The Week in Retail 120

RETAIL THE WEEK IN

BUSINESS COSTS

ELECTRIC WORRY

OFGEM CONFIRMS 80% RISE IN ENERGY PRICE CAP FORECOURTS

DEAL DONE

CO-OP SELLS FORECOURTS TO ASDA BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

CONVENIENCE RETAIL PROPERTY MARKET ‘RESILIENT’

● Food prices hit new high ● Vaping reaches record levels ● Food-to-go growth slows

REPORT REVEALS PRICES ARE HOLDING UP

+

MES REALITY O C E B H C E T ING -AT-HOME SHOPP N A C S E D O BARC

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Issue 120 Wednesday 31st August 2022

T H E W E E K I N R E TA I L

EDITOR’S COMMENT

High energy This week we had the news that we’ve all been dreading confirmed – the energy price cap is rising by 80.6%.

The Association of Convenience Stores has estimated that for an average small convenience store at around 1,000sq ft, energy costs have rocketed to more than £45,000 a year, more than doubling for many retailers that have renewed their contracts in recent months.

For larger stores at around 3,000sq ft, these costs can be in excess of £100,000 a year. The figures are truly mind-boggling.

The news prompted many trade bodies to get in touch with the chancellor, whoever holds that role at the moment, and call for action to help retailers and other small businesses survive. Suggestions include introducing a price cap on electricity for small businesses, scrapping business rates bills for stores from 1 October until the end of the financial year, freezing the business rates multipliers in 2023/24, cutting VAT for retailers, and providing more funding to encourage investment in low energy technology in shops.

But who knows how long it will take for the ruling party to sort that out – they are too busy picking their next leader while we’re all counting our pennies. How many companies will go to the wall while they dilly-dally and how many lives will be lost under the strain?

Thankfully the trade bodies and charities are acting to help retailers. This week GroceryAid revealed that it is partnering with Business Debtline, a charity providing free debt advice to self-employed people and small businesses, to raise awareness of the free business money advice and support available for independent retailers and business owners. The move comes as GroceryAid is experiencing an increase in demand from independent retailers seeking guidance on business-related issues such as rates, managing business finances, and facing unpaid invoices and debt. More information about the partnership can be found on GroceryAid’s website.

This week my heart also goes out to Spar wholesaler CJ Lang who invested a great deal of effort and money in revamping its store in Crosshouse, East Ayrshire, only for some idiot to come along and drive his Audi through the shop front. Here’s hoping that Police Scotland catch up with the culprit soon, although that won’t undo the damage done to CJ Lang, its employees, and the local community that now has to make a 1.4 mile journey to get groceries.

LIZ WELLS, DEPUTY EDITOR

WEDNESDAY 31ST AUGUST 2022 / ISSUE 120 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 3

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CONTENTS

WEDNESDAY 31 AUGUST 2022 / ISSUE 120

6

10

15

THIS WEEK’S NEWS

COVER STORY

VAPING

Food inflation hits its highest rate since August 2008, and the Co-op sells its petrol forecourt estate of 129 sites to Asda for £600m.

Trade associations across retail react to the news that there will be a more than 80% rise in the energy price cap in October.

The number of vapers in Great Britain reaches a record level of 4.3 million people, according to a report by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH).

9

Covid-19 update

16 Food-to-go

19 Picks of the week

The percentage of people testing positive

TWC’s latest MealTrak data shows growth

for Covid-19 continues to decrease in the

in the out-of-home eating market dipped

UK, according to the latest figures.

under 2% over the past four weeks.

14 Regulations

17 Retail property

A look at the latest new products and marketing campaigns.

23 Out the box: barcode scanning New barcode scan-at-home technology

The Association of Convenience Stores

The convenience retail property market

helps shoppers create shopping lists and

highlights concerns with proposed changes

remained resilient despite the pressures

reduce the time they spend looking for

to current weights and measures rules that

facing businesses over the past six

would place added burdens on retailers.

months, according to Christie & Co.

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WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SLRMAG

items in the store.

25 Before you go...

WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY 31ST AUGUST 2022 / ISSUE 120 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 5

E ar xhi SO ea bit LD is noion O w

UT !

NEWS DIGEST

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

Aviemore ‘22

! k c a B e We’r

COST OF LIVING CRISIS

Shop prices hit new high

Data from the British Retail Consortium and market research firm NielsenIQ shows inflation continued to accelerate in August.

