Londis News, Vol 35, Issue 1, February 2022

NEWS, AWARDS, INSIGHTS, INTERVIEWS, NEW PRODUCTS, PROMOTIONS AND MUCH MORE…

News

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Making the most of social media Seasonal opportunities Flourishing flower sales Vol 35 Issue 1 February 2022

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Contents

In this issue...

36 Fresh for 2022 Bracknell Londis retailers start

9

food to go.

Disposable vaping devices in strong growth.

90 Ahead of the game The Londis summer pre-sell helps you get ahead.

Festive food and drink sales approached £12bn.

92 Year of opportunity

13 Community News

2022 is packed with excellent sales opportunities.

A round-up of the latest community news from Londis retailers.

and a focus on bakery and

84 Disposable heroes

11 Christmas Crackers

2022 with a fresh new look

Meals for the needy Booker provides over one million meals for good causes.

17 Industry News Worker protection enhanced after new Bill passed.

Meat-free profits Growth in

101 Guest Column Taking your drinks offer to the next level.

103 ACS Viewpoint ‘Challenge 25’ back in focus.

vegan and

19 GroceryAid Top tips on looking after yourself and your staff in 2022.

21 Refreshed offer Gorefield Londis completes the latest in a series of mini refreshes.

meat-free lines presents new opportunities.

28 Too good to miss Fromebridge Service Station realises its potential.

96

42 Blooming marvelous New Londis Cannock store sees business bloom.

50 Social Climbing Social media is a fantastic way of growing your business.

Booker Retail Partners

56

Tel: 0870 050 0158 Opening hours: 8am–5:30pm Monday to Friday

62 Value matters Delivering outstanding value for your shoppers is critical.

Healthy focus Healthier products set to star for Londis retailers this year.

n i t e G ch Tou

68 Loving it Valentine’s Day offers Londis retailers a huge opportunity.

73 Top New Products A selection of the latest products to hit the shelves.

77 Meet The Buyer Londis flowers buyer in the spotlight.

IT and Customer Services Opening hours (Monday to Friday): For customer services: 6am–9pm For IT: 7am–9pm Email: For customer services: londis.claims@bookerretail.co.uk or enquiries@londis.co.uk

Helpdesk: 0800 298 0758 Londis News team: Email: londisnews@londis.co.uk

RSP £1.2

9/£1.45

m-code: M222896

m-code: M228472

m-code: M222952

m-code: M254053

stock up now

A year of

WELCOME

ndis News!

Welcome to our February issue of Lo

opportunity A fresh new year opens up a world of opportunities for Londis retailers.

A very warm welcome to this first issue of Londis News of 2022 with another exciting and opportunity-filled year ahead of us. There is plenty to look forward to and I look forward to working with you all to make 2022 a successful and profitable year.

In this issue, you will find news on a number of major initiatives that will help you grow your footfall, sales and

To help inspire you for the year ahead, why not check out

profits this year. With 2022 a year full of major events

our four store profiles in this issue where you can learn

and occasions, there are plenty of chances to grow your

how fellow Londis retailers are evolving and growing their

business and in this issue we take a look forward to the

businesses in new and creative ways, growing their footfall,

year, highlighting the major sales opportunities that exist.

sales and profits into the bargain. You’ll find some great

From Valentine’s, Mother’s Day and Easter to Wimbledon

ideas in those profiles and lots of lessons you can apply in

and the World Cup, this year promises a packed calendar

your own business.

that can help set the tills ringing all year long.

With social media now a fundamental tool in the retailer’s One key focus worth highlighting in the early months of

armoury, we offer some advice and support in this issue to

every year is the increased shopper interest in eating and

help you make sure that you are leveraging the enormous

drinking more healthily. That, of course, means different

power of digital channels these days.

things to different shoppers but it’s a trend worth keeping an eye on and it’s certainly worth taking a fresh look at your

Plus there’s the usual mix of news, fantastic new products –

offer in-store to ensure you are reflecting this shift on your

including another Group Exclusive – and an inspiring Guest

shelves.

Column from on how to take your drinks offer to the next level.

Another key focus for shoppers over the next few months will be value for money. This is a trend that has been growing for years and looks set to remain at the front of many shoppers’ minds in 2022. In this issue you can read some great ideas on how to deliver fantastic value to your shoppers through the Londis promotional programme, Every Day Low Pricing and our Own Brand ranges.

Look forward to seeing you in-store!

Stewart Fenn Sales Director, Booker Retail Partners

7

FRESHEN UP YOUR GUM RANGE IN 2022 COMING SOON

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FRUITY GUM HAS GROWN BY 15% IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS* © 2021 MARS OR AFFILIATES. SOURCE KANTAR WORLDPANEL MAT W/E 13TH JUNE 2021

YOUR LONDIS

Stories from around the Londis Family...

Booker provides one million meals for needy Booker has redistributed enough food to provide the equivalent of one million meals through FareShare’s network of charities.

Working with FareShare, the UK’s biggest

Tessa Clarke, Co-founder & CEO at OLIO,

charity fighting hunger and food waste,

said: “This is such an incredible milestone,

Booker has redistributed enough food to

as one million meals is an enormous amount

provide the equivalent of one million meals

of food. We’re absolutely thrilled about

for communities across the UK.

the impact our partnership with Booker and FareShare is having - both on the local

Booker is the first wholesaler to redistribute

community and the climate - and we look

food

forward to saving many more millions of

directly

to

FareShare’s

network

of charities through the FareShare Go

meals together.”

programme and the free sharing app OLIO. Catherine Marston, Head of Sustainability ‘Food Waste Heroes’ collect food directly

at Booker said: “We are delighted that our

from Booker and Makro branches, which is

teams across the whole Booker business have

then added to its app for people in the local

worked so hard with their local partners to

area to collect.

reach this fantastic milestone. Not allowing any edible food go to waste is something

Through FareShare Go, Booker sites are

that everyone at Booker is passionate about

matched with charities and community

and we are proud to be the first wholesaler

groups in the local area that collect the items

to work in such a collaborative way with

and turn that into food parcels or hot meals

FareShare and OLIO.

for the people they support.

represents just 0.15% of total food handled

Our food waste

which is market-leading. We are off to a

Find us on

The food redistributed by Booker includes

great start with this partnership and I’m really

a range of large catering size packs,

looking forward to building on this success.”

vegetables, deli and sandwich fillings, as well as smaller packs of meats, fish and @myLondis

fruit.

Lindsay

Boswell,

Chief

Executive

at

FareShare, said: “Thank you to Booker for working with FareShare and OLIO to @myLondis @LondisRetail

redistribute the equivalent of one million meals. This food is needed now more than ever and is making a huge difference to people in need across the country.

@myLondis

“We’ve received lots of positive feedback from our network of charities collecting food through Booker and the colleagues in Booker branches are building strong relationships with their local community thanks to this programme.”

COMMUNITY NEWS

Key issues of interest to you

Not bottled it Londis High Crompton in Oldham, Greater

She added: “I’m so grateful for this help

Manchester, has donated bottled water for

- many of those we help regularly are

people living homelessly in the local area.

resident at the night shelter, which means that they are out during the day and don’t

Pauline Town, who leads a community

have access to drinking water until they can

movement in the local area said “I need to

return in the evening.

say the hugest of thank yous to John and all his customers at Londis High Crompton

“Clean water to drink is something that

for the delivery again today of the bottled

most of us can take for granted, but trust

water for our homeless lads and lasses’

me when I say that it’s not just a necessity,

packed lunches.”

but actually a real luxury for some people.”

John Lawton from Londis High Crompton

Helping the homeless Wycombe Homeless Collection has thanked Chandarana family, owners of Tara’s Londis in Downley, Buckinghamshire, for helping to raise muchneeded funds.

The charity aims to prevent homelessness before it starts, reduce harm for people who are homeless, help to house homeless and at-risk people in suitable accommodation, and defend the rights of homeless people.

The charity said: “Dharmesh and Raaj had three collecting tins in the shop and have just handed them to us very full indeed and have taken some empty tins for filling. It’s this kind of support from our community that brings hope.”

11

M code: M268872

Festive fashion

Londis Grangeway, in Kettering, is

Newcastle, is dressing

housing a bleed kit in store to help

Kelley from the Londis in Kenton Park Shops, in up in a different festive

fight knife crime.

outfit every day up until

COMMUNITY NEWS

Fighting knife crime

Christmas to raise funds

Bleed kits are first aid style kits

for the Kenton Food

specifically for blood loss and bleed

Bank.

control and are life changing in the

She has already collected

event of a stabbing.

more than 1,000 from customers.

Janes Capps, from Off the Streets North Northants, said: “Hopefully it

Last year she raised more

will not need to be used but in the

than £800 for children’s

case of an emergency it’s available

toys for Christmas.

in Londis, call 999 they will talk you

can help save a life whilst waiting for

through how to use it and it really

the emergency services to arrive.”

Funding football Londis Bexley Park, in Kent, is sponsoring the under 10s boys football team at Hayden’s Youth Association, a voluntary organisation providing football for boys and girls starting from five-years-old.

School trip Londis Carstairs Junction, in South Lanarkshire, donated cases of water to its local primary

Feeding Friends

school.

Londis Highfields in Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, had

Retailer Harry Singh

Kitchen in Newcastle.

Hallen said the water

The donation will give eight people a dinner on

helped the children

the charity’s feed a friend for a fiver campaign,

of Carstairs Junction

which helps people experiencing difficulties enjoy a

Primary School go to

sustaining meal for free.

donated £40 from its charity box to the People’s

their pantomime.

13

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Key issues of interest to you

Peers agree protection of workers amendment House of Lords passes an important amendment that will add further protection for workers in independent convenience stores.

The House of Lords has passed a new

The Government says it will reinforce in

protection of workers amendment to the

statute the seriousness with which the

Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill in

courts should treat these offences and

the House of Lords.

send a very strong signal to the public that assaults of this kind are totally

The amendment places in statute the

unacceptable. The new measure will be

aggravating factor applied by the courts

reviewed in 12 months.

in cases of assault where an offence is committed against those providing a

ACS Chief Executive, James Lowman,

public service, performing a public duty or

said: “After many years of campaigning

providing a service to the public.

we are please the government has introduced tougher penalties for attacks on shopworkers. This sends a much-needed signal to our colleagues that violence and abuse will not be tolerated.

“We still need more resources for police forces to focus on neighbourhood policing and delivery of the drug rehabilitation strategy to reduce acquisitive crime that often leads to violence in local shops.”

Home entertaining now ‘key’ for retailers A new report has found that entertaining at home is a fundamentally important legacy of the last 18 months. A TWC survey in the run up to Christmas found that almost seven in 10 shoppers said they had entertained friends at home in the past month and plan to do so in the next month. This is a higher number than those that said they had met friends and family in a pub, and implies a significant opportunity for retailers.

Sarah Coleman, TWC’s Director of Communications, said: “Retailers have an opportunity to target home entertaining occasions, to meet the needs of those that don’t want to go out, or indeed those who have enjoyed entertaining at home through the pandemic and wish to continue. If current concerns lead to further restrictions, retailers need to be prepared for an increase in at home occasions.”

The report also suggested that home delivery can play an important role in helping retailers service shoppers entertaining at home, as well as allowing retailers to get closer to shoppers and understand their buying behaviours better through data collection and analysis.

15

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Quarter of smokers to explore smoke-free products in 2022

Grocery sales reached

More than a quarter (26%) of adult smokers in

£31.7bn over the 12 weeks

the UK are likely to explore smoke-free products

to 26 December 2021 as

in 2022, an independent survey carried out by

shoppers made the most of

Lake Research on behalf of Philip Morris reveals.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Consumers seize the chance to enjoy Christmas Christmas festivities, new research reveals.

The research shows that 61% of smokers said they would feel comfortable asking their local

Data from Kantar shows that

retailer for advice on what smoke-free products

people seized the chance to

might be right for them in 2022. Meanwhile,

enjoy Christmas with friends

58% of respondents believed they hadn’t

and family after last year’s

yet found a satisfying alternative to cigarette

muted festivities, and grocery sales hit £11.7bn over the month

smoking to help them quit, and 32% wished

of December.

they knew about a better range of options available to them.

The data shows premium own-label sales broke records this Christmas and shoppers spent £627m on retailer’s own premium

The survey revealed several challenges local

lines over the four weeks to 26 December, an increase of 6.8%

retailers may need to consider to better support

versus 2020. The appetite to celebrate and splash out that little

adult smokers switch to alternative products.

bit more this year pushed sales of luxury own-brand products up

Only 17% of smokers were likely to ask retailers

across the board. Sparkling and still wine sales grew 22% and

what smoke-free products they stock and for

18% respectively, while crisps surged by 31%.

recommendations on what alternatives might be right for them. In addition, 65% of smokers were

In addition, sales of sweet treats reached £62m in December,

unlikely to ask which alternatives matched their

a jump of 7% on 2020. A similar amount, £61m, was spent on

preferences, such as taste and nicotine strength,

Christmas chocolates too, with sales soaring by 21%. It looks like

and for information they could take away from

people came prepared for indulgent celebrations and indigestion

the point of sale to find out more.

remedy sales also rose by 8%.

‘One in three’ go low or no UK consumers are increasingly choosing low and no alcohol products all year round and not just for Dry January, according to the fourth annual online study by drinks watchdog The Portman Group, carried out in December.

Carried out by YouGov, the report found that almost one in three (32%) UK drinkers now ‘semi-regularly’ consume low and no alcohol products compared to one in four (25%) in 2020. A fifth (20%) of those

who have tried low and no alcohol say they are more likely to drink these products now compared to a year ago, almost double the number saying this in last year’s survey (11%).

The most popular reason given is ‘being able to drive home from social events’ (33% of respondents) while healthier consumption concerns were cited

by 22% of consumers. More than one in 10 consumers (12%) said they currently alternate between low or no products and regular strength alcohol to moderate their overall consumption.

However, well over half (58%) of non-drinkers have never even tried a low or no product and just 14% are semi-regular consumers.

