Yogesh and Mukta Patel are leaving shoppers hungry for more with their appetising offer.
9 LONDIS NEWS
Londis crowned Symbol/Franchise Retailer of the Year at The Grocer Gold Awards 2025.
13 COMMUNITY NEWS
The latest round up of community news from Londis stores.
17
NEWS
C-stores remain a top three community service
25 GROCERYAID UPDATE
The latest news from the grocery industry’s very own charity.
28 THE SMELL OF SUCCESS
Yogesh and Mukta Patel are currying local favour with their innovation-packed new Londis store in South London’s Merton Park.
36 GENERATION GAME
Mark Dixon’s fourth-generation family business in Lower Darwen is fit for the future following a shrewd store refit.
46 SCOOT UPDATE
Scoot continues to drive up sales and profits for Londis retailers.
53 DON’T MISS A TRICK!
Get set for a spooktactular Halloween season.
54 FRESHEN UP
Chill out with Booker’s new Fresh and Frozen brochure.
Be a chilled champion
Booker’s insight-packed Fresh and Frozen brochure is available to Londis stores now.
59 NEW PRODUCT ROUND UP
Our pick of the hottest new products around.
63 BOOKER NETWORKS
Shining the spotlight on the inspirational work of the Women@Booker network.
71 ACS VIEWPOINT
James Lowman dissects the Government’s new Small Business Plan.
Booker Retail Partners
Tel: 0870 050 0158
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IT and Customer Services
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For IT: 7am–9pm (Monday to Friday)
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Helpdesk: 0800 298 0758
Londis News team: Email: londisnews@ londis.co.uk
Welcome to our September-October issue of Londis News!
Cream of
the crop
With a rich abundance of seasonal celebrations and events to support, this autumn looks set to be especially fruitful for Londis retailers.
Fields are turning from green to gold and as we approach the autumn, with its rich crop of seasonal celebrations, retailers have an abundance of opportunities to harvest plentiful footfall, sales and profits.
From the ‘Back To School’ rush to Diwali, Halloween and Bonfire Night, there’s a whole host of events and celebrations to get behind as we build up to the crucial festive season – and as ever, Londis is helping you to make the very most of them with a plentiful crop of support.
As the home delivery opportunity continues to gather momentum, you’ll also find a great piece on Scoot –Booker’s new low-cost rapid delivery solution, which is already proving massively popular with Londis retailers across the country. Scoot promises to help you make more and save more – an estimated £34,000 more profit each year to be precise!
Be sure to also check out the feature on Booker’s new Fresh and Frozen brochure which has been designed to help retailers maximise opportunities across one of the fastest-growing areas in convenience.
Available to all Londis retailers now, the brochure includes practical guidance on how to optimise their fresh and chilled offers, grow basket spend and respond to evolving shopper expectations around freshness and convenience.
Our latest feature on Booker’s Colleague Networks and the work of Women@Booker is another must read.
As you’ll see on the following News page, Londis was recently crowned Symbol/Franchise Retailer of the Year at The Grocer Gold Awards 2025 and I’d also like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you and congratulations to every one of our retailers, colleagues, and partners who made this spectacular achievement possible.
Naturally, this issue of Londis News also includes the same scrumptious serving of new product updates, news and inspiring retailer profiles.
So sit back, relax, and read on to bask in the glow of the autumn opportunity.
I wish you all fruitful trading.
Look forward to seeing you in-store!
Stewart Fenn Sales Director, Booker Retail Partners
YOUR LONDIS Stories from around the Londis Family...
Londis crowned Symbol/ Franchise Retailer of the Year
Londis was named as the nation’s Symbol/Franchise Retailer of the Year at The Grocer Gold Awards 2025.
Londis has been crowned as the Symbol/ Franchise Retailer of the Year at The Grocer Gold Awards 2025.
Praising the group for its retailer support, own brand, and commitment to driving margins, Grocer Gold Awards judges said that Londis had “proven to be an attractive proposition for independent retailers”.
In the past 12 months, Londis has opened almost 200 new stores – almost three-quarters of which have switched from rival symbols.
The judging panel said they were “impressed by the levels of support Londis retailers received from Booker, whose retail development managers made more than 10,000 visits”.
They also praised Londis’ new fascia and store concept which includes ‘The Cooler’ beer caves and ‘Treat Stop’ food-to-go zones.
“Own brand also performed strongly, and promotional sales jumped 22% which provided improved margins for retailers when selling on deal,” the judging panel added.
“Ultimately, Londis and its retailers thrived thanks to its simplification of processes and commitment to driving margin.”
Commenting on the accolade, Booker Sales Director Stewart Fenn said: “We’re incredibly proud to see Londis recognised as Symbol Retailer of the Year at the Grocer Gold Awards.
“This award is a testament to the passion, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of our fantastic retailers – the people at the heart of every local community we serve.
“Their dedication to delivering outstanding service, day in and day out, is what truly makes Londis stand out.”
Londis retailers bag benefits of Booker’s official WhatsApp channel
Booker’s official B2B WhatsApp channel provides retailers with more personalised content and early access to deals and new product news.
Londis retailers are reaping the rewards of joining Booker’s official WhatsApp channel, including first access to unbeatable wholesale deals and special offers.
Launched earlier this summer, the new B2B WhatsApp channel also provides retailers with access to far more personalised content – in line with their fascia, region, branch and more.
Urgent and time-sensitive messages, including order cut-off times, branch closures and weather warnings, can be sent and received in an instant – helping retailers to manage their businesses better.
They can also receive digital vouchers, Club information and updates on pre-sells and promotions.
Retailers who join the channel also enjoy being the first in line to find out about exciting new products, including Group Exclusives.
They also benefit from category insights and top tips to help them grow their businesses.
Retailers can join the channel in a variety of ways, including email sign-up, online, or via a link or QR code.
For more information, speak to your RDM.
WHY JOIN BOOKER'S OFFICIAL WHATSAPP CHANNEL?
SPECIAL OFFERS
Get instant updates on new promotions, special offers and events.
FIRST TO KNOW
Be the first to see new products and Group Exclusives.
INSIGHTS AND TIPS
Get industry insights and category advice to help you grow your business.
STAY UP TO DATE
Keep up to date on trade shows, pre-sells, order cut-off dates, recalls and branch news.
JOIN HERE!
Use the sign-up link: app.proconnectplatform. com/join/booker
Key issues of interest to you Natalie Lightfoot among Raj Aggarwal Trophy finalists
Londis retailer Natalie Lightfoot has been announced as one of the three finalists in with a chance of winning the prestigious Raj Aggarwal Trophy.
Natalie, who owns Londis Solo Convenience Store in Glasgow with husband Martin, has co-ordinated organised countless community projects and support schemes from her store in Baillieston in the last year alone.
