AS a teenager growing up in the noughties, I remember one of my local newsagents stood out for seemingly being able to secure anything you wanted outside of the usual convenience range.
They were well ahead of today’s Pokémon-card trend, being cursed by every parent in the area for putting serious dents in their bank balances.
In fact, they were the main source feeding my Pokémon habit at the time. The retailer also stood out for stocking an extensive DVD collection, becoming one of the go-to stores in the area for the latest blockbusters.
Retail Express has also highlighted similar examples of lines being stocked by retailers that are helping set them apart from rivals.
This edition features an exclusive story on a premiumfragrance range making its debut on the shelves of UK convenience stores (p8).
Some stockists have sold 80 units in two days, at a very healthy margin of 50%. The lineup has already helped retailers o set a downturn in sales during what would otherwise be a very slow summer-holiday period.
We’ve also been the rst to highlight other fantastic opportunities that drive more footfall into stores.
These include drink-spiking-prevention kits, the latest doll crazes highly sought a er by Gen Zs and the biggest confectionery launches before they’ve been announced by the suppliers.
Each issue of Retail Express will be lled with exclusive opportunities like these, helping your store stand out.
Editor Alex Yau alex.yau@ newtrade.co.uk 020 7689 3358
Retailers criticise Allwyn’s National Lottery upgrade
ALEX YAU
THE National Lottery’s “biggest upgrade since 1994” was completed on time, but the update was slammed by retailers for its outdated interface and slow performance.
All 43,500 National Lottery terminals went of�line between 11pm on 2 August until early morning on 4 August to allow Allwyn to install the
major update.
As Retail Express went to press, more than 20 retailers had criticised the update.
Maqsood Akhtar, of Blackthorn News in Rotherham, said: “A lot of functions take more time to complete, and the interface looks like something from the past.”
Conversely, Ken Singh, of BB Nevison Superstore in Pontefract, said: “Processing lucky dips is better as you
can transact several with one button press.”
Retail Express understands the issues concern older terminals, with new kit being rolled out more widely in the coming months.
An Allwyn said: “Around 8,000 National Lottery stores have switched over to new lottery Wave terminals. These
will enable them to process player transactions more quickly and offer more functionality.
“The remainder of National Lottery retailers are using the new software that went live over the weekend on their existing terminals, and will receive Wave terminals in the coming months.” @retailexpress
Editor – news Jack Courtez jack.courtez@ newtrade.co.uk 020 7689 3371
Features editor Charles Whitting charles.whitting@ newtrade.co.uk 020 7689 3350
Features and advertorial writer Shyama Laxman shyama.laxman@ newtrade.co.uk
Head of marketing
Kate Daw 020 7689 3363
Head of commercial Natalie Reeve 07856 475 788
Associate director Charlotte Jesson 07807 287 607
Account director
Lindsay Hudson 07749 416 544
Account manager Lisa Martin 07951 461 146
Specialist reporter Dia Stronach dia.stronach@ newtrade.co.uk 020 7689 3375
Editor in chief Louise Banham louise.banham@ newtrade.co.uk
Features writer Jasper Hart jasper.hart@ newtrade.co.uk 020 7689 3384
PAYPOINT is helping retailers unlock £1,579 in extra annual pro�it through its newly expanded team of store-growth specialists.
The team was launched by the company earlier this year and has now grown from
For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘Allwyn’
three-to-�ive specialists covering the UK.
Using 11 million data points, including store transactions and shopper demographics, they arrange meetings in store to explain changes that will increase sales.
For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘PayPoint’
VAPES sold in convenience stores are to face tougher regulation on packaging under updated HMRC regulations.
Last month, the government con�irmed that from October 2026, vape products must carry a duty stamp on the packaging, proving the manufacturer has paid the necessary fees. The tax will be a �lat rate of £2.20 per 10ml of vape liquid. Penalties for non-compliant stock include �ines and potential prison sentences.
tating selections for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
It is designed to serve meals throughout the day, with ro-
A further 15 will open in the coming months, with longer term plans for hundreds more shops around a quarter of Coop’s standard store size in the next two-to-three years.
RENOWNED chef Praveen Kumar is helping retailers generate up to £5,000 per week using basic store equipment to make and serve premium Indian meals.
Last month, the brand launched a new range allowing stores to easily serve up hot ‘Thali Boxes’ to customers using nothing more than a microwave, fridge and freezer. Eight stores have already signed up to the service, where they can prepare the meals in minutes.
where police are lacking”.
A GROUNDBREAKING crime initiative spearheaded by an independent retailer in partnership with the police has helped crack down on crime and take shoplifters off the street.
Dubbed Project Phoenix, the anti-retail-crime campaign was launched one year ago by Harjit Singh, of H & Jodie’s Nisa in Walsall, West Midlands.
The project in partnership with Walsall Council has seen him invest in providing community support of�icers to protect convenience stores and businesses from theft and antisocial behaviour, as well as putting thousands of pounds towards alternative community activities for shopcrime offenders.
“Co-op, Spar and fellow convenience stores have all bene�ited from our initiative as independent retailers,” Singh told Retail Express.
He added: “We’ve got security guards patrolling the area, funded by the council, working with the police and reducing crime.
“As an independent retail campaign, we’ve reduced the crime in multiples like Tesco, B&M, Savers and Home Bargains”.
While local police have added their weight to the campaign, Singh said the private security guards on shop doors are “stepping in
A Walsall Council spokesperson told Retail Express Project Phoenix has received praise from residents, businesses and West Midlands Police, eventually expanding to help tackle antisocial behaviour in two additional areas across the Walsall area.
Singh said: “The council knew that a friend of mine ran one of the biggest security companies in Birmingham, called RG8 Security, and they then asked me to make introductions.
“All three of us met at the pub, had a discussion and the partnership was established there.”
As well as funding support of�icers and providing security guards, the project redirects children who are caught shoplifting and sees their behaviour �irst addressed through their school or directed towards funded sports and recreational activities designed to distract them and “keep them off the streets”.
Singh said funding has been made available in the form of £25,000 in �ive tranches for local boxing clubs, £5,000 from a crime-prevention charity, and £2,000 to convert a school caretaker’s house into a youth space, as well as contributions from Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally charity arm.
The retailer added these levels of funding were not originally planned for the
“RTDS are working really well for me. The hot weather has helped drive sales, as in June, I sold 930 units of BuzzBalls, taking £4,185. Another popular product is the Korean alcoholic drink, Soju. At the peak, it was 231 bottles a month. Retailing for £4.99 a bottle, that is a total of £1,152 in monthly sales on just one line. Shades by Niko has also been performing well.”
Kay Patel, Best-one Wanstead, London
project, but said: “It’s just because of the links I’ve built up with previous charity work I’ve done with the council, and my relationships with all these clubs.
“Everybody I’ve asked has come on board because everybody’s saying this is exactly what we need.”
Although Project Phoenix was Singh’s idea, the store owner said retailers could create similar initiatives with their councils “because it’s based on retailers knowing people – it’s me playing on my strength as an independent retailer”.
A Walsall Council spokes-
person agreed, telling Retail Express: “The project is viable in communities across the UK with a partnership approach.