17

A day for the industry to come together

GROCERYAID

Self care tips GroceryAid is reminding retailers to look after themselves during this period of disruption and stress

GroceryAid is asking people in the industry to save Tuesday

caused by the pandemic.

26 April 2022 for its next GroceryAid Day.

The charity says supporting others, while juggling

The theme for the day will be “Let’s Talk GroceryAid”. The

increasing workloads, can take its toll and has issued

charity’s goal is to raise awareness about its free welfare

some tips from its helpline partner Care First to help

services to even more people in the grocery industry to ensure

alleviate some stresses retailers might be facing.

those colleagues who need its support know how we can help.

The tips are: take regular breaks, stay active, learn

The charity said: “From factory and shop floors through to

to switch off, stick to a routine, plan your day, try to

head offices, we want everyone to get involved.”

avoid carrying emotions from work, don’t try to be all things to all people, prioritise your tasks, dedicate

Last year more than 200 companies in the trade took part in

time to yourself, and remember GroceryAid can

GroceryAid Day and the charity reached millions of people

support you too.

through company engagement.

The charity said: “You will often be the first point of

The charity has identified that colleagues often prefer to

contact for colleagues when it comes to work and

access its services for more personal problems, rather than

personal related issues which can take a toll on you

retailers’ own employee assistance programmes, and by

personally. Utilising the support available through

supporting the day you

GroceryAid to help can make a difference. Signpost

can let your staff know they

colleagues to the Helpline for support from a

have somewhere to turn

professionally trained counsellor.”

when life gets tough. Find out more at https://www.

GroceryAid’s free confidential helpline is available 24

groceryaid.org.uk/get-

hours a day, seven days a week, on 08088 021 122.

involved/groceryaid-day/

Diversity programme reaches milestone GroceryAId has celebrated more than 50 partners joining its Diversity & Inclusion in Grocery programme for 2022.

The 12-month programme provides access to a packed annual agenda of Shared Learning, Mentoring and the annual D&I in Grocery LIVE! event.

Programme Partners nominate candidates to be matched with someone who can support their career and personal aspirations. This 12-month process starts in January.

19

RETAILER PROFILE

Mini makeover

Refresh to

impress In today’s increasingly fast-paced world of convenience retailing, standing still is simply not an option.

Despite the challenges of recent times,

their businesses in 2020 with similarly

convenience retailers across the

impressive levels expected to have been

country have continued to invest in

spent in 2021.

their business with refits and in a bid to keep their offers relevant and

Among this group of retail investors is

appealing to both new and existing

Tony Patel, owner of Londis Gorefield,

shoppers.

a true community store at the heart of the picturesque village of Gorefield in

In-fact according to the Association

Wisbech, Cambridgeshire.

of Convenience Store’s (ACS) latest Local Shop Report,

Established 17 years ago by Tony and his

convenience retailers invested

wife after they relocated from London

more than £585m in improving

having sold their first Londis store, the

residential road and boasts its own private car park.

The store has received a number of investments over the years, including a significant refit less than five years ago, however, with the pandemic having

RETAILER PROFILE

1,000 sq ft unit is located on a busy

prompted a further rise in footfall and sales, 2021 saw Tony invest in further works to enhance its offer yet further.

“In this business you need to move forward all the time,” Tony says. “When sales are growing it can be tempting to sit back a little but actually that’s the time to push even harder.

“Having owned this store for 17 years we have very close links with the community and know all of our local customers really well which gives us fantastic insights into their changing needs and how we can better meet them.

“The team at Londis are also incredibly helpful and so when we combine our local knowledge with Londis’ understanding of national trends and expertise we can achieve a huge amount.

“We’ve been with Londis for almost 35 years now and I actually started out working in a Londis store at the very beginning of my career, before later buying my first store in London.

21

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RETAILER PROFILE In this business you need to move forward all the time.

When sales are growing it can be tempting to sit back a little but actually that’s the time to push even harder.

Tony Patel, Londis Gorefield, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire

“For me there was never any question

refresh the whole store.

about joining the brand. I’d seen how it functioned from the ground level up

“Large-scale refits certainly make a

and it’s the perfect fit for our needs

big impact but supporting them with

and those of our local shoppers.

small, regular refreshes is also really powerful, especially in the current

“The store had been performing really

climate and certainly if your footfall is

well but we knew there was more

high.

we could do and some tweaks that we needed to make, so in 2021 we

“The busier your store is, the quicker

carried out yet another refit to just

certain aspects of it can age and start

23

that.”

Londis Gorefield’s latest mini makeover saw the store graced with a fresh new fascia and exterior and interior signage. A number of fixtures and fittings were also updated, while key elements of the store’s

RETAILER PROFILE

to look tired, and you certainly don’t want

range were also remerchandised, as Tony explains.

“I wasn’t entirely happy with the store’s entrance area, it was a bit tight and we had the crisps merchandised at the front which didn’t feel exactly right. As a result we relocated the crisps to be nearer to the off-licence zone and I’m really pleased with that. We’ve already noticed an uptick in sales as shoppers grab a bag on impulse along with their bottle of wine or beer.”

“We also relocated all of the pet food from its previous position in our central aisle to the rear of the store by the newspapers, in order to giver better visibility to more profitable categories.

Top tips! ll and good but Major refits are all we t in a planned it’s also vital to inves eovers to keep schedule of mini mak interesting. your offer fresh and

1 2

l knowledge and Trust your unique loca at. What works tailor your offer to th necessarily well in one store won’t bear fruit in another.

“The team at Londis were so helpful, we had great advice and support every step of the way.

“Shoppers are really impressed with what we’ve done and always very engaged with any changes that we make. It’s interesting for them, and in this industry, keeping your shoppers interested is key.

“Many of our shoppers come in every day, sometimes twice a day which makes it even more important to keep the offer interesting. Board shoppers don’t browse or spend like engaged ones. That’s the way I look at it anyway.”

3

such as bread, Fresh local products particular seasonal fruits and in ive USPs. flowers create attract

A new Snow Shock machine introduced in the summer of 2021 certainly helped add a fresh pouring of interest, as has the store’s recently augmented range of

25

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And shoppers are clearly thrilled with their

disposable varieties such as Geek Bar.

newly made over store, with total sales having risen 12% since the mini makeover,

Local, seasonal products are also a

helping to push average basket spend up

fantastic source of added interest. “We do

to just over £9.

a lot of local bread and seasonal fruits – local strawberries for example, are a huge

“Customers are so thrilled with what

seller in the summer months. We also

we’ve done, they truly feel that this is their

source fresh flowers locally which gives us

community store and they appreciate all

a nice point of difference.”

investments that we make in it. It makes them feel valued and important, which of

“Our shoppers are at the heart of all our

course they very much are!”

ranging decisions and we engage closely

Large-scale refits certainly make a big impact but supporting them with small, regular refreshes is also really powerful, especially in the current climate and certainly if your footfall is high.

RETAILER PROFILE

disposable vapes which now includes

Tony Patel, Londis Gorefield, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire

with them both face to face and via social media when we introduce anything new,” Tony says.

“For us, it’s all about offering a great quality range of everyday essentials in the smartest, friendliest and most convenient way possible. That’s what our shoppers want.”

STORE INFO

d l e fi e Gor

Store name: Londis Gorefield, Cambridgeshire Size: 1,000 sq ft Store type: Residential Key categories: BWS, grocery, chilled fruit and vegetables Opening Hours: 6.30am -7pm Mon-Sat/ 7am-1pm Sunday Staff: 2

27

RETAILER PROFILE

Supply and demand

An opportunity

too good to miss A true partnership approach is helping Rachael King and her team at John Stayte Services to realise the true potential of Fromebridge Service Station Londis Fromebridge is buzzing. From the hum of the pumps to the ring of

Gloucestershire region, first purchased the site.

the tills, the whirring of the coffee machine and the cheerful chatter

Forecourt manager Rachael King explains:

between staff and customers, this is

“At the time we already had two other

a busy, bustling, buzzing forecourt

forecourt sites and we had earmarked

store.

a bit of land at our site in Dursley to develop that further when we heard on

It’s also worlds apart from the

the grapevine that Fromebridge Service

store it was back in 2008 when

Station was about to go on the market.

John Stayte Services – a local Calor Gas distributor which now

“It was a fantastic site just a few miles

operates three forecourts in the

from our head office that we know

RETAILER PROFILE had significant potential. It was an

up, re-plenish and instillation of a

“We were also very fair with our

opportunity that was just too good to

smart new till system, the store and

pricing from the start and it wasn’t

miss and we knew we had to move

site was re-born.

long before we realised that the business was actually becoming bigger

fast.”

“Even with what was initially not a

than the shop.

And move fast they did. Just a matter

huge amount of investment we could

of weeks later Rachael had the keys to

see just how successful this site could

“We were well aware of the site’s

Fromebridge Service Station: a prime

be,” Rachel says.

potential and we were clear that we needed a strong retail brand to front

forecourt site located on a busy stretch of the A38, just off junction 13 of the

“Sales started to grow almost straight

it. Londis was quite simply the perfect

M5.

away. Very quickly we realised that

fit.

local shoppers and passing trade alike, However, at that point the site’s

liked the site and wanted to use it.”

“From the very start it was clear that with Londis we would receive a true

“significant potential” far outweighed The site’s prime A38 location makes

partnership approach. We never once

it a key target for passing trade, while

felt like we were going out on a limb;

“The site itself was so run down when

its close proximity to the village of

the team at Londis were there for us

we bought it,” Rachel says, “the store

Whitminster also makes it a popular

every step of the way, particularly our

was totally depleted stock-wise, the

destination for local shoppers on a top

RDM Colin Walpole in whom we have

exterior was run down, fuel deliveries

up mission.

the upmost faith.

“Before, shoppers mainly came in for

And in 2020 the team at John Stayte

its actual performance.

were very low and it really wasn’t making much money at all.”

fuel and cigarettes or if they were on a

Services decided it was time to give

However, unphased by the sorry

distress-shopping mission but in just a

local shoppers and passing trade even

state of affairs, Rachal and her team

matter of months we turned that on its

more reasons to pull in; with plans for

ploughed ahead. Operation fuel

head and the store quickly became a

an audacious refit that would see the

Fromebridge was on and just a few

place that shoppers wanted to come.”

store transform from distress shop to

months later and following a spruce

destination store.

29

RETAILER PROFILE

Top tips!

Trust your Regional Development Managers (RDM). They have a wealth of expert insight.

1 2

The importance of good merchandising cannot be overstated.

3

Involve your team in any changes that you implement and explain the insights behind the changes.

4

STORE INFO

ge d i r b e

From

Store name: Londis Fromebridge,

Gloucestershire

Size: 675 sq ft Store type: Forecourt

A regular schedule of cleaning and maintenance is key, especially on a forecourt.

Key categories: chilled, food to go,

BWS

Opening Hours: 6.15am-9pm Mon

to Sat – 8am-8.45pm Sunday

Staff: 20 “Initially we were planning to extend

work we just dabbled in chilled with a

forecourt for parking which shoppers

but Colin suggested that actually we

few sandwiches, milk, butter, and key

really appreciate too, especially young

didn’t need to do that, the store just

essentials. Following the refit, chilled

families.

needed to be totally revamped and

was elevated to become a major part

re-ranged,” Rachael adds.

of our offer and now includes a large

“Initially we were slightly apprehensive

array of chilled sandwiches supplied

about the suggestion to increase the

On Colin’s advice, every aspect of

by Londis as-well as two local suppliers

chilled space as much as we have,

the store’s range was analysed, with

one of which is the very well-known

especially because refrigeration isn’t

underselling lines cut back and new

Jane’s Pantry.”

exactly cheap. Our concerns were all for nothing though because the new

more profitable, footfall-driving lines added.

The store interior was also totally

The new chilled range also includes

chilled range has become one of the

a tempting array of own label ready

store’s biggest success stories.

meals, deserts and essential groceries “Every suggestion that Londis and

overhauled and the range refocused to dial in on the chilled food to go and

“Passing trade is significant here but

Collin made was supported by solid

meal solution opportunity.

we also based a large amount of the

advice and expert insight which all

refit on the fact that we also attract

proved to be absolutely correct. That

“Chilled space was more than

lots of regular local shoppers. There’s

knowledge and support has simply

doubled,” Rachael says. “Prior to the

a large amount of space on the

been invaluable.”

31

RETAILER PROFILE From the very start it was clear that with Londis we would receive a true partnership approach.

Rachel King, Londis Fromebridge

“The till point has now been transformed to showcase the store’s augmented premium spirits and vape range, it’s become a real feature,” Rachael adds.

The second big change was the

The move has also helped to attract

addition of a comprehensive hot

a whole new HGV driving customer

“Promotions also play an important

food and drinks to go offer plus the

base, further transforming the store’s

role, especially for our local shoppers.

addition of crowd-pleasing F’real and

fortunes.

Londis offers particularly good promotions on alcohol which have also

Tango Ice Blast machines.

“Previously very few HGV drivers

become a real hit and something we

“The hot food to go offer is the perfect

stopped at the site but now we get

are now known for locally.”

complement to the chilled sandwich

drivers coming off the M5 to buy their

range and has totally transformed the

lunches and drinks with us as opposed

“All in all sales are up 40% since the

site,” Rachael adds.

to paying a price premium at the

refit. Now clearly much of that can be

motorway services,” Rachael says

attributed to the new categories that we’ve added, but a lot of it also comes

“We already had a Costa Coffee machine which always did very well

A new counter was also fitted to grace

down to the way in which those new

but sales have been set alight since

the till point with the cigarette gantry

categories, and the store as a whole,

the launch of the new bigger and

removed and tobacco relocated into

has been merchandised.

better food to go offer as almost

drawers in a bid to make way for an

everyone who buys hot food will now

eye-catching backlit LED display.

buy a hot coffee to go with it.”

“The importance of good merchandising simply can’t be

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RETAILER PROFILE Initially we were slightly apprehensive about the suggestion to increase the chilled space as much as we have but the new chilled range has become one of the store’s biggest success stories.

overstated,” Rachael adds. “However,

with us, watched the transformation

in a store as busy as this one has now

and seen how shoppers have reacted

become, sometimes that can be a

and they are inspired by it.

just help us to manage demand but

“Colin in particular is great with

Rachel King, Londis Fromebridge

also to help us re-stock the site more

things like this, he will personally

effectively.”

come to the store and talk through

challenge in itself!

