm clothes donated are currently being sent directly to Ukraine and Poland to support refugees and others in need due to the conflict.
N
isa retailers have raised thousands of pounds for good causes through Making a Difference Locally (MADL) clothing banks. Since their launch to Nisa partners last May, the clothing banks have raised more than £5,700 for local causes, with 42 units currently situated outside Nisa stores. The clothing banks enable Nisa partners to accumulate additional money into their MADL fund, in turn enabling them to provide further support to their local communities, while helping to reduce the environmental impact of unwanted clothing and textiles. MADL clothing banks are available free of charge to Nisa retailers, in partnership with Nathan’s Waste Savers, and
every donation is either sold, reused, or recycled. The banks require no maintenance from retailers as they are installed, serviced, and emptied regularly free of charge. Once clothing banks have been weighed and emptied, funds raised are banked into the store’s MADL account and donated to a local good cause of the store’s choosing. In addition, any warm clothes donated are currently being sent directly to Ukraine and Poland to support refugees and others in need due to the conflict. Somerset-based retailer Gwilliams of Edington has had MADL clothing banks sited in its customer car park since June, which have raised almost £850 for local causes to date. Store manager, Jo Hellier, said: “The MADL clothing banks have gone down really well since we introduced them, so much so that we now have three of them and they can raise up to around £140 in a month as they’re so popular with the locals.” Kate Carroll, Nisa’s Head of Charity, added: “It’s great to see preloved textiles being given a new lease of life and making a difference for good causes rather than ending up in landfill, and wonderful to see so many Nisa partners and their customers getting behind the initiative.”
26 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 105 / WEDNESDAY 18TH MAY 2022
S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y
JAMES HALL & CO
Nisa retailer leaves London Independent retailer Mimar Cantay has invested in a former Spar in Oulton Broad, which has undergone a full refurbishment.
T
he Volvo Euro 6 tractor units are the first equipped with an Ecodrive refrigeration system to be introduced to James Hall & Co’s double-decked fleet. The company’s double-decked multi-temperature trailers will be powered by the electronic generator that is driven by the tractor unit engine, rather than separately by the trailer’s diesel generator. It is anticipated that the new tractor units will result in an eight tonne per annum reduction of CO2 emissions, and the new Euro 6 tractor units are also more fuel efficient than the Euro 5 models they are replacing. The trio of Volvo tractor units are in addition to the three new 18-tonne rigid
Volvo trucks with engineless refrigeration systems that James Hall & Co took delivery of in June 2021. The company is planning further green investments later in 2022 and into 2023, with the delivery of its first refrigerated fully-electric articulated trailer, as well as further tractor units and rigid trucks with lower carbon emissions. Ian Farnworth, Fleet Engineering Manager at James Hall & Co, said: “We’re delighted with the new Volvo tractor units,
and they are valuable additions to our fleet. Given that they are amongst our longest-distance vehicles delivering six days a week across the North of England, their improved efficiency and performance will make a considerable difference to our carbon footprint. “It is an exciting period for the fleet here at James Hall & Co as we accelerate our sustainability plans, of which, our fleet of delivery vehicles are a major part.”
WEDNESDAY 18TH MAY 2022/ ISSUE 105 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 27
S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y
LOGISTICS
SWA joins new Zero Emission Truck Taskforce The taskforce will set out the steps required to enable a swift and just transition to new technologies, identifying where further development is required.
S
cottish Wholesale Association (SWA) has been invited to join Scotland’s new Zero Emission Truck Taskforce in recognition of its ongoing work with members as part of its ‘Decarbonisation of the Wholesale Industry’ project. The taskforce will involve industry leaders from the road haulage, logistics, manufacturing, energy, and finance sectors who will work in partnership to identify and co-design creative and practical solutions to maximising opportunities. It will also tackle any hurdles in relation to technology, charging infrastructure, costs, finance, and
28 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 105 / WEDNESDAY 18TH MAY 2022
operator engagement in the transition to zero-emission trucks. The collaboration will set out the steps required to enable a swift and just transition to new technologies, identifying where further development is required and exploring new business models. The taskforce will run until March 2023. SWA Chief Executive Colin Smith said: “There’s a lot to take on board as we grapple with how best to achieve zero-emission trucks and it’s our job to help members cut through the myriad information available and guide them
on the right path to decarbonise their businesses.” Meanwhile, the SWA is inviting members to get involved in the taskforce’s sub-working groups and where the SWA will be active members of each, which range from trials and data to finance and infrastructure. The SWA has already shared the findings of the first phase of its ‘Decarbonisation of the Wholesale Sector’ project, which focused on our vehicles and fleets, calculating and reporting on the sector’s fleet emissions baseline and producing a fleet emissions roadmap to net zero.