Tradeshow Thursday 22nd September 2022 Thank you to our key sponsors!

Food inflation accelerated to 9.3% in August, up from 7.0% in July, the highest inflation rate since August 2008.

Data from the British Retail Consortium and market research firm NielsenIQ shows fresh food inflation accelerated in August to 10.5%, up from 8.0% in July. Meanwhile, ambient Food inflation also accelerated to 7.8% in August, up from 5.7% in July.

Overall Shop Price annual inflation accelerated to 5.1% in August, up from 4.4% in July, a new record.

Mike Watkins, Head of Retailer and Business Insight, NielsenIQ, said: “Inflation continues to accelerate, and shoppers are already cautious about how much they spend on groceries, with a fall in volume sales at supermarkets in recent months. We can expect this level of food inflation to be with us for at least another six months, but hopefully some of the input cost pressures in the supply chain will eventually start to ease.”

Watkins added: “However, with further falls in disposable incomes coming this autumn as energy costs rocket again, retail spend will come under pressure in the all-important final quarter of the year.”

Greens’ £1.3m funding for further expansion

To find out more contact the SPAR Scotland Tradeshow Team on 01382 512000 6 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 1XX / WEDNESDAY XX XX 202X

Greens Retail has secured a £1.3m funding package from HSBC that will help it achieve its plan to open nine new stores this year.

The funding will enable Greens to open sites in Aberdeenshire and Dundee later this year. This follows recent openings in Inverurie, Peterhead, Kinross, Kirriemuir, Shettleston, and Fraserburgh, taking it estate to 13 stores.

Director Harris Aslam said Greens had been working to evolve the convenience sector by concentrating on partnering with local suppliers to provide its stores with fresh produce.

He added: “Thanks to HSBC UK, we can continue to do this and reduce food miles, while introducing customers to interesting and exciting suppliers on their doorstep.”

NEWS DIGEST

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

GROW YOUR BUSINESS with

ACQUISITIONS

Co-op sells petrol forecourt estate to Asda for £600m

Says sale proceeds will be reinvested into its core convenience business and used to grow its wholesale, franchise, and e-commerce operations.

The Co-op has agreed to sell its petrol forecourt business to Asda for £600m.

The transaction includes 129 petrol forecourt sites, spread across the UK, and represents 5% of Co-op’s retail estate of 2,564 stores. The stores being sold delivered net sales of £863m and pro forma pre-tax earnings of £53m for 12 months to June 2022.

Co-op says the proceeds from the sale will be reinvested into its core convenience business – in its pricing, store operations, technology, and logistics – and will be used to grow its wholesale, franchise, and e-commerce operations.

Shirine Khoury-Haq, chief executive at the Co-op, said: “This transaction is in line with our strategy to move away from operating petrol forecourts and supports our vision of co-operating

• Up to 6% rebate • Delivery to your store – anywhere in Scotland • A smooth onboarding process including market leading aftercare support • Dedicated Business Development Manager contact to support your ongoing business needs

for a fairer world while building our core leading convenience business.”

Mohsin Issa, co-owner of Asda, added: “We see convenience as a significant growth opportunity for the business. This acquisition accelerates our strategy in this area and forms part of our long-term ambition to become the UK’s second-largest supermarket.”

Symbol G r o up o f t h e Yea r

WINNER

Police appeal after car hits Ayrshire store Ayrshire Police are appealing for witnesses after a car smashed into the newly renovated Spar Scotland store in Crosshouse.

Police received a report of a black Audi TT crashing into the shop, before a man was seen running from the vehicle in the Springside area at around 01:25 on Monday (29 August).

Detective Sergeant Sarah Holland said: “Our inquiries into the full

circumstances of this incident are in their early stages and any information could prove vital.”

Police are asking anyone with information or possible CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward.

DS Holland added: “There will be extra patrols in the area, as officers investigate the incident and engage with the community.”

To find out more and join our award winning team email Recruitment Manager, Craig Lynn: craig.lynn@cjlang.co.uk SparScotlandOfficial @SparScotland

www.cjlang.co.uk

@SparScotland CJ Lang & Son Limited

www.sparscotland.co.uk

CJ Lang & Son Ltd, Longtown Distribution Centre, 78 Longtown Road, Dundee, DD4 8JU

THE SCOTTISH BUYING GROUP FOR INDEPENDENT RETAILERS SINCE 1976 Scotland’s best kept retail secret, working with independent retailers for over 40 years providing access to one of the leading convenience retail groups while allowing you to run your store, your way with great ranges and great support delivered direct to your store.