“When a change is made or a new “Sales are flying, the store is so

initiative is implemented, we don’t

busy and to be honest we’re getting

just do it, we explain all of the reasons

to the point where we are actually

for it and the insights behind it so that

considering opening 24 hours a day.

the team is truly a part of it.

The longer trading hours would not

all the reasons for a particular “Our team are so engaged and

change. It helps them to become

supportive of all the changes that

fully engaged with the process, they

we have made and plan to make

understand it fully and we all know

and I’m sure we wouldn’t be short of

that understanding helps to breed

volunteers.

embracement.”

“Teamwork and a true partnership

“I’m so proud of what we’ve built here

approach is another key cornerstone

together. This site has achieved so

of our success. Every opinion counts,

much already but we know there’s still

our team are truly valued and they

even more potential left to fulfil which

feel that. They’ve been on this journey

is truly exciting.”

35

RETAILER PROFILE

Fix up look sharp

Shape of

things to come Arjan and Lalita Mehr’s are anticipating fresh green growth in 2022 thanks to a lush new look and focus.

After more than thirty years of business,

years than I care to count,” says Arjan

Arjan and Lalita Mehr’s Londis store at

“and we’ve been with Londis from the

the heart of the Great Hollands estate in

start.

Bracknell, has laid down deep and solid “While we are at the heart of a residential

roots.

estate of around 3,000 homes, the socioHowever, like a fine topiary tree, the

economic demographic of our customer-

store’s visual appearance has undergone a

base has shifted over the years.

great many evolutions in that time, inline with the ever-changing seasons,

“More affluent shoppers have moved in,

tastes and times.

as-well-as more shoppers from Eastern Europe meaning that we have had

In its most recent re-shaping, the

to adapt our range in-line with those

3,000 sq ft community store has

changing needs. The store that you see

revealed a heightened focus on two

today is nothing like the one you would

of its best-performing categories:

have seen just a decade ago.

bakery and food to go, in direct response to shopper demand.

“The fact that we also have a large carpark outside the store, which offers easy

“We’ve owned this store for more

and free parking, has also seen us become

RETAILER PROFILE You want shoppers to behave differently in the fresh aisle and they need space, or at least the perception of space, to do that. It’s all about creating the right conditions for impulse to shine.

Arjan Mehr, Londis Great Hollands

a key destination for tradesmen on

He’s also now able to offer a wider

And bakery wasn’t the only area to

food to go missions as well as parents

range of sweet morning goods

be granted a fresh focus. The store’s

on or after the school run and we’ve

plus filled baguettes, wraps and

highly successful food to go offer was

responded to that demand too.”

sandwiches, all of which are freshly

also given a little TLC in the form of

made in-store.

fresh menu boards and graphics while the in-store counter was also replaced

While recent years have seen the addition of key food to go beacons

“Our bakery offer has become

with a fresh new unit including a larger

(think Costa Coffee, F’wip, F’real,

increasingly successful over recent

display area.

Snow Shock) the store’s most recent

years and especially in the last year

investment included a significant

when more people than ever before

Chiller space was also increased to

refresh of its successful in-store bakery

started shopping locally.

allow for the store’s growing fresh participation, which now stands at

and food to go zone, including new

more than 50%.

ceilings, flooring and fixtures and

“Demand for our range of speciality

fittings including an artisan-style

breads, including Polish breads went

central display table for speciality

through the roof and we knew it was

“We do have a high fresh mix, more

breads and sweet treats.

time to make even more of it and truly

than the average Londis I would say,

allow the offer to shine,” Arjan adds.

but every store and customer-base is different and needs to respond in-

The size of the actual zone itself was also increased, allowing Arjan to

“With the help of Londis we were able

kind. In our case we are the only real

expand his range of speciality breads,

to create a nice plan that has really

fresh food shop on the estate, so we

including Eastern European products

elevated that offer and I’m thrilled with

have to cater to that need. There are

which he sources from a local supplier.

the results,” he adds.

supermarkets and discounters within a

37

RETAILER PROFILE couple of miles but local people would

“Low-level shelving is a key one

something that shoppers have on their

rather nip in here for their daily needs.

that can really help. Simply allowing

lists they will go and find it. However,

shoppers to see across the store

you want them to behave differently

“We had to cut back a little on grocery

instantly makes the space feel more

in the fresh aisle and they need space,

in order to glean the extra chilled

open, accessible and welcoming and

or at least the perception of space, to

space but were very careful about how

that counts for a lot.

do that. It’s all about creating the right conditions for impulse to shine.”

we went about that. Again, Londis’ insight was of real benefit here and

“It also means that shoppers can find

balanced perfectly with our own local

things more quickly, which is another

And shine it most certainly does,

knowledge of what our shoppers

key consideration. Being shopper-

especially in the mornings, when

want.”

friendly means so much more than

caffeine-hungry tradesmen and

simply enquiring after the health of

parents spill in to fill up.

“We also replaced all of our older

your shopper’s granny!”

“We are a very busy store, especially

chest fridges and freezers with wallmounted units which helped to boost

Aisles in the store’s fresh zone were

in the mornings, averaging around

floor-space and crucially to improve

also widened ever so slightly, again to

10,500 customers a week”, Arjan says.

the overall sense of space and light

increase space and spend in this most

and make the store even more

important and lucrative of categories.

“On coffee alone, we do around 60 cups a day again, with most of those

shopper-friendly,” Arjan adds.

“Zones such as fresh, food to go,

cups sold in the morning. Having a

“You can’t underestimate the

bakery, all benefit from a high volume

strong brand like Costa is definitely a

importance of giving shoppers space,

of impulse purchases meaning that

big pull and it does drive associated

especially these days. “It’s not always

giving shoppers more space here to

purchases like sandwiches and

an easy thing to do, especially in a

see, move and browse is crucial,”

morning goods.”

small store but there are clever visual

Arjan says.

And, despite the freshness of the

tricks than you can employ to improve the feeling of space without actually

“You can hide soap powder right

store’s latest re-incarnation, Arjan is

moving any walls!

at the back of the store and if that’s

already making plans for its next one

39

“Customers are really impressed

“This is a high footfall store and most

offer with more space for fast-growing

with the results, for many of them

of our customers will come in every

vape brands.

the changes have come as an extra

single day, sometimes twice a day.

pleasant surprise because much of the “The success of the disposable vape

work, such as fitting the new ceilings

“Those kind of numbers and

category is just unbelievable. Less

and floors, was done after trading

behaviours make it even more

than two years ago there was barely a

hours and overnight to minimise

important to have regular mini-

market there for disposable products

disruption.

refreshes to keep the offer looking sharp, interesting and relevant. For my

and now we’re being asked about it every day so it’s definitely an area that

“It took a couple of weeks to complete

we plan to master and again Londis

the whole project, so each morning

will be of help to us here,” Arjan adds.

there would be some new change to

RETAILER PROFILE

which will include a strengthened vape

part, I’m thrilled with the latest result.”

surprise them with!

Top tips!

1

Don’t under-estimate the pull of bigname well-known brands such as Costa Coffee

2

If space allows, wider aisles in the fresh and chilled zones can help to encourage browsing

3 4

Invest in the right sort of USPs for your unique customer base.

Heed the advice of your RDMs

STORE INFO

t Greands a H l

Store name: Londis Great Hollands Retailers: Arjan and Lalita Mehr Size: 3,000 sq ft Store type: Community Key categories: Food to go, bakery, fresh, drinks to go, particularly

coffee

Staff: 15

41

RETAILER PROFILE

Rich pickings

Blooming

marvellous

Haran Ponnampalam has transformed an old brick corner unit into a fresh-focused convenience store that’s already bearing fruitful sales.

You reap what you sow – or so the

seen him open two Londis stores:

old adage goes - and for Londis

a forecourt in Edgbaston and a

retailer Aingharan Ponnampalam

brand new state-of-the-art Londis

(known as Haran) the seeds of his

store, on the outskirts of Cannock,

enterprise have sprouted into an

Staffordshire.

enviable convenience business that has very quickly become the talk

Despite trading for just three

of the town – and for all the right

months, the store has already

reasons.

become a firm favourite with local residents and especially its strong

Haran only arrived in the UK in 2002,

Millennial and older Gen Z customer-

but in that time his hard-work and

base – transforming what was a

natural born retailing nouse have

drab brick corner unit into a smart

“People living in the neighbouring

freshness and innovation.

flats and houses didn’t really have

RETAILER PROFILE

black and green beacon of quality,

anywhere within walking distance to “As soon as I saw the location I was

top on groceries and fresh produce,

hooked,” says Haran “and I just knew I

so it was clear from the start that a

had to get a store open there.

comprehensive fresh offer, supported with quality food and drinks to go,

“The store is positioned just off a big roundabout connecting five key commuter roads, one of which is the main road into the town centre, while the others lead to quite affluent residential housing.

“There’s also a large free carpark to the rear of the store and incredibly, very little local convenience competition, aside from a couple off off-licences.

Opening a new store always comes with a certain amount of trepidation, even if you’re not a first-time retailer!

Thankfully Londis has been such a support, especially with merchandising advice and the actual fit-out process.

Haran Ponnampalam, Londis Cannock, Staffordshire

would prove really popular with

appeal to the store’s young adult

residents and busy tradesmen alike,”

shoppers will be central to hitting

Haran says.

that target, with Tango Ice Blast sales already cresting £250 a week in cold,

And with sales already totalling

wet December, while vape already

£11,000 a week and growing, it

accounts for 10% of total sales.

certainly seems that he’s been proved right.

“I think Tango Ice Blast could easily do more than £400 a week once the

“It’s still very early days but the

weather starts to warm up in the spring

figures are really encouraging and I’m

and summer months and I’m expecting

expecting that total to hit £20,000 a

really big things from vape going

week by the early summer, once we’ve

forward too.

bedded in,” he adds.

“Our vape offer has already become Innovative categories that hold high

something of a runaway success, we

43

RETAILER PROFILE

Top tips!

Vaping can offer lucrative profit opportunities but it’s vital to stay on track with changing consumer trends.

1 2

Disposable products are growing in popularity, especially among younger adult vapers, so be sure to stock disposables.

3

Well-known brands like Geek Bar offer a great way into this growing category.

4

Don’t overlook less-dynamic categories such as ambient grocery. Depending on your location and local competition, these can still act as lucrative footfall drivers.

have a standalone Vape Station unit

with the flavours, grab a vape on the

store’s layout which has been designed

on the shopfloor where customers can

go and never have to worry about

to make the store as shopper friendly

browse the offer at their leisure, as-

charging.”

as possible.

units. There’s no other offer like this in

The absence of local convenience

“We’ve tried really hard to keep the

the local vicinity so it’s a real USP.

competition has also helped sales of

aisles as wide as possible for easy

somewhat less dynamic categories,

access, while low- level shelving

“Disposables are by far the most

such as pet food and grocery, to get

combined with Londis’ crisp and

popular type of vape product that we

off to a strong start, while fresh and

clear in-store category signage really

sell, in fact I’m now doing more than

chilled meal solutions, especially

helps the products to stand out and

£600 a week on Geek Bar disposables

the pizzas and pasta options, are

improves the overall experience.”

alone, while the Elf Bar brand that

also proving to be star performers,

we also stock is not too much further

especially in the afternoons and

Despite its modest size, the clever use

behind.

evenings.

of different textures and colours also

well-as a couple of countertop display

helps to create clearly defined zones: “The disposable format just really

“Local shoppers love the fact they

clean white tiles for fresh and frozen,

appeals to that young adult vape

now have such a good range of fresh

black wooden boarding for tills and

demographic. They like the fact they

options on their doorstep and they

spirits, and warm red bricks for wine,

can be spontaneous, chop and change

also really seem to appreciate the

beer and cider.

45

RETAILER PROFILE As soon as I saw the location I was hooked. I just knew I had to get a store open there.

Haran Ponnampalam, Londis Cannock, Staffordshire

Two large entrances and exits, one to the

“The store is busy throughout the day

front and one to the rear of the store, also

but it really comes alive first thing in the

help to dial up the sense of space and

morning when shoppers pop in for a

light inside, with the rear door providing

paper, freshly baked morning goods and

easy access to the store’s highly prized

coffee to go, and then after 4pm when

customer car-park.

parents, children and other local shoppers pop in for drinks, snacks and evening

The large automatic glass door at the back

meals.

also allows categories, such as ambient grocery and household, which traditionally

“We then get another rush between 6pm

tend to be consigned to darker rear zones,

and 8pm, when categories such as BWS,

to bask in the fresh light of day.

vape and tobacco shine,” Haran says.

47

k c o n Can STORE INFO Store name:

Londis Cannock, Staffordshire Retailer: Haran

Ponnampalam

The store has also recently partnered

and opening a new store always

with delivery app Uber Eats in a bid to

comes with a certain amount of

Size: 1,800 sq ft

grow sales yet further and especially

trepidation, even if you’re not a first-

Store type:

in the evenings, while in the coming

time retailer!

Residential

“Thankfully Londis has been such a

Key categories:

months Haran is also hoping to install a post office.

support, especially with merchandising Other key services already available

advice and the actual fit-out process

include a free cash point and a My

which took around six weeks to

Coffee Station offer.

complete. The first three months have

Vaping, drinks to go, fresh Opening Hours:

certainly been very encouraging and

7am -10pm

“Customers are so happy with the

I can’t wait to see where the next few

store which is just wonderful to see,”

take us.”

Staff: 3

Haran says. “It was a big investment

49

SOCIAL MEDIA

The big Opportunity

Social

climbing Social media can be a fantastic way of raising your store’s profile as well as growing footfall, sales and profits – and best of all, it can be entirely free.