“It would be bene�icial for retailers to pool funding together for sustainability”.
Singh also intends to apply for additional funding from the local Proceeds of Crime Fund, allowing money potentially lost by retailers to be recycled back to combat crime.
The West Midlands Police initiative uses money seized by the police from illicit activities for donation back into the community.
GOOD WEEK
JISP: More than 100 independent stores have joined the company’s new prize-draw platform. It o ers participating retailers 15% commission on tickets sold in store, with no special equipment required. Store owners will also receive full point-ofsale support at no extra cost.
you can make your voice
“PROTEIN makes up 15%-20% of our sales, as younger shoppers move towards health-focused products. While my range is driven by energy bars, including Snickers, Mars, Grenade and Bounce, drinks are also rising in popularity. U t, For Goodness Shakes, Get Pro, Huel and YFood are my top-performing lines in the category. I sell up to 70 bottles a week of YFood, equivalent to £262.”
David Wyatt, Costcutter Bargain Booze, Crawley
For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘Jisp’
Asked about the possibility of funding retail-crime measures from the Proceeds of Crime funds, a West Midlands Police spokesperson told Retail Express: “Anyone is eligible to apply to improve community safety. Retailers have bene�ited with the fund paying for the installation of CCTV cameras, among other things.”
Singh concluded: “The police and crime commissioner reckons that if we market ourselves properly that we should we be able to get our own funding instead of relying on the council to fund the goal.”
What unique lines have been working for you recently?
“COLLECTING is in some people’s natures. Last month, I ordered three boxes of Yu-Gi-Oh! cards. Retailing at £3.99 for a pack, I sold one whole box within just three days, and sales of the remaining units were still going steady shortly after. Match Attax Extra is another wellperforming line, and collectables in general give me margins of around 25%.”
CJ LANG: The wholesaler is making a major investment to slash wholesale prices across 106 tobacco lines. Brian Straiton, independent sales director at CJ Lang, said: “Retailers told us we needed to review our tobacco o er to remain competitive, and this price investment aligns us with activity from key competitors.”
For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘CJ Lang’
BAD WEEK
REACH: Revenue at the publisher of the Mirror, Record and Express has fallen by 3.7% year on year, according to its latest results. The decline is equivalent to more than 17,000 fewer of its weekday national papers being sold every day compared with the same period in 2024.
For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘Reach’
VAPING: Imperial has called on the government to strengthen guidance for consumers to buy re lls instead of disposing of vapes. The company’s head of corporate and legal a airs for UK & Ireland, Deidre Healy, said guiding customers to re lls would generate store loyalty and boost basket spend.
For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘Vaping’
Mark Dudden, Albany News & Post O ce, Cardi
CIARÁN DONNELLY
Mark Dudden
Bestway £1m worker death ne
ALEX YAU
BESTWAY has been �ined £1m after one of its workers was killed by a reversing HGV during a delivery.
Father-of-three Lee Warburton lost his life on 19 February 2019 during a delivery to a store in central Manchester.
The 53-year-old was guiding an HGV being driven by a colleague before being pinned between the vehicle and a wall,
sustaining fatal injuries.
A subsequent investigation by regulator The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Bestway Northern had failed to implement the proper safety procedures for vehicle movements. The wholesaler was also alleged to have inadequately assessed the risks involved for the procedure, or failed to provide Warburton with suf�icient training.
Bestway Northern pleaded
guilty to breaching regulation 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. It was �ined £1m and ordered to pay full prosecution costs of £11,950.07 during a hearing at Manchester Magistrates Court on 18 July 2025.
Warburton’s partner Hayley Tomlinson said: “To be taken in such a cruel manner made it even harder. Knowing the pain and fear Lee must have gone through was unbearable,
NewstrAid Retailer Support Scheme
•
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but nothing compares with the moment I had to tell our children their daddy was never coming home.
“It broke their spirits. Lee was their hero. They will miss out on all the milestones Lee should have been here for –walking them down the aisle, meeting their children.
“They miss the cuddles, the love he showed them and the days out. This has changed our lives forever.”
Sunday Sport online
TABLOID newspaper the Sunday Sport is axing its digital edition due to new online safety laws, recommending subscribers buy the print version from newsagents instead.
In a message to readers, the national publication said it was “no longer able to provide a digital edition” due to a new UK law requiring users to con�irm their ages before accessing adult material. The message was backed in the Sunday Sport’s 20 July and 27 July print editions.
CO-OP Wholesale paid out £2.1m more in rebates across the Nisa estate, despite losses in revenue and pro t. In the company’s trading report for the year ending 5 January 2025, it reported a year-on-year increase in customer rebates paid out, from £45.5m to £47.7m. Meanwhile, revenue for the period fell from £1.42bn
Shopli ing record
SHOPLIFTING offences rose by 20% to a record 530,643 in the year to March 2025.
New Of�ice for National Statistics (ONS) �igures show shoplifting has reached its highest level since compara-
ble records began in 2003. Figures from the ACS 2025 Crime Report show that convenience stores recorded more than 6.2 million incidents of shop theft over the past year.
GIVES YOU WIIINGS.
New look for Bournville
SHYAMA LAXMAN
CADBURY Bournville has unveiled a brand refresh across its range, including the dark-chocolate variety.
The brand has also introduced two new �lavours, Salted Caramel and Chopped Hazelnut.
Cadbury Bournville, which launched in 1908, has consistently featured bold red-and-gold branding over the past 117 years.
As a nod to this heritage, the brand will add the iconic Cadbury Bournville B from its original 1908 packaging onto each individual chocolate block.
The rebrand is backed by a marketing campaign aimed at making dark chocolate more accessible, by taking
a tongue-in-cheek glance at the perceived pretentiousness associated with dark chocolate.
According to the supplier, shoppers who purchase across both segments add the highest value to the category – despite only making up 25% of UK households –giving retailers opportunity to increase basket spend.
Valerie Doeringer, brand manager for Cadbury Bournville, said: “The modernised new look of our range, alongside the introduction of our Salted Caramel and Chopped Hazelnut lines, help us to drive excitement in the segment, and invite more consumers to discover the smooth taste of Cadbury Bournville.”
RRP: £2.20
IMPERIAL Brands has launched Blu Box Kit in the wake of the disposablevapes ban.
The kits include a Blu Box rechargeable vaping device and one Blu pod, available in Strawberry Ice, Lemon Lime and Mint varieties.
Also included is a 560mAh battery with a USB-C charging port. The kit is compatible with the entire range of Blu pod �lavours.
It is aimed at vapers aged 21-30 and females.
RRP: £5.99
Not feeling Blu with Imperial Brands’ Blu Box Kit
Get t with U t protein breakfast lineup
UFIT is entering the breakfast category this summer with the launch of its �irst protein-cereal range.
It includes cereal hoops, granolas and porridge pots in chocolate, and caramelised biscuit �lavours.
The range is packed with 15g of protein per serving.
Angie Turner, head of marketing at Lacka Foods, said: “With this launch, we’re staying true to our inclusive approach. Cereals were the natural next step.”
