RN - 14 October 2022

THE LEADING TITLE FOR NEWS AND CONVENIENCE RETAILERS

Why cash and carries are boycotting top supplier’s lines Depots throughout the UK remove price-marked packs in protest of falling retailer margins MARGIN SQUEEZE Page 5

RETAIL NEWS THAT MATTERS

»

● betterRetailing.com ● 14.10.2022

How to double shopper basket spend with frozen food

Get your stock and merchandising right to win customers during the cost-of-living crisis Page 30 » LEGISLATION

NEWSTRADE

PRICEWATCH

Trading standards warns independent stores at risk of prosecution Page 4 »

Plans to sell papers in all Aldi sites in the UK scuppered as discounter ends trial Page 6 »

Compare your range and prices with data from thousands of local shops Page 12 »

‘Widespread’ allergen issues

p1 Cover.indd 1

Aldi scraps newspapers… again

How to price the top 12 vaping lines

11/10/2022 15:31

2

betterRetailing.com // 14 October 2022 RN

CONTENTS Editor

Editor in chief

Jack Courtez

Louise Banham @LouiseBanham

@JackCourtez

07592 880864 News editor

Features writer

Megan Humphrey

Jasper Hart

@MeganHumphrey_

@JasperAHHart

07597 588972

020 7689 3384

Features editor

Senior news Reporter

Charles Whitting @CharlieWhittin1

020 7689 3350

Alex Yau @AlexYau_

020 7689 3358

Senior features writer

Deputy insight & advertorial editor

Priyanka Jethwa @PriyankaJethwa_

Tamara Birch @TamaraBirchNT

020 7689 3355

020 7689 3361 Senior account director Charlotte Jesson 020 7689 3389

Head of design Anne-Claire Pickard Designer Jody Cooke Junior designer Lauren Jackson Production editor Ryan Cooper Sub editors Jim Findlay, Robin Jarossi

Account manager Marie Dickens 020 7689 3372 Business delivery manager Ifzal Afzal 020 7689 3382 Senior Account Managers Barry Lavis 020 7689 3364

Production coordinator Chris Gardner 020 7689 3368

Lindsay Hudson Digital content editor 020 7689 3366 Jody Porter Management 020 7689 3378 accountant Head of digital Abi Sylvane Luthfa Begum 020 7689 3383 07909 245 949 Managing director Parin Gohil Head of commercial 020 7689 3363 Natalie Reeve 0207 689 3367 Printed by Warners Midlands plc Distributor Seymour Distribution, 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT Audit Bureau of Circulations July 2021 to June 2022 average net circulation per issue 8,469

Annual Subscription UK 1 year £165 Europe £332 2 years £297 Rest of world £389 3 years £396 To subscribe contact 020 3871 6490

Newtrade Media Limited, 11 Angel Gate, City Road, London EC1V 2SD Tel 020 7689 0600 email letters@newtrade.co.uk RN is published by Newtrade Media Limited, which is wholly owned by NFRN Holdings Ltd, which is wholly owned by the Benefits Fund of the National Federation of Retail Newsagents. RN is editorially independent of the NFRN and opinions, comments and reviews included are not necessarily those of the Federation and no warranty for goods or services described is implied. Reproduction or transmission in part or whole of any item from RN may only be undertaken with the prior written agreement of the Editor. Contributions are welcomed and are included in part or whole at the sole discretion of the editor. Newtrade Media Limited accepts no responsibility for submitted material. Every possible care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information.

For trade use only

f

Follow on Facebook

Follow RN on twitter

Visit the website

facebook.com/ThisisRN have your say on the latest news

@ThisisRN for expert advice to help you grow your sales

betterRetailing.com extensive galleries and news

WELCOME

A

fter returning to my desk following six months in the Americas, I’ve spent the past week speaking to shop owners to find out what I’ve missed and the mood of the industry.

Stores were hardly upbeat about the UK’s prospects, but there was a great determination to face the problems posed. Those I spoke to had plans in place for cutting costs and protecting their store’s value proposition despite almost daily price rises. There were signs of optimism as well. Nearly all I spoke with had increased Christmas preorders year on year, and despite very different timings for the World Editor Cup, there are hopes of a big event-led uplift.

While away, I’ve been avidly collecting tips and tricks from Jack Courtez conveniences stores abroad. One of my favourites was a fantastic @JackCourtez independent shop in Colombia that featured a WIGIG – when it’s 020 7689 3371 gone, it’s gone – offer at the entrance with a sign not only highlighting the deal, but also the number of lines in stock and the number remaining. Another major change were shopfronts. While in the UK, the trend for clearer, less cluttered windows allowing shoppers to see in is well established, in Costa Rica, shops go one step further by removing walls and windows altogether and having open shopfronts, often using sales counters and food-to-go units at the front to encourage customers into stores.

Even in Cuba, where independent outlets are little more than sparse kiosks run out of living rooms onto the street, there were tips to be had. ‘Alguno mas’ – any more? – was the ubiquitous response to every purchase, no matter the size, often successfully getting that little bit more out of every customer.

What I’ve learned most is how much I’ve taken the quality and convenience of local shops in the UK for granted. In many places, posting a parcel, buying a lottery ticket, picking up a newspaper, a grocery shop and topping up a phone requires a couple of hours and visiting five different businesses. As many local shops here look for ways to promote ‘value’ to customers, it’s worth remembering that value is measured in time as well as money.