Need help getting started? l Log on to Booker.co.uk –> Pages –> Londis –> Digital Marketing & Radio to see our Hints and Tips l Download FREE digital images supporting leaflet offers, provided for every promotion l Download FREE posting guides to help aid content and copy

Social media is one of those rare opportunities that can deliver huge benefits to retailers

The benefits of social media

l A great way of communicating with existing shoppers, as well as reaching a wider audience of potential new shoppers l Powerful local brand exposure l Totally free to use l Quick and easy to get started

for relatively little effort and absolutely no direct cost. In the UK there are tens of millions of customers who interact daily with key platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – and that presents an enormous opportunity.

Among those many millions are likely to be the majority of the people who live in your particular community, which offers you both a digital shopfront available to anyone with a smartphone as well as the perfect platform for engaging with your existing shoppers and for attracting new shoppers to your door.

If you offer home delivery services, social media allows you to grow your shopper base to include everyone who lives within your delivery catchment area, even if they never actually physically visit your store.

All that’s required is a little planning and a little focused effort and the rewards can be significant.

1

SOCIAL MEDIA

Top tips!

Post regularly to keep shoppers engaged.

2

l Set aside some time aside each day to update your page and respond to shopper queries.

3

l Remember that social media means you are opening up a channel for customer feedback, so monitor your page carefully and regularly.

4

l Everything you post and almost every interaction you have with consumers is in the public eye.

The Londis social media channels focus on communicating our

5

l It can take time to build an audience so be patient or, if you are keen to grow your audience quickly, consider the various paid-for local advertising options available on social media to quickly extend your reach.

fantastic promotions and own brand products to existing and new shoppers as well as engaging with shoppers on a daily basis with a friendly, welcoming attitude.

This complements your own social media activity and allows you to focus on posts specific to your store which could include everything from deals, new products and ‘like & share’ competitions to any community engagement work you’re doing or even simple reminders on your opening hours or home delivery service.

Maintaining your page It’s important to keep people engaged with your page. Think about: l Posting in-store offers and new products. l Highlight Group Exclusive products which invariably drive footfall. l Use photos of your store, themed displays and seasonal fun. l Highlight changes to your store such as new services and change of opening hours. l Put up posters around your store telling shoppers that you’re online. l Engage with other social pages in your community and show your support to your local shoppers and local community.

51

MORE CHOICES. MORE SALES.

COCONUT & BERRY 250ml

SUGARFREE 250ml

ZERO 250ml

ENERGY 250ml

GREEN 250ml

WATERMELON 250ml

TROPICAL 250ml

l On Facebook and Instagram, you should keep to 1:1 ratio (square) for images.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Posting pointers

l You should focus on what is seasonally relevant, new in store, local to you and what makes you stand out from your competitors l Head office branded social network accounts @mylondis have a constant stream of exciting material created for you to use and share to your own page.

When developing a successful social media presence it can be

Social Media & Covid-19 Social media is an effective way of communicating with your shoppers around all aspects of the developing situation around Covid-19. Make sure you communicate: l Changes to your opening hours l Social distancing and safety measures l Availability of essential products on a daily basis first thing in the morning or after your delivery l Availability of home delivery. l Job opportunities. l Any community or charity activity you are undertaking, for example volunteers required for deliveries to vulnerable people.

helpful to post relatively regularly - at least two or three posts a day – and to ensure that you monitor your social media channels to allow you to respond quickly to any feedback or comments you may get from shoppers.

If it helps, you could think of social media as just an extension of the outstanding customer service Londis stores are already famous for: polite, friendly, helpful and prompt.

53

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which is a highly addictive substance.

CATEGORY CATCH-UP

Latest insights and news

Healthy profits Many shoppers resolve to eat and drink a little more healthily in the early part of the year, opening up fresh opportunities for Londis retailers.

The early part of every year is traditionally

things to different shoppers: less meat,

a time when many shoppers will make a

more fresh produce, cooking from scratch,

mental note or commitment to being a

more low or zero sugar soft drinks, a little

little bit more careful about what they eat

less alcohol every week, the list goes on.

and drink. For the first few months of every

But whatever it means to them, Londis

year a whole set of new opportunities open

retailers are able to capitalise by ensuring

up for retailers who are able to offer these

that they offer these shoppers what they’re

health-conscious shoppers the types of

looking for.

products they are looking for.

LOW TO NO ALCOHOL How long into the year that commitment

The recent and increasingly popular Dry

lasts is another thing entirely, but 2021

January challenge sees more and more

research from IGD shows that UK shoppers

shoppers start each new year off with a

are increasingly looking to adopt more

focus on reduced alcohol consumption.

healthy and sustainable diets all year round,

While once this would have relied on

with 58% open to improving their eating

abstinence, these days this goal is often

habits (up slightly from 57% in 2020).

achieved with the help of low or no alcohol beers, ciders, wines and spirits.

Healthier eating, of course, means different

HAVE YOUR SAY… The need to offer a good range of affordably priced healthy food and drink options cannot be overlooked, especially at this time of year when sales do tend to peak. However, I would say that they are now a year-round strong-seller and will become increasingly so as we head towards the implementation of the HFSS regulations in October.

Vegan products in particular have become increasingly important point of difference for us - so much so that we recently repositioned the range in a more prominent display at the front of the store.

Londis offers an extensive range of low

but equally interesting is the fact that a

and no alcohol alternatives across all of the

significant proportion of those that take

major alcohol drink product categories and

part say they intend to try to reduce their

it’s certainly worthwhile ensuring that you

alcohol consumption year-round.

have some low or no alcohol alternatives Almost one in three (32%) UK drinkers

available in-store for shoppers.

now ‘semi-regularly’ consume low and noWhy not go a step further and introduce

alcohol products compared to one in four

a dedicated low and no alcohol fixture in-

(25%) in 2020, a YouGov study has found.

store? This will really help highlight the fact

Furthermore, a fifth (20%) of those who

that you stock a good range and should

have tried low and no-alcohol say they are

help grow footfall, sales and profits.

more likely to drink these products now compared to a year ago, almost double

Booker offers a range of alcohol-free beers

the number saying this in last year’s survey

from big brands like San Miguel, Heineken,

(11%).

Peroni and Beck’s as well as an extensive selection of low and alcohol-free wines

MEAT FREE

from 5% ABV Peñasol Sangria and 6% ABV

For other shoppers, the desire to eat more

Lambrini to Distant Vines Light & Refreshing

healthily means cutting back on meat – a

and big brand name wines like Rawson’s

trend which is giving rise to significant

Retreat’s 0.5% ABV Semillon Chardonnay.

growth in the vegan and meat free market.

Reduced

isn’t

In-fact according to IGD research from July

restricted to January and February these

alcohol

consumption

2021, the number of shoppers who eat

days, however. Alcohol Change UK, the

meat only twice a week or less rose to 39%

charity behind Dry January, estimates that

in 2021 – up from 34% in 2020.

as many as one in seven adults in the UK now take part in the month-long festival

Sustainability concerns are also playing a

OPPORTUNITIES FOR RETAILERS

Mike Dorey Londis Eastcombe, Stroud

Highlight fruit, veg, grains and pulses with colourful signage Use health claims, roundels and nutrition information to drive spend Offer easy solutions for healthy, scratch cooking Challenge cost perception by using signage and promotions to show that healthy eating can be budgetfriendly

57

Little explains: “Not only are consumers increasingly willing to change their eating habits for health reasons, but they are also starting to better understand the connection between their diets, the environment and how changing what they eat could impact their own health, as well as the planet’s health.”

CATEGORY FOCUS

role, as IGD Director of Health and Sustainability Mark

IMMUNE SUPPORT With the cold winter months giving rise to a whole host of coughs, colds and various viruses, products which claim to help support shoppers’ immune systems are also likely to be given more space in their baskets.

Vegan and flexitarians on the rise The recent Veganuary festival once again helped refocus many consumers with more than two million people registered for last month’s event.

The Veganuary charity says that a very large proportion of those who take part tend to continue with a vegan diet or significantly reduce their meat and animal product intake throughout the rest of the year. This represents a major opportunity for Londis retailers.

Vegan meals now account for one in eight meals that shoppers prepare at home, Kantar’s usage panel found, equating to an additional 350 million plates of food that are now vegan-friendly, compared to five years ago.

Crucially, Millennials are a key demographic when it comes to veganism, with 36% of vegans being aged 25-34 years old. Young females are another significant target group for veganism, as 38% of all vegans are females aged 16-44.

Looking at products, Kantar says that soups are among the most popular choices for shoppers opting for plant -based meals, but world cuisines such as pizza, pasta and Indian dishes are also favoured.

59

LUCOZADE, LUCOZADE SPORT and the Arc Device are registered trade marks of Lucozade Ribena Suntory Ltd. © Lucozade Ribena Suntory Ltd. All rights reserved.

CATEGORY FOCUS

The Low Alcohol shopper Younger adults are more likely to drink low and no alcohol often, with semiregular consumers of low and noalcohol most likely to be aged between 35 and 44 years old according to a recent YouGov survey from 2021.

In contrast, 31% of those aged over 55 reported never having tried a low and no alcohol product, slightly ahead of all other age groups.

Amongst drinkers, semi-regular use of low and no alcohol and ever tried was highest in Scotland (27% and 80%), compared to England (25% and 68%) and Wales (22% and 61%). Around England, semi-regular use was highest in the West Midlands and South East (both 32%) and lowest in the North East (19%).

HEALTHY SNACKING While shoppers are often keen to eat and drink more healthily, it’s not a desire that comes at the expense of taste or flavour - meaning that products which pack a health punch as-well as a flavour kick can be key to winning sales.

With their high protein, nutrients, fiber and mineral content nuts and cereals play well in this space.

MILK MATTERS

Plant based milks continue to attract an increasing number of shoppers. British shoppers spent a whopping £146 million on oat milk in 2020, up from £74 million in 2019, helping oat to overtake almond as the nation’s number one selling vegan milk, according to Mintel.

A record one in three Brits now drink plant-based milk, with usage up from 25% in 2020 to 32% in 2021, and almost 44% of Brits aged 25-44 are plant-based milk users.

Usage of standard cow’s milk continues to be lower amongst younger consumers, dropping to 84% of 16-24s compared to 96% of those aged 65+, Mintel found.

What’s more, almost a quarter (23%) of adults agreed that plant-based milk was better for them than cow’s milk, while half (50%) of adults agreed people’s milk choices make a difference to the environment.

61

VALUE ACTIVITY

Value for money

Value matters

more than ever Delivering value for money has never been more important to shoppers.

Value for money has been among the

New data from Barclaycard suggests

defining trends in independent retail for

shoppers will “be more cautious with their

many years now and that trend shows no

discretionary spending” in the new year,

signs of relenting. In fact, the laser-like

with “43% expecting rising inflation to

focus on securing fantastic value for money

affect their household budgeting.”

is arguably more important than ever after a very challenging couple of years for many

IGD ShopperVista insights also suggest

shoppers.

that concerns over the rising cost of living will lead to “savvy shopping becoming

Value for money means different things to

increasingly prevalent in the new year, with

different shoppers but however shoppers

value top of mind.”

define it, great value continues to represent an

enormous

opportunity

for

Londis

retailers.

EDLP With value for money on or near the top of the priority list, how do Londis retailers

After the excesses of the festive period

respond?

and with concerns over everything from inflation rates to energy prices, shoppers

Perhaps the most important challenge is to

want to know that they are getting the best

understand what shoppers mean by value

value possible every time they visit your

for money – and then work out how to

store.

deliver it.

For some shoppers value is all about Every Day Low Pricing (EDLP), particularly on staple lines they buy every day like bread, milk and bacon but also on popular lines that they buy frequently, even if it’s not every day. Londis’s EDLP range covers the vast majority of important, big-selling lines and allows you to guarantee great pricing on fast moving lines every day of the week, helping to drive regular footfall as well as sales and profits.

A great example is the EDLP deal on key

VALUE ACTIVITY

VALUE TO BE ‘TOP OF MIND’ IN THE NEW YEAR “Despite the decision by the Bank of England not to raise interest rates at the moment, the media has focused heavily on the rising cost of living.

We expect shoppers to increase their focus on saving money at the start of 2022, to make up for any overspending at Christmas and prepare for the energy price cap which could see household energy prices jump by more than 40%.

Shoppers remain highly sensitive to price rises and news of any shortages, which in turn impacts on confidence. ‘Savvy shopping’ will become increasingly prevalent again in the new year and value will be top of mind.”

Rhian Thomas Head of Insight at ShopperVista

Seasonal sales

confectionery lines featuring RSPs of just

to some shoppers, others are on the

£1 on multi-packs of many of the best-

look out for promotions. Again Londis’s

selling brands and products including

extensive rolling promotional programme

The many seasonal events and

Yorkie and Aero bars.

means you have a year-round supply of

occasions on the horizon also

fantastic deals to tempt your value-

provide retailers with great

hungry shoppers with.

opportunities to drive home their

Make sure you shout about these lines on external bread and milk posters, in-store

value messaging in-store and

and on social media. Make it easy for

As part of a bigger group, Londis now has

on social mediawith an array of

shoppers to choose your store for those

access to many outstanding promotions

attention-grabbing promotional

daily essentials.

across all categories, a hugely powerful

mechanics.

tool for generating new and additional

Promotions While it’s everyday value that says value

footfall to your store.

Valentines Day: 14 Feb This Valentines Day Londis will be running a host of heart-warming promotions on key themed lines including £3.49 on Lindor chocolate boxes and iHeart Prosecco for just £7.79.

Easter: 17 April Value-hungry shoppers will also be treated to some cracking Easter promotions across some of the season’s biggest brands including a 3 for £1.50 offer on the iconic Cadbury Crème Egg and Mini Eggs for just £1.

63

DRIVE ROS CONSUMER DAILY CASH PRIZE COMPETITION Stock Rockstar

Activate competition POS at chiller

Enjoy more money in your tills!

Rockstar Xdurance 500ml Rockstar Punched Guava 500ml Rockstar Juiced 500ml

Time to

M268734 M268735 M268733

VALUE ACTIVITY

Your regular promotional leaflet drop alongside a busy social media feed should help ensure maximum reach – and maximum footfall.

Own brand Another key focus for shoppers keen to secure the best possible value is own brand products. Booker’s own brand ranges are now well established with shoppers and have earned their trust with a winning combination of great quality and exceptional value.