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14,000 SKU count across all categories including Food to Go Access to the excellent Co-op Fresh Range 3 weekly promotion cycle available Year round Seasonal sales opportunities Fascia and branding opportunities through the well established brand Rebate scheme for qualifying members, spend level applies Extensive supplementary Direct to Store ranges and services Central Invoicing*, 1 weekly statement and 1 Direct Debit

If you want to remain independent and have the support of PGMA behind you, drop us an email at pgma@pgma.co.uk or call Martin Devlin, Commercial Manager on 0131 343 7607.

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NEWS SPECIAL

COVID-19 UPDATE

Covid infections at lowest level in two months

SPAR SIGNS SHOPPER INSIGHTS DEAL An agreement with Dublinbased VisionR will let Spar leverage instore, shopper-

The ONS will monitor infection rates as children return to school this week.

driven insights across its retail network in 48 countries.

The start-up’s tech provides retailers with insights straight from the shop floor by aggregating previously inaccessible data to personalise the shopping experience and drive sales.

The plug-in solution offered to Spar uses computer vision and machine learning to transform real-world shopper experiences into online data that retailers can access through VisionR’s app.

TECH SOLUTIONS

T

he percentage of people testing positive for Covid-19 has continued to decrease in the UK, according to the latest figures, with rates being the lowest in school-age children.

A total of 1.4 million people in private households are estimated to have had coronavirus in the week to August 16, a drop of 16% from 1.7 million in the previous week, according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS). The ONS says it will “closely monitor” the numbers as children return to the classroom.

However, analysis of new data has shown that twice as many deaths involving Covid occurred this summer

compared with last summer. Although the overall number of deaths of people with Covid in 2022 remains far below last year, more than 5,700 Covid deaths have been registered since 8 June when two Omicron subvariants became dominant. This is 95% higher than in the same period last year.

Meanwhile, deaths caused by the latest wave are dropping, with 674 Covid deaths registered in the week to 12 August, down from 802 a week earlier and 924 the previous week. The decrease has caused changes in testing, with most hospital patients and care home residents to only be offered tests if they have symptoms. NHS and social care staff in England will also not be offered lateral flow tests unless they fall sick.

Sarah Crofts, head of analytical outputs for the ONS’s Covid-19 infection survey, said: “Infections continue to head in the right direction across all of the UK and are now at levels similar to those last seen in mid-June. Rates remain lowest in school-aged children, and we will closely monitor the data to see how the return of schools in September may affect this.”

A sensor breaks shoppers down anonymously into footfall, shopping groups, shopper profile, shop duration, product engagement, penetration, and spend. Retailers can then make the same informed decisions about marketing, sales, and operations, as they can online, maximising revenues.

WEDNESDAY 31ST AUGUST 2022 / ISSUE 120 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 9

10 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 120 / WEDNESDAY 31ST AUGUST 2022

C OV E R S T O RY

ENERGY PRICES

Electric worry

Trade associations across retail have been reacting to the news that there will be a more than 80% rise in the energy price cap in October.

O

fgem this week confirmed an 80.06% rise in the energy price cap, reflecting the continued rise in global wholesale gas prices, which began to surge as the world unlocked from the pandemic, and were driven higher still to record levels by Russia slowly switching off gas supplies to Europe.

Between February 2021 and August 2022, the Federation of Small Businesses estimates that bills have risen by 349% for electricity, and by 424% for gas over the same period. For a business in that situation, it would imply that an electricity bill has increased from just over £4,700 to just over £21,200, and a gas bill has increased from just under £1,350 to just under £7,050 over the period in question.

The increase prompted ACS to write to the chancellor, calling on the government to take emergency action to deal with the spiralling cost of energy, which will cost convenience stores at least £2.5bn this year.

For an average small convenience store at around 1,000sq ft, energy costs have rocketed to more than £45,000 a year, more than doubling for many retailers that have renewed their contracts in recent months. For larger stores at around 3,000sq ft, these costs can be in excess of £100,000 a year.

ACS is calling for urgent action to help retailers keep the lights on this winter, urging the government to introduce a £570m rescue package made up of the following interventions:

● Introduce a price cap on electricity for small businesses in line with the cap that is already in place in the domestic market. ● Scrap business rates bills for all convenience stores from 1 October until the end of the financial year. ● Freeze the business rates multipliers in 2023/24.