HEADLINES 3 INDUSTRY NEWS

Trading standards warns of widespread Natasha’s Law failings in local stores Wholesalers boycott Mars Wrigley products over retail margin squeeze

5 SYMBOLS & WHOLESALE

Tesco says Jack’s brand will help shops support budget customers

6 NEWS & MAGS

Publisher hopes for newspaper rollout in Aldi stores dashed

7 FED NEWS

Irish shops welcome new government energy grants

8 YOUR VIEWS

‘Even kids are feeling the costof-living squeeze’

INSIGHT 10 PRODUCT NEWS

New plant-based nicotine pouch supplier promises free stock

12 PRICEWATCH

How your rivals are pricing vape lines

14 WHOLESALE PRICEWATCH

Bag better crisp margins by comparing wholesaler prices

16 STORE ADVICE

Discover the seven premium categories unaffected by the cost-of-living crisis

19 GUEST COLUMNIST

Bryan Roberts on the battle for delivered grocery sales

22 CIGARS & CIGARILLOS

Find extra sales with the latest category advice

26 CHRISTMAS SOFT DRINKS

How to balance value and premium brands for strong seasonal sales the year

30 FROZEN FOODS

Retailers share their tips for basketbuilding with frozen goods

33 THIS WEEK IN MAGAZINES

Why stores should stock this new kids’ title featuring a blockbuster brand

RN’s publisher Newtrade Media cares about the environment.

p2 Contents.indd 2

11/10/2022 14:13

3

RN 14 October 2022 // betterRetailing.com

NEWS EXCLUSIVE

Wholesalers shun Mars Wrigley in margin row

by Alex Yau

alex.yau@newtrade.co.uk

Major wholesalers are boycotting price-marked (PMP) treat bags from Mars Wrigley after the supplier was accused of squeezing margins.

A notice posted for retailers in a United Wholesale depot last month, seen

by RN, warned store owners that the confectionery brand had increased the wholesale price on treat bags, but had not adjusted the PMP accordingly.

Although the notice was posted in a United Wholesale depot, senior sources close to the company confirmed that some of Unitas’s other wholesaler members had followed with this approach.

The sources did not confirm the companies, but the membership includes major delivered and cashand-carry firms Parfetts, AF Blakemore, Filshill, DeeBee, United Wholesale Grocers, Dhamecha and Time Wholesale.

The notice said: “We write to advise you that Mars Wrigley has imposed a price increase on their PMP treat bags, but are not

changing the PMP price, which will mean a reduction in retailers’ margins.

“This is clearly unacceptable, and we have rejected their price increase. As a result of this action, there may be a shortage of Mars Wrigley PMP treat bags available to you until the situation is resolved.

“Mars Wrigley straight packs are still available as an alternative or you can stock products from other suppliers who are not reducing your profit margins.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and we hope that you support us in this matter as we believe it is unacceptable to expect our retailers to operate on reduced margins. We will update you as soon as the situation is resolved as we continue to negotiate with Mars Wrigley not to reduce retailers’ margins.”

Sources declined to reveal what the margins had shrunk to within Unitas due to commercial sensitivities. However, the margin for £1 Peanut Chocolate M&Ms 82g from Booker was 16.1% (see box out for other examples).

Recent research from analyst TWC revealed that 62% of independent retailers believe their customers would still buy PMPs, even with a slight price increase.

Commenting on its decision, a Mars Wrigley spokesperson said: “At Mars, we have been absorbing the rising costs of raw materials and operations for some time, but the growing pressures we are facing means that more needs to be done.

“Our trade partner relationships are hugely important to us and increasing the cost of some of our products is not a decision we take lightly.

“We are working in partnership with our customers as we make these changes and thank them for their understanding during this process.

“We are unable to comment on specific commercial negotiations with individual customers, as they remain confidential.”

Mars Wrigley PMP treatbags delisted by Unitas* • £1 Galaxy Minstrels 80g (19.1%) • £1 Galaxy Counters 78g (19.1%) • £1 M&M’s Crispy Milk Chocolate Bites 77g (19.1%) • £1 M&M’s Mix 80g (19.1%) • £1 M&M’s Peanut Chocolate 82g (16.1%) • £1 M&M’s Brownie Bites 70g (19.1%) • £1 Maltesers Milk Chocolate & Honeycomb Bites 68g (19.1%) • £1 Maltesers Dark Chocolate 59g (23%) • £1 Starburst Minis 125g (20.1%) • £1 Starburst Original 141g (20.1%) • £1 Starburst Fave Reds 141g (20.1%) *Margins from Booker

DRS fees: retailer takes CSL to court A Scottish retailer taking legal action against deposit return scheme (DRS) administrator Circularity Scotland Limited (CSL) claims he would lose over £60,000 a year if the commission offered to stores isn’t increased.

DRS is set to be rolled out across Scotland next August. Earlier this year, CSL revealed the handling fees participating stores would receive.

Those operating a

p3 Breaking news.indd 3

manual scheme will receive a 2.69p handling fee per item returned, and those operating a reverse vending machine (RVM) will earn 3.55p for the first 8,000 items returned each week, with an extra 1.5p for each additional item.

Abdul Majid, owner of 2,500sq ft Nisa Local Bellshill, North Lanarkshire, raised judicial review proceedings in the Court of Session against CSL last week, claiming

“the handling fees aren’t enough to cover the costs involved in operating the scheme”.

He told RN: “After calculating the costs involved to run a RVM in store, with the current commission, I’m standing to lose approximately £1,200 a week, equating to £62,000 a year.

“The way this has been sold to retailers is far too simple. These projections were done about four

years ago, and if you look at the current energy and inflation crisis, it is clearly going to cost more now.”

The move has been supported by the Scottish Grocers’ Federation, which has already issued a pre-action letter to CSL, warning of similar challenges.

Majid added he believes the handling fee needs to be raised to 12.1p per container.

Vape law confusion in shops Local shops are refusing to stock legal nicotine-free disposable vaping products due to confusion over their legal status.

Stores told RN they were shunning 3,500 puff nicotine-free vaping devices with tank capacities above 2ml. However, while disposable vaping products containing nicotine are limited to 2ml tank capacity by the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (TRPR), vaping industry association UKVIA confirmed to RN nicotinefree lines are exempt from the restriction.

The disposable vape boom in 2021 saw cash and carries and stores raided for selling non-compliant lines, causing a crackdown by shops. EPoS data from July obtained by RN shows for the first time there are no illegal lines in the top 10 most-sold disposable vapes in local stores.

Heineken packaging improved Heineken has improved the sustainable packaging on its cans, in response to criticism from independent retailers.