RRP: £1.50 – £3.99
Crosta Mollica’s bakery range refresh Easy-to-open lids for Mrs Elswood jars
Samworth Brothers homemade selection
CROSTA Mollica has announced a packaging refresh for its premium Italian bakery collection.
Building on the momentum of the pizza range relaunch, extending the ‘Non Per Tutti’ ethos to the bakery portfolio, the rebrand will roll out from September 2025.
The brand’s signature stripes have been enhanced with each product, featuring its own distinctive colourway, aiding in visual cohesion and product differentiation.
EMPIRE Bespoke Foods is set to trial new Easy Open lids on some of its most popular Mrs Elswood lines, requiring only 50% of the force required to open traditional lids.
The technology will ensure the contents retain freshness, �lavour and crunch.
Available: September
SAMWORTH Brothers – Food for Now has launched a ‘made-in-house’ selection.
Retailers can also personalise the front of the package with their shop’s logo.
Available: now
The new packaging – introduced across Focaccia Panini, Pane Pugliese and a trio of authentic Piadina varieties – will incorporate appetiteappealing imagery, as well as authentic Italian names, details about regional origins and recipe inspiration to encourage consumers to explore classic Italian pairings and preparation methods.
Topps launches F1 Turbo Attax 2025
TOPPS has launched its F1 Turbo Attax 2025 collection in celebration of the 75th anniversary of Formula 1. Collectors can kickstart their collection with standout stars from F1, F2 and F3.
This year’s set also introduces diamond pull chase cards and a lineup of motorsport legends including Michael Schumacher, Damon Hill and Alain Prost.
Each pack will now include three foil insert cards.
Stickers are available in the display box, eco pack,
The new Mrs Elswood Easy Open lids comprise two main parts – a central, �loating panel that is vacuum sealed to the jar, and an outer ring that acts as the opening and re-closing device.
The design signi�icantly reduces the amount of torque required to open the jars, making it twice as easy to open compared to standard twist-off lids.
Loyd Grossman’s new saucy range
New PMP for Hula Hoops Flavarings
KP Snacks is relaunching its Hula Hoops Flavarings range in Big ’n’ Beefy and Spicy varieties in pricemarked sharing format.
The range is available exclusively from Booker, offering a 30.1% margin. Its launch comes as the brand is growing by 10.6%, with a retail sales value of £220m.
Stuart Graham, head of convenience and impulse at KP Snacks, said: “The relaunch of Hula Hoops Flavarings will support retailers by tapping into the rising consumer demand for sharing products with a tasty and fun alternative to what’s available in the market.”
RRP: £1.75 PMP
LOYD Grossman has launched a new range of premium sauces and on-pack promotion, giving consumers the chance to win a trip to Italy.
The new lineup includes Pomodoro and Fresh Basil, Pomodoro, Mascarpone & Wild Garlic, and Creamy Tomato & Parmigiano Reggiano.
QR code or visit the Loyd
and follow the instructions there.
£3.25
To take part, shoppers must �ind Sir Loyd Grossman’s signature and a 10-digit code on the back of the label.
Three codes are up for grabs, offering two adults a trip to Sorrento, Rome or Masseria Corsano.
The range includes sandwiches, wraps and salads and, a ‘heat-to-eat’ range of croque, ciabattas, toasties, paninis, wraps and breakfast rolls will be released in September.
According to the supplier, 91% of food-to-go shoppers make purchasing decisions based on a product’s freshness.
The range caters to that tendency through premium, fully recyclable Kraft packaging in a minimal design and hand-�inished label.
‘Don’t Drink and Dive’ says Daley
A fourth prize is for consumers who scan an on-pack
‘Explore
Heineken UK has announced the return of its ‘Explore A World of Cider’ campaign following the success of its launch in 2024.
The second iteration of the campaign comes as the cider category is worth £1.2bn in the UK, with £372m sales coming through convenience. The campaign will be brought to life through a series of in-store and in-depot
MALIBU has partnered with Olympic swimmer Tom Daley for its second ‘Don’t Drink and Dive’ initiative. The campaign achieved a positive impact – with an approximate 12% increase in awareness of the dangers of drinking and diving –when it launched in 2024. Research commissioned by Malibu highlights a quarter of Brits admit they took more risks in hot weather, while one in three have gone swimming after consuming alcohol.
A World of Cider’ with Heineken
activations in August and September to help retailers grow summer cider sales.
According to the supplier, stocking up on bestselling brands, including Strongbow, Old Mout and Inch’s, gives retailers have an excellent opportunity to grow sales. These brands also offer shoppers a range of �lavours to explore, the supplier added.
Designed in collaboration with Daley’s knitwear brand, Made with Love, the new version stars Daley wearing
heat-sensitive, knitted swim trunks that change colour when temperatures hit 20°C, reminding the wearer of the increased risk of drinking and unintentional drowning in hot weather.
Mondelez unveils
Halloween range
MONDELEZ International has announced its Halloween offering for 2025, building on the momentum generated by the 2024 Cadbury Treatsize Sharing Selection. The Cadbury Treatsize Sharing Selection pack contains Cadbury Buttons, Cadbury Crunchie, Cadbury Twirl and Cadbury Freddo. The Cadbury Dairy Milk Freddo & Friends sharing pack and Cadbury Fudge treatsize pack make a comeback.
Sour Patch Kids has launched a new treatsize sharing pack in Watermelon
and Strawberry �lavours. Maynards Bassetts Liquorice Allsorts and Wine Gums have undergone a makeover, with Wine Gums renamed to Spooky Gums and Liquorice Allsorts becoming Black & White Liquorice Mix. The lineup also includes the returning Oreo Spooky.
Grossman website
PRODUCTS
Bellavita perfumes launch in UK
SHYAMA LAXMAN
DUBAI’S leading premium fragrance brand, Bellavita, has of�icially launched in the UK and is available to convenience retailers.
Made in Dubai, the range comprises premium and long-lasting men’s, women’s and unisex perfumes, including Honey Oud, Rare Ice and Jubilant Aura.
Priced between £14.99 and £24.99 RRP for 100ml bottles and gift sets, the range offers up to 50% margins for retail partners, according to the supplier.
Gift sets include full-size and mini bottles, ideal for personal use and gifts, the supplier added.
With a global presence in the US, UAE, India and beyond, the brand is investing in independent retail support through in-store and digital marketing assets, in�luencer collaborations and consistent stock availability.
Manish Nirmal, international director of sales and marketing at Bellavita, said:
“We’re not just launching a product –we’re building a retail ecosystem. With strong local partnerships, in�luencer engagement, and premium products, Bellavita is here to make luxury fragrance more accessible.”
Bobby Briah, head of sales at Astute Healthcare, added:
“We’re offering retailers tailored one-to-one support
BelVita gets crunchy and hazelnutty
BELVITA has launch BelVita Duo Crunch Choco Hazelnut, a limited-edition variety of the brand’s wholegrain biscuit.
Available until December 2026, the new variety incorporates chocolate hazelnut �illing between two crunchy BelVita biscuits, made with the brand’s signature blend of �ive wholegrains.
BelVita Duo Crunch Choco Hazelnut will be available to
convenience retailers in 5×2 pack format (253g).