ACS chief executive, James Lowman, said: “The government needs to understand that this is an emergency.

Thousands of convenience stores will be forced to make extremely difficult decisions in the face of tens of thousands of pounds of additional energy costs in the coming months, which at best will include cancelled investments, reduced staff hours and increased prices in stores, pushing up inflation even further. For some however, the cost of energy will make the business unviable, and so they will be forced to close unless action is taken to provide meaningful support.”

He added: “We have been calling on Ofgem for years to ensure that small businesses are treated in the same way as domestic consumers when it comes to their energy. A small business energy cap would take a huge step toward this goal, and protect thousands of retailers from the biggest annual cost increases in living memory.”

PASSING COSTS ON Meanwhile, a survey by the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has

revealed that almost 88% of its members feel they will be forced into raising their prices once the energy price rise comes into effect this autumn. In addition, 65% of members said they would be forced to reduce the number of staff they had or reduce wages, while 40% were considering limiting opening hours, and almost 23% would be looking to permanently or temporarily close the business.

Andrew Goodacre, Bira’s chief executive, said: “Businesses are under great pressure at the moment and, with some concerned that they need to reduce hours or even close permanently, it is incredibly worrying for us and the local economy.

“There has been no specific help coming through from central or local authorities to help businesses who are struggling with their bills which has been very disappointing. While some areas may have hardship funds or slight reductions in business rates, this is not seen across the country. It is clear to us that businesses are being targeted by energy providers to make up for any restricted price caps on consumers.”

Goodacre added that while business rate relief would be welcome, small businesses would still be paying 100% more this year compared to last year.

“We asked the government not to do this because as long ago as last October as we were seeing huge increases in retailer energy bills. More recently it has been 500% and keeping rates lower would have helped indie retailers absorb

WEDNESDAY 31ST AUGUST 2022 / ISSUE 120 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 11

C OV E R

ENERGY

the higher energy costs. They will certainly need help as the rates for electric are increasing daily and we have just been told that one provider is charging 94p per kWh for electric – the highest we have seen so far,” he said.

Bira has written an open letter to the two Conservative Party leadership candidates, Rishi Sunak and Lizz Truss, urging them to take action, and in particular: maintain 100% business rates relief for retailers; persuade energy companies to place a cap on energy increases for businesses; reduce the multiplier for small businesses from 2023/24; cut VAT for retailers to stimulate demand; and provide more funding to encourage investment in low energy technology in retail shops to protect retailers from higher energy bills in the long term.

Goodacre is urging independents to also contact their local MPs. Meanwhile, the electricity costs associated with operating a forecourt are set to triple. Gordon Balmer, executive director of the Petrol Retailers Association, said: “The prospect of soaring energy costs is extremely worrying.

Our members are already operating on razor-thin margins and have very little

12 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 120 / WEDNESDAY 31ST AUGUST 2022

S T O RY

Y PRICES

“A big part of the electric vehicle appeal has always been lower running costs, but these price rises could jeopardise more people making the switch to electric cars.”

Emily Seymour, Energy and Sustainability Editor at consumer champion Which?

room to manoeuvre.”He added: “With electricity bills set to rise by 300%, I have written to the secretary of state for BEIS, the chancellor of the exchequer, and the two leading candidates expressing the need for government intervention to ensure that forecourts are supported to ensure fuel resilience in the UK.”

VEHICLE CHARGING In addition, the cost of charging an electric vehicle at home and at public charge

points is set to increase following the Ofgem price cap rise. It currently costs £18.37 on average to charge a typical family-sized electric SUV, but after the cap rise it may cost as much as £33.80 to fully charge the same car, according to the RAC. RAC spokesperson, Rod Dennis, said: “The impact of the energy price cap increase will certainly be felt by drivers who charge their electric cars at home, with a full charge of a typical family-sized electric SUV costing 84% more from 1

October than it did under the old cap – £33.80, compared to £18.37. Despite recent falls in the price of petrol and diesel, the cost of charging at home is still good value compared to paying for either fuel, but again underlines just how the rising cost of electricity is affecting so many areas of people’s lives.

“We’re also aware that public chargepoint operators are having no choice but to increase their prices to reflect the rising wholesale costs they’re faced with, which will heavily impact drivers who have no choice other than to charge up away from home. The RAC continues to support the FairCharge campaign call for the government to cut the VAT rate levied on electricity from public charge points to 5%, to mirror the rate charged on domestic electricity.”

Emily Seymour, Energy and Sustainability Editor at consumer champion Which?, added: “A big part of the electric vehicle appeal has always been lower running costs, but these price rises could jeopardise more people making the switch to electric cars.

“Many non-hybrid petrol drivers will still save money by switching to electric, but for many diesel drivers that now won’t be the case. In a recent survey, we found that the upfront cost of buying an EV is the biggest barrier preventing drivers from considering an electric vehicle – and this latest energy price rise could further prevent people from making the switch.”

WEDNESDAY 31ST AUGUST 2022 / ISSUE 120 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 13

R E G U L AT I O N S

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

ACS outlines concerns with proposed changes

Trade body is concerned proposed restrictions would place operational burdens on retailers and confuse consumers.

T

he ACS has responded to a consultation reviewing the current law on selling in imperial and metric units, highlighting several issues that a move to dual pricing would have on businesses, consumers, and the wider community.

The consultation was launched to review how measurements are used in trade and consumer transactions.

The consultation wants to explore the views of businesses on the introduction of regulatory change that will enable businesses to voluntarily buy and sell in imperial units or imperial units alongside a less or equally prominent metric equivalent.

In the submission, ACS outlined a number of concerns, including: ● The introduction of a voluntary measure could dilute the common metric system which will lead businesses to de facto use of both measurements. ● Inconsistent pricing and measurement display of products across businesses in local communities will cause confusion. ● Enforcement on the policy will create additional regulatory burden on Trading Standards.

ACS chief executive, James Lowman, said: “The existing system for weights

and measures operates under a clear and understandable regulatory framework which gives retailers the choice to display both units of measurement, and we are concerned that the proposed restrictions would place operational burdens on retailers and cause confusion for consumers.

“They would also create an additional regulatory burden on Trading

14 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 120 / WEDNESDAY 31ST AUGUST 2022

Standards departments who are already stretched across a wide range of enforcement priority areas that otherwise be better placed for tackling important issues such illicit vaping, tobacco and alcohol.”

The government’s plans to review weights and measures have already been branded a “waste of time and money” by the NFRN.

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

VAPING

Vaping reaches record levels in Great Britain, report reveals Data from Action on Smoking and Health suggests 8.3% of adults in England, Wales and Scotland vape, up from 1.7% a decade ago.

T

he number of people vaping has reached record levels in Great Britain with an estimated 4.3 million people who are regular vapers, according to a report by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH).

The data suggests 8.3% of adults in England, Wales and Scotland vape, up from 1.7% a decade ago.

Of the 4.3 million vapers, about 2.4 million are ex-smokers, 1.5 million current smokers and 350,000 have never smoked a cigarette. Cheeseman said vaping among the latter tended to be “rare” and “experimental”.

The report also shows e-cigarettes were becoming especially popular among young people, with 18-to 24-year-olds the biggest consumers in 2022, at 11%. This has grown since 2021, when they had the lowest vaping rate at 5%. People 55 and over now have the lowest rate, at 5.9%.

The report found 28% of current smokers had never tried an e-cigarette, with 21% saying they did not want to substitute one addiction for another. In addition, 23% thought vaping was not similar enough to smoking and 10% said they were concerned e-cigarettes

are not safe enough. A third of adults said they believed vaping was more, or equally as harmful, as smoking.

In 2022, 35% of current vapers also smoked. Among this group, those who vaped daily smoked fewer cigarettes than those who did so less frequently.

One in five former smokers said they used a vape to help them quit, but 56% who are ex-smokers said they had been vaping for more than three years.

Vapers said the main reason they used e-cigarettes was for quitting smoking and to prevent them from returning to smoking.

WEDNESDAY 31ST AUGUST 2022 / ISSUE 120 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 15

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

FOOD-TO-GO

Food-to-go growth slows as economic shocks bite TWC’s latest MealTrak data shows growth dipped under 2% over the past four weeks, but the number of out-of-home eating occasions and value made strong gains.

T

he number of out-of-home eating occasions has risen 9% year-onyear in the past 12 weeks, according to TWC’s MealTrak data.

The data shows there were 807 million eating out-of-home occasions in the 12 weeks ending 11 July 2022.

In addition, value sales rose by 19% year-on-year in the 12 week period to £4.9bn.

The data reveals that forecourts are rebounding well – with a 17% increase in occasions in the previous 12 weeks compared to 2021. Convenience stores have seen a stronger performance in the past 12 weeks, at +18%.