This year, the supplier’s ‘Green Grip’ packaging is being rolled out across multi-pack cans of Heineken, Birra Moretti, Strongbow and John Smiths. It replaces traditional plastic can rings.

Retailers and wholesalers had criticised the sustainable packaging across all brewers for being too fragile. Heineken UK head of sustainability Chelsey Wroe told RN the ‘Green Grip’ packaging had been made more robust due to this feedback.

11/10/2022 14:49

4

betterRetailing.com // 14 October 2022 RN

NEWS Payment service delay

Retailers using card-services provider Paymentsense reported an anxious wait last week after a “technical issue” delayed payment of weekend card transactions.

One newsagent told RN: “We’re a small shop, so £2,500 is quite a miss.

We’ve got over £7,000 going out tomorrow to Smiths [News] and Camelot – it’s going to be interesting. We’ve had missed payments before, but never over a weekend.”

A spokesperson for Paymentsense told RN the delay was due to “a technical issue with one of our payment partners’’.

The company said: “All transfers expected on 3 October were paid on 4 October by 4pm. We understand how important cash flow is to businesses. We’re continuing to work with our payments partners to ensure our customers’ Paymentsense service is as resilient as possible.”

Vale of Mowbray folds Pork-pie supplier Vale of Mowbray entered administration last week, leaving stores to find alternative brands.

Wholesalers recommended alternative lines from companies including Higgidy, Dickinson & Morris and Pork Farms, all of which offer snack lines for food-to-go ranges.

Administrators for Vale of Mowbray, which counted most major supermarkets among its stockists, blamed “significant financial challenges” including energy costs and recruitment problems for the company’s decline.

p4 Breaking News.indd 4

EXCLUSIVE

Natasha’s Law breaches rife in convenience stores

by Alex Yau alex.yau@newtrade.co.uk

Breaches of food-allergen legislation Natasha’s Law are rife in convenience stores, just a year on from its introduction, trading standards officers have warned.

The legislation, implemented on 1 October 2021, requires UK businesses who sell fresh pre-packed food for direct sale to list all the ingredients and allergens on the packaging.

This can include products such as sandwiches, wraps, salads, olives and pastries.

Businesses found in breach of Natasha’s Law will initially be issued with an enforcement notice. The most severe penalties for not following the enforcement notices can escalate to unlimited fines and a six-month prison sentence.

Despite the potential penalties, non-compliance in food businesses was still common a year since Natasha’s Law was introduced.

One environmental health officer based in the south of England, who

asked not to be named, told RN: “We’ve visited takeaways and convenience stores who have to follow Natasha’s Law and compliance isn’t great.

“They don’t think they have to follow it, and a lot of the publicity has been around chains such as Greggs and Pret a Manger.

“Some businesses are consciously trying to get around the restrictions by not following the rules on packaging. Our compliance officers do get the message out and we give advice to them on how to be compliant.

“We chase it up, but we can’t enforce it. We can only submit reports about non-compliance to trading standards.”

One environmental health manager from Medway Council added that the council had carried out 676 food hygiene inspections, and a further 239 inspections on new food businesses between October 2021 to October 2022.

They said: “Natasha’s Law should have been discussed at every inspection where it was relevant.

Officers would then undertake a graduated enforcement approach – particularly with new legislation – with further actions ranging from verbal advice, to written advice, then potentially improvement notices or prosecution.”

Enforcement levels of

Natasha’s Law also varied across the UK. Amit Puntambekar, of Ash’s Shop in Cambridgeshire, told RN: “We’ve not had any enforcement officers visit, but I don’t know if that’s because customers aren’t reporting us.

“Our bakery sales seem to have benefited from the packaging having all the ingredients and allergens listed on them. Customers are more confident buying products from us.”

The restrictions were introduced following the death of Natasha EdnanLaperouse, after she had an allergic reaction to a sandwich purchased from fast-food chain Pret a Manger.

PO accepts late shortfall applications The Post Office (PO) has confirmed it is now accepting late application by postmasters to the Historical Shortfall Scheme, following government funding.

The scheme was initially launched in May 2020 to compensate those postmasters who had to cover financial shortfalls in their branch accounts caused by the Horizon IT system, but were not convicted.

Despite 82% of eligible claimants having now received an offer, and £52m distributed in total, individuals remain who were unable to apply for the scheme while it was open, due to illness or being abroad.

New postal affairs minister Dean Russell said: “My priority is to ensure that all those affected by the Horizon scandal receive compensation fairly and quickly.

“By coming forward with additional funding, we are ensuring that innocent postmasters who were unable to tap into the Historical Shortfall Scheme do not miss out on the compensation they deserve.”

PO confirmed it would be writing to all individuals who have contacted them about a late application to inform them of the update.

The move comes four

months after the government confirmed it would pay an interim £19.5m to the original 555 postmasters who formed the Historical Shortfall Scheme.

At the time, previous small business minister Paul Scully explained: “These postmasters played a crucial role in uncovering the scandal, but, due to legal and funders’ costs, have received less compensation than others.”

11/10/2022 14:03

RN 14 October 2022 // betterRetailing.com

SYMBOL NEWS

Tesco: Jack’s to meet cost-of-living squeeze

by Alex Yau alex.yau@newtrade.co.uk

Tesco has identified the Jack’s own-label range as a key area to help independent retailers support and maintain customers during the cost-of-living crisis.

Speaking during a presentation on the supermarket’s financial results for the six months ending 31 August, Tesco chief executive Ken Murphy referenced the challenges of the cost-ofliving on the retail sector.

Asked by RN how this would impact Booker stores, Murphy said: “Booker has performed exceptionally during the first half of the year and it will continue to do so.

Our independent retailers are brilliant because they’re true entrepreneurs so close to their communities.

“They’re responsive to changes in customer needs and we’ll support them. That will sustain Booker’s performance in the market.

“Independent retailers were clear that they wanted an own-label proposition that is credible and strong in both value and

quality. The Jack’s brand does that for them – we’re very pleased with it and it will work well in the current environment.”