Nancy Moore, brand manager for BelVita at Mondelez International, said that with the launch, the brand “hopes to reach new shoppers and drive incremental sales for retailers”.
RRP: £2.99 (5×2 pack 253g)
to help drive visibility and sales.”
Retailers interested in stocking this product, contact editorial@newtrade.co.uk.
Signature Action roster expanded McCoy’s
No holds Barr(ed) with new campaign
AG Barr is launching its “largest ever” national campaign for Irn-Bru, throughout August and September.
Following an £8m investment into the brand this year, the campaign includes a new TV advert that brings back the ‘Made in Scotland from Girders’ strapline, aiming to differentiate the brand from other carbonates.
The supplier also recommends stocking regular IrnBru and Irn-Bru Xtra to cater to all demographics.
There will also be support from out-of-home advertising and a national sampling campaign that will reach 1,000,000 shoppers.
SCANDINAVIAN Tobacco Group UK (STG) has expanded its Signature Action menthol capsule range with the introduction of a 17-pack format.
The new format delivers value to consumers, while also offering retailers an attractive margin, according to the supplier.
STG’s UK head of marketing, Prianka Jhingan, said: “Retailers will know it’s cigarillo sales that continue to drive the cigar category, so we urge them to get behind this launch and enjoy the
MCCOY’S has returned for its second season as Savoury Snacks Partner of the NFL UK and Ireland, by launching two limited-edition NFLinspired �lavours, and an on-pack promotion.
The new �lavours are Blazin’ Buffalo Chicken Wings and Secret Burger Sauce. The on-pack promotion will run across the entire McCoy’s range until 9 November.
Top prize is an all-expenses-paid trip to Super Bowl LX, happening on 8 February 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in California. Shoppers can also win tickets to the 2025 NFL London games, merchandise and cash prizes.
New Purity drink has sour juicy notes
pro�it margins.”
RRP: £9.89 (also available in price-marked pack)
PURITY Soft Drinks is expanding its Juice Burst range with the launch of a Tropical Sour variety, available from wholesalers from September.
Tasty Vibes expands with Giant Pu s
UNITED Foods Brand is set to expand its Tasty Vibes portfolio into the snacking category, with the launch of Giant Puff Snacks, available to convenience retailers later this year.
Tasty Vibes was introduced earlier this year, when UFB forayed into the freezedried sweets market.
Targeted at Gen Z and millennial shoppers, Tasty Vibes Giant Puff Snacks are gluten free and available in Pickled Onion, Blazin Hot, Sweet Chilli and Really Cheesy�lavours.
LAUNCH
The snacks will offer retailers a 30% margin, according to the supplier. RRP: £1.50 (100g)
Juice Burst Tropical Sour aims to create excitement for shoppers by adding a sour twist to a traditional tropicaljuice �lavour.
The non-HFSS launch provides one of the �ive-a-day and has no added sugar or arti�icial colours, �lavours or sweeteners.
It is launching in a 330ml 100% recyclable bottle.
RRP: £1.25 (330ml)
Mondelez International has unveiled its new Christmas range – comprising new lines and returning favourites –set to help retailers drive seasonal sales this year.
According to the supplier, Christmas shopping begins in September with December witnessing 50% of winter sales, as consumers look to make their �inal purchases.
The 2025 lineup includes a range of sharing formats, self-eat treats, clipstrip options and advent calendar.
Products include Cadbury Mini Puds, Cadbury Medium Selection Box, Oreo Gingerbread, Cadbury Mini Snowballs bar and Cadbury Dairy Milk Coins.
now
RRP: £2.25 (6x25g multipack), and PMP £1.35 (65g of Blazin’ Buffalo Chicken Wings)
Foster’s doubles down on darts
FOSTER’S has launched an on-pack promotion as part of its partnership with the Professional Darts Corporation.
Running until 31 October, a daily prize of £180 is up for grabs, while one winner will get four tickets to the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London.
The promotion is available across select 10x440ml, 12x440ml and 18x440ml multipack cans of Foster’s, and 10x440ml multipacks of Foster’s Proper Shandy.
Shoppers must purchase a promotional pack and scan the QR code on one of the cans inside.
After submitting their
details and the �ive-digit can code, they’ll take part in a digital darts game for a chance to win.
Travel around Prague on the Dollycoaster
STAROPRAMEN has launched a TV advert and campaign called ‘The Dollycoaster’.
The 30-second advert –featuring Staropramen and Staropramen 0.0% – builds on the momentum the brand has enjoyed since partnering with brand ambassador and �ilm star Orlando Bloom.
the ‘dolly’.
The ad will run across Amazon Prime Video until the end of August and will be supported by campaigns on Facebook and Instagram.
DELICE de France has launched the Delice to Go chilled ready-to-eat range of food-to-go products.
It includes sandwiches, salads and heat-to-eat products, including paninis, toasties, and wraps. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available.
Each product has a minimum four-day shelf life. Orders can be placed on the company’s website.
Delice to Go has a 12-week installation timeline from order to outlet launch.
Retailers can either sell
New
VAPE brand Vuse has launched its latest non-disposable innovation.
Vuse Ultra features a highquality aluminium body and the device has six features, lending it an element of personalisation.
On the go with new Delice to Go range
The campaign sees Bloom take viewers on an epic journey through the city of Prague on a piece of Hollywood �ilm equipment,
Nestlé’s bakeryinspired range
the products as part of their existing food-to-go displays, or as a total Delice to Go concept. Available: now
Vuse Ultra pod o ers 1,000 pu s
The features include wireless charging, ClearView Display, cloud control, AutoLock, Smart Pod Recognition and compatibility with the MyVuse App. The removable and replaceable battery has wireless charging, with over 40% more battery capacity.
NESTLÉ Confectionery has launched a range of bakeryinspired confectionery items.
Aero Double Choc Brownie are bite-sized pieces of bubbly brownie-�lavoured Aero, perfect for sharing. Munchies Vanilla Cheesecake features
smooth milk-chocolate cubes �illed with a creamy vanilla centre and a crunchy biscuit piece.
Milkybar Crispy Cookie sharing bag combines smooth, creamy Milkybar pieces with mini cookie inclusions for a fun texture and nostalgic taste. RRP: £2.15
UP-and-coming iced coffee brand Sides is set to launch in convenience later this year.
The 330ml cans, distributed by United Food Brands (UFB), will be available in four �lavours: Double Shock Mocha, Ice Cold Original, Sub Zero Vanilla and Gold Rush Caramel.
perform best with shoppers between 18 and 40 years old, and will bene�it from the strength of the ready-to-drink chilled coffee market, which he said is growing at 7% each year. RRP: £2.50
The ultra pod, which offers up to 1,000 puffs, includes a transparent liquid chamber, visible through the mouthpiece. RRP: £30
Manraaj Rai, UFB’s sales controller, said the range will Step
OPINION
RETAILER OPINION ON THIS FORTNIGHT’S HOT TOPICS
What do you think? Call Retail Express on 020 7689 3357 for the chance to be featured
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS: Have your sales been affected?