Announcing the finalists, Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) chief executive James Lowman said: “The Raj Aggarwal Trophy is awarded to retailers who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to community retailing over the last year in supporting their colleagues, customers and other retailers across the sector.”
The trophy marks the legacy of independent retailer Raj Aggarwal, who set an incredible example for other retailers when it comes to community engagement, the ACS said.
The winner will be announced by Gareth Thomas MP, Minister for Small Businesses at this year’s Heart of the Community Conference and Reception, taking place at the House of Commons’ Attlee Suite and Terrace Pavilion in September.
Commenting on the news, Natalie said: “I’m completely humbled that we have made another final. The Raj Aggarwal Trophy is a prestigious trophy for retailers who are considered exceptional in community retailing. We did not put ourselves forward for this but were nominated by our peers.”
STOCK UP ON THE UK’S NO.1 WATER BRAND
Londis Porthcawl supports Newton Primary School
The kind folk at Londis Porthcawl, in the Bridgend County Borough of Wales, have been helping out a local primary school this summer.
The school’s Parents and Teachers Association, Friends of Newton, organised a fantastic summer fete, featuring a bouncy castle, fairground rides, facepainting and more, and they created an accompanying brochure to raise additional funds.
Londis Porthcawl was one of the local businesses that stepped up to support the brochure, which was beautifully illustrated by a year five pupil. The fete itself was a huge success and the brochure generated a whopping £1,400 profit, which will go straight back to the school.
“You are all stars in our eyes!” Friends of Newton told Londis Porthcawl and fellow supporters.
“We really appreciate your support in our fundraising efforts.”
Life's a beach in Broad Haven
Londis Broad Haven in Wales is reaping the rewards of a recent ‘Be a Kid Again Day’.
Held on a hot summer day in July, the beachside store urged shoppers to embrace their “inner child” and take part in fun activities such as ‘fly a kite on the sand’, ‘kick a ball on the beach’ and ‘build a sandcastle masterpiece’. The store, which is just steps from Broad Haven beach, created a fun-filled display of buckets, spades, kites and balls and urged shoppers to “come in, pick up something playful and make today a little more joyful”.
INDUSTRY NEWS
Key issues of interest to you
Convenience stores remain a top three service for communities
Pharmacies, Post Offices and convenience stores are the three services that make the biggest positive difference to communities, new findings show.
Convenience stores remain within the top three services deemed ‘Most essential’; felt to have the ‘Most positive impact’; and viewed as ‘Most important in supporting the local economy’, according to the 2025 Community Barometer, released by the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS).
The report asks UK consumers to rank 16 different local services on a range of areas and – across the main categories – pharmacies, Post Offices and convenience stores ranked as a clear top three.
As part of the Community Barometer, ACS
also asked consumers about the main reasons why they use their local convenience store. The top six reasons are:
1. Picking up additional bits of shopping through the week to top up the main shop.
2. Dropping off or collecting parcels.
3. Using Post Office services.
4. Getting additional bits of shopping because they’re the only shop that has what I need.
5. Getting cash out from a cash machine.
6. Doing the main shop for the week.
ACS chief executive, James Lowman, said: “It’s clear that people use their local shops for diverse range of products and services, and increasingly as parcel hubs to bridge the gap between online and physical shopping, but also for the intangibles like as a social hub.
“Every community has different needs and our members’ superpower is adapting their offer to make sure the right products and services are available.”
Evri to invest £50m in cutting-edge
Evri is seeking to more than double its network of ParcelShops and lockers to 25,000 by 2030.
To support the growth, Evri is investing more than £50m in the launch of an owned, in-house network of smart lockers that it says will “bring dynamic new functionality to the consumer experience”. More than 10,000 lockers will be rolled out as part of its plans.
lockers
Evri currently has a network of more than 10,000 ParcelShops and lockers, which includes its flagship independent shop network, Post Office branches and corporate partners.
Its partnerships and investment will more than double this by 2030, with Parcelshops and locker locations set to grow to 25,000 – hitting the 2,000-locker milestone before Christmas 2025.
HFSS promotion restrictions soon to be enforced in England
Retailers are being reminded of new HFSS promotion restrictions coming into force this October.
New regulations restricting the promotion of products high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) will come into force in England on 1 October 2025.
The regulations apply to businesses with 50 or more employees regardless of store floor space size.
Symbol group or franchise retailers may also fall within scope, depending on how staffing and operations are structured.
Under the new rules, volume-based promotions on HFSS products will be banned, meaning retailers will no longer be able to offer:
l Multi-buy deals such as ‘3 for £10’
l Free product incentives like ‘Buy One Get One Free’ or ‘50% extra free’
l Loyalty point incentives on HFSS items
l Promotions on party-style platters containing HFSS items
Meal deals and pre-packaged multipack offers will still be permitted under the legislation.
Affected categories include items such as breakfast cereals, yoghurts, cakes, ready meals, confectionery, and soft drinks.
To support retailers, the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has developed a summary of the measures and a comprehensive Assured Advice guide.
Visit acs.org.uk/advice/hfss-regulations for more information.
New guidance on slush sales for parents and stores
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued new guidance urging retailers to not offer free slush refills to children aged under 10.
Manufacturers of slush ice drink concentrates have also been reminded to use only the minimum amount of glycerol necessary to achieve the frozen effect.
The guidance was timed to coincide with the launch of a new summer communication campaign urging parents and caregivers not to give children under seven any slush ice drinks containing glycerol.
The FSA also advised that children aged seven to 10 should have no more than one 350ml slush drink a day.
The Association of Convenience Stores is also urging retailers who sell slush to display signs reminding shoppers that slush containing glycerol should not be consumed by children under seven.
Report calls for urgent action on Post Office Horizon scandal
Sir Wyn Williams has published the first volume of his final report on the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry.
Urgent action must be taken to ensure full and fair compensation for the victims of the Post Office Horizon scandal, Sir Wyn Williams has demanded in the first volume of his final report on the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry.
The 162-page report featured 17 case studies of Horizon victims, illustrating the devastating ways they were impacted.
“Between 2000 and 2013 in England and Wales, and for some time after 2013 in Northern Ireland and Scotland, postmasters and others suffered the trauma of criminal prosecution, conviction, and punishment and, for some, punishment meant lengthy periods of imprisonment. I received reports that some people held liable for shortfalls became ill as a consequence; tragically I heard, too, of people of whom it is said that they were driven to take their own lives,” Williams said.
Laid before Parliament in July 2025, Williams made 19 urgent recommendations to resolve issues that are hindering full and fair redress, including that:
l The Government and the Post Office should agree on a definition of ‘full and fair’ compensation, and this should be followed when deciding the level of compensation to offer.
l Horizon Shortfall Scheme claimants should receive legal advice, funded by the Government.
l Close family members of people affected by the Horizon scandal should receive compensation.