During the period, Booker opened 195 Londis, Budgens and Premier stores. Commenting on the reason behind the growth in store numbers, Murphy added: “Independent retailers are switching to the Booker banners. They’re not new retailers in terms of opening new shops, but they’re new to the Booker franchise family.

“Retailers are seeing the quality of the Booker proposition and independents are attracted to it.”

In comparison, One Stop opened five stores during the period. Explaining the difference with Booker symbol store openings, Murphy said: “This is a net figure and as some One Stop stores mature, they will become big enough for the Tesco Express format.

“We’re really pleased with One Stop’s performance and the unique job it does at the heart of local communities.”

In a separate presentation with market analysts, Murphy said the wholesaler had opened “two retail hubs to absorb more of our retail trade and create space to grow

even further in catering”.

He added: “We feel really optimistic about the future for Booker.

We think it’s going from strength to strength. We think people will still want to celebrate this Christmas and we know that Booker is probably the best-placed wholesaler to support the industry.”

The results revealed that total Booker sales during the six-month period reached £4.4bn, a 13.9% like-for-like annual increase.

The wholesaler’s retail arm made up more than half of total sales at £2.4bn, a 2.2% like-forlike rise.

Nisa £5m price drop ‘not enough’ The wholesale pricing (WSP) across 1,000 Co-op lines in Nisa stores has resulted in a net reduction of nearly £250, despite the wholesaler investing £5m to improve costs.

Last month, newly appointed Nisa managing director Peter Batt pledged to retailers that the investment would help address ongoing disparities between pricing in Nisa

p5 Symbols News.indd 5

and Co-op stores. The £5m was used to reduce pricing on 1,014 lines, but Nisa stressed there would also be price increases on other products.

In analysis by RN of the affected lines, there was a total reduction of £1,083.55 in wholesale price.

The average difference in RRP between Nisa and Co-op stores was £115.96, with the multiple coming

out cheaper across all the lines, which included soft drinks, ambient, fresh produce, meat and desserts.

As a result of the reductions, the average margin across all products increased from 27% to 33%.

Despite the drop in pricing, the total increase across 870 other lines was £837.07, equating to a net decrease of £246.48 as a result of the investment.

Commenting on the analysis, one Nisa retailer said: “This is not enough.

There’s been a huge negative reaction to the investment from every retailer I’ve spoken to.”

A Nisa spokesperson said: “At a time when prices are going up everywhere, we are investing in Co-op own brand and bringing prices down for our retailers.”

5

Cyprofood expands range Fresh food wholesaler Cyprofood has expanded its range from 2,000 to 8,000 lines following the relocation of its cash and carry.

The company held the grand opening of its new site on the Brantwood Industrial Estate in Tottenham, north London, on 1 October. It is based on the same site as rival Bestway.

Cyprofood chairman Cetin Agcagul used the event to announce that the company would be expanding the range available to retailers.

He said: “Our main activity is around wholesale food activity. We are covering the whole of UK with logistics from our distribution centres.

“Cyprofood started its journey with fruit and vegetables. We have updated our portfolio from 2,000 to 8,000. The range includes fruit and veg, frozen foods, ambient products and groceries.”

Fresh new deal with DSL SimplyFresh retailers can now offer customers electrical, gardening, petcare and DIY goods through a new partnership with DSL Group.

Wholesaler DSL already supplies products to Sainsbury’s Co-op and several forecourt groups.

Commenting on the partnership, SimplyFresh chief operating officer Kash Khera said: “We have seen great performance in sales and successful promotions since partnering with DSL Group. It takes the headache out of sourcing products.”

11/10/2022 11:32

6

NEWS & MAGS

Telegraph reruns late again

Reruns affecting the Telegraph again caused extremely late deliveries into wholesalers and independent retailers on the first weekend in October.

Stores in south-west and south-east England were the worst hit. Data seen by RN revealed 172 reruns took place, with almost 60,000 copies involved, affecting 3,280 retailers.

The news comes two weeks after the same title carried out 376 reruns, impacting 7,612 retailers.

At the time, chair of The Fed’s news committee, Muntazir Dipoti, called for reform in the supply chain “to improve its ability to react in real time, so retailers can be updated”.

Problems continued last weekend, with industry data showing Saturday's Telegraph only hit scheduled arrival times in 43% of wholesale depots.

Kelsey & Morton to Seymour Magazine distributor Seymour is to distribute Kelsey Media and Mortons print titles after gaining the publishers from rival Marketforce this month.

Kelsey Media has more than 80 multimedia brands, including a roster of automotive and hobby titles such as Coast, Fast Car and Outdoor Fitness.

Bookazine expert Mortons’ range includes hobby, automotive and lifestyle magazines such as Fast Bikes, The Railway and Kitchen Garden.

Industry sources claimed rising cost pressures in print, distribution and energy are encouraging publishers to switch distributors.

p6 News and Mags.indd 6

betterRetailing.com // 14 October 2022 RN

EXCLUSIVE

Publishers fail to win back space in Aldi stores

by Jack Courtez

jack.courtez@newtrade.co.uk

News publisher efforts to secure listings in nearly 1,000 Aldi sites in the UK were dashed last week when the discounter ended its in-store newspaper trials.

An Aldi spokesperson confirmed print titles had been removed from sale on 3 October. They told RN: “A short-term trial selling newspapers and magazines at a small number of our stores has come to an end.”

Selected Aldi sites began selling a limited range of six national newspapers in early 2021 in a trial spearheaded by the Daily Mail.

The trial came around 18 months after Aldi removed newspapers and magazines from its stores due to an alleged dispute with magazine merchandiser Fore.

One industry source claimed Aldi’s trial was being “watched closely” by rival supermarkets, with the end decision not to proceed with a rollout putting more pressure on the newspaper and magazine categories in other major grocers.

Another industry source told RN: “When you consider the value of the newspaper category in Aldi’s rival Lidl, you can see why Aldi’s decision is a major upset for publishers, especially as, when the trial started, they thought a wider rollout was in the bag.”