“IT’S been quieter than the rest of the year, but you probably expect this. I’ve been using the quieter period to look at how we can improve the shop. I’ve been speaking to tradesmen and getting quotes for potential refurbishments. I want to get new flooring fitted.”
Ken Singh, BB Nevison Stores, Pontefract, West Yorkshire
“WE’VE noticed a drop in footfall as many families go away for the school holidays. There have been a number of new products we’ve been stocking to help us stand out. For example, we’ve been working with the supplier of a perfume range which has been doing well.”
It’s the same with trade every year
LABUBU DOLLS: Are you concerned about counterfeits?
“I’M NOT willing to take a chance with these products. Some suppliers have approached me, but I decided I didn’t trust any of them. The last thing I want is to be visited by trading standards and punished for selling products that don’t comply with the law.”
Kaual Patel, Nisa Torridon Convenience, south London
“ALL the dolls I’ve seen seem to be counterfeit and may pose some sort of risk to customers. I’ve been doing a lot of my own research, and the only authorised stockist with legitimate products is Asian retailer H Mart. They don’t wholesale out to any other retailer due to the exclusivity.”
Anonymous retailer
FOOD TO GO: How are you differentiating?
“WE’VE been hiring for a new store manager, as we’re launching a food-led convenience store in Edinburgh. It’s built around fast, fresh and great-tasting food for now and food to go. Most of the store’s energy is centred on ready-to-eat food.”
Harris Aslam, Greens Retail, Kirkcaldy
“THERE have been a few trials we’ve been doing over recent months since one of our main suppliers stopped supplying us. We tried working with a pie company, but found its terms weren’t suitable and the shelf-lives of its products weren’t what we were looking for.”
Anonymous retailer
TOBACCO: What is working for you and your shop?
“COST is dominating shopper decisions within cigarettes and rolling tobacco, so rolling tobacco is a stronger seller as the RRP is lower. In Cornwall, rolling tobacco has been the stronger seller. It’s a cost thing. I find 30g pouches are more popular than 40g and 50g ones.”
Judith Smitham, The Old Dairy –Pydar Stores, Truro, Cornwall
“WHEN we work with Imperial Tobacco and it offers an incentive, like £1 off, it increases our margin and helps us become a destination. Imperial and JTI UK are the best ones, but we’ve worked with PML on heated tobacco and its Terea products, as well as actual tobacco.”
Natalie Lightfoot, Londis Solo Convenience, Glasgow
Nishi Patel, Londis Bexley Park, Dartford, Kent
Letters may be edited
‘Disposable-vapes ban has had no impact’
IT’S been over two months since the disposable-vapes ban has come into force, but this wouldn’t seem so apparent if you walked up and down my high street.
My shop must be the only one that is abiding by the restriction.
One nearby shop still has them visibly on display on
the till. The packs even have the word ‘disposable’ on them.
The cheap price they’re being sold at suggests the store owner is aware a ban is in force and is trying to shift as much stock as they can. It’s as if they don’t care and know they can get away with it.
COMMUNITY RETAILER OF THE WEEK
Natalie Lightfoot, Londis Solo Convenience, Glasgow
‘We will provide a space for you’
‘EVER feel like you always put yourself last? It’s not a sign of strength to keep going without checking in on your own mental health. Health is wealth, a er all. To keep going, to keep plodding on and to keep pushing without taking some time for yourself as a retailer to let out any worries can have a negative e ect on your wellbeing. If you have anything that’s going round in your head when you have no one to speak to, we will provide that space for you. We are calling all independent retailers to join the Retail Family Online Safe Space every week.’
Suppliers are offering us alternatives, but this is useless when nearby shops are still selling them so cheaply. The police have also encouraged us to report any illicit traders, but it’s pointless.
I’ve previously reported businesses for other illegal activities, but they continue
regardless, as law enforcement only give them a slap on the wrist.
I’m all for supporting local authorities in clamping down on illicit traders, but sometimes it’s not worth the energy when you don’t see any result from your efforts.
Anonymous retailer
‘Keep your customers coming back’
‘WE don’t promote companies unless we genuinely see the value they bring – not just to our store, but to other retailers like us. One of the most powerful ways to keep your customers coming back is by o ering a strong loyalty programme. It’s not just about giving points –it’s about creating a repeat shopping habit, building trust and giving them more reasons to choose your store over the rest. We partnered with MyDD Points in 2023 with the help of our EPoS provider, Mhouse. Together, we tailored the system to t our store’s needs – and the results have been more than worth it.’
Get yourself out there
KEEPING up with the latest trends is absolutely critical in this industry these days, and the commitment we have as retailers to help each other whenever we can shouldn’t be understated. We all work together. We are always talking to each other, sometimes on the phone, but mainly on WhatsApp. We heard about the Labubu dolls on there and if people hadn’t been talking about it, we wouldn’t have caught onto it so fast. We also wouldn’t have found out about the potential compliancy issues down the road.
I’m in a WhatsApp group with more than 100 retailers. I’ve been in that group since the pandemic, and it helps us all to keep up with the trends. If there are any new products launched, we’re there to help each other out by talking about what they are and, in many cases, where we’re sourcing them from. We help each other nd things if they can’t get hold of stock.
I tried to set up a WhatsApp group with the police in She eld, but it didn’t happen, although I know people who have done that and it’s worked well for them. We used to have something similar when we ran a pub, which was called PubWatch.
We’ve also got lots of WhatsApp groups set up with suppliers as well. That goes a long way, because they can tell us about things that are happening as soon as possible.
To get into these WhatsApp groups, you need to get out there and start meeting people and building those networks. The Women in Convenience event last month was a massive deal in that regard. It really helped us and was a great way for us to meet suppliers and other retailers.
Get yourself out there in the industry, because these groups are so helpful. We pass contacts on, source products and help out if anyone has any issues. We need to build connections in this industry.
Girish Jeeva, Girish’s Premier, Barmulloch
Each issue, one of seven top retailers shares advice to make your store magni cent
CATEGORY ADVICE
YOUNG
ADULTS AND FRESHERS
TAP INTO A YOUNGER CROWD
CHARLES WHITTING nds out what retailers should be stocking to capture the attention of students and other young adults
KEEP IT FRESH
FOR many retailers, new product launches generate interest, excitement and sales within their stores – but there are few customer demographics with a greater interest in novelty than young adults.
If retailers can get hold of the latest launches, not to mention what’s trending on social media, they can become a beacon store for customers aged under 30.
“We just follow TikTok, and anything we see trending on there, we get into the store,” says Minesh Keshwala, from Spar Ash Close in Barlborough, Derbyshire. “People
like to try new and di erent things. We had the Dubai chocolate in the store from October last year, and it was a big hit.”
The importance of novelty is highlighted by a study from infrastructure company Bauer Media Outdoor UK (formerly Clear Channel UK), which found that Gen Z shoppers were more than three times more likely to try new brands than customers aged over 45.
Drinks, household items and toiletries and cosmetics all cited as especially appealing to this demographic from a novelty perspective.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CONVENIENCE
YOUR local demographic will have a big impact on how hard you chase the young adult pound, but for stores located in university towns or near campuses – or which have young families and couples in the area – having a strong o er aimed at them can reap signicant long-term bene ts.
“A recent UK survey revealed
that 18-24-year-olds were the most keen on having more convenience stores in their local area compared to other age groups, showing clear demand from younger shoppers,” says Holly Bolus, senior brand manager at Global Brands.
“Students in particular often rely on nearby shops for quick top-ups and pre-drinks
essentials, especially during term time.
“Independent retailers have a real opportunity here: by positioning their stores as go-to destinations for social occasions and quick, easy shopping trips, they can embed themselves into young adults’ daily routines.”
Home delivery might have
started for many retailers as a way to support elderly and vulnerable customers during the pandemic, but it has potential for younger customers.
This also applies to social media as well, with retailers who are looking to target Gen Z customers highlighting TikTok and Instagram as the platforms to focus on.
KA Remix
Cheetos
AG Barr recently entered the alcoholic ready-todrink category with the launch of the KA Remix range – a white rum-based RTD in a 330ml can with a 6% ABV. Launched in Black Grape, Fruit Punch, Pineapple and Karnival Twist varieties, it comes as the RTD category is now worth £645m.
Last March PepsiCo relaunched the US snack brand Cheetos in the UK, kicking o with the introduction of a brand-new flavour, Fiery Jalapeño and Cheese. PepsiCo brought in a new addition – Original Cheese – which was aimed at Gen Z consumers. It was launched in a range of formats including: 49p price-marked pack (PMP), £2 RRP sharing bag and £1.49 PMP.
Four Loko
Four Loko’s latest new variety, Hawaii, is a tropical fusion of pineapple and raspberry combined with Four Loko’s signature 8.4% ABV vodka-based, ca eine-free recipe. It is available in pink, yellow and purple 440ml cans with an RRP of £3.49.
UNI COSTS NOW DOWN
CATEGORY ADVICE
YOUNG ADULTS AND FRESHERS
WHAT YOUNG PEOPLE WANT
THERE is a key balancing act for retailers to consider when it comes to pricing things for younger customers. On the one hand, we are in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, and people of all ages are looking for good deals.
On the other hand, for the right product, younger customers are more than happy to spend way above the standard price if they can get something that is far from standard.
“We have three Monster variants from the US – Java, Monster 300 and Irish Cream – that cost £2.99, but they fly out,” says Keshwala. “We have Lay’s crisps and Japanese Fanta, which also sell well. When Dubai chocolate was going well, young people didn’t care they were spending £9.99 on bars.”
Younger customers are likely to want things that are easy to make and consume, as well as a greater desire for healthy items – whether that’s protein bars or lowsugar drinks.
“Retailers should stock up on a range of meal deal options, easy-to-cook ingredients and a good variety of savoury and sweet snacks to appeal to fresher’s needs and drive sales among the student demographic,” says Newby Groves, managing director of The Mad Butcher.
“Young people are increasingly becoming more health conscious and driven by social media trends, such as high-protein foods and spicy flavours. It’s therefore important for retailers to make sure their ranges include products that match them.”
SUPPLIER VIEWS
Jo Taylor, UK marketing lead, Mash Gang
BACK THE NO.2
“A RECENT YouGov study found that 40% of 18- to 24-year-olds don’t plan on drinking alcohol at all, while other research shows that Gen Z drinkers are the most likely to practise ‘intermittent abstinence’, with nearly 60% having done so. Young adults are the biggest consumers of low- and no-alcohol products, with just under half considering themselves either occasional or regular drinke of alcohol alternatives.”
SPORTS DRINKS BRAND THIS SUMMER
Shaun Whelan, convenience and wholesale OOH controller, Jack’s Links
“MERCHANDISING with other savoury bagged snacks, crisps and nuts is fundamental, as ambient protein meat snacks o er a healthier alternative for shoppers who have become more health conscious and are seeking out a high-protein, low-calorie brand that tastes great.”
Kate Abbotson, senior external communications manager, CocaCola Europaci c Partners
“THERE’S strong momentum in other fast-growing categories, especially ready-to-drink (RTD) co ee and energy drinks – both of which are staples for students needing a boost to power through long days (and nights). Make sure your range includes leading so drink brands and don’t forget about hydration essentials – bottled water remains a staple.”
WHY INVEST IN HEATED TOBACCO?
TAMARA BIRCH talks to retailers about the heated-tobacco market and how they’re encouraging customers to the category
WHY SHOULD YOU STOCK HEATED TOBACCO?
HEATED tobacco is considered a bridge between cigarettes and vapes, making it a viable option for any customers wanting to quit gradually or who don’t want to buy vapes.
Similar to vapes, Eva Antal, director of market analysis at Tamarind Intelligence, says heated tobacco produces an inhalable vapour – but unlike vapes, they use actual tobacco.
In terms of its biggest selling point, Antal says: “There
is awareness of less impact on health compared with smoking, which is driven by scientific research from ‘big tobacco’.”
Cost is also a strong selling factor, especially when compared to cigarettes.
“If a customer comes in complaining about the price of a cigarette, we tell them they can save up to £3,000 per year by switching,” says Andrew Cruden, owner of Market Square News in Northampton.
“We will then explain the product is the exact same as tobacco products, just without the tar.”
Cruden sells around ve Iqos devices a month at £29 each, including two packs of Terea, which he says is roughly the equivalent to smoking 40 cigarettes.
“Single packs of Terea are then £7, making them a more cost-e ective solution for smokers,” he adds.
THE CHALLENGES OF SELLING HEATED TOBACCO
EDUCATION is the biggest challenge to selling heated tobacco, as retailers need to set aside time to communicate the bene ts, costs and how to use the device.
“We have a rep that helps train myself and the team when new products come out, but the customer link is be-
tween myself and the team,” Cruden says.
“We teach them how to use the device and stock all 14 flavours of Iqos. We also stock Ploom from JTI, but sell more Iqos because it was the original device to hit the market.”
Vekaria started pushing Iqos devices following a roundtable
event, and the brand has swiftly become a strong seller. His challenge now is converting customers to the category.
“We’re now telling customers about the money they can save and if they’re looking to quit smoking; it’s 90% less harmful,” he explains. “Since educating ourselves, we’ve
Priyesh Vekaria, owner of One Stop Carlton in Greater Manchester, says the margin on Terea tobacco sticks are strong, too – and mentions that he also gets rewarded for selling and registering devices in his store.
“Everyone is entitled to be on board and it’s a standard scheme to incentivise sales, but spending the time to convert customers is the challenge for many,” he says.
been using a similar pitch to our customers, and we’re on board with it all.”
Vekaria is also o ering a free device when customers purchase two boxes of Terea tobacco sticks.
“We then ask to share their details and register them online,” he says.
Eva Antal, director of market analysis, Tamarind Intelligence
CATEGORY ADVICE HEATED TOBACCO
“THERE are only a handful of large brands of heated tobacco, which makes it easier for retailers. From a consumer perspective, brand loyalty is relatively high. Strength is not a strong product feature. Notes and hints of tobacco aroma are the key di erentiating factor in the consumable experience, plus hardware device tech is another.
“Heated-tobacco products thus represent something of a halfway house between conventional ‘combustible’ cigarettes and vapes. Like cigarettes, they contain tobacco, but unlike cigarettes, they do not burn – and thus avoid producing the smoke, which is the major health concern with cigarettes.”
Terea Silver
THE 1 June disposable-vapes ban has had little impact on heated-tobacco sales, according to Cruden and Vekaria.
“Minimal disposable vapers have switched over, but I think the problem with heated tobacco is you need to educate them,” Cruden explains. “It’s
a hard sale and it’s not something people want straight away because of the cost of the device.”
Despite this, both retailers agree heated tobacco will only grow in years to come.
In April, PML expanded its Terea heated-tobacco sticks range with Terea Silver, designed exclusively for use with its Iqos Iluma device. Terea Silver aims to o er a balanced, toasted tobacco blend, gently re ned with light aroma notes of spicy herbs. Anthony Loinsard, head of Iqos, UK and Ireland at PML, said at the time of launch: “The launch of new Terea Silver is a further step forward on our mission to support adult smokers in making the switch away from smoking cigarettes.”
Terea Pearl
In February, PML introduced Terea Riviera Pearl and Provence Pearl for its Iqos Iluma device. It features new capsule technology, which allows users to switch from a traditional tobacco blend to a unique flavour with a single click. Riviera Pearl has a raspberry rose flavour, while Provence Pearl is grape with menthol flavours.
WHAT’S TRENDING
BOTH Cruden and Vekaria
stock all 16 varieties of Iqos, which is their main focus within the category. However, for Vekaria, Iqos’ original flavours are higher in demand.
“Amber is popular because of its palatable transition for customers quitting smoking, as is Mauve,” he explains.
“But we’re also able to convert vapers to the category, thanks to available fruity flavours.”
Amber also sells well for
Cruden, who compares it to a customer smoking Benson & Hedges or a similar brand.
“Yellow, green and blue are all menthol varieties, which are popular, especially among social smokers,” he says. Another key seller for Cruden is Twilight, which o ers adult smokers a berry taste. Fruity flavours are growing for Cruden, but he adds there’s a lot more experimentation than vape and other next-gen alternatives.
THE FUTURE OF HEATED TOBACCO
looks good and it will eventually be the go-to quitting device for smoking and be o ered as the main alternative,” Vekaria says.
According to Cruden, the most signi cant challenge that could impact the future of heated tobacco is that suppli-
ers push the category further in supermarkets.
“Suppliers help us with education and what to stock, but supermarkets often get the category cheaper than we can get them, making it even harder for us to sell them to customers,” he says.
PAID FEATURE BRAND SPOTLIGHT
With an increasing number of adult smokers switching from cigarettes in favour of Iqos Iluma the world’s number one heated tobacco device , now is the time to become a TEREA stockist
What to know
STOCKING Iqos Iluma and the full range of Terea heated tobacco sticks enables retailers to cater to the flavour demand of legal-aged nicotine consumers.
BY tapping
Anthony Loinsard, head of Iqos, UK and Ireland, Philip Morris Limited
Key stats
1
Backed by more than $14bn (£10.34bn) in research and development since 2008, PMI’s global portfolio of smokefree products has reached over 95 markets and is used by an estimated 38.6 million adults5.
What is Terea?
TEREA are innovative heated tobacco sticks designed for Iqos Iluma – the heated tobacco device from Philip Morris Limited that uses Smartcore induction technology to heat tobacco from within, rather than burning it. Iqos emits 95% less harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes3.
The Terea range o ers 16 di erent tobacco blends, from classic, menthol, or more aromatic variants.
The most recent launch is Terea Silver – a toasted tobacco blend gently re ned with light aroma notes of spicy herbs. Silver is designed to cater to adult users who prefer smooth yet satisfying flavours, complementing bestsellers like Amber, Sienna and Russet.
Sitting alongside the core range are six capsule-based Terea Pearls flavours. These feature a built-in flavour capsule, activated with a ‘click’ for a taste transformation. Pearls made up nearly 20% of all Terea packs sold in a top-four multiple this year4.
Amber RRP: £7
Sienna RRP: £7
“WE are continuously expanding our Terea flavour range on our mission to support adult smokers in switching away from smoking cigarettes. Retailers can bene t from the unique proposition that Terea Pearls o ers for legal-aged nicotine users looking for flavour variety. By expanding the range, retailers also have more opportunity to o er legalaged nicotine users real tobacco satisfaction that can help them switch from cigarettes for good.”
Russet RRP: £7
RING IN MORE SALES THROUGH HOME DELIVERIES
TEST OUT BY DELIVERING YOURSELF
FOR retailers looking to o er home delivery, delivering in person is how it tends to start – as in in the case of Shisan Patel of Jasp, Birmingham.
“During Covid-19, we had a lot of elderly customers call in the store,” says Patel, adding that his portfolio of deliveries expanded based on word-ofmouth recommendations.
Some of these customers have never set foot in his store, but have continued to place orders since the pan-
demic, he says. Patel and his brother continue to o er in-person local deliveries for their elderly clients as they have speci c order requests, and most don’t own a smartphone to be able to use delivery platforms.
“It’s just helping the community as well,” says Patel, adding that local deliveries are within a one-mile radius.
Minimum basket spends are between £40 and £60.
“We have 10-12 home deliv-
eries, so that is about £600 in a week,” he says.
Patel says when he started delivering locally during Covid, it was heavy on admin.
“During that time, we were very busy in store, so then you’re taking away one person who must go out and deliver,” he says.
Now, he has got into a routine – customers call on Thursdays or Fridays to place their orders, which are delivered straight away.
SNAPPING UP ORDERS WITH SNAPPY SHOPPER
PATEL has been with Snappy Shopper for little over three years. It comprises 5% of his business and covers a threemile radius.
Patel doesn’t have designated drivers for orders placed via Snappy Shopper and must ful l these on his own, with support from his brother.
“It’s very di cult to hire a driver,” he says. “We try to deliver the shopping in about half an hour. It’s di cult for the drivers, if they are far
away, to come here and go back and deliver,” he explains. If him and his brother are not available for the day, they must pause orders on the app.
Regardless, Patel believes retailers must consider offering some kind of delivery service in the current climate.
“You’re tapping into a market that will probably not come into your store because they are far away, so you get that extra bit of taking,” he says, though cautioning that hir-
ing a driver can rack up costs.
“If you’re not doing much on Snappy Shopper, especially at the start, it can be costly to cover your costs,” he adds.
In contrast, Girish Jeeva of Girish’s Premier in Glasgow, who’s been with Snappy Shopper for two-and-a-half years, has a pool of 10 drivers who deliver 24 hours a day.
Snappy Shopper comprises 20% of Jeeva’s business, and he ful ls between 100 and 140 orders a day.
Image credit: Getty Images/sturti
LIGHTFOOT and Patel report that Just Eat and Deliveroo have higher fees, therefore won’t give them enough margins. “We’d have to sell products for ridiculous amounts. People know the prices of the products.
“If you are selling them for a premium, it doesn’t look good,” says Patel, explaining his decision to go with Snappy Shopper instead.
CATEGORY ADVICE HOME DELIVERY
KEEPING THE APP AND OPTIONS PRIMED NEGOTIATING OTHER PLATFORMS ON THE MARKET
Jeeva, on the other hand, joined Just Eat earlier this year, once he started o ering 24-hour deliveries. “Just Eat has a big customer base when it comes to night deliveries.
“We thought it was a good opportunity to tap into that to get extra orders,” he explains.
Because Jeeva uses his own drivers, as opposed to those provided by Just Eat, the service fee dropped from 27% to
12%. While he receives orders on Just Eat throughout the day, the volume of orders coming at night is higher, with an average basket of £25.
However, having experienced both platforms, Jeeva says Just Eat is not “convenience ready” as the back end of the app isn’t as user friendly as Snappy Shopper. “Just Eat is more about takeaways,” Jeeva explains.
“We found a lot of customers who were ordering on Snappy Shopper would also order on Just Eat. We’re trying to gure out why they’re using both platforms because it’s much cheaper to order from Snappy Shopper.
“That’s when we realised we’d made the right decision to get on Just Eat, as we’d potentially be losing those customers to someone else.”
PATEL’S EPoS isn’t integrated with Snappy Shopper, therefore he manually ensures that the stock availability in store and on the app align to o er a smooth customer experience.
While he puts as many products on the app as possible –including new products that are highlighted with a banner on the home page – he refrains from adding products that he’s trialling until he’s sure they will sell well in store.
Once every few weeks, or if orders are quiet, he o ers promotions. “Anything under eight orders is very quiet,” says Patel.
Jeeva echoes a similar sentiment regarding promotions, adding that highlighting promotions on social media helps build momentum. “We post 10-15 times a day,” he says.
The day before speaking to Retail Express, Jeeva witnessed a lull on the app, averaging two to three orders an hour. “We pushed some exclusive deals for certain hours, and we saw the numbers go
back up,” he says, adding the deals took the count to seven to eight orders an hour.
Lightfoot says having the app integrated with her EPoS has smoothened out operations, especially when it comes to updating promotions, as it now happens automatically. “We always have a loss-leader promotion. We’re changing from 99p for a sixpack of Pepsi to Pringles and Cheez-Its large pack for 99p.”
Lightfoot says people shopping online are looking for value, therefore multipacks of crisps and drinks, soft and alcoholic, and large packs of pet food perform well.
As with any service, online delivery comes with hurdles.
For Lightfoot – who has more than 3,000 customers signed up to Snappy Shopper – it is all about stock availability to ful l the orders.
She says: “Though we have a good baseline of daily orders, I need a certain number of products coming into my store to service them, and the peo-
ple walking in. If that doesn’t come from my supplier, we’ll run to cash and carries.”
Jeeva adds: “The most obvious one is retaining drivers and getting them to provide the level of service as you would get if you were to walk into the store.”
While Jeeva ensures his drivers possess customer service skills at the time of hiring, he also o ers incentives to keep them motivated – for example, a £100 month-end bonus to the driver with the most reviews.
Lightfoot and Jeeva agree that competition from other retailers is a never-ending challenge.
“I speak to my team regularly about not becoming complacent says Lightfoot.
“The good thing is, we’ve got a lot of loyal customers. We’re proactive with good customer service, reminding people we’ve got the best new products and are consistent with value. Customers know what they get with us.”
RETAILER VIEWS
Top tips on running a successful home delivery service
Natalie Lightfoot, Londis Solo Convenience store in Glasgow
“DO your research, which includes speaking to other retailers and looking at delivery companies available. Don’t go with the rst one you’ve heard of. You cannot look at your social media as a chore. The most successful stores are the ones that are online, visibly in the community. Don’t just use Facebook advertising or TikTok. You must put a face there.
“Make sure the people following your page are legitimate customers. Finally, you need to commit as if you’re starting a new business. You must ensure everybody has downloaded the app in your area. Ask whoever you’re going to partner with how many people have downloaded the app.”
Shisan Patel, Jasp Birmingham
“YOU must treat your delivery app like a physical store to keep customers interested and engaged. Make sure your menu is constantly updated. List new products on there and refresh your banners. Promote your delivery service on your socials.”
Girish Jeeva, Girish’s Premier in Glasgow
“DELIVERY services need to be reliable, in that you must be available for customers any time they order. You must ensure that if customers are placing orders, you have the stock ready for them. You can’t be out of stock or substituting items. Lastly, the customer service for delivery should be at the same level as it is in your store.”
Thornbury Refrigeration, an Arneg Distributor, has advertised in Retail Express for years. The
ADVICE
MAXIMISING THE SPACE
The RETAIL EXPRESS team nds out how retailers are making the most of the space they have in their shops
Graeme Pentland, Ashburton Village Store, Newcastle upon Tyne 1
“IT’S something we constantly look at – we are always moving things around in the shop. If a product isn’t selling, we move it to a more prominent position. It’s amazing how many times a customer will say, ‘I didn’t realise you sold that product’ after we’ve moved it to a different location.
“Our shelves are no more than 5ft high, because once you go above eye level, people tend not to see what’s up there. They don’t raise their head much further up than eye level. My father always said that if you don’t put products where they’re virtually tripped over, people won’t notice them.
“It’s still very important to have a tidy shop that’s well laid out. The golden rule for any store is that it’s as easy as possible for the customer to navigate. Always keep the shelves as well stocked as possible, but don’t cross over the line where it starts to look overstocking. Keep it simple.”
2
Ashish Sisodia, Thurnby Express, Leicester
Andrew Davies, Spar Llandrinod Wells, Powys 3
“ONE of the main things we’ve done to increase the amount of stock we can offer customers – despite our store’s limited space – is to use hangers on any sections of wall where there aren’t shelves.
“We’ve got slats in the store, and we use any unused space to stock things like sewing needles, birthday candles and scissors. If you’re using your walls as well as your shelves, you’re adding to potential basket spend.
“Every store is different, but my view is that shelves should always be as full as possible, but they shouldn’t extend too high up. I know other stores like to stack them high, but from a security perspective I like the visibility lower shelves give me. That’s become especially important these days. Of course, we want to be as accessible as possible, but we are a very small shop, so we can’t have aisles as wide as we’d like.”
“OUR top shelf is about 6ft high, but we only use it for seasonal displays at occasions like Christmas and Easter. As we’re part of Spar, once in a while they’ll come round and examine the shelf space that’s been allotted to certain departments and compare it with my sales for that week or month. That way, we can increase facings on what’s selling and decrease what’s not.
“The most important thing is to have strong sales �igures and data because otherwise you’re looking at things from your own personal preferences and not what’s happening in your shop. For example, if you’re making £2,000 a week on beer, but you’ve only given it 2m, you need to give it more space.
“We can’t do much about our aisle width in a 1,400sq ft store, but we’ve made sure they’re wide enough for two medium-sized trolleys to pass by each other. Unless you’re doing a �loor display, you need to keep as much off the �loor as possible.”
In the next issue, the Retail Express team nds out how retailers are preparing for the August Bank Holiday. If you have any problems you’d like us to explore, please email
“My store is always cluttered and busy. How do retailers keep things tidy in their shops, no matter the size of them?” – Samim Adam, Ali’s New, Leicester