Offering shoppers a value alternative to big brand equivalents in many categories can help drive sales – and for maximum impact, why not double face key own brand lines to make them unmissable in-store, all the while secure in the knowledge that you will secure fantastic PORs, often of 30% and above, while also delivering the value that your shoppers are seeking.

Euro Shopper is a particularly effective range which offers a choice of more than 90 family favourites at permanently low-prices, Londis retailers now have access to a vast and ever-growing selection of quality own brand lines.

HAVE YOUR SAY… The way in which shoppers think about value has definitely changed in recent years. Shoppers are looking for competitive pricing across the board and not just the odd £1 promotion.

Shoppers are also demanding greater quality when it comes to the value products that they buy. When they buy own brand products these days, they expect them to be great quality.

Thankfully, the Booker own brand range is excellent quality and allows us to deliver quality as well as value every time for our shoppers.

These lines are being incredibly wellreceived, especially in the early part of the year when shoppers are extra-value conscious.

The key battleground for value now is chilled. That’s where the shoppers are looking for it most. They are much less concerned about the price of a can of beans or a bag of crisps, it’s the price of the pizzas, the ready meals and the meats that they are most aware of.

Arjan Mehr Londis Great Hollands Arjan Mehr Londis Great Hollands

65

PM N P

K W C E PA

Stock the No1 * Dry Cat Food

M272722

POR 36.1%

The choice of over 1 million households** *IRI Market Advantage, Total Petfood, IRI All Outlets UK, Dry Cat Food, Value Sales 52 w/e 27th March 2021, **Purina ONE Adult Chicken 800g is the #1 selling SKU in Grocery Dry Cat Source IRI MAT Pet Outlets & Ocado 20th April 2019 ®Reg. Trademark of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.

Category focus While the search for value among shoppers affects every category, some categories are more important than others, according to Londis retailers.

For Arjan Mehr of Londis Great Hollands, fresh and chilled foods are the new “big value battleground.”

“Shopper are much less concerned about the price of a can of beans, a chocolate bar or a bag of crisps, it’s the price of the pizzas, the ready meals and the meats that they are most aware of.”

Arjan will do doubt be pleased then to learn that Londis has secured cool promotions on a number of Gazebo Cuisine’s sizzling

opportunity to vape the equivalent of 40-

Chef’s Creations lines including its Indian

plus cigarettes for less than half the cost of

Meal Box featuring Chicken Tikka Masala,

a pack of 20.”

Bombay Potatoes, Pilau Rice, Onion Bhajis and Naan Bread on promotion for just £5.

Meanwhile for Tony Patel, owner of Londis Gorefield in Cambridgeshire, special deals

For Haran Ponnampalam of Londis in

on alcohol lines are helping to drive his

Cannock in Staffordshire, shoppers’ desire

sales.

to secure more bang for their buck is being “We take part in as many Londis promotions

evidenced by his climbing vape sales.

as we can and we support them with in“Value for money is increasingly important

store POS as-well as social media.

to our shoppers, many of whom are young adults or students with not a great deal of

“Posts about alcohol promotions do always

disposable income,” he says.

tend to get a positive response from shoppers and do help to drive footfall,

“The general need for greater value for

especially if there’s a giveaway attached,

money is a key driver behind the success of

such as free glass with each bottle

our new vape offer.

purchased or something like that.

“Disposable

vape

products

such

as

GeekBar for example offer adult vapers the

Simple ‘round pound deals’ are still one of the biggest winners though.”

67

CATEGORY CATCH-UP

Playing the game

Feeling

the l ve

With national lockdown restrictions having

And, with this Valentines Day falling on a

poured cold water on Valentines Day

Monday (14 February) the annual love-in

celebrations in 2021, loved-up shoppers

looks set to offer even more opportunities

are primed to set their hearts and wallets

for retailers to profit, with shoppers likely

racing in 2022.

to indulge themselves and their loved ones over the weekend as-well as on the big day

Move over virtual dates and lockdown

itself.

loneliness; Valentines Day 2022 looks set to offer convenience retailers a suite of stellar

Fortunately for Londis retailers, Booker has

sales opportunities as shoppers splash out

a host of attractive deals and promotions

on indulgent meals, fizz, and gifts.

sure to set pulses racing.

M268382

Smirnoff Mango* Promo WSP: £66.99 Promo RSP: £14.99 POR: 10.6% M272475

Home was where the heart was for Valentines

CATEGORY FOCUS

Trivento Malbec Rosé* Promo WSP: £27.95 Promo RSP: £6.99 POR: 20.03%

2021 spending stats Day 2021, with 51% of

Trivento Pinot Grigio* Promo WSP: £27.95 Promo RSP: £6.99 POR: 20.03%

shoppers who lived with their partners opting to have a home cooked meal according to

M250823

Mastercard Data, * Prices valid only for NP12.

A further 31% opted for a takeaway while 7% had This Valentine’s Day (14 February) Londis

convenient emulations of the going-out

retailers can benefit from deals on Lindor

experience and moments of excitement

chocolate boxes (£3.49 down from £5.99),

and indulgence.”

an “indoor picnic.”

When it came to gifts and treats, men spent

iheart Prosecco and Italian Rosé (£7.79 down from £10.39 and £9.49 respectively),

Cocktail thirsty romantics in 2022 will be

more than women, with

and Trivento Malbec, Pinot Grigio and

able to shake things up with an array of

those celebrating forking

Malbec Rosé (£6.99 down from £8.79).

deals on key spirit brands at Londis stores

out 57% more on their

including Smirnoff Mango and Passionfruit

loved ones than women

Twist and Raspberry Crush for just £14.99.

according to Barclaycard

And while shoppers in 2022 will have the

data.

option to dine out, unlike in 2021, fears over the current variant and the fact that so many

Single shoppers not in a relationship have

have grown used to their home comforts,

certainly not been left out of the deal

In a clear sign of the

are likely to prompt many shoppers to stay

bonanza though with an equally heart-

times, the most popular

in and relax with an indulgent meal and

warming array of promos on indulgent self-

purchases were food

treats at home.

treat products such as ‘Any 2 for 1’ deals

for a special dinner at

on American confectionary bars such as

home (61%), followed

Those looking to re-create restaurant style

Hershy’s Cookies N Crème, Reeses Peanut

by more traditional gifts

experiences at home are likely to fuel

Butter Cups and Nutrageous bars.

of chocolates (38%) and alcohol, such as

increased demand for restaurant style meal kits and also cocktail ingredients – as was

Galaxy Smooth Milk, Smooth Caramel and

champagne (37%). Over

seen in 2021.

Salted Caramel bars (110, 135g) bars are

half of those questioned

also on offer at any ‘2 for £2.’

also purchased a card.

Sales of gin, Baileys, and other readyto-drink (RTD) beverages rose last year

Meanwhile, shoppers looking to treat their

as home-bound shoppers mixed it up

fury friends will also not be disappointed

themselves.

- with a deal on Winalot Meaty Chunks (12X100g) at £3.25, down from £3.75.

Commenting on the trend at the time Ryan

With all deals available from the 24

Whittaker said: “Many of the RTD and pre-

January, Londis retailers looking to spice

mixed alcoholic cocktail brands, as well as

up their footfall and sales would do well to

home delivery from local bars, facilitate

stock up.

GlobalData,

experiences

consumer

in

the

analyst

home,

providing

69

M099089

M099144

M074942

M074944

It pays to sell the wines your customers are already sold on.

M107142 / M257658

The season of love also provides a key opportunity

for

light-hearted

in-store

theatre and attractive shop-floor displays.

The opportunity to inject a flash of colour and fun to stores was one that retailers jumped on in the gloomy winter of 2021.

CATEGORY FOCUS

Goodfellas WSP: £16.75 RSP: £3.50 POR: 31.63%

Overall, local retailers were the greatest winners from Valentine’s Day last year, as couples stayed at home and splashed

FRIENDLY GET TOGETHERS

Single shoppers looking to celebrate the season of love with friends will also not be left disappointed thanks to a host of deals on popular sharing items such as £1.25 on 150g bags of Kettle Chips and of course Londis’ Frozen Meal Deal which offers them ‘any 2 Goodfellas Thin Pizzas and a Tub of Carte Dor Ice Cream’ for just £5 – a saving of £4.85.

Booker is also offering a ‘2 for £10’ deal on bottles of iheart Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé and Malbec.

out on food, according to the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor for February 2021.

The event contributed to a 7.6% year-onyear growth in food sales last year and what’s more, PayPoint retailers recorded the highest sale volumes for both sparkling wine and champagne and wine categories on Valentine’s Day, up 54% and 16%, respectively, last year, underlining the importance of the day for local shops.

Key brands such as Ferrero Rocher and Lindor boxes enjoyed a huge 1,133% and 333% increase in sales, respectively, on 14 February, compared to their daily average up until that point.

Additional brands to see their highest sales of the year on Valentine’s Day

FLOWER POWER

Flowers can also offer a key opportunity to help your sales bloom.

Booker’s cut flower range includes a variety of different bouquets at different price points ranging from an entry level £4 bouquet (its best seller) a seasonal bouquet priced at £5.50 and a premium gift bouquet at £8.50.

across the PayPoint network included Cadbury Roses Carton (+936%); Moet Brut Imperial NV (+414%); Oxford Landing Cabernet Sauvignon (+338%); Cadbury Milk Tray (+300%), Nestle Quality Street Carton (+300%) Martini Prosecco Brut Doc (+268%), Sharwood’s Lamb Biryani (+250%); Bollinger NV Brut Champagne (+150%); Babycham (+140%); and Nestle After 8 Mints (+127%).

For Valentines Day 2022 Booker has also created a bespoke ‘Valentines Roses’ bouquet of 12 roses.

71

TOP NEW PRODUCTS

Top new products Every issue we bring you the latest product launches from your favourite suppliers

Nestlé

Nestlé

KIT KAT BITES

AERO CHOCOLATE MELTS

Kit Kat Bites is among Nestlé’s most important

Nestlé has launched Aero Chocolate Melts giving Londis retailers another great chance

launches of 2022 – and the product (available 24

to grow the confectionery category, drive sales and cash in on PORs in excess of 20%.

January) will be a Group Exclusive for 11 weeks.

Feature within a sharing or larger format ‘big night in’ section, if you have one, to drive

Kit Kat is the number three confectionery brand

impulse sales and increase basket spend.

in the UK and is hugely popular, so the launch offers the chance to appeal to existing Kit Kat

RSP

£1.69 POR 22.9%

loyalists and other shoppers attracted by the new format. Stock on the main confectionery fixture and also on any sharing format section you may have.

Kit Kat Bites Milk Chocolate

Nestlé

KIT KAT ORANGE This new orange variant, available from 24 January, should prove a hit with fans of the

RSP

£1.69 POR 22.9%

brand. Orange, currently the number two flavour in the UK, is surging at +37% in the market. Furthermore, orange-flavoured products have increased their share of Total

Kit Kat Bites Chocolate Caramel

RSP

£1.69 POR 22.9%

Confectionery from 1.3% to 4.3% over the last three years.

RSP

75p POR 22.7%

73

We are Reducing Our Plastic Usage

Our delicious croissants are now packed in cardboard trays

New Packaging 85541510 All Butter Croissant 4 Pack www.delifrance.com/uk

TOP NEW PRODUCTS AB InBev

CORONA CERO 4X330ML Available from February, Corona Cero – that’s zero in English – is predominantly aimed at the 18-34 age bracket, which drives the majority of zero alcohol beer sales, but is expected to appeal to a wider audience thanks to the eye-catching packaging, the big brand name and the great

wicked foods

taste. Sales of zero alcohol beer have grown enormously, up 113.2% since

WICKED KITCHEN RANGE

2029 [Nielsen].

Looking to top up your instore vegan offering? Available now and exclusive to the group, is a range of high quality plant

RSP

£3.50 POR 28.6%

based meals from Wicked foods.

Peng Panang Tofu Curry

Kerry Group

RICHMOND MEAT FREE BACON 150G

RSP

£3 POR 25.0%

Bangin Biryani made with Beyond Meat

Available now in cases of eight packs, the latest addition to Richmond’s Meat Free range launches in time for Veganuary, the annual challenge to

RSP

£3 POR 25.0%

encourage people to follow a vegan lifestyle for a month. Vegans apart, it will appeal to flexitarian customers and the growing number of shoppers

Korean Inspired Bowl made

keen to incorporate more plant-based products into their diet.

with Beyond Meat

RSP

£2.50 POR 24.8%

RSP

£3 POR 25.0%

Very Berry Porridge

Kerry Group

RICHMOND MEAT FREE BURGERS 170G

RSP

£1.09 POR 25.6%

Spicy Coconut and Rice Noodles

Over half a million people registered for Veganuary last year and, with that number is set to grow in 2022, Richmond’s Meat Free Burgers launch at just

RSP

£1.59 POR 25.1%

the right time to capitalise. Available in cases of 6x2 burgers, the plantbased product will attract a broad range of customers including flexitarians

Spicy Smoky Dreamy Mac

who fancies a meat-free meal.

RSP RSP

£2.00 POR 25.0%

£1.59 POR 25.1%

75

Plan your shelves the right way to increase SALES The recommended 1 shelf range for Mexican

M103774

M704163

Old El Paso is the

biggest brand in World Foods FOR

£1 spent in Mexican another

£3-4 are spent in other foods and drinks IGD FMCG 2020, Nielsen World Foods & Mexican 52we Nov. 2021

M218445

M197583 M232964 M145584

Fajita Kits are the

most popular products for the typical convenience shopper who wants a quick & easy meal solution

Tortillas & spice mixes

sell faster for the Mexican food lovers!

MEET THE BUYER

Say

‘hello’ to...

Shannon Element Category Manager – Produce and Flowers

Category: Produce, flowers and horticulture

Tell us a little about the key functions of your role.

As Category Manager for Produce and Flowers I’m based out of our Watford Office but I do try to get into branch as often as I can. It’s an extremely varied role because it covers both BRP on the retail side as-well as Booker, the branches and Premier. I also look after a really wide range within the produce team which includes horticulture (horti) and flowers as-well-as top fruit, nuts, dried fruit, herbs and spices.