Responding to the report, Post Office Chair Nigel Railton, said: “I would like to make a clear and unequivocal apology to every single person affected by this scandal on behalf of Post Office. I will do everything in my power to make sure that affected postmasters receive the redress they are entitled to, as soon as possible.”
PayPoint doubles retailer commission for Love2shop gift cards
PayPoint has doubled retailer partner commission on Love2shop gift card sales and revealed new display units.
Retailers can now earn 10% on each physical gift card sold.
With £32 being the average gift card value for consumers to purchase, this will earn retailers £3.20 on the sale.
PayPoint retailers can also earn 1% commission on digital gift vouchers for a wide range of brands including: Amazon, Deliveroo, Google Play, Netflix Nintendo, PlayStation and more.
Rising food prices now top concern for UK shoppers
Food prices are now the top concern for UK shoppers – overtaking worries about energy costs, IGD’s latest Viewpoint report revealed.
The finding came as IGD revealed that food inflation was set to peak at 5.1% in late summer 2025, significantly outpacing general inflation.
Looking ahead to 2027, the report offers cautious optimism, forecasting a gradual decline in food inflation to 1.8% by mid-2027.
Michael Freedman, Head of Economic and Consumer Insight at IGD said: “Amid economic uncertainty, shoppers are cautious with their finances, increasing private label purchases while reducing impulse and indulgence buys.”
JTI campaign seeks to turn screw on illicit tobacco
The ‘It costs more than you think’ campaign will push for policy change at a national level, including tougher enforcement and better cross-border controls.
JTI has launched a new national campaign calling on the Government to dial up its efforts to tackle illicit tobacco sales which continue to harm communities in every region of the UK.
The call to action coincides with the publication of a landmark new study, which reveals that 77% of consumers are concerned about the repercussions of reporting illicit tobacco in their community.
The ‘It costs more than you think’ campaign highlights how the illicit trade in tobacco is at an inflection point, with a fear of repercussion in reporting, lack of awareness in identifying it and a lack of law enforcement in response.
Notable findings include:
l 69% of UK adults have heard of illegal tobacco but 64% are unsure how to identify it.
l 77% say they are worried about potential repercussions if they report illicit tobacco.
l 81% believe there is not enough enforcement to stop illegal tobacco sales.
l 90% are alarmed that the illicit tobacco trade is contributing to an increase in organised crime.
l 38% want stricter enforcement.
In the coming months, the campaign will seek to raise awareness of the negative impact of illicit tobacco sales and push for policy change at a national level, including tougher enforcement, improved funding for Trading Standards and better crossborder controls to tackle serious organised crime.
The costsmorethanyouthink.co.uk website also has a dedicated retailer page with information on how to report stores selling illicit goods.
Retailers can also download a letter template to share with their local MP to raise awareness of illicit tobacco in their area.
Digitalise physical stores
or be left behind, IGD warns
Retailers who fail to invest in digital technology for their physical stores risk becoming “irrelevant,” IGD is warning.
In its latest Retail Analysis report, ‘The hyper-connected store: the retail revolution,’ IGD says that retailers who want to stay relevant and thrive in the digital age should reinvent their real estate and evolve operations to create a ‘unified commercial offering’. This means joining up online and offline shopping experiences by linking stores to ecommerce, loyalty, retail media, and data and insights.
“Retailers have to accelerate their investment in technology to digitalise the physical store and create a hyperconnected environment that enables them access to unparalleled data and insights to drive efficiencies and profitability,” says Toby Pickard, Retail Futures Senior Partner at IGD.
GroceryAid delivers ‘76% increase’ in incidences of support
GroceryAid’s annual impact report has recorded a huge increase in demand for help and saw a 76% increase in incidences of support by the charity in the last year.
increase in financial grants awarded increase in calls to the Helpline Impact 2024/25Report
emotional and practical support. The concerning figures unveiled in the report show that demand for support across all three categories is soaring, in no small part thanks to the continuing cost-of-living pressures facing those working in the retail sector.
As a result, GroceryAid made more than 8,500 financial grants in the period covered by the report, a significant 23% increase on the year before. Almost 6,700 children were supported by the charity’s Schools Essentials Grant, which provides nonrepayable grants of £150 per qualifying child. This represented a 12.5% increase on the previous year.
The last 12 months have undoubtedly been challenging for many colleagues throughout the independent retailing and grocery channels, a fact borne out by industry charity GroceryAid’s latest 2024/25 Annual Impact Report.
The report reveals that over 139,000 incidences of support were provided to industry colleagues over the last year, a huge 76% on the previous year.
In addition, some 523 financial grants were awarded to caring households, a 35% increase year-on-year (YOY).
Along similar lines, the charity’s debt advice service was accessed more than 15,200 times (151% increase YOY), the cost-of-living advice webpages were viewed more than 52,000 times (136% increase YOY) and the financial wellbeing hub was used more than 5,800 times.
The support provided by the charity includes financial,
It was a similar story in terms of emotional and practical support with over 12,300 calls taken by the GroceryAid helpline, more than 5,300 in-the-moment counselling sessions provided and 1,128 colleagues receiving counselling support (up 67% YOY).
The GroceryAid Annual Impact Report makes for sobering reading but reinforces the importance of the role that the charity plays in helping our industry colleagues through the challenges they are faced with.
A YEAR
For free and confidential financial, emotional and practical support for all independent retailing colleagues, call the Helpline on 08088 021 122 or visit groceryaid.org.uk
RETAILER PROFILE
Flavour packed
The smell of success
Yogesh and Mukta Patel are currying local favour with their innovation-packed new Londis store in South London’s Merton Park.
Citrusy Coriander, earthy turmeric, warm, woody cumin and a subtle chilli kick - the mouthwatering aroma of freshly-ground spices floats on the South London breeze. You can scent Londis Merton Park before you see it.
Shoppers can’t help but follow their noses to its source – and what a feast for all the senses awaits them there.
One of the first things they see once they step through the store’s swish new doors is the beaming face of Mukta Patel, wife of store owner Yogesh Patel (known locally as Yogi) - who personally greets every single shopper with a cheerful “Hello darling, how are you today? Come and see what I’ve got cooking!”
Not that they need any invitation. The irresistible aroma of fresh, hot food beckoning them over to the store’s mouthwatering ‘Yogi’s Deli’ counter, where Mukta proudly presides over row upon golden row of her home-made crispy samosas, spring rolls, bhajis and curries galore.
From paneer to chicken, vegetable and chickpea, there’s a curry to suit everyone, be they meat eaters, veggies or vegans.
Mukta’s menu is updated every single day, with all curries and daals cooked from scratch each morning, using many herbs, spices and vegetables grown by her own fair hands too.
“It was always my dream to open my own restaurant, so this is a dream come true,” Mukta explains.
The original plan was for the new store to offer a full Country Choice solution at the rear but, as Londis RDM Onkar Bancil explains, “as time went on the idea of establishing ‘Yogi’s Deli’ just grew organically”.
Despite the store having only been open two weeks, the deli counter is already positively flourishing with a near constant stream of shoppers crowded around it, chatting, sampling and buying.
The same is true for its vibrant Treat Stop zone, cleverly positioned just to the right of the entrance and in-front of its smart service counter, which includes Post Office services.
Featuring self-serve milkshakes, hot drinks and further food to go choice courtesy of Bake & Bite and Rollover Hotdogs, the Treat Stop zone is another hive of activity, packed with shoppers fuelling up on snacks and slurps in the neon glow of its bold signage and media screens.
But it certainly wasn’t always this way. In October 2024 Yogi and Mukta’s store, which back then was called Nelson News, was just half the size. Then, in a twist of fate, the store next door became available.
Having known Yogi and Mukta for more than 15 years, their landlord was only too happy to sign the next-door unit over to them - and get fully on-board with their grand expansion plans.
Building work began in January 2025 –and what a built it was. “Converting an old building is never that simple,” Yogi says. “The floor was laid on old wooden joists which all needed to be removed before digging down to level it – we then needed to pour in around 4.5 tonnes of concrete!
“Peeling back the layers on the old store was like a voyage of discovery revealing all those old 1920s wallpapers and long boarded-up fireplaces.”
Knocking down the dividing wall between the two shops to create the bright and airy entrance at Londis Merton Park today also required some serious structural engineering - including the addition of three-tonne steel girders to support the ceiling.
In fact, the theatrical sloping wall at the back of the store’s Treat Stop zone is actually cleverly concealing the old stairs that still run between the two stores up to the flat above.
The back right hand corner of the store reveals yet more surprises, in the form of a 130 sq ft beer cave. Featuring 12 metres of shelving, ‘The Cooler’ offers local shoppers a world of chilled BWS perfection that shoppers simply can’t get enough of.
So much so that when Londis News visited the store, we heard three separate shoppers joke about bringing a chair in!
Top tips!
Our fresh homemade curries and sides are a standout USP and footfall-driver.
2
3
STORE INFO
Store name: Londis Merton Park
Location: South London
Opened: June 2025
Retailers: Yogesh and Mukta Patel
Store size: 1,500 sq ft
Services: Post Office, National Lottery, DPD, UPS
Opening hours: 24 hours
Just outside The Cooler is the store’s large red wine zone which is turning out to be a surprise hit with sales being boosted by the Yogi’s Deli concept and the two Cook ready meal freezers that lie just beyond it.
“Merton Park is a fairly affluent area and mid to premium-priced wines of between £10 and £12 are the strongest sellers so there’s a future opportunity here to go even more premium and add a fine wine offer,” Onkar adds.
Merton Park’s shoppers are also showing love for the store’s new range of authentic Italian breads from local artisan bakery La Bottega Del Pane.
Another standout feature and big talking point is the store’s floor to ceiling photograph of Merton Park that Onkar
We offer as many convenient services as possible, including parcel collection and Post Office services. 1
We stick to the Londis Matrix: if the market data says it sells, it will sell.
personally took with a drone camera. Cannily positioned by the service counter, the mighty mural provides a detailed map of the area, including the store itself and many other local landmarks.
“Shoppers love it,” says Yogi. “It’s such a talking point between shoppers and staff behind the counter. Local children are especially enthusiastic. They all want to try and spot their house in the picture!”
The counter itself is no less mesmeric with a colour changing back-lit display behind the spirits and five media screens advertising special offers and Meal Deals.
Stunning lighting is, indeed, a key feature of the store, with nine illuminated category signs and a waterfall-inspired lighting feature adorning the walls of Yogi’s deli.
“The store looks cracking in the day but at night, thanks to all these innovative lighting concepts, it truly shines,” Onkar says.
And with the store just about to move to 24-hour opening courtesy of a clever ‘Night Pay’ hatch in the front window, its light will soon shine even brighter.
“Between the hours of midnight and 6am, shoppers will still be able to buy the goods they need through the service hatch,” Yogi explains. “If they want a hot samosa at 1am, it will be there for them!”
The store also boasts six bays for chilled vegetables, ready meals and meats and a further four for dairy, with a dedicated chiller for food to go items including sandwiches next to Yogi’s deli.
“I’ve fully embraced the Londis matrix,” Yogi says. “If the market data says it sells, it will sell. Our approach is to focus on product turnover and our aim is for at least 80% of our stock to have sold through within 21 days. If you
focus on turnover the sales will follow!”
And follow they most certainly are. When Londis News visited, the store had been open for less than two weeks and had yet to have its official Grand Opening Day but sales were already well above expectations and more than double what they were before.
“And that’s without having moved to 24-hour opening yet, or launched Scoot, which we are also preparing to do,” says Yogi.
Future plans also include adding a new breakfast offer to Yogi’s Deli - including freshly-made waffles.
“Our expectations for this store are huge,” Onkar adds.
“Every store has a ceiling, but this one is so high that we can’t see it yet.
“Yogi always wanted a fantastic shop and Mukta always wanted her own restaurant – and now they have created a place where both dreams have come true,” he adds.
Mark Dixon’s fourthgeneration family business is fit for the future following a shrewd store refit.
RETAILER PROFILE Family affair Generation game
Shoppers are bowled over by the change. We get so many people telling us they can’t believe it’s the same place!
Mark Dixon
In this sector, heritage is a key currency. For many shoppers, the longer the heritage the greater their trust and loyalty. Businesses with a heritage that can be traced back four generations then possess a particularly powerful currency – businesses, such as Mark Dixon’s for example.
Mark’s forecourt business in the Lancashire village of Lower Darwen was originally established by his grandfather, before his own father took it over in the 1960s. Mark himself started working at the site in 1980 after he left school and today his son William has come on board too.
“In 2022 dad transferred the business to me,” Mark says. “He’s 82 now but that doesn’t mean he’s no longer involved. Dad’s still here working behind the counter between 7am and 9am every morning without fail. He doesn’t mess about!
“He knows absolutely everyone - we all do – as we’ve watched entire generations of families grow up alongside us.”
However, as powerful as heritage can be, it certainly doesn’t buy you a free pass, as Mark and his family also know all too well. “In this business, you can’t stay still too long,” he explains. “The store was starting to look a bit dated and another convenience store had opened less than a mile away, so it was time to invest in a refresh,” Mark says.
Extending into an old disused stock room enabled the family to grow the store’s shopfloor from around 900sq ft to just over 1,250sq ft, and add a beer cave, compellingly badged up as The Cooler.
“We’d started selling Perfect Draught kegs a couple of years ago and they had done very well for us, but we weren’t able to keep them all cool,” Mark
explains. “One of the major benefits of The Cooler is that we can now keep our entire range of kegs perfectly chilled and ready for shoppers to pop straight in their machines when they get home,” he adds. “Shoppers really value that.”
The store’s food to go offering was also subjected to a monumental makeover. “We’d always sold a few local pasties and done well from them but what we have now is incomparable.”
The brand-new Treat Stop zone features a Rollover concession, freshly baked pies and pastries from Country Choice and a bean to cup coffee solution with slush set to be added to the menu in the near future.
STORE INFO
Store name: Londis
Lower Darwen
Retailer: Mark Dixon
Staff: 5
Size: 1,250 sq ft
Services: InPost lockers, Paypoint, National Lottery
Opening hours: 6am-8pm
They’ve also added a large hot Cossiga unit up at the store’s flash new till point. “It’s the perfect home for our local Carrs pasties.” Mark says. “The unit holds more, retains heat better and displays products much more attractively than our previous solution.”
In fact, it’s so good that pasty sales have doubled since the store re-opened for business in early May.
“We never used to sell pasties in the afternoon because, by 2pm, demand had gone,” he comments. “However, since the refit, we’ve doubled our sales and I now need to bake two batches a day. On a good day we’ll easily sell more than 100. It’s also had a really positive knockon effect on coffee sales.”
Top tips!
Our smart new hot Cossiga unit at the till has prompted pasty sales to double.
Meal Deals are a powerful driver of sales we offer a variety of Londis and Jack’s Meal Deals, plus Meal Deals on our local meats.
We’ve trebled our space for frozen foods, in-line with market trends.
The store’s also been able to double the amount of space that it allocates to fresh and chilled products, including dedicating an entire six-shelf bay to local meats from Mercer’s Traditional Meats.
From sausages, burgers and pre-prepared sides to a mouth-watering range of marinaded meats, there’s something to suit all tastes and missions, be it a midweek BBQ or Sunday roast.
“Shoppers love local, and this range is well packaged, great quality and wellpriced,” says Mark. “It also features a lot of interesting flavours such as Mexican, Indian, black garlic, salt and pepper and more.”
The range also perfectly complements the store’s extensive selection of Jack’s branded meat and deli products too.
“Shoppers can get a full meal solution when they visit us now. It’s fantastic,” Mark says.
Space for frozen foods, another growing category, was trebled – a fact which Mark says has led to a 139% sales increase since the store re-opened.
“We now offer a wide range of frozen meal solutions, desserts and the Londis
Frozen Meal Deal which offers shoppers outstanding value for money,” he explains. “Another popular new addition has also been dog ice cream, for all the local hounds!”
Other big winners have been fresh produce, which is up 35%, while hot food to go is up a steaming 46%.
“Some categories have fallen away a bit such as tobacco and news and mags, but both of those are in long-term decline anyway,” he says.
The old, shuttered tobacco gantry has been replaced with a smart new back-lit spirits display and a unit for rechargeable vapes and tobacco alternatives. The coming weeks will also see the store launch Scoot home delivery, adding yet another string to its bow.
“Shoppers are bowled over by the change. We get so many people telling us they can’t believe it’s the same place!
“We’re seeing bigger baskets and bigger smiles all round - including our own!”
BETTER SERVICE
Deliver huge sales growth with Scoot
Booker’s new rapid response delivery service is a fantastic way to quickly grow sales, reach new customers
and power up your profits.
There are very few things that you do in a modern convenience store that have the potential to rapidly grow your sales in a relatively short space of time, but home delivery is one such opportunity. That explains the explosion of home delivery over the last four or five years and also explains why a staggering one in every three shoppers is now interested in using rapid grocery delivery services, according to TWS data. The market is expected to hit £2.6bn by 2029.
Consider that in 2019 only 12% of convenience stores offered home delivery, as noted in the Association of Convenience Stores’ (ACS) Local Shop Report. By last year that figure had soared to 47%.
Why is it so popular and why should you consider home delivery if you don’t already offer that service? Well, an average basket spend of £27 is one compelling reason but another, even better one, is the recent launch of
DID YOU KNOW?
Designed by retailers for retailers, Scoot promises to help you make more and save more – an estimated £34,000 more profit each year to be precise!* Scoot facilitates home deliveries to shoppers in as little as 30 minutes.
Unlike many other home delivery solutions, Scoot charges only 1%
l Average delivered basket transaction is £27 – that’s three times more than in store!
l One in three shoppers are interested in using Rapid Grocery Delivery.
l Key times for your shoppers to order are Dinner, Lunch and Evening snack and treats.
l The market is set to grow to £2.6bn by 2029 from £2bn.
l 80% of orders are delivered within a mile radius.
l The busiest days for shoppers to order are Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
l The top three categories are Treats and Snacks (including crisps, chocolate and sweets) 68%, Cold Drinks (including soft and alcoholic) 62%, and General Food (top-up shop) 48%.
What costs are involved for retailers who are interested in introducing Scoot to their store?
Retailers interested in introducing Scoot to their store will incur a one-time setup fee of only £395.
There is a 1% service charge on in-app sales up to £5,000 per week. However, this is removed once a retailer consistently achieves over £5,000 in weekly in-app sales, over a four-week period.
A card processing fee of approximately 0.7% will apply to all transactions.
Next day settlement of all consumer transactions occurs, with the exception of the weekend and bank holidays. This means the money goes straight into the retailers’ account as opposed to being held for up to a week versus other platforms.
What is the set-up process like for retailers introducing Scoot to their store?
The setup process for retailers introducing Scoot to their store is designed to be seamless and nonintrusive, allowing them to continue trading as usual throughout the onboarding process.
Once confirmed, retailers should go live on the platform within two weeks of the merchant ID being completed.
What launch support can retailers expect?
Key support and equipment includes:
l A hand-held terminal to facilitate easy order processing.
l Thermal bags to maintain food temperature during delivery.
l A contribution towards vehicle wraps to help promote the service.
l Digital marketing support with geo-targeted social media campaigns to reach the right audience.
l In-store radio advertising.
l Full Point of Sale suite to promote Scoot in-store.
l The Scoot team will ensure that the retailer’s range is uploaded to the platform and the platform is correctly set up in advance of launch.
l Market-leading and App Exclusive promotions.
commission for weekly home delivery sales up to £4,999 – and absolutely no commission on anything above that level.
Generate over £130k sales a year*
Those savings alone make Scoot a game-changer for retailers looking to grow their margins and reduce the cost of doing business, but Scoot offers a whole lot more.
There are no shopper charges, for instance, giving you the flexibility to offer the service for free, should you wish – or set your own delivery, service or minimum order fees.
The slick, intuitive and easy-to-use app connects shoppers directly with participating stores, enabling them to order from a range of products, curated by you, the retailer.
The secure platform also facilitates the ordering, payment, and picking processes, so all you need to do is organise the delivery. Scoot even accepts payment using Apple Pay and Google Pay, something not all home delivery platforms do.
Retailers who sign up to Scoot will
also receive support from a dedicated Business Development Manager (BDM) and their existing RDM, who together will assist with onboarding, including product file set up, training and live support.
Your dedicated BDM and RDM will also help you to develop a plan to grow sales to £5,000 and increase your profitability.
Retailers also receive an exceptional launch support package – including point of sale, digital assets and thermal delivery bags.
As if that wasn’t enough, retailers also benefit from upweighted marketing support including targeted social media adverts, and a contribution towards a full promotional wrap for their delivery vehicles.
Colm Johnson, Managing Director for Booker Retail, said: “We’re always looking for new and innovative ways to help our customers grow their business, so we are incredibly proud to announce the launch of Scoot, to support them in doing just that.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for our retailers to increase their basket spend, store sales, and connect with new and existing shoppers in their local communities.
“The feedback from our pilot test has been really positive and we look forward to welcoming more retailers to the platform over the next few months.”
[*based on weekly app sales of £2,500 and 26% gross margin]
MAKE MORE SAVE MORE WITH SCOOT!
l Make an estimated £34,000 additional profit per year (based on weekly app sales of £2,500)**.
l Only 1% commission charged up to £4,999 of weekly retailer sales.
l Zero commission once you reach £5,000 of weekly sales on the app.
l 0.7% card transaction fee*.
l Next banking day settlement at no additional charge (not included Saturday/ Sunday).
l Zero consumer charges giving you the ability to offer the service for free.
l 0.7% is the average transaction fee.
* based on 26% gross margin.
To help retailers even further, Scoot has also partnered with the Eskuta brand.
Retailers can receive a Scootbranded SX-250 Series 4 eBike for easy weekly payments from only £30 a week.
The cost includes damage and theft insurance, an eBike tracker, servicing at your store, and a helmet.
To find out more, visit www.eskuta. com/scoot or call 02476 350 150.
It’s a scream
Don’t Miss
Halloween Creative
aTrick
Londis retailers have an eerily good opportunity to unearth additional sales and profits this Halloween.
Header 800 x 350mm
TRICK OR TREAT
Summer may still have its claws in, but with October ghosting closer, now’s the time for retailers to turn their eyeballs to Halloween – and the ghoulishly good sales and profit opportunities that Spooky Season conjures up.
Impulse sales reached £33m over Halloween 2024 according to Nielsen data, cementing the occasion as the biggest autumn event in the convenience calendar.
Header 800 x 240mm
Just under 40% of 25–49-year-olds and 35% of 18-24-year olds said they would be celebrating the festival of fright last year, a YouGov survey from 2024 revealed.
Shelf Strip 990 x 38mm
Halloween (31 October) falls on a Friday this year, a fact that could prompt more shoppers to celebrate the occasion and make a night of it.
And with Halloween 2025 falling on a Friday night this year, retailers have an especially good opportunity to meet the needs of shoppers planning to party.
Understandably, sweets and chocolates are Halloween’s biggest heroes, with sales driven by ‘Trick or Treat’ missions and themed gettogethers such as spooky movie nights and parties.
And when it comes to seasonal sweets, it’s best to get in on the act early. While sales of Halloween confectionery peak in the final week of October, the season is starting earlier and earlier every year.
TRICK OR TREAT
Stocking up for Halloween was already in full swing last September, with sweet and chocolate confectionery up 7.1% and 3.2%, respectively in value compared to the same period in 2023, according to Kantar.
Swizzels recommends that convenience retailers begin introducing Halloween displays by mid-September, allowing for a gradual build-up, while still leaving space for impulse and repeat purchases throughout October.
To capitalise fully, think about stocking a wide range of price points and formats, from pocket money-friendly treats to larger sharing tubs.
As ever, Londis will also be helping its retailers to create hair-raising Halloween-themed displays and set their deals alight, with a suite of seasonal POS including header boards, shelf strips, barker ears and more.
Conquer the fresh and frozen frontiers
New Fresh and Frozen Brochure
Available now, Booker’s new Fresh and Frozen Brochure has been designed to help retailers make the very most of the growing fresh and frozen categories.
Inside, you can discover insights and information on:
l More than 1,800 lines across key categories
l More than 1,500 fresh lines
l More than 250 frozen lines
l More than 300 own-brand lines
l New and key ‘Must Stock’ lines, including 60 brand-new lines with buyers’ recommendations
l The shopper trends that are driving today’s shoppers
Booker’s new Fresh and Frozen Brochure is packed with cool counsel – guaranteed to help you become a true chilled champion and freezer pleaser.
brand-new lines with buyers’ recommendations!
Once regarded as supermarket territory, fresh and frozen were terrains that few convenience stores dared to tackle.
Today, however, the opposite is true.
Shoppers’ calls for greater access to quality fresh and frozen products on their doorsteps have continued to intensify since the pandemic – fuelled by the desire to shop more locally and more sustainably.
Featuring information and insights on more than 1,500 fresh lines and 250 frozen lines – including more than 300 own-brand lines – Booker’s Fresh and Frozen Brochure is the definitive tool to help retailers plan and perfect their offers.
We know that fresh and frozen products are essential for today’s shopper – whether that’s great quality produce for tonight’s dinner or frozen essentials for the week ahead.
Colm Johnson, Booker’s Retail Managing Director
And, as almost every single profile in Londis News these days clearly shows, convenience stores are now answering those calls – lacing up their boots and marching with confidence into the fresh and frozen frontiers.
Londis retailers are investing in both categories like never before: expanding and reconfiguring their stores to make way for new and improved ranges, purchasing new equipment and display solutions, and investing in staff training to make the absolute most of both opportunities.
Helping them every step of the way is Booker, which has just strengthened its support with the launch of a comprehensive new Fresh and Frozen Brochure.
Available now, this ultimate guide has been designed to help retailers create truly irresistible fresh and frozen offers that will help them to drive footfall, sales and profits to new heights.
Split into key sections, including Fresh Fruit, Deli, Cooked Meats, Juices and Smoothies, Frozen Vegetables, Frozen Bread and many more, the brochure will provide a deep dive into the vast range of fresh and frozen choice available to them.
It will also shine a spotlight on often lesser-explored categories, such as Fruit and Nuts, Fish, Fresh Herbs and Salads – helping retailers to add even more colour and interest to their offers.
More than 60 brand-new lines, guaranteed to drive excitement and give retailers the edge, are also showcased.
The guide also features a marvellous mix of ‘Must Stock’ lines, recommended by buyers, including top-selling Jack’sbranded goods such as Jack’s Garlic Flatbread, British Cooked Ham, Grated Mature Cheddar, Garden Peas and Royal Gala Apples.
Retailers can also digest an appetising array of category insights and market analysis on the latest consumer trends, helping them to understand what drives today’s shoppers.
Cool capers
Convenience stores invested more than £1bn in their businesses over the last year, with refrigeration ringing in as the largest area of investment, according to the ACS Local Shop Report 2024.
Well over half (56%) of convenience retailers invested in refrigeration in a bid to make more of the growing fresh and chilled opportunity.
Frozen fiesta
With its cost, convenience and sustainability credentials, it’s little wonder that the frozen food market has experienced such a resurgence in recent times.
Frozen vegetables, bread, chicken and potato products – plus ready meals such as pizzas – have all been key drivers of volume and value growth.
In fact, if you remove ice cream (which suffered at the hands of 2024’s washout summer) from the equation, the frozen category achieved a value growth of 1.6% on units, up 0.4% in the year to 29 December 2024, according to Kantar data.
Frozen poultry, savoury baked goods, desserts, ready meals and potato products all showed significant value and unit growth, with poultry volumes up 6.5%, savoury bakery up 2.9%, potatoes up 2.2% and ready meals up 1.3%.
With costs set to continue biting, frozen foods could well be set for an even more successful year – presenting retailers with a sparkling opportunity to boost footfall, sales and profits.
They can also harness top tips for merchandising and creating delicious displays that look good enough to eat.
Commenting on the new Fresh and Frozen Brochure, Booker’s Retail Managing Director Colm Johnson said: “We know that fresh and frozen products are essential for today’s shopper – whether that’s great quality produce for tonight’s dinner or frozen essentials for the week ahead. This brochure is designed to help our retail partners unlock that potential with confidence, using fantastic products, strong value and clear guidance. It’s about helping retailers make the most of what the market is telling us customers want more of.”
So, if you’re ready to make strides in fresh and frozen – grab hold of a copy of Booker’s brochure today. Copies will be sent directly to stores and will also be available online and via your RDM.
You won’t regret it.
RETAILER VIEW...
Fresh, chilled and frozen are key categories these days and so our recent store development included a massive increase in the space we allocate to them.
We only had five metres of fresh and chilled before but we’ve now doubled that to 11 metres, and the store now offers a wide range of quality products including fresh meats, deli items and ready meals, along with fresh fruit and vegetables from Jack’s.
Of all the changes, this is probably the one that shoppers are most pleased with. Shoppers can do a full top-up shop here now and they love the Jack’s products, as do we.”
Frozen allocation has also doubled – with the store’s new frozen zone now featuring a smart new three-door freezer starring the Londis frozen Meal Deal and an array of other special offers. Michael Gilson, Londis Garswood Filling Station, Wigan
HOVIS PROTEIN BUTTERMILK SUB ROLLS
WARBURTONS BELGIAN WAFFLE
MARYLAND S'WICH CHOC CREME
RITTER SPORT RUM RAISINS HAZELNUTS
1m x 1m space required
Up to 200 drinks range
600mm x 1m space required
Available with or without Costa stand
WHY CHOOSE COSTA EXPRESS?
We sell 5 cups of coffee every second. Offer your customers the Nation’s No.1 coffee brand in store. You provide the milk and we provide all other consumables, marketing materials, field service support and training.
Please speak to your Booker RDM to find out more about getting Costa Express into your store. Alternatively, email bookergroup@costacoffee.com for more information.
new products
Every issue we bring you the latest product launches from your favourite suppliers
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KITKAT CHUNKY SALTED CARAMEL DUO
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WEETABIX
Case
Bridging the gap
In our latest feature on Booker’s thriving Colleague Networks, we explore the valuable work and meaningful impact of the Women@Booker Network.
Whether we’re talking tunnels, computers or communities – networks are all about connection: linking people and things together to facilitate collaboration, communication and understanding.
They can also offer a place of safety and support – and that’s exactly what Booker is offering via its four thriving Colleague Networks, which seek to advocate, support and celebrate colleagues from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Including Women@Booker, Race & Ethnicity at Booker, LGBTQ+ at Booker and Disability at Booker – the four networks are open to all colleagues and share three key objectives: Amplify, Celebrate and Consult. Each strives to spark important conversations and foster a deeper sense of connection and understanding across the business.
Over the coming months, we’re taking a closer look at each of the four networks to find out more about how they work, what they offer and the positive impacts they have on colleagues’ health, happiness and wellbeing.
This issue, it’s the turn of Women@Booker – the first of the four networks to launch back in 2023.
Since its establishment on International Women’s Day 2023, Women@Booker has touched the lives of thousands of colleagues – providing a safe space for them to come together, share experiences and learn.
The Women@Booker network also strives to amplify the voices of those who identify as female, championing gender equality, raising awareness of gender
It was great to be part of a platform where we could hear their experiences, but also share ours and support each other. Hearing the different paths the panel took to get to where they are now gave me the opportunity to speak up, ask questions, expand my network – and it has inspired me greatly.
Jaime McLaren IS Analyst
Will your case s core a touchdown?
M275943 M304746
imbalance and supporting, educating and motivating female careers in a bid to drive positive change.
It does this via impactful communication campaigns, learning and development sessions, and numerous in-person and online events.
Recognising the importance of engaging with and supporting Booker’s male colleagues too – all events, initiatives and learning sessions are open to all colleagues, including men.
Incorporating International Women’s Day in March and International Men’s Day in November, Women@Booker supports numerous national events that champion diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the year.
Women@Booker also organises a number of its own meaningful events and awareness days.
In the last year alone, the network has hosted a Wellbeing Festival and a raft of activity in support of Women’s Health Week.
Women@Booker has also partnered with male suicide prevention charity Andy’s Man Club and organised a recent Allyship event to outline the importance of allyship to underrepresented groups and what allyship for women looks like.
Colleagues have also been given the opportunity to boost their skillsets with Bite Size Learning sessions and take part in a Speed Mentoring event – among many other things.
Every part of the content on the day was absolutely brilliant, with my key takeaway being ‘it’s okay to not be okay’. Also, the inspiring colleagues who shared their stories and listening to them being so open.
Nikki Watts Sales Director, Catering
The Wellbeing Event was put together really well – great organisation and a fun and interactive day.
Pritpal Kasbe Range Manager, Booker
With women’s sport having taken centre stage over the summer of 2025 thanks to the Women’s Euros and other major tournaments in rugby union and cricket, Booker colleagues were also invited to participate in a host of engaging events to celebrate female role models at the top of their game.
And there will certainly be no let-up in the months ahead, with a raft of activity designed to help support career progression set for the autumn – including a further Speed Mentoring event and a Career Upskilling Conference.
Featuring inspirational external speakers, engaging interactive learning and excellent networking opportunities, the conference is expected to attract more than 200 colleagues.
Women@Booker is also currently working on a plan for International Men’s Day 2025 that will focus on promoting positive conversations about men and masculinity.
Further communication campaigns will also seek to continue raising awareness of key women’s health topics, including baby loss, ovarian cancer and menopause.
“We’ve seen real progress in male allyship across the Group this year – from amplifying voices not in the room to deeper support and everyday action. While we’re proud of the strides made, we know this is just the beginning of a longer journey toward lasting equity and inclusion. We need to see further commitment across all functions of the business and broader penetration across all bands of colleagues. When we see connections to our purpose alive and thriving in all branch and DC canteens as well as our office spaces, we will know that our passion for allyship is truly making a difference and is embedded in our culture. We are delighted with the forward momentum – but there’s still lots to do.”
Stuart Hyslop Executive Sponsor
The network’s aims are delivered with the help and support of a dedicated team, which includes two Executive Sponsors, a Chair and Vice Chair, a Steerco Committee with two joint leads, and six colleagues who all work to shape the network’s future.
It also includes a number of inspirational Network Champions, who strive to advocate for the network and drive positive change – because Women@ Booker understands that empowering women empowers everyone.
We recognise the value of female leadership, and we’re really focused on supporting our colleagues’ development and career journeys. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a strong increase in women in our most senior roles including across our leadership team, where the proportion of women has nearly doubled. That shift is significant – not just in the numbers, but in what it says about the culture we’re building together – and especially important in developing talent within the wholesale industry.
We’ve made some meaningful progress across our business and remain committed to creating a more inclusive, supportive environment for everyone; initiatives like our Women at Booker colleague network are helping to make a real difference. We know there’s still more we can do, but we’re proud of the journey we’re on and the positive change that’s already underway.
Sheila Gallagher Executive Sponsor
We’ve had an absolutely brilliant day at the International Women’s Day event. It’s been very inspiring to hear the firsthand experiences from our colleagues, and to have the chance to network and build strong allies to help progress my career.
Penny Sofela People Advisor
We stand for the best.
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For Trade Only. Not for Distribution to Consumers. *PMI reported global shipment volumes and in-market sales estimates of nicotine pouch units, from December 2023 to December 2024. **Offer valid while stocks last and subject to availability. † Profit on Return. Margin is calculated on the stated RRP. All pricing decisions rest with the retailer and therefore margin may be affected by the retailer’s chosen selling price. BUY NOW I 63% POR † 18+ This product is not risk free and contains nicotine, which is addictive. Only for use by adults who would otherwise continue to smoke or use nicotine.
SoluM digital labels now available to ShopMate users
A new partnership between popular Epos solutions provider ShopMate and electronic shelf edge label specialist SoluM makes the technology more accessible than ever.
Implementing electronic shelf edge labels (ESLs) is now easier than ever for retailers using the popular ShopMate Epos system thanks to a new partnership with SoluM, a global leader in the technology.
The collaboration brings cutting-edge ESL systems to independent retailers across the UK, making shelf edge pricing quicker, easier, and more accurate than ever.
ShopMate has partnered with retailers, service providers and wholesalers for 25 years and has over 3,900 customers operating over 6,000 systems.
ESLs automatically update prices and product info in real time, directly from the Epos system. With SoluM’s proven ESL technology integrated with ShopMate, retailers can save time and cut down on admin.
SoluM ESL provides additional benefits with waste management, dynamic pricing, speedy product picking for delivery services and a host of forthcoming new developments around merchandise management.
“We’re always looking for ways to help retailers save time and run their businesses more efficiently,” said Brian Eagle-Brown, Managing Director at ShopMate. “ShopMate and SoluM are aligned in their approach. Both companies are built on a foundation of providing reliable, long-term solutions
that genuinely work for their customers. Like ShopMate, SoluM focuses on technology that proves its worth day in, day out, in real retail environments.”
“We’re thrilled to be working with ShopMate to bring our ESL technology to the UK convenience sector,” said Hugh Walker, Senior Sales Manager at SoluM. “ShopMate has a deep understanding of the challenges independent retailers face, and together we can deliver a smarter, more efficient way to manage pricing and help retailers streamline their processes.”
The SoluM system will be fully integrated with ShopMate, making setup simple and seamless. This partnership means a smarter, more modern way for stores to manage pricing and instore promotions.
Make your voice heard
Plan of action
The Government has published its new Small Business Plan, which aims to support growth by levelling the playing field for small businesses.
The Government’s new Small Business Plan is a positive sign that the Government sees small businesses as an engine of growth, says James Lowman.
The Government has recently published a new Small Business Plan, outlining various ways it intends to support convenience stores and other small businesses. The headline measures focus on finance, both through new legislation to ensure small businesses are paid promptly by their suppliers, and by improving access to finance and making it easier to secure loans for investment.
While these headline announcements are welcome, it’s the detail further on that’s more noteworthy for our sector. An acknowledgement of the impact of crime, problems with the way licensing systems stifle growth, and a commitment to take action on business rates for small businesses are all areas that are much closer to being front of mind for retailers.
Attention in these areas is sorely needed. Shop theft and abuse continue to rise, a tobacco licensing system could prevent stores from opening at all due to their proximity to schools and other amenities, and retailers are facing the prospect of a one-two punch on business rates through revaluation and the potential scrapping of the retail and hospitality relief in the upcoming Budget.
There’s also the elephant in the room: the cost of employment.
In its introductory remarks, the Government cites an increase in the Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500 as a positive step, but there’s no acknowledgement of the impact of the rise in the rate of employers’ National Insurance, the lowering of the threshold at which businesses begin paying National Insurance, or the increase in the National Living Wage—all of which have cost the convenience sector an additional two-thirds of a billion pounds this year alone.
Overall, we must engage with the Small Business Plan as a net positive. It signals that the Government sees small businesses as an engine of growth and wants to help facilitate that—even if there’s little money in the Treasury coffers for direct support.
We need to ensure the Government explores more creative, cost-effective ways of reducing burdens on businesses. That means cutting red tape, incentivising investment, and recognising that when business owners take risks, there should be the potential for reward.