S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y
JAMES HALL & CO
James Hall & Co expands its greener fleet
The company has purchased three Volvo tractor units featuring an Ecodrive refrigeration system.
J
ames Hall & Co has added three new greener Volvo tractor units to its fleet. The Volvo Euro 6 tractor units are the first equipped with an Ecodrive refrigeration system to be introduced to James Hall & Co’s double-decked fleet. The company’s double-decked multi-temperature trailers will be powered by the electronic generator that is driven by the tractor unit engine, rather than separately by the trailer’s diesel generator. It is anticipated that the new tractor units will result in an eight tonne per
annum reduction of CO2 emissions, and the new Euro 6 tractor units are also more fuel efficient than the Euro 5 models they are replacing. The trio of Volvo tractor units are in addition to the three new 18-tonne rigid Volvo trucks with engineless refrigeration systems that James Hall & Co took delivery of in June 2021. The company is planning further green investments later in 2022 and into 2023, with the delivery of its first refrigerated fully-electric articulated trailer, as well as further tractor units and rigid trucks with lower carbon emissions.
Ian Farnworth, Fleet Engineering Manager at James Hall & Co, said: “We’re delighted with the new Volvo tractor units, and they are valuable additions to our fleet. Given that they are amongst our longest-distance vehicles delivering six days a week across the North of England, their improved efficiency and performance will make a considerable difference to our carbon footprint. “It is an exciting period for the fleet here at James Hall & Co as we accelerate our sustainability plans, of which, our fleet of delivery vehicles are a major part.”
WEDNESDAY 18TH MAY 2022/ ISSUE 105 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 29
ASPALL CYDER WEETABIX WALKERS PICKS OF THE WEEK
NPD AND MEDIA
PICKS OF THE WEEK – ASPALL CYDER
MOLSON COORS BACKS ASPALL WITH £3M CAMPAIGN The activity will start in June with a comprehensive TV, video on-demand, digital, social and out-of-home media campaign, supported with experiential activity.
Aspall Cyder will hit TV screens later this year
the equivalent of 70 million pints annually – putting
with its first TV ad as part of a new multi-million-
the brand in a position to better help its on- and
pound marketing campaign launched by owner
off-trade customers meet growing demand for
Molson Coors Beverage Company.
super-premium cider.
The £3m investment will commence in June
Phil Pick, Marketing Controller for Cider at
with a comprehensive TV, video on-demand, dig-
Molson Coors, said: “Aspall is one of Suffolk’s
ital, social and out-of-home media campaign,
most well-known exports. It’s been produced at
supported with experiential activity.
the same site for nearly three hundred years and
While building on the brand’s premium credentials, the marketing campaign will emphasise that
our investment in the Cyder House will ensure this continues for many more to come.
“quality doesn’t need to be elitist or pretentious,
“Coupling the brand’s provenance with a multi-
it can be enjoyed by all, helping elevate social
million-pound TV-led marketing campaign is a truly
occasions into something really memorable”.
exciting prospect. It will further raise Aspall’s profile
It follows a £13m investment in the Aspall Cyder
and help capitalise on the growth in popularity of
House in Suffolk. A three-year renovation project
premium ciders, that our newly rejuvenated Cyder
has increased the site’s capacity by nearly 60% to
House is ready to meet.”
30 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 105 / WEDNESDAY 18TH MAY 2022
NPD AND MEDIA
PICKS OF THE WEEK – WEETABIX
WEETABIX UNVEILS ANIMATED AD The advert is the latest in the brand’s long-running ‘Have You Had Your Weetabix?’ campaign. Weetabix Food Company has launched a new
Food Company can continue to fully get behind its
TV ad that reminds viewers that when their day
£250m brand portfolio in-store and on TV, creating
starts with Weetabix, anything is possible.
excitement and visibility of the category.
The 20-second advert, which debuts on 16
Gareth Turner, Head of Marketing at Weetabix,
May on TV and social media, is the latest in the
said: “We have a long history here at Weetabix of
brand’s long-running ‘Have You Had Your Weet-
putting a creative twist on famous stories for our
abix?’ campaign and is part of a £14m marketing
commercials and we wanted an advert that would
spend in the past 12 months to support the brand.
be as memorable as our iconic ‘Have you had
This quirky hand-drawn animation is a fresh
yours?’ tagline. We are delighted how this new
twist on the classic fairy-tale of the Three Little
creative demonstrates that anyone can benefit
Pigs that takes inspiration from iconic cartoons but
from a Weetabix breakfast – even the Big Bad Wolf.
brings the genre up to date. Eagle-eyed viewers
“We continue to lead investment in the cereal
will spot the numerous ways in which the story has
category to ensure Weetabix remains front of
been modernised, with little touches such as an
mind throughout the nation with those looking
iPhone being charged in the house built of sticks.
for a nutritious and affordable breakfast. This fun
With all Weetabix-branded products already
and memorable advert is just the latest part of our
HFSS compliant, it means that The Weetabix
marketing for the legendary yellow box.”