However, sandwich shops (-5%), coffee shops/cafes (-9%), fast food & takeaway (-12%) and high street (-36%) are all in decline.

16 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 120 / WEDNESDAY 31ST AUGUST 2022

The results show strong growth in the traditional ‘meal deal’ product groups and hot drinks, alongside above-average growth in treat sectors, such as confectionery. Categories underperforming are led by food-to-go hot meals, soups, and cereals, the data shows.

The growth is currently being driven by older consumers now retiring to the market, especially 45-64s, where growth is much stronger than for the younger age groups across both food-to-go and eating out.

Tom Fender, development director at TWC, said: “The market has slowed as the impact of economic shocks bites, with growth dipping under 2% over the last four weeks, but the wider recovery remains solid, with both occasions and value making strong gains over 12- and 52-weekly periods across both FTG and Eating Out. “Encouragingly, for the moment at least, value growth remains ahead of occasions, indicating that spends are holding up and consumers are continuing to seek rewarding experiences rather than trying down on prices and functionality. That said, in FTG we are seeing the strongest growth in the Multiple and Convenience sectors, whilst Coffee Shops and FTG Specialists are flat and Takeaways have fallen back.”

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

RETAIL PROPERTY MARKET

Convenience retail property market remains ‘resilient’

Christie & Co’s latest report reveals business prices are holding up because of the “weight of ongoing buyer demand”.

T

he convenience retail property market remained resilient despite the inflationary cost pressures facing businesses over the past six months, according to specialist business property adviser Christie & Co. Christie & Co’s Retail: 2022 MidYear Insight, which reflects on market activity in the first half of the year and provides an outlook for the second half, reveals: Buyer appetite for retail assets has not been dampened by the challenging economic backdrop.

Business prices are holding up due to the weight of ongoing buyer demand.

However, deal times are longer as buyer due diligence is protracted, particularly if there is a requirement to borrow.

Across the industry, larger operators continued to churn their portfolios and focused on acquiring new stores in key markets, which provided a fantastic opportunity to the wide pool of independent buyers still seeking sites.

Notably, the quality of assets has become a key consideration due to increasing operational costs.

The significant increase in the cost of construction materials has caused the multiples to rethink their new store roll-out programmes, which is a cause

for concern for developers and investors.

However, there remains a steady stream of ‘acorn operators’ likely to ‘grow into oak trees’.

The review suggests the key focus for retailers in the coming months will be to retain the ‘lifeline’ customers that they gained during the pandemic, turning them into ‘lifelong’ customers.

Steve Rodell, Christie and Co’s Managing Director for Retail, commented: “The pool of buyers remains active and whilst some players might be absent for now, there’s a queue of others ready, willing and able to make an investment in our robust sectors.”

WEDNESDAY 31ST AUGUST 2022 / ISSUE 120 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 17

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 18 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 118 / WEDNESDAY 17TH AUGUST 2022

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – THE COLLECTIVE

BIGGEST MARKETING DRIVE TO DATE GETS UNDERWAY The campaign, which supports the roll-out of the brand’s new packaging, includes out-of-home, digital media and shopper marketing activities.

Yogurt brand The Collective has rolled out its new packaging to UK consumers.

The updated packaging will be implemented

Part of the campaign features The Collective’s own Yog Squad, hitting the UK’s streets to provide yogurt samples to thousands of consumers.

across the gourmet, dairy-free gourmet and nat-

Alongside the launch of the refreshed pack-

ural ranges, highlighting the bold colours used to

aging, the campaign coincides with the in-store

enhance brand recognition and shelf standout.

launch of the new dairy-free ‘suckies’ for kids

The refresh also aims at ensuring visual alignment across all the brand’s products.

in time for the back-to-school period. The new range addresses the rising demand for dairy-free

The move is supported by The Collective’s big-

alternative snacks for kids owing to an increase

gest marketing drive to date, with a 50% increase

in dairy intolerances and flexitarian eating habits.

in spend compared to any previous campaign.

Sarah Smart, chief executive of The Collective

The nationwide campaign includes out-of-

UK, said: “We recognise the importance of provid-

home, digital media and shopper marketing, aided

ing a range of delicious products that can cater to

by an integrated, through-the-line approach, run-

all, and we are proud to be the only yogurt brand

ning across 1,222 UK sites, while reaching millions

offering healthy tasty dairy products for all ages

via digital channels.

alongside dairy-free options.”