On the BRP side I also look after a number of branded suppliers such as Del Monte, Mash Direct on prepared vegetables and Kestrel for prepared nuts. The breadth of the range I cover makes the role so interesting. No two days are ever the same which is something I love about it. One day I could spend a lot of time on horticulture and on another I’ll be looking at top fruit.

Because each area is so different, the challenges that I face also vary significantly, as do the different ways in which we seek to grow each of the categories. It all makes for a very interesting working day! Each has its own unique approach. Horticulture is an area that I am developing a true passion though which is fortunate as it’s one that is growing so rapidly.

77

What factors are fuelling horticulture’s success?

In the last two years horticulture has grown hugely. Covid-19 has had a significant impact on the category as shoppers have spent so much more time at home, investing in making their houses and gardens nicer, more attractive places to be.

Things like bedding plants and compost, for example, have done really well as shoppers took to beautifying their back gardens or adding hanging baskets and containers and as such we have started to do a lot more seasonal activity in these areas.

On cut flowers we’ve also seen huge success. During the months of lockdown and resultant move to home-working, more shoppers started buying flowers to have in the house on a more regular basis and it’s a trend which has stuck. The home has taken on a new level of importance since the pandemic, it’s become like a sanctuary and small things like a beautiful bouquet of fresh cut flowers really can do wonders to lift the spirits.

Tell us a little bit about the flower range?

The price is right

We aligned with Tesco’s flower range a couple of years ago and we now offer a really good high-quality range of six core SKUs which are growing year on year, with

Retailers can see the quality for

sales up every single week.

themselves when they come into branch and they are buying into the range in

The range features varying price points,

greater numbers and in greater quantities.

from our entry-level bouquet at £4, right up to our premium gift bouquet at

In fact, volume and value sales are both up

£8.50 at the top end. We also offer a £6

because retailers can see for themselves

bouquet, a seasonal bouquet for £5.50

that once in store, the flowers are selling

and a Rose and Lilly range for £7.

through. The POR’s are also really attractive at around 30% POR.

The £4 bouquet is just a really great price point that triggers a lot of impulse sales.

We also offer relatively small case sizes

Shoppers see the quality and price and

which helps allay any fears that retailers

just think: “yes I’ll grab those for the

might have over wastage. Our largest case

house.”

size is six on the £4 bouquet.

Make sure you clean the shelves regularly Booker’s cut flower range includes a variety of different bouquets at different price points ranging from an entry level £4 bouquet a seasonal bouquet priced at £5.50 and a premium gift bouquet at £8.50.

Top tips!

1 2

What impact does seasonality have on your role?

The seasons and seasonal events have a huge impact.

We’ve just done Christmas and now we are focusing on spring which is looking at all the compost, the

3 4

If possible try merchandise them out of a direct draught or in an area where they are likely to be knocked into.

5

Price points are important. It’s key to offer a range of varying price points so that your offer caters for every type of shopper and need.

6

Be sure to ensure great visibility of value price points, such as our £4 bouquet, as this can trigger great impulse sales.

7

Don’t be afraid to start small.

Booker also offers small case sizes and attractive PORs of around 30% to help allay any waste fears.

help them get ready for this key planting season.

Valentines Day and Mothers’ Day 2022, these events really are major opportunities for flowers. Last year we experienced a veritable surge and we are expecting this year to be even better. Mother’s Day is the biggest of the two seasonal events for flowers

If an entrance display is not possible, citing flowers next to fresh fruit and vegetables or impulse categories can be effective.

Ensure that flowers are well watered and looked after to maintain quality.

bedding plants and growing bags for the retailers to

We’re also gearing up for the two key events of

Merchandise flowers as close to the front of the store as possible to help create that ‘wow’ factor entrance.

MEET THE BUYER

Shannon’s

and this year we will be launching a bespoke range

79

DON’T MISS OUT ON YOUR EXTRA SALES OF THE NUMBER 1 INSTANT HOT SNACK BRAND*

NOW AVAILABLE TO ORDER IN THE POPULAR NEW PIRI PIRI FLAVOUR PMP SOLD HALF A MILLION UNITS SINCE LAUNCH!**

THE CENTER OF SEVERAL VIRAL CAMPAIGNS, INCLUDING THE PIRI PIRI BLACK CARD CAMPAIGN, WHICH REACHED 20 MILLION PEOPLE ON TWITTER

M271507

* Nielson Retail Measurement Service for the Mini-Meals Pot Segment. For the 52 week period ending 17.07.21. ** Nielson Retail Measurement Service for the Mini Meals Pot Segment. For the 52 week period ending 06.11.21.

the week before the big day itself. The

the week before both events. This year we

Valentines activity will be displayed at the

have created a bespoke ‘Valentines Roses’

front of branch and I’ve helped to create

bouquet of 12 roses. We have 38 pallets

some bespoke marketing and POS to

going out to 35 branches that we are

help retailers sell it through. There are

really excited about.

nice pictures of the bespoke bouquet and information on pricing to really catch the

What’s the best bit about your job?

eyes.

MEET THE BUYER

which we will be pre-selling to retailers

The variety is certainly a big draw! I also really love planning for the peaks such as Valentines Day and Mothers’ Day and deciding what range we are going to go with. This process has become especially exciting as we work closely with our supplier. They can sometimes give us insights into what’s working well which can be really helpful when working out what to do for our customers.

How often do you get into branch?

As often as I can. I particularly love to go in around key times of year such as Valentines Day, Mothering Sunday and of course Christmas. Pre-Christmas I visited quite a few branches including Oxford and Swindon which was great, it’s always nice to interact with the retailers and see all the hard work we do throughout the year come to life. I can’t wait to see this year’s Valentines bouquets in branch and I plan to get in as much as possible

Diary Dates While flower sales may be blooming all year round, sales have two distinctive peaks twice a year for Valentines Day and Mothering Sunday.

Retailers will be able to pre-order a bespoke range of Valentines Day and Mother’s Day bouquets this year don’t miss out this blooming opportunity.

Valentines Day 2022: Monday 14 February Mothering Sunday: Sunday 27 March

81

CATEGORY CATCH-UP

Light up your sales

Pocket

protagonist With the popularity of disposable vaping devices continuing to soar, Booker offers a strong range of products to help Londis retailers profit from the segment’s success with confidence.

The UK’s vape category enjoyed a buoyant 2021 with the proportion of UK adults using vaping devices having increased to 7.1%, according to a recent YouGov survey.

And as the UK begins a new year with healthy resolutions riding high and the all-important vaping awareness month of April on the horizon, the vape category’s star looks set to keep on rising, as adult smokers increasingly turn to it as a way to quit tobacco.

With around 30% of vape sales taking place via traditional retail stores (Imperial Tobacco estimate) the opportunity for Londis retailers to profit even more from the growing vape opportunity is clear to see.

One of the key opportunities that exists

Established in 2015, the disposable vaping

is in easy-to-use disposable devices.

brand has been designed to appeal to

Many Londis retailers are already seeing

adult vapers “who desire to vape smarter”

significant demand for disposable devices,

the brand says.

which offer new and existing vapers an ultra-convenient vaping option and access

The Booker range includes five popular

to a myriad of exciting and on-trend

flavours, including GeekBar Classics

flavour combinations.

such as Sweet Strawberry, along with new flavours such as Blueberry and Sour

Fortunately for those retailers, Booker has

Raspberry.

recently expanded its range of disposable devices with the addition of GeekBar,

Each disposable “bar” comes fully

which is now available through Booker in a

charged and pre-filled with 20mg of

selection of fruity flavours.

nicotine salt e-liquid, for an RSP of £6.49.

profit on return, and another way to add a unique point of difference and interest to their overall offer.

DISPOSABLE GROWTH Long-standing Londis retailer Arjan Mehr, whose Londis store in Great Hollands has recently undergone a significant refresh of its bakery and food to go offer, is already planning his next investment project centring around vape. “Vape sales have been growing steadily in recent months and in response to that I plan to invest in strengthening our existing offer and giving much more space to fast-growing disposable brands,” he says.

UK VAPER PROFILE The peak ages for e-cigarette use in 2021 are among 35-44 year olds (10.1%) followed by 45-54 year olds (8.6%), and then 25-34 year olds (8.1%).

CATEGORY FOCUS

For retailers the range also offers 40.8%

The lowest vaping rates by age are 5% for young adults aged 18-24, followed by those over 55 at 5.4%.

A slightly higher proportion of those identifying as male (8.1% ) say that they currently use e-cigarettes than those identifying as female (6.2%).

Of the 3.6 million vapers in the UK in 2021, just under 2.4 million are ex-smokers; 1.1 million are current smokers; and just under 200,000 are never smokers.

Nine out of ten ex-smokers who currently use e-cigarettes vape every day, with 97% vaping at least weekly.

Satisfaction levels are growing, with 68% of vapers who no longer smoke now saying that they find vaping “more or equally” satisfying as smoking compared to 65% in 2020.

Source: YouGov

“The success of the disposable vape category is just unbelievable. Less than two years ago there was barely a market there for disposable products and now we’re being asked about it multiple times a day. It’s definitely an area well worth mastering, especially when you consider the lucrative profits to be made, and I know that the team at Londis will be on hand to help me invest in my range with confidence,” he adds.

Another Londis retailer who is already reaping the rewards of a successful disposable vape offer is Haran Ponnampalam Cannock in Staffordshire.

85

Order Code – 92148616

This product contains nicotine.

Nicotine is an addictive substance.

Excellent

*IRi Market Place, Volume Share, Nicotine Pouch Category, Total UK, YTD Sep-21. For more information or to verify comparison contact Nordic Spirit on Facebook or Instagram: @nordicspirit_uk or using our details at nordicspirit.co.uk/contact. **RRP effective as of 27/10/2021. You are, of course, at all times free to sell JTI’s products at whatever price you choose. [i] Trustpilot rating correct as of December 2021.

i

CATEGORY FOCUS Haran’s newly opened Londis store on

These devices also hold another key

Alternatively, Booker have an entry

the outskirts of Cannock town centre

appeal for new and existing vapers:

level price point offering in disposables

has already become a firm favourite with

flavour. Unlike many of the pre-filled pod

available under the Nic-Nac brand with an

locals, and especially Millennial and Older

devices currently on the market, which

RSP of £3.49 and a POR of 38.8%.

Gen Z shoppers, largely thanks to the

tend to major on menthol, tobacco and

creation of his innovative standalone vape

dark fruit flavours, disposable products

The Booker-supplied range also provides

unit.

offer a wider choice of innovative and

retailers with 100% confidence that they

unusual flavours that truly appeal to

are purchasing legal and crucially, EU

“Our vape offer has already become

modern vapers’ tastes in an ultra-

TPD-compliant, product.

something of a runaway success, we have

convenient format.

a standalone Vape Station unit on the

This assurance comes at a key time for

shopfloor where customers can browse the

In fact, the same YouGov survey clearly

the UK’s disposable vape category, which

offer at their leisure, as-well-as a couple of

highlights just how much vapers’ tastes

appears to be becoming a growing target

countertop display units. There’s no other

have changed in a comparatively short

for the illicit trade.

offer like this in the local vicinity so it’s a

space of time.

real USP.

Legitimate manufacturers have stepped In 2015, tobacco flavours were the most

up their efforts to stifle the problem with

“Disposables are by far the most popular

popular at 38% followed by fruit flavours

GeekBar, for example, working closely with

type of vape product that we sell, in fact

at 25% and menthol 19%. However, this

UK vaping and retail trade associations

I’m now doing more than £600 a week on

has changed dramatically in recent years

and regulators in a bid to check and seize

GeekBar disposables alone.

and in 2021 fruit flavours emerged as the

counterfeit products in the UK.

most popular choices at 35%, followed by “The disposable format just really appeals

menthol at 23% and tobacco at 20%.

to that young adult vape demographic.

The arrival of the new Geek Bar range through Booker will therefore

They like the fact they can be

With sweet fruity flavours such as

undoubtedly provide retailers keen to

spontaneous, chop and change with the

Passionfruit and Peach Ice, Booker’s

expand their disposable vape offer and

flavours, grab a vape on the go and never

new GeekBar range is sure to appeal

profit from the growing opportunity,

have to worry about charging.”

to adult vapers on the hunt for

with welcome confidence and

pocket-friendly disposable options.

excitement.

87

SUMMER PRE-SELL

Get set for the

Future planning

summer pre-sell With a host of great events planned for this summer – including the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – now is the time to take advantage of the Londis summer pre-sell to ensure you get all the fantastic stock at great value prices you need to get the most out of these occasions.

With so much to take care of every day

early and have been built around the most

in your store, any opportunity you can

important sales opportunities of the year

find to reduce workloads and improve

including the obvious ones like Easter,

forward planning, availability and profits is

Halloween and Christmas, but also cover

worth grasping – which is why the Londis

other important periods like ‘Thank You

seasonal pre-sell programme is worth

Teacher’, picnics, Valentines and New Year.

a fresh look, if you don’t already take

0um%POR 2 im in

M re-sell on every p e n li

advantage of it.

This offers Londis retailers a great way of gaining priority access to extended

Londis pre-sells run three times a

ranges, brand new products and great

year in spring, summer and winter

quality POS to bring the offers to life in

and offer participating retailers

your store.

a huge selection of benefits for minimum effort.

Vitally, every single product featured in all three pre-sells delivers a minimum of 20%

The pre-sells let you get ahead of the

POR – with many lines offering far higher

game by getting your ordering sorted

PORs.