Although publishers had claimed 40 Aldi stores were involved, RN understands the final number stood at 20 sites spread mostly between Greater London, the south-east and East Midlands.

When the trial began, The Fed and independent retailers near to

participating Aldi stores expressed concerns over the impact on local shop sales, while those higher up the supply chain claimed it was good news “for everyone who benefits from greater volumes in the supply chain”.

A newsagent less than a three-minute walk to one of the trial Aldi stores confirmed they had seen a slight uplift in sales early last week. “On Monday and Tuesday, we had nextto-no returns on the day’s papers,” they said.

The decision by Aldi to axe the category comes as grocery retailers look to streamline operations and

cut costs to pass on savings to consumers.

Towns with Aldi stores that News UK claimed were selling newspapers before last week were Alfreton, Alton, Anerley, Belper, Bingham, Boston, Brighton, Charlton, Clay Cross, Coulsdon, Dover, Ewell, Fareham, Gosport, Grantham, Gravesend, Heanor, Hucknall, Ilkeston, Kidbrooke, Kingston upon Thames, Kirkby-inAshfield, Lewes, Lincoln, Mansfield, New Malden, Newark, Portsmouth, Sevenoaks, Skegness, Sleaford, Sutton-inAshfield, Thamesmead and Tooting.

The Fed and News Team join forces Home news delivery (HND) company News Team Group and The Fed have agreed to work together to tackle some of the biggest issues facing newspaper delivery agents.

Discussing a meeting between the two parties last week, The Fed’s head of news, Brian Murphy, said areas of collaboration would include “helping

our members that do want to exit the home news delivery market to do so, our pro-print strategy of promoting the value of newspapers and magazines to consumers and also a mutual support for sub-retailing”.

The dialogue was part of a The Fed meeting that also included Mail Newspapers, PaperRound and Papers Direct.

Murphy said the meeting recognised “changing consumer shopping habits and their expectations”. He added proposals to improve home news delivery were put forward by publishers in attendance.

News Team Group operations director Paul Goddard said: “We’re looking forward to working with The Fed to sup-

port and promote home news delivery. With the vast industry knowledge that News Team Group has within its ranks, I expect this to be a long and successful relationship.”

The meeting follows Mail Newspapers’ withdrawal from DeliverMyNewspaper to focus on its standalone HND service launched in August.

11/10/2022 11:51

7

RN 14 October 2022 // betterRetailing.com

FED NEWS

In partnership with

Republic of Ireland

Retailers welcome gov’t energy support scheme

by Helena Drakakis editorial@newtrade.co.uk

Irish Fed members have welcomed the government's offer of up to €10,000 per month to help with energy bills, but fears remain stores may be forced to close.

Under the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme, qualifying businesses will be able to claim up to 40% of the increase in their bills.

Announcing the scheme in the 2023 budget, tánaiste and minister for enterprise, trade and employment Leo Varadkar said: “Businesses are worried heading into the winter. The cost of energy and of doing business is rising.

Interest rates are going up.

Consumer confidence is waning.

“This Budget is about putting more money in people’s pockets and reducing the bills that people and businesses have to pay.”

The scheme, which

is set to run to “at least February 2023”, will be operated by the Revenue Commissioner and backdated to September 2022.

While it is set to help small businesses, medium-sized and larger businesses can apply.

Republic of Ireland district president Martin Mulligan said the move was good news for many retailers. However, he feared that it would be too late for some, and that the qualification criteria may adversely affect others.

“We welcome help, but in order to qualify, you have to be 100% tax compliant. There will be many small traders who are struggling to keep up with their tax payments because of soaring costs and who are paying in instalments, and the worry is that help may not be available for them. Those people are in urgent need of help,” he said.

Mulligan added that The Fed in Ireland would like to see the appointment of

an independent ombudsman to access claims.

“We’ve been calling for years for an ombudsman for independent businesses. So many people are just going to give up.

The independent business needs protection and retailers need a body they can turn to,” he said.

Peter Steemers, owner of Steemers-O’Leary’s newsagents in County Wexford, also welcomed the scheme.

“Any help for retailers is welcome. People are struggling with bills that have doubled and tripled in cost as well as other trading expenses that have increased, such as insurance and employment costs.”

As well as the support scheme, Businesses in Ireland are also set to benefit from an EU-wide windfall tax on energy producers.

It was agreed after a deal was hammered out between EU member states last week.

Ireland is expected to raise between €1bn and

€2bn from the tax. However, it is as yet unclear how that money will be spent.

In the same deal, EU ministers also agreed on a voluntary target to cut electricity use by 10% and a mandatory energy savings target of 5% during peak hours.

The approach contrasts with new UK prime minister Liz Truss’s plans. To date, the UK government has rejected a levy on fossil fuel producers’ profits, instead opting to borrow to fund a new Energy Bill Relief Scheme.

The scheme, announced last month, will provide a discount on wholesale gas and electricity prices for non-domestic customers.

Stores in the UK currently signing new fixedpriced contracts (FPCs), those who signed FPCs on or after 1 April and those on variable, flexible purchase or out-of-contract tariffs are all eligible for the Energy Bill Relief Scheme.

National

PayPoint begins forum programme PayPoint has begun a series of nationwide forums to help Fed members understand changes to its services and to improve its offer.

The company’s first forum was held in Westway Park in Havedock, where 12 Fed members were talked through changes PayPoint has introduced and how they can benefit from new transactions and revenue streams.

Members also had an opportunity to give feed-

back and report problems.

PayPoint’s corporate affairs and marketing director, Steve O’Neill, said: “It was a great opportunity to get members in the northwest together to listen to their challenges and update them on the massive changes our business has undergone.

“I would like to thank the participants for their honest, constructive feedback. We got lots out of the session to build into our plans.”

Harish Kanthasamy, who owns four shops including a Premier store in College Street, St Helens, said: “These meetings are important for retailers to understand what PayPoint is doing to help us.”