WEDNESDAY 31ST AUGUST 2022 / ISSUE 120 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 19

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – IRN-BRU ENERGY

NEW IRN-BRU ENERGY CAMPAIGN OFFERS HUNDREDS OF GAMING PRIZES The campaign gives shoppers the chance to win more than 200 video gaming prizes, as well as their ultimate gaming set up.

Barr Soft Drinks is launching an eye-catching new

Barr Soft Drinks said retailers should ensure

campaign for Irn-Bru Energy to drive trial and

100% availability of Irn-Bru Energy from Septem-

visibility for the brand and generate incremental

ber onwards, increasing facings if necessary, to

sales for retailers in the fast-growing £177m

maximise the sales opportunity. It also advised

Scottish energy drinks market.

that Irn-Bru Energy should be ranged beside other

The campaign, which runs from September, will

energy products in the chiller.

include a consumer competition giving shoppers

“Irn-Bru Energy is currently growing three times

the chance to instantly win over 200 video gaming

faster than the total market, bringing in new shop-

prizes, as well as entry into a grand prize draw to

pers to the brand and driving sales with existing

win their ultimate gaming set up.

energy consumers,” said Adrian Troy, Marketing

In addition, there will be student sampling at

Director at Barr Soft Drinks. “We are extending

every college and university in Scotland, putting

availability of the 500ml £1 PMP can as the pre-

over 100,000 cans into the hands of energy con-

vious burst of this price-marked pack increased

sumers.

sales of this pack format by almost 50%. This

A full suite of in-store/depot POS will be available, including digital assets.

20 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 120 / WEDNESDAY 31ST AUGUST 2022

additional layer of activity will drive trial among energy consumers.”

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK

GIN MANIA

ROLLING, ROLLING

DAIRY-FREE ALT

Beefeater Gin has revealed a

Cushelle has introduced tube-

The English Cheesecake

new rhubarb and cranberry fla-

less rolls as it moves closer to

Company has teamed up with

vour for the UK market. The new

its ambition to contribute to a cir-

plant-based dairy alternative Vio-

spirit boasts Beefeater botani-

cular economy. Available in both

life. Their new range is made with

cals, juniper and citrus enhanced

soft Original and soft Quilted rolls,

coconut oil and includes Double

with notes of rhubarb and cran-

they also come in CO2-reduced

Chocolate Cookies & Cream;

berry. It has been developed

packaging. Customers can check

Vanilla Cheesecake with Lotus

exclusively by master distiller,

recyclemenow.com for the nearest

Biscoff; and Salted Caramel

Desmond Payne MBE.

collection point.

Cheesecake Sundaes.

COLD-PRESSED GOODNESS

NEW ALE

MESH COIL FIRST

Sharp’s Brewery is launching

Vaping and e-liquid manufacturer

Coldpress Foods has added lime

multipacks of its popular Atlan-

IVG has launched its new dispos-

and lemon variants to its juice

tic Pale Ale in the UK off-trade.

able IVG Crystal vape, described

range, available in 1-litre bot-

The new 4 x 500ml packs are

as the UK’s first mesh coil dis-

tles. The additions are aimed at

rolling out in stores this month.

posable device. The new vape

baking, cocktail or mocktail fans,

The cans are encased in a card-

offers 600 puffs, 2ml capacity,

while also providing “professional

board sleeve, meaning that the

and a new mesh coil providing

and ‘enthusiastic amateur’ mixol-

packs are completely plastic-free

more touch points for a “full-on”

ogists” with more choice.

and fully recyclable.

flavour vape.

WEDNESDAY 31ST AUGUST 2022 / ISSUE 120 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 21

BO O K NO W! THE SLR AWARDS ARE BACK AND THEY’RE LIVE FOR OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY!

LIV E EV ENT:

7 S EPT 2022 R ADIS SO N, GLASGOW

TICK ETS AVAILABLE NOW TAB LE OF 10 £ 125 0 EX VAT TICK ET £ 14 0 EX VAT

Scottish Grocers’ Federation

NOW THAT’S A GOOD IDEA…

OUT THE BOX A new feature from Farmstead reminds you what’s in your refrigerator to reduce food waste.

Scan-at-home tech becomes reality The app feature has the potential to change the way we all shop in the future.

Australian supermarket chain Woolworths has revealed its new barcode scan-at-home technology to help shoppers create shopping lists and reduce the time they spend looking for items in the store.