WEDNESDAY 18TH MAY 2022/ ISSUE 105 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 31
NPD AND MEDIA
PICKS OF THE WEEK – WALKERS
SENSATIONS CELEBRATES PLATINUM JUBILEE WITH LIMITED-EDITION FLAVOURS PepsiCo will also launch its first scale ATL campaign in more than two years to support the launch. Walkers’ premium crisps range Sensations is
board who is the perfect fit for our poshest-ever
set to launch two limited-edition flavours – Spit
campaign.”
Roast Pork & Apple Sauce and Baked Cheese
Sensations Limited Edition Platinum Jubilee
& Sweet Honey – to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
range is now available until the end of the Jubi-
The brand says it has taken inspiration from
lee bank holiday weekend. Rolling out in a 150g
regal British dining flavours to create the limited
sharing bag (RSP £1.99) and 65g £1 PMP format,
editions, which are the perfect addition to the Jubi-
the SKUs are available across the grocery and
lee celebrations, as shoppers look to maximise the
convenience channels.
long bank holiday weekend. The new flavours and the classic Thai Sweet Chili will also feature an eye-catching limited-edition Platinum Jubilee design, making them a must-stock for retailers. PepsiCo will be launching its first large-scale ATL campaign in more than two years to support the launch. A digital AV is set to be unveiled, featuring no other than the ‘Queen of the Jungle’ and posh icon, Georgia Toffolo. The campaign will also include digital, shopper, PR, and social activities, and is expected to reach an audience of over 100 million. Lynn Grant, Marketing Manager of Sensations at Walkers, said: “As possibly Britain’s poshest crisp, we’re so excited about launching these new limited-edition flavours to bring consumers together to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee. Our ATL campaign is also the first Sensations has had in over two years, and it’s going to be unmissable! We’re thrilled to have Georgia Toffolo on
32 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 105 / WEDNESDAY 18TH MAY 2022
NPD AND MEDIA
PICKS OF THE WEEK
REFORMULATED SNACKS
FRUITY FLAVOURS CCEP has launched a Relent-
SWEET INNOVATION
KP Snacks has launched newly
less Zero Sugar range, which
Swizzels has launched Marvel-
reformulated non-HFSS Tyrrells
includes two flavours – Peach
lous Mallows, its first mallows
Lightly Sea Salted, available from
and Raspberry – and a new pack
product, which combines its
this month in sharing, multipack,
design. The range is available
Drumstick lolly flavour with soft
and single bag formats. A refor-
now in both plain and price-
mallow. It is available in a plain
mulated Hula Hoops Puft range,
marked 500ml packs. The launch
125g bag and a 110g £1 PMP.
featuring a new pack design, also
will be supported by digital, PR,
The launch will be backed by an
rolls out.
influencer and in-store activity.
integrated marketing campaign.
INSTANT NOODLES
FRUITY TEQUILA
JUBILEE CAKES
Batchelors is adding three new
Dead Man’s Fingers is expand-
Fatherson Bakery is making
flavours to its Super Noodles
ing its cream liqueur range with
three limited-editions to mark
ranges. Japanese Katsu Curry
Mango Tequila and Strawberry
the Platinum Jubilee. The six
and Mexican Chicken Fajita join
Tequila variants. Both feature
Great British Fairy Cakes (RSP
the instant noodle blocks range,
Dead Man’s Fingers skull brand-
£3.50), six Glorious Cupcakes
with a recommended selling
ing, paired with a bold colour
(RSP £5.50), and the 12 Victo-
price of £1.09. Meanwhile, Salt
palette. They are available now,
rious Cupcakes (RSP £10) are
& Pepper Chicken is added in
with an RSP of £15 for a 700ml
covered in vanilla icing, cherries
pot format, with an RSP of £1.19.
bottle.
and edible UK flags.
WEDNESDAY 18TH MAY 2022/ ISSUE 105 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 33
NOW THAT’S A
OUT TH
Your appointm
Tesco is trialling offering up supe
Tesco has tied up with Regusowner IWG to pilot in-store flexible working areas, allowing office work to take place in redundant supermarket space.
WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA? Some in the real estate industry could
34 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 105 / WEDNESDAY 18TH MAY 2022
long see this coming; the Covid-19 lockdowns only accelerated the trend towards flexible working from literally anywhere and retailers are now testing the waters for more ways to exploit their big supermarket spaces. The partnership will see IWG test out a 3,800st ft area on the first floor
mezzanine within Tesco’s New Malden supermarket in south London, with room for 12 private desks, 30 co-working spaces and a meeting room. The deal reflects the number of facilities becoming available in places such as supermarkets, where – for example – there would traditionally be the
A GOOD IDEA…
HE BOX A new feature from Farmstead reminds you what’s in your refrigerator to reduce food waste.
ment at aisle 14
ermarket space to office workers.
“It’s a comfortable place to work. It allows focus. You can work in a Starbucks, or almost anywhere else these days, but when you want to do focused work and you don’t want to be at home or commute, it’s the place to work.”
HOW DOES IT WORK?
electronics aisle, but is now one of the quietest areas. IWG Chief Executive, Mark Dixon, told Bloomberg: “You wouldn’t go there every day, but you’d go there when you don’t want to work from home or a coffee shop, you do want to work with some other people in a site easy to get to.
It’s no secret that the high street has been having issues for some time now and the Covid-19 crisis only exacerbated the issues that already existed. With the so-called ‘Great Resignation’ still under way, it’s only natural that commercial real estate companies, such as IWG, would try to put quiet retail space to office use, as the need for flexible working rises. Dixon added: “[The deal] is part of the future. Work is going to be about convenience. Your office is operated by Microsoft or Google and it’s all in the cloud. “What workers are looking for are convenient places they can drop into work at. Hybrid [working] is working close to home and going into the company’s main office whenever you need to in order to collaborate with people.” According to Dixon, the dedicated app boasts eight million users who have to pay a small fee to use these spaces. “We expect to open 1,000 new centres in the following 12 months. All of these are management contracts in the same way that Marriott or Intercontinental hotels manage hotels on
behalf of investors or others; we do the same thing. “Tesco are very good at what they do – we’re the specialists in the provision of the space and most importantly we have a very large app user base that provides the revenue. People that drop in will pay a small amount to do that so it’s a combination.
IS IT LIKELY TO GAIN TRACTION? According to IWG’s own research 72% of workers would prefer the ability to work flexibly, over returning to the office five days a week. Dixon said: “People don’t want to spend hours commuting every day and instead want to live and work in their local communities. A Tesco Extra in a suburban location, in the middle of a vibrant local community, is the perfect location for flexible office space.” What’s more, as much as 30% of the UK office market could be made up of flexible space by 2030, according to property advisory firm JLL. Coupled with the fact that redundant space in shopping centres, cinemas and even airports is becoming available more frequently, it is not outside the realms of possibility that office workers could dial-in from their local shop in the future. “These are places that are convenient for people,” Dixon explained. “They have great parking and it’s a great place to work.”
WEDNESDAY 18TH MAY 2022/ ISSUE 105 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 35
BEFORE YOU GO
RETAIL RANDOMS
INCONVENIENT The world’s most inconvenient convenience store has been revealed, nailed to the side of a mountain in China. The approximately 12sq ft store sits a vertigo-inducing 120 metres up a sheer cliff face in the Shiniuzhai National Geological Park in Hunan province and, as the picture demonstrates, benefits from a healthy passing trade made up mostly of mountaineers and rock climbers. The store specialises in food-to-go. To be perfectly honest, it only sells drinks and snacks. Think more bottles of water and packets of crisps rather than Costa coffee and Rollover hotdogs though. And you can forget about buying a lottery ticket or paying your gas bill. It’s worth seeking out if you’re on a budget: a bottle of water will only set you back the equivalent of 24p.
STORE
Don’t book your flights just now though. According to Chinese state media outlet CCTV, the store, which
first opened in 2018, is currently closed due to the pandemic. Now, that is inconvenient.
C I G A M M O O R H S U M Do you suffer from sleeplessness, jitters and caffeine crashes? Then maybe it’s time to cast aside the coffee cup and give Moksha a whirl. Moksha is the brainchild of Chris Baker, who put a stop to his six cups of coffee a day habit and instead began experimenting with mushrooms. Yes, really. Tinkering with toadstools is not for the faint-hearted. Remember Nicolas Evans? In 2008, the millionaire author of the Horse Whisperer destroyed his kidneys and nearly died after mistaking the deadly webcap mushroom for the edible ceps variety.
Baker must know his artist’s conk from his elm oyster though. Not only does he still have a pair of functioning kidneys, but his fungi fiddling has conjured up “a delicious caffeine-free coffee alternative filled with mushrooms, adaptogens and anti-inflammatory superfoods”. Moksha is available to order now and is a snip at £32 for a 180g pack, good for 36 servings. Speaking of the packs, it looks like some mushrooms of the magic variety might have been consumed during their design.
WEDNESDAY 18TH MAY 2022/ ISSUE 105 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 37