Why take advantage of the Summer pre-sell? There are many great reasons, such as: l Great opportunity to buy into extended ranges l Tailored products to leverage key seasonal events l All products have a guaranteed minimum POR of 20% l Exciting NPD l Booker Exclusive products l Prizes and Incentives l Bespoke POS to highlight products in store l Establish a real point of difference from the competition l Drive footfall and cash profit

Perfect for…

The Londis summer presells let you prepare early for vital opportunities such as: l The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend

SUMMER PRE-SELL

THE BENEFITS OF PRE-SELL

l National BBQ Week l ‘Thank You Teacher’ l Picnics l Eid l Wimbledon l The Hundred l Champions League, FA and Scottish Cup Finals

you want to buy in advance and get

hard work out of getting ready for

your order in by the closing date. This

the hot weather and all the occasions

takes a lot of the stress involved in

associated with it. The Summer pre-

buying around key seasonal periods

sell also offers lots of chances to win a

and ensures that you have the right

host of great prizes.

range to make the most impact and the biggest sales during each

The pre-sell provide a fantastic

important period.

opportunity to make sure that you have ordered all the products and

By ordering in advance, you free

categories you’ll need to make a

yourself and your team up to focus

huge success of all key summer

The pre-sells also provide easy access

on serving shoppers and keeping the

opportunities – and will leave you to

to the Booker Group’s exclusive

store in top-top condition when those

look after your team, your store and

products which help drive footfall,

seasonal occasions roll around, safe

your shoppers.

sales and profits for Londis retailers,

in the knowledge that all those key

as well as giving them a vital point of

products and accompanying POS are

Your Summer pre-sell brochure

difference over the competition.

ordered and in the system.

should arrive in the post on or around 18 February. It covers categories

SUMMER’S COMING

What’s more, by buying into pre-sells,

including Summer Deals, Major Events,

The Summer 2022 pre-sell is

you also gain access to extended

BWS, Summer Gifting, Summer Treats,

approaching fast and looks to build on

credit and you are automatically

Soft Drinks, BBQ & Picnic, Holiday &

the huge success of last year’s event

eligible for a programme of pre-sell

Travel Essentials, Summer Car Care

which saw almost 145,000 cases sold

incentives such as free stock and

and Summer Food-to-go.

by retailers.

vouchers.

To get in on the action this year, all

The Summer pre-sell features a

any queries or need any help when

that you have to do is check out the

number of new products and a host

completing your pre-sell orders.

pre-sell documents, choose the lines

of exclusive lines that will take the

Speak to your RDM if you have

91

MARKETING CALENDAR

Save the date

Lots to look forward to in 2022!

This year’s full calendar of sporting and social events – including the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and a winter World Cup final – means there are plenty of opportunities for Londis retailers to increase sales. We’ve picked out the key dates, so you don’t have to.

R GET SET FO

SUMMER

It’s been a busy couple of years and

With a whole host of big events scheduled

2022 looks set to be another busy

on top of the regular seasonal favourites,

one for Londis retailers with plenty of

2022 is shaping up to be an exciting year.

fantastic opportunities to grow footfall,

Bearing that in mind, it’s important that

sales and profits. With the hustle, bustle

you make plans well ahead of time and

and excitement of the festive period

get your orders in early so that you and

behind us, it’s straight into another set of

your team can be free to focus on offering

opportunities in the form of Valentine’s,

the fantastic service that shoppers have

Mothers Day and Easter, all chock full of

come t expect when they visit their local

chances to grow your business.

Londis store.

The independent retailing sector has

Londis has taken the hard work out of

performed well over the last year or two

planning an events calendar for yourself

and that trend shows no sign of letting

with a carefully planned series of

up. Indeed, convenience stores are still

promotions and activities to help retailers

performing ahead of pre-pandemic levels

capitalise on all that 2022 has to offer and

and their year-on-year figures are also

grow footfall, sales and profits.

positive, according to recent figures from Epos provider The Retail Data Partnership,

So what exactly does the year have in

which are based on 320 million

store?

transactions from the last 12 months.

With so many exciting and profitable opportunities in 2022, one great way to get ahead of the game, reduce workloads for you and your team and improve forward planning is to take advantage of the Londis seasonal presell programmes.

Pre-sells let you ensure availability and bigger profits throughout the year with three individual pre-sells in 2022: spring, summer and winter.

By taking advantage and getting your orders in early, you can gain access to

February – June Valentine’s Day 14th February Pancake Day 1st March St. David’s Day 1st March St. Patrick’s Day 17th March

a wide range of benefits for minimum effort.

MARKETING CALENDAR

Get ahead of the game

Key dates in 2022

The pre-sells have been built around the most important sales opportunities like Easter, Halloween, Christmas, ‘Thank You Teacher’ and New Year.

This offers Londis retailers a great way of gaining access to extended ranges, Group exclusive products, brand new products and great quality POS to bring the offers to life in your store.

Every product featured in all three pre-sells delivers a minimum of 20% POR – with many lines offering far higher PORs. Speak to your RDM to find out more.

Mother’s Day 27th March Easter Sunday 17st April St. George’s Day 23rd April Eid al-Fitr 3rd May

Bring it to life!

While the fantastic Londis marketing and promotional programme gives you everything you need to make more of key activities and events in 2022, a great way of building further growth is through in-store theatre and activity and creative, eye-catching merchandising.

Why not encourage your team to wear the the football strip of their favourite team during the World Cup, or a scary outfit for Halloween? A little extra effort can help bring excitement and fun to key seasons events for your shoppers and can help drive footfall, sales and profits.

National Vegetarian Week starts 9th May FA Cup Final 14th May Scottish Cup Final 21st May Champions League Final 28th May National BBQ Week starts 30 May Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2-3 June Father’s Day 19th June Wimbledon starts 27th June

Building attention-grabbing displays, floor stacks and aisle ends can also help get shoppers in the mood for key events so plan ahead and make your store stand out throughout the year.

93

DRIVE YOUR SALES WITH THE TOP TWO

BESTSELLING IN THE MARKET

BRANDED THIN SKUS *

Nielsen scan track value sales 52 w/e to 06.11.21

M107142

Another great way of driving footfall around major events like the Champions League Final, Wimbledon and the World Cup is by leveraging the power of social media. You could flag up the key matches, highlight the great promotions you have on offer and eve run raffles or competitions offering themed prizes. It all helps

MARKETING CALENDAR

Social focus

grow your social reach and will help bring shoppers to your door.

n pages posts to your ow ce fi of ad he e Shar There’s an action-packed sporting

worth doubling-down during National

calendar for starters. For rugby fans, Wales

BBQ week, which starts on 30 May.

is set to open its Six Nations title defence against Ireland on Saturday 5 February,

There are also several other lifestyle-

commencing the first of five weekends of

themed opportunities to grow sales

action.

throughout the year. These include National Vegetarian Week (9 to 15 May),

The football season reaches a climax in

World Vegan Month (November), Organic

May with the FA Cup, Scottish Cup and

September and International Coffee Day

Champions League finals all falling on

(1 October).

consecutive Saturdays. There’s also the World Cup to look forward to, which Qatar

They come on top of the perennial

is hosting. Due to the country’s baking-hot

confectionery-boosting events of

climate, the event won’t take place until

Valentine’s, Mother’s and Father’s Days

later in the year, with the final held a week

and Easter, which falls later than usual in

before Christmas Day.

2022, giving retailers an additional two weeks to capitalise.

That’s not to say the summer will be devoid of sport, with the usual annual buzz

At the other end of the scale, there is

around Wimbledon fortnight starting at

one event taking place this year which

the end of June. The Hundred tournament

can be genuinely described as “once in

commences around the same time, which

a lifetime”. Her Majesty the Queen will

should tide cricket fans over until the ICC

celebrate 70 years on the throne, and the

Men’s T20 World Cup in October.

Platinum Jubilee weekend (2 to 3 June) will doubtless see people up and down

Hopefully the summer won’t be short of

the country looking to stage a celebration

glorious weather, with higher temperatures

of some sort. This is bound to create some

prompting demand for soft drinks and

fantastic opportunities for retailers.

ice cream. Booker will help you prepare, with POS material to drive sales around

As you can see, there’s a lot to look

BBQ, Picnic and Hot Weather occasions.

forward to and, with some advance

Although any spell of sunshine brings

planning and Booker’s help, there’s every

with it the chance to sell more burgers,

reason why 2022 should be another

sausages and charcoal, it may well be

prosperous year for Londis retailers.

Key dates in 2022 July – December Eid 9-11th July Diwali 24th October Halloween 31st October Bonfire Night 5th November Remembrance Sunday 13th November World Cup starts 21st November St. Andrew’s Day 30th November World Cup final 18th December Christmas Day 25th December

95

VEGAN & FREE FROM

Grow your wsales

Plant power Sales of plant-based products smashed through the £1bn mark in 2020 as veganism and free-from products continue to grow in popularity with shoppers, an opportunity not to be missed.

Meat-free, plant-based products are taking

When it comes to the total free-from

the convenience industry by storm and

category, vegan products specifically

now thanks to the availability of Tesco’s

continue to demonstrate growing curve

Wicked Kitchen plant-based meal range to

appeal - as is evidenced by the rising

Londis stores, convenience retailers have

number of convenience retailers now

an even bigger opportunity to give their

actively introducing dedicated vegan bays

sales more crunch

across their stores.

While the shopper trend towards free-from

The Mintel data highlights, vegan and

and vegan foods has been simmering

plant-based products are certainly not the

for some years now, the category has

exclusive preserve of vegan shoppers. Far

experienced what could be described as

from it!

a sales supernova in recent times, having grown by 16% year on year in 2020,

In-fact, according to Mintel, the vast

sending its value through the £1bn ceiling.

majority of UK shoppers buying into the fast-growing vegan and plant-based

In fact, according to new Mintel data

market are so-called flexitarians: meat

published in 2021, almost half of all

eating and non-meat-eating shoppers

shoppers now regularly use and buy free-

who are choosing to dip in and out of the

from foods and drinks, with the trend most

market for a variety of different reasons,

prevalent among the under 25s.

including health, ethics and environmental concerns.

VEGAN & FREE FROM

Four in ten adults now regularly use and buy freefrom foods and drinks according to Mintel

Why shoppers buy free-from?

44%

of free-from shoppers said they bought free-from products because they tasted better than standard products

51%

of free-from shoppers said that free-from products were healthier than standard products

Environmental concerns in particular

combinations supported by cool, punchy

appear to be one of the most significant

new brands helped to change mindsets,

drivers for heightened plant-based

proving to shoppers that plant-based

consumption.

foods were anything but boring; in fact, they could be pretty darn exciting and

In fact, according to the Vegan Society,

well-worth a repeat purchase.

individuals who switch to a plant-based diet could reduce their food-related

And thanks to the raft of new product

carbon footprints by up to 50%.

developments and range extensions currently taking the category by storm,

The nation’s new-found love-affair with

shopper appetite for meat-free, plant-

vegan and plant-based food and drink

based products only looks set for further

has not solely been stoked by health and

rapid growth.

34%

said they bought freefrom products because they reduced their environmental footprint

29%

said they bought freefrom products because they were available in unique flavours

24%

said they bought freefrom products because they had a longer shelf-life compared to standard products.

environmental concerns.

According to Mintel forecasts, the freeBold, innovative, flavour and texture

(Source Mintel Free-from Foods Report 2021)

from market as a whole is expected to

97

range also allows retailers who are looking

and 2025 to £1.58bn – presenting retailers

to make their first foray into the vegan

with a distinctly juicy opportunity to profit.

and meat free market, to do so with

VEGAN & FREE FROM

post a 44% value growth between 2020

confidence.

Fortunately for those retailers, Booker has recently made a raft of Wicked Kitchen

With a profit on return of 25% and more to

plant-based meals available to Londis

be made on each item, it’s a move which

retailers.

could certainly open the door to bountiful opportunities.

Crafted by pioneering chef Derek Sarno, the Wicked Kitchen range has been designed to “unleash the mighty flavour of plants like never before,” to vegans and non-vegans alike.

The free-from market grew by 16.9% year on year in 2020 to break through the £1bn ceiling according to Mintel.

Specially curated to feature some of the brand’s most poular products, the new Wicked Kitchen range currently includes six products in the frozen and ambient categories.

Featuring delectable delights such as Spicy Smoky Dreamy Mac (Macaroni in a “dreamy” smoky cheese flavour sauce with red pepper, spring onions and jalapeños) and ‘Bangin Biryani’ which features Beyond Meat, the new range is certain to complement existing vegan offers and be greatly received by the new wave of flavour-hungry shoppers out on a meat free mission.

With all products in the range featuring favourable Use By dates thanks to their ambient and frozen credentials, the new

New Wicked Kitchen range Product code

Product description

Case size

WSP

RSP

POR

M274153

Peng Panang Tofu Curry

6X400g

£14.39 £3.00

25%

M274172

Bangin Biryani made with Beyond Meat

6X400g

£14.39 £3.00

25%

M274158

Korean Inspired Bowl made with Beyond Meat

6X400g

£14.39 £3.00

25%

M273747

Very Berry Porridge

8x70g

£8.49

£1.09

25.6%

M273647

Spicy Coconut and Rice Noodles

6x72g

£7.15

£1.59

25.1%

M273648

Spicy Smoky Dreamy Mac

6x80g

£7.15

£1.59

25.1%

99

BERRY

peacShoony Coming

Tango Sugar free range - worth over £18m RSV and HAS grown +14.6% in the last year Tango Berry Peachy- New for 2022- A great tasting, vibrant liquid with a bold, disruptive pack design Source: Nielsen, Total Coverage, Value Sales MAT to 20.11.21

Time to

GUEST COLUMN

Direct delivered

Let Booker

deliver for you Booker Group Drinks Development Controller Jason Kelk highlights how Booker’s Direct Delivered service can help you grow footfall, sales and profits.

If you are looking to add interest by extending

website – just look out for the ‘Direct

your range of more unusual drinks products,

Delivered’ blue flash.

it’s as easy as looking for the blue ‘Direct Delivered’ tab on the Booker website. The

For example, gin continues to be a huge

service is available via web to all retailers, but

category and Booker branches stocks a great

requires credit card payment.

range of the biggest selling lines: big name brands, speciality craft gins and great value

The Direct range features premium spirits,

own-brand options, many available in 1.5l

miniature spirits, more choice in flavoured/

format. But if you are keen to add some more

quirky, craft beer cans, and premium canned

unusual craft gins, then Direct Delivered is a

sodas.

great option. Deliveries are free on all orders over £75.