WHAT’S THE BIG CONCEPT? We’ve all been there. We know what we want to buy, but every time we step into the store, we’ve either forgotten our shopping list or it has deleted itself from our brain. The new tech unveiled

by Woolworths helps customers create a shopping list at home then find the items in-store.

Demonstrated to the public on its official TikTok account, Woolworths used celebrity staffer Liam Kirley to explain to customers how it works using an imaginary customer.

“This is Robin. Don’t worry, she can’t hear me, but look at how she is writing her shopping list by hand. Look how sore it’s getting,” jokes Liam, while Robin shakes out her tired hands. Luckily, she has her phone and she can make her list through the Woolworths app,” Liam says.

The customer is then seen opening the Woolworths app and navigating to the barcode scanner to start her shopping list. “In the search bar tap the barcode scanner, then scan the product you want to add to your list, then click ‘Add to List’,” Liam explains, as Robin

scans a can of olive oil using the barcode scanner in the app.

Once the product has been saved to a customer’s shopping list, shoppers can check items off their list while they shop in-store. Shoppers will also find information, such as the aisle and price, to help them locate the product during their shop.

WHAT WAS THE RESPONSE? TikTok followers of the Woolworths account were very enthusiastic about

the prospect of using the app. “That’s how I do shopping and you can also save it,” one shopper chirped. “I cannot shop any other way now! I love the app!” wrote another.

A third revealed how shoppers can use the barcode scanner to find the price of items in the wrong place or without a price tag. “Pro tip: Find a random item in store that’s in the wrong place? You want it but don’t know the price? Barcode scanner to the rescue!” they wrote.

WEDNESDAY 31ST AUGUST 2022 / ISSUE 120 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 23

HYDRATE WITH OUR recyclABLE

bottles *

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1.5ltr Buxton Still Water bottles in this exclusive pack for Sainsburys are made from 100% recycled content PET plastic, excluding caps and labels. Water contributes to the maintenance of normal physical and cognitive function and normal regulation of body temperature. At least 2L of water, from all sources, should be consumed per day, as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle. ® Reg. Trademark used in agreement with the Trademark Owner.

BEFORE YOU GO

RETAIL RANDOMS

RAGING BULL The energy drink of the same name doesn’t really give you wings, but this red bull certainly knows how to send things flying.

Caught on CCTV in the Peruvian capital Lima, the stampeding beast escaped from a truck that was taking it on a one-way trip to the local slaughterhouse. No wonder it was angry.

The hapless shop owner must have been fairly upset as well, when the bull made short work of their parasol, took out a plastic table and chairs then flattened an A-board. It then took advantage of the open shop front to head inside to continue its wrecking spree.

Locals took 40 minutes to recapture the rampaging lump of beef, but not one before person was injured and had to be taken to hospital.

Eyewitness Oscar Portales said: “The bull attacked a lady who was selling food. The husband tried to defend her and pull the bull by the horns, then it attacked him.”

At least the little dog in the fetching coat seemed to enjoy the proceedings.

B R IG H TO N S H O C K TWIR has now twice reported

up his suntan on holiday in

on men (it’s always men in

Brighton at the time.

these stories) who have had

Amazingly, the self-styled

supermarket loyalty card bar-

‘coolest looking guy in Essex’

codes tattooed on their arms

was tattoo-free until he was 52.

for convenience and bants.

Now he’s got more ink than a

We’re not sure if Keith

Sunday newspaper, with next

Gordon has a barcode lurking

to no bare skin left.

anywhere but, even if he did,

The shocked former civil

it’s unlikely he could scan it.

servant later complained to the

For Britain’s ‘most tattooed

supermarket in question and

man’ has been chucked out of

received a 20 quid shopping

an unnamed supermarket after

voucher for his pain.

an employee – who was clearly

Which must pale into insig-

feeling needled – told him he

nificance when compared to

wasn’t welcome in the store.

the pain of a tattoo gun pierc-

Pensioner Keith, 66, hails from Romford and was topping

ing your eyelids 50 times a second.

WEDNESDAY 31ST AUGUST 2022 / ISSUE 120 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 25

Make sweet profits with

Grow your confectionery sales Chances to win monthly and quarterly cash prizes Join the 4,500+ retailers who have already signed up

“It’s already helped us to grow our sales in such a short period of time” Samual, Valley Convenience Store Manager and the latest winner of a £1,000 Buy A Gift Voucher

scan the QR Code to access a digital copy of the membership brochure

For further detail please contact the team at Mercieca E: perfettivanmelle@mercieca.co.uk