Fed business development manager Simon Winter added: “We conducted a survey among those members who attended the forum, and the feedback obtained from all attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with all

respondents rating the session as ‘excellent’.”

O’Neill said he was looking forward to future meetings with members across the UK. If any district wants to arrange a forum with PayPoint in the coming months, they can email simon.winter@ nfrn.org.uk.

PayPoint has also held a series of meetings with The Fed’s national executive team, which will be ongoing.

Contact Megan Humphrey with your trade news on 07597 588972, megan.humphrey@newtrade.co.uk or @MeganHumphrey_

p7 Fed News.indd 7

Northern Ireland

Stranger kindness celebrated A Northern Ireland member is celebrating the kindness of strangers after receiving donations to help customers struggling with bills.

Eugene Diamond, of Diamonds Newsagents in Ballymena, County Antrim, received a letter that included £20.

The note read: “Please put this behind the till and use it the next time an elderly man or woman needs to buy teabags or some heat.”

The letter arrived after Diamond tweeted about the impact of the cost-ofliving crisis on his customers. He said: “I’ve had a number of messages from people who want to help.

I’ve pointed them in the direction of two local charities, but people have also come in and left money.

“As well as this letter, a man walked in and handed me £50 to put towards helping any customer who might need the support.”

Scotland

Trade day at Booker Makro Fed members are invited to a Scottish trade day where they can meet with experts, suppliers and retailers, and enjoy a range of product deals.

The event, to take place at Booker’s Makro depot in Edinburgh on 19 October, will run from 9am to 5pm and will coincide with a Scottish district council meeting.

A Fed spokesperson said: “This is an opportunity to network with the experts, Fed members and suppliers, and to enjoy exclusive offers and promotions.”

11/10/2022 12:34

8

YOUR VIEWS Cheap-rate paper promos are bad news

I am really frustrated with the Chronicle’s latest promotional offer, which gives readers the chance to buy the paper for £1 for eight weeks.

The number of publishers doing promotions like this have increased so much this year, and it hits us independent retailers hard.

I’ve spoken to other store owners, and I’m not the only one who feels like they are being treated badly.

Some even said they were tempted to cancel newspapers altogether because of these sorts of promotions.

I’ve found in these instances that they end up taking customers’ information and then eventually sell the newspapers to them far cheaper. Then, when the promotion has ended, they bombard them with further emails.

Whatever way you look at it, we are the ones who

betterRetailing.com // 14 October 2022 RN

Get in touch

letters@newtrade.co.uk 020 7689 3357

VIEW FROM THE COUNTER with Julie and Joey Duhra I [Julie] was due to run the London Marathon last weekend, but I sprained my ankle playing netball a few days before. I will be running next April, however, so I’m continuing to raise money. We are taking every month as it comes at the moment.

We’ve noticed, due to price increases on certain products, that the buying habits of school and college kids have changed. They are buying cheaper items when they come in at lunchtime, which is unusual, as they rarely seemed to worry about how much they were spending before. We still get a lot of footfall from them, and it’s not a huge concern, but just something we’ve picked up on.

Issues around availability seem to have eased a little in recent weeks, which is welcome. We are looking to start stocking Halloween lines soon, and impulse will be a focus for us. People who have forgotten to buy sweets often buy them from us at the last minute. are continuing to lose income as a result, and it’s getting harder. The thing is, whether it is just one customer who takes up an offer like this, or 100 customers, it affects us.

I am fed up of these publishers continuing to bypass independents.

I’m even more fed up that in the end they end up

retaining our customers.

Times are really tough at the moment, economically, and this just feels like a massive kick in the teeth when we really don’t need it.

Ali Awan H&H Convenience Store, Gateshead

A spokesperson for Reach failed to respond by the time RN went to press

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO We are excited to attend RN’s Women in Convenience event in Birmingham next month. It will be great to get the opportunity to sit down with other females in the industry and hear about what affects them, and think of ways we can work together to improve the situation.

This is a topic close to our hearts, and we look forward to making new connections.

YOUR SAY

INDEPENDENT STORES NEED POLICIES, NOT PLATITUDES

Yes 41%

Pete Cheema, chief executive, SGF They sell and promote their brand throughout the year – however, at this particular time, the promotional activity increases markedly and value for money is promised along with assurances and guarantees that you won’t be disappointed.

Yes, you guessed correctly – it is party conference season again.

Out they come, each party having their few days to impress and to reach out not just to

p8 Your Views.indd 8

their paid-up membership, but beyond that to the country at large, trying to convince the public that they offer the best way forward. It can all get a bit confusing – it is information overload, but how much of it is actually meaningful?

For convenience retailers, it is not about soundbites, trending on social media or getting a standing ovation. At this moment, it is about business survival and being able to provide

the services and grocery offering their customers and the communities they serve have come to rely on.

That is not easy when inflation is at its highest since the 1970s and interest rates are at levels not seen for 40 years or more, all while we are amid a cost-of-living crisis which is also hitting consumers in the pocket.

Business agility and entrepreneurship, the very things we need to stimulate economic recovery, will be critical going for-

ward. Our politicians and those tasked with making the key decisions need to recognise this.

The message was loud and clear from the Scottish Grocers’ Federation annual conference, which took place on 6-7 October, in Glasgow – convenience stores stimulate economic growth and build resilience into the communities which they serve. If that is to continue, the sector needs urgent, tangible support from government, not platitudes.

No 59%

Have you already started preparing for the upcoming World Cup? NEXT WEEK’S QUESTION Are you happy Allwyn will be taking over from Camelot as Lottery operator?

Vote now @ThisIsRN

11/10/2022 12:40

WIN

NORDIC SPIRIT

prizes worth up to

PERFECT STORE

£20,000 with Nordic Spirit* A TRIP FOR TWO TO THE NORDIC REGION

0

£2,00

REDIT

LER C OLESA

WH

Apple 10.9” iPad Air (2022) 256GB

A Nordic Spirit store makeover**

£2,000 wholesaler credit

An accredited winner’s trophy and certificate

A national trade press campaign to showcase YOUR store!

Tickets to events

Think you’ve got the perfect store to win?

Scan the QR code to access the guidance booklet to find out more and prepare for the Perfect Store competition.

A years supply of Nordic Spirit***

*Full T&Cs available to view on JTI Advance. **Includes: fascia, window skin/wraps, canopy, signage, sundry items such as bins, paper racks etc, digital solutions ***52 outers. A total sales value of £1690 if sold at RRP as of 14/02/2022

RN Full page ad.indd 1

Excellent

Trustpilot rating correct as of July 2022.

06/10/2022 17:05

10

betterRetailing.com // 14 October 2022 RN

PRODUCT NEWS Doritos launches Pepperoni flavour

Mars Wrigley’s Christmas range

RRP £1.25 PMP

Available now

PepsiCo has launched a Loaded Pepperoni Pizza variety of Doritos to drive sharing occasion sales. The HFSS-compliant flavour is made with more corn than other Doritos varieties, giving it more crunch. Sharing occasions are worth £2.5bn and Gen-Z, which the supplier is targeting with the launch, comprises 67% of sharing moments with friends. A marketing campaign supporting the launch is running this month.

Mars Wrigley has unveiled its Christmas 2022 range, with new launches joining returning popular sellers. This year's launches include M&M’s Santas, hollow chocolates filled with mini-M&M’s and wrapped in foil (RRP £2.99); Maltesers Mint Reindeers, available in self-eat bars and sharing bags (RRPs 65p and £1.29); Galaxy Truffles Assortment (RRP £4.99); and Maltesers Assorted Truffles (RRP £4.99).

Mayfair birthday competition

Coca-Cola World Cup promo

Enter at jtiadvance.co.uk/competition

On-pack spans Original Taste, Zero Sugar 500ml bottles and multipack cans

JTI UK is marking Mayfair’s 30th birthday by offering retailers the chance to win a £50 or £100 Amazon voucher by entering into a competition on the supplier’s trade website, JTI Advance.

Retailers can also gain an additional entry by submitting a short quote on the website about how Mayfair has brought them sales success in the past 30 years. Currently, Mayfair has an annual retail sales value of £442.7m.

Coca-Cola has launched its FIFA World Cup campaign, ‘Believing is magic’. As part of the campaign, from 17 October, shoppers buying promotional 500ml bottles and multipack cans of Coca-Cola Original Taste and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar will have the chance to win one of 10,000 limited-edition branded footballs. The campaign also spans TV, radio, outdoor, digital and social media, as well as the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola.

Heineken updates eco-packaging

Cadbury cuts plastic in packs

Available now

Rolling out now

Heineken UK has launched an updated version of its sustainable Green Grip packaging. The supplier has updated the 100% recyclable cardboard packaging, which initially replaced plastic can rings in August 2020 and has saved 336 tonnes of single-use plastic. As part of a £14m investment by the supplier, Green Grip now has a double layer of cardboard which is meant to be sturdier and easier for retailers and customers to handle.

p10-11 Product news.indd 10

Mondelez International has updated the packaging of its Cadbury Dairy Milk and Mini Snowballs 110g sharing bars so it is made with 30% recycled plastic. The packaging will be certified by the Independent Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) and supplied in partnership with packaging developer Amcor.

This marks part of Mondelez’s goal to reduce virgin plastic in its packaging by 5% by 2025.

10/10/2022 12:19

11

RN 14 October 2022 // betterRetailing.com

Visit the website betterRetailing.com/products to find out more about product launches

SPECIALIST CHOICE

Priyanka Jethwa Senior features writer @PriyankaJethwa_

020 7689 3355 priyanka.jethwa@newtrade.co.uk

Nestlé cuts plastic packaging

by Jasper Hart jasper.hart@newtrade.co.uk

New non-HFSS pork crackling Robert’s Dorset has launched nonHFSS Proper Pork Crackling Natural Triple Zero, which contains no sugar, salt or carbohydrates.

RRP £3.50 Contact trade@sct-sct.com

Manuka honey from New Zealand New Zealand-based Taylor Pass Honey Co has launched its range of manuka honey products in the UK through wholesaler CLF Distribution.

RRP TBC Contact customerservices@clfdistribution.com

Plant-based choc orange launches Plant-based chocolate brand Butterm!lk has launched Orange Choccy Segments and Choccy Truffles with Spiced Caramel in time for the festive season.

RRP £3-£4 Contact info@buttermilk.co.uk

p10-11 Product news.indd 11

Nestlé Confectionery is updating the packaging of its Quality Street and KitKat brands to make them more sustainable.

Quality Street’s twistwrapped sweets will move to recyclable paper packaging, which the supplier says will remove more than two billion pieces of packaging material from its supply chain.

Nine of the 11 Quality Street sweets will move to paper packaging. Orange Crunch and Green Triangle will remain in foil, as they have traditionally not had cellulose wrappers.

The transition to paper packaging is under way, but the supplier says customers will find a mix

of old and new wrappers in Quality Street products this Christmas.

Meanwhile, KitKat will introduce wrappers made with 80% recycled plastic, which can be recycled at more than 5,000 supermarkets across the UK, as well as through household recycling in the Republic of Ireland.

The rollout will begin this month on KitKat’s two-finger products before being extended across the whole range by 2024.

The supplier claims the move will make KitKat the brand that uses the highest proportion of recycled food-grade plastic of any major UK and Ireland confectionery brand.

STG UK makes nicotine-pouch debut with Ström Scandinavian Tobacco Group UK (STG UK) has entered the nicotinepouch category with the launch of Ström, which is also its first non-tobacco product.

Ström is a plant-based product, made with a resin-based formula, as opposed to many competitors, which are salt-based.

Its container is also made from 100% plantbased plastic made with pine oil extracted from pine leftovers.

Launching in Fresh Mint, Minty Orange and Juicy Berry varieties, Ström is initially available to retailers across Manchester for a six-month trial period between October and March, before

a wider expansion across the UK throughout 2023.

STG UK will be supporting the launch by sending members of its sales team to stores to explain how it is different from competitors and offer retailers free stock to sell.

Alastair Williams, STG UK’s country director, said: “Retailers would be

forgiven for thinking the nicotine-pouch category was already crowded, but we’re coming to the market with something more authentic, premium and sophisticated than what is already out there.”

The supplier will be supporting the trial with outdoor advertising in Manchester from October to December.

10/10/2022 12:19

12

betterRetailing.com // 14 October 2022 RN

PRICEWATCH Profit checker Vape devices

LOST MARY DISPOSABLE BLUE RAZZ ICE 600 PUFFS Price distribution % 40% 31.35% of transactions are processed at £5.99

36% 32% 28% 24% 20% 16% 12% 8% 4%

£7.99

£7

£6.99

£6.50

£6.49

£6.30

£6

£5.99

£5.50

£5.49

£5.30

£5

£4.99

£4.75

£4.50

£4.30

£4.25

£3.99

£4

0%

Behind the numbers More than 600,000 new vapers have entered the category in the UK in the past year, according to Action on Smoking and Health. With a clear growth opportunity, where can retailers boost profits?

This week’s data shows retailers can capitalise on shoppers’ appetite for modern dispos-

Richard Inglis STORE Welcome Harbour Parade LOCATION

Southampton SIZE 2,700sq ft TYPE City centre

TOP PRODUCTS Elf Bar Blue Razz Lemonade Elf Bar Watermelon Elf Bar Pink Lemonade

p12-13 Pricewatch.indd 12

ables. Fifty-five per cent are charging up to £7.99 for IVG’s Rainbow Disposable, with 32% sticking to the most-common price of £5.

Similarly, 51% are also going as high as £7.99 on Geek Bar Blueberry Sour Raspberry, with 48% selling at the most-common price of £5.99.

Many retailers offer disposables on two-for-£10

Our customers have gone mad for Elf Bars – they’re the only devices we stock. Back in the day, we tried open systems and liquids, but people started buying them online and they were much cheaper. Elf Bars have been just insane for us. I’m ordering about £8,000-worth of stock per week, but it comes in, turns over and is out the door. It’s simple for our customers. I don’t want to stock a lot of different brands, I think most people are fairly lazy and Elf Bars work for vapers in the same way cigarettes do compared to roll-your-own for smokers.

deals, which possibly explains their willingness to price higher for singles.

Traditional vape kits are more expensive, explaining why these are more competitively priced. Blu’s Pro Starter Kit is sold by 76% of retailers at its most-common price of £17.99, although 21% are going as high as £22.50.

Sue Nithyanandan STORE Costcutter

Epsom

LOCATION

Epsom, Surrey SIZE 2,600sq ft TYPE Residential

TOP PRODUCTS Elf Bar Watermelon Elf Bar Kiwi, Passionfruit & Guava Elf Bar Strawberry Ice

I work with Aquavape for my range. Mordern disposables are doing well – my vape sales have more than doubled since we started selling them. We primarily sell Geek Bar, Smok Bar and Elf Bar. We do a limited range of kits as well, but there’s less demand for those, they’re anything from £25 while modern disposables are easier and cheaper. Modern disposables are also more discreet and smaller.

We also do quite well on Iqos heated tobacco. Aquavape has partnered with them, so they are promoting the brand.

10/10/2022 16:08

13

RN 14 October 2022 // betterRetailing.com Data supplied by

Next week’s Pricewatch: Red wine

Price distribution chart

Tamara Birch

Visit the website

Retail Data Partnership is a specialist data and EPoS supplier committed to serving the independent retail sector. To find out how they can help you improve your business, call 01780 480562

Deputy insight & advertorial editor @TamaraBirchNT

020 7689 3361

betterRetailing.com/ pricewatch

tamara.birch@newtrade.co.uk

Percentage of stores selling above, below and at the most-common retail price PRODUCT NAME

LOWEST PRICE

MOST-COMMON PRICE

HIGHEST PRICE

LOGIC COMPACT STARTER KIT CHARCOAL

£4

£10

£25.99

VUSE EPOD 2

£2.99

£4.99

£19.99

VUSE EPEN STARTER KIT GRAPHITE BLACK

£4.99

£9.99

£18.99

VUSE GO DISPOSABLE 20ML BLUEBERRY ICE 500 PUFFS

£3.99

£5.99

£6.99

DOT PRO STARTER KIT 20MG MENTHOL

£5

£12.99

£14.99

IVG DISPOSABLE 20MG RAINBOW 2ML 600 PUFFS

£4.99

£5

£7.99

EDGE PRO STARTER KIT

£19.99

£25

£29.99

LOST MARY DISPOSABLE BLUE RAZZ ICE 600 PUFFS

£3.99

£5.99

£7.99

CRYSTAL BAR DISPOSABLE 20ML CHERRY ICE 600 PUFFS

£3.99

£5

£7

GEEK BAR DISPOSABLE 20MG BLUEBERRY SOUR RASPBERRY 2ML 575 PUFFS

£4

£5.99

£7.99

ELF BAR 600 DISPOSABLE 20MG WATERMELON 600 PUFFS

£4

£5.99

£7

BLU PRO OPEN SYSTEM STARTER KIT

£14.99

£17.99

£22.50

Must-stock products Logic Compact Starter Kit Charcoal

69%

28%

Vuse ePod 2

58%

41%

Vuse ePen Starter Kit Graphite Black Vuse Go Disposable 20ml Blueberry Ice 500 puffs

88%

Dot Pro Starter Kit 20mg Menthol

13%

Edge Pro Starter Kit

12%

7%

55%

32% 86%

Lost Mary Disposable Blue Razz Ice 600 puffs

69%

Crystal Bar Disposable 20ml Cherry Ice 600 puffs

11%

29%

41%

Geek Bar Disposable 20mg Blueberry Sour Raspberry 2ml 575 puffs