The drinks market is continually evolving and presenting fresh opportunities for retailers to

As well as an additional range don’t forget to

grow their businesses by offering customers

search ‘bundle’ on the website and you will

on-trend, high quality, great value drinks.

see Booker’s latest deals and bundle deals complete with high-quality POS that help

The

latest

market

data

indicates

that

bring your offer to life.

premiumisation and increased choice are important to lots of consumers – but don’t

The direct delivery service is great for

forget that lots of your shoppers are still

ensuring regular supply and for emergency

looking for the leading brands that they trust

top-ups.

and enjoy, alongside new products.

EXCLUSIVE OPTIONS

LOOK OUT FOR THE ‘DIRECT DELIVERED’ BLUE FLASH. AT BOOKER.CO.UK

Booker stocks the best-selling brands in all

Another way to set your offering apart from

major drinks categories with completely

the competition is with Booker’s own brand

transparent pricing. The price you see on the

and Group exclusive lines; Alfred Button,

web is the price you will pay, but the service

Vodka, Vanilla Vodka, Passion Fruit Liqueur

requires credit card payment.

and London dry Gin. Offering a unique range can help grow footfall and spend as well as

DIRECT DELIVERED

profits.

But if you are looking to add interest and excitement to your range, then the Booker

To help you plan ahead and guarantee your

Direct Delivered service is a fantastic way to

profits, Booker has also secured the pricing

gain access to a hugely extended range of

on many big lines. You’ll find details on those,

premium and specialist drinks.

as well as new products and profitable serve ideas, on the Booker website.

Direct Delivered offers hundreds of products that you won’t find in a Booker branch, but

For further information contact your local

which you can order through the Booker

Retail Development Manager.

101

W IN

A NINTENDO SWITCH AND THE NEW POKÉMON™ LEGENDS: ARCEUS

5 TO BE WON!

When you purchase a minimum of 4 cases, of different varieties, across the range below in one order during 13.12.2021 – 08.03.2022 you will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win a Nintendo Switch and the new Pokémon Legends: Arceus game. Entrants must be 18 or over. One entry per transaction. One prize per retailer. Full terms and conditions apply, see

www.grocerypartners.co.uk/whats-new/ batchelors-gaming-brp-2022

EXCLUSIVE ON PACK CONSUMER PROMOTION FOR BOOKER GROUP

BATCHELORS ARE THE PERFECT MEAL FOR GAMERS ON A BREAK Case & Pack Size

Price Marked Sale Price

Retailer purchase price per pack

Consumer Deal

Single Consumer Deal

Promotion POR%

Midas Product code

BATCHELORS SUPER NOODLES CHICKEN POT PMP £1.20

8 x 75g

£1.20

£4.50

2 for £1.50

75p

25%

M248838

BATCHELORS SUPER NOODLES CHICKEN BLOCK PMP £1.09

8 x 90g

£1.09

£4.50

2 for £1.50

75p

25%

M249556

BATCHELORS PASTA N SAUCE POT CHEESE & BROCCOLI PMP £1.20

6 x 65g

£1.20

£3.45

2 for £1.50

75p

23.33%

M248847

BATCHELORS SUPER NOODLES BBQ BLOCK

8 x 90g

N/A

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2 for £1.50

75p

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M250426

BATCHELORS SUPER NOODLES CHICKEN BLOCK

8 x 90g

N/A

£4.50

2 for £1.50

75p

25%

M250428

BATCHELORS SUPER NOODLES MILD CURRY BLOCK

8 x 90g

N/A

£4.50

2 for £1.50

75p

25%

M250443

BATCHELORS PASTA N SAUCE CHEESE & BROCCOLI

7 x 99g

N/A

£3.99

2 for £1.50

75p

24%

M250452

BATCHELORS PASTA N SAUCE CHICKEN & MUSHROOM

7 x 99g

N/A

£3.99

2 for £1.50

75p

24%

M250478

BATCHELORS PASTA N SAUCE CHEESE, LEEK & HAM

7 x 99g

N/A

£3.99

2 for £1.50

75p

24%

M250453

Product Description

*Price marked packs.

©2022 Pokémon / Nintendo / Creatures / GAME FREAK. Prize draw open to residents of Great Britain, who own a Budgens store or Londis store and who have an account with Booker Limited (“Eligible Retailer”). Promotion Period: 13/12/21 – 08/03/22. To enter, purchase a minimum of four (4) cases, of different varieties, across the range above qualifying Batchelors products (the “Qualifying Purchase”) during the Promotion Period and you will automatically be entered into the prize draw. A Qualifying Purchase must be placed in a single order to qualify for entry. You will receive an entry into the prize draw for each Qualifying Purchase made. Batchelors products that are considered a Qualifying Purchase are subject to availability. Please retain proof of purchase. Five (5) winners will be selected at random from all valid entries received into the prize draw during the Promotion Period and will each win x1 physical copy of the Pokémon Legends: Arceus game and x1 Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue / Neon Red Joy-Con Controllers (the “Prize”). Only one Prize will be awarded per Eligible Retailer. Entrant’s personal data held by Booker Limited shall be used by Booker Limited, the Promoter or the Promoter’s agents, for the purpose of administering this prize draw.

Full T&Cs apply, see www.grocerypartners.co.uk/whats-new/batchelors-gaming-brp-2022. Promoter: Premier Foods Group Ltd, Premier House, Centrium Business Park, Griffiths Way, St Albans, AL1 2RE.

VIEWPOINT: ACS

Make your voice heard

Putting

‘Challenge 25’

in the spotlight ‘Challenge 25’ is a key policy in helping retailers avoid in-store problems when it comes to age-restricted sales, yet shopper awareness is only at 70%.

Working as a retailer in the convenience sector, it is inevitable that you will encounter a number of products which are subject to age restrictions on a daily basis and its important that you feel confident in your store’s procedures in the sale of these products.

One of the key policies in relation to the sale of age restricted products is ‘Challenge 25’ which is a retailing strategy which encourages customers who is over the age of 18 but looks under 25 to carry identification if they wish to buy age restricted products.

James Lowman ACS Chief Executive At the end of 2021, we launched consumer polling to determine current awareness

in their shopping journey as well as digital

levels of Challenge 25 and we found

materials that you can use to tell your

that around 70% of customers were

customers on social media so that they are

aware of the policy. While this is a good

aware before they even step foot in your

level of awareness, there is still room for

store.

improvement and that’s why we’re launching a campaign to promote the use of Challenge

We know from our 2021 Crime Report that

25 in our sector.

enforcing age restricted sales policies is one of the top triggers for violence and abuse

Last month we launched a campaign which

against shopworkers. This is an important

will run throughout the year to promote the

campaign to raise awareness amongst

use of Challenge 25 in stores and to raise

consumers so that they understand why they

awareness amongst consumers, reminding

are being asked for proof of age and that

them that they will be asked for proof of age

our colleagues are following procedure to

if they want to purchase a product which has

minimise the risk of selling age restricted

an age restriction.

products to those who are underage.

As part of the campaign, we’re launching

If you have any questions about the

new materials for you to use in store to

campaign, please get in touch via Edward.

remind customers about the policy earlier

woodall@acs.org.uk

103

LET'S CELEBRATE

with our new members and longstanding partners

New stores Downham Way Bromley, Kent

London, Greater London

Worthing West Sussex

Wirral Way Birkenhead, Merseyside

Fortune

Marston Mortaine

Londis Earlsdon

Greenock Inverclyde, Lanarkshire

Bedford, Bedfordshire

Coventry, Warwickshire

Blakelands

Prestatyn

Park Wines Uk Ltd Aldershot, Hampshire

Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

Prestatyn, Clwyd

Rhymney Service Station Tredegar, Caerphilly

Leadenhall

Carlton, Nottinghamshire

Dale Valley Stores Southampton, Hampshire

Broadmead Folkestone, Kent

Londis Carlton

Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

Londis Astwood Bank

Londis - Brackley

Londis Kingsweston

Astwood Bank, Worcestershire

Londis Bournmoor Houghton Le Spring, County Durham

Bedford, Bedfordshire

Londis Moulsford Wallingford, Oxfordshire

Londis Riverside

Upminster Upminster, Essex

Londis Chester Road

Hillington Park Estate, Lanarkshire

Stanley, County Durham

Redbourn

Londis Wharley End

Londis Commercial Road Bournemouth, Dorset Londis Wexham Service Station Wexham Road, Berkshire

Londis Golden Crown

Rontec Snd Bristol Bristol, Avon

Moulton, Northamptonshire

Sutton Elms Leicester, Leicestershire Kingsbury Road Birmingham, West Midlands Londis Coombe Hill Coombe Hill, Gloucestershire Londis Blackhill Consett, County Durham Eagle Rochdale, Lancashire Whitmore Park Coventry, West Midlands Towcester Towcester, Northamptonshire Londis Nantymoel Stores Nr Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan Londis Penwerris Post Office Falmouth, Cornwall

Fulham London, Greater London

Yiewsley West Drayton, Greater London

Weston Park

104

Bedfordshire

Londis Blofield Norwich, Norfolk Belper, Derbyshire

St Albans, Hertfordshire Tonyrefail, Mid Glamorgan

Vsa Moulton Local

Bristol, Avon

Londis Castlemilk Strathclyde, Lanarkshire

Londis Ghsl Hillington

Wharley End, Buckinghamshire

Willesden London, Greater London

Londis Texaco Pensaurn Newcastle Emlyn, Carmarthenshire

Londis Westley Rocks Stoke On Trent, Staffordshire

Londis Lower Wortley Convenience

Londis Walcote

Londis Coach House

Nr Market, Harborough Leicestershire

Londis Saltney Chester, Cheshire

Londis Illogan Post Office Redruth, Cornwall

Leeds, West Yorkshire Petersfield, Hampshire

Londis Central Glasgow, Lanarkshire

Londis Crossways General Store Newquay, Cornwall

Londis Strawberry Express

Londis Hughenden Road

Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire

Londis Abbey Street

Londis Llandudno Llandudno, Conwy

Londis Rackheath Norwich, Norfolk

Londis East End Service Station Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

Weddington Nuneaton, Warwickshire

Worthing

Hasting, East Sussex Nuneaton, West Midlands

Londis Stourbridge Stourbridge, West Midlands

Buckhurst Hill Buckhurst Hill, Essex

Gayton Wirral, Merseyside

Londis Nuthurst Road Birmingham, West Midlands

Many happy returns to all those celebrating their time with us. More than just a brand, Londis is a family of like-minded convenience retailers whose focus is to provide a much-needed service to their local community

5

1

YEARS

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

10

YEARS

Cryers Hill Post Office And Stores High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire

20

21

22

Noak Bridge Basildon, Essex

23

Bryn Aber P.O Nr Corwen, Clwyd Londis Ellistown Coalville, Leicestershire

20

YEARS

Londis Erith, Kent

24

30

YEARS

25

Watcombe Post Office Torquay, Devon Londis New Broughton, Wrexham Milton Stores Maidstone, Kent

35

26

YEARS

Burnham Market Stores Burnham Market, Norfolk Tottenham Road Garage Darwen, Lancashire Londis Romford, Essex Londis Rainham, Kent Probus School Filling Station Truro, Cornwall Chatters Food & Drink Milton, Hampshire Londis Sunbury On Thames, Middlesex

Broomhill Road Londis Farnborough, Hampshire Londis Guildford, Surrey Beeford Post Office & Stores Beeford, Driffield, East Riding

13

Londis Watton At Stone, Hertfordshire

14

Bushey Local Limited Bushey, Hertfordshire

15

101 Cooper Lane Bradford, West Yorkshire

16

Londis - Castle Donington Derby, Derbyshire

17

Londis Nr Robertsbridge, East Sussex

18

Londis Bricket Wood, Hertfordshire

19

Londis Holmfirth, West Yorkshire

YEARS

15

Colinsburgh Filling Station Colinsburgh, Fife

LONDIS BIRTHDAYS

Londis birthdays

Canford Heath

105

DIGIT AL AD S& SOCIA L MED IA TO SU PPOR T THE C AMPA IGN THRO UGHO UT

2022

*For more information please visit www.shebahopegrows.com/uk/home

©2021 Mars or Affiliates.

s i d n o L the m u r o F l Retai

NATALIE LIGHTFOOT

Londis, Lanarkshire, Glasgow Tel: 0141 7710490 Mobile: 07915 059101 Email: londis.solo@hotmail.com

LONDIS RETAIL FORUM

r... e h t e g o t g in k r Wo

JAMIE WOOD

St. Michael’s Services, Dumfries Tel: 01387 254304 Mobile: 07759 260621 Email: stmichaelsservicesltd@gmail.com

TERRY CATON

Londis, Chesterfield, Derbyshire Tel: 01246 208565 Mobile: 07769 644853 Email: tcaton.londis@gmail.com

BEN SIMONS

Londis, Lechlade, Gloucestershire Tel: 01367 252202 Mobile: 07901 711659 Email: ben@oxringltd.com

ROGER PERRY

Londis, East Riding, Yorkshire Tel: 01964 544200 Mobile: 07786 330164 Email: perryroger9@aol.com

ASHTON GARDNER

Gardner Garages, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire Mobile: 07826 857797 Email: ashton@gardnergarages.co.uk

ALPESH PATEL Londis, London N4

SARAH COPE

Londis, Lynton, Devon Tel: 01598 753326 Mobile: 07808 831379 Email: scope71@hotmail.co.uk

Tel: 020 8340 1919 Mobile: 07939 944557 Email: alpeshspatel@hotmail.com

ARJAN MEHR

Londis, Bracknell, Berkshire Tel: 01344 425565 Mobile: 07710 567008 Email: arjanmehr@aol.com

STEVE BASSETT

Londis, Weymouth, Dorset Mobile: 07875 286657 Email: steedthrust@googlemail.com

Supporting the Londis retail family!

RAMESH SHINGADIA

Londis, Caterways, West Sussex Tel: 01403 265949 Mobile: 07885 625376 Email: rameshshingadia@aol.com

We are always happy to hear from you, so please give us a call or send us a message on our contact details above…

107

NEW

STOCK UP

NOW!

M271115

UNLEASH

YOUR

SALES

Now available in the UK

M2711

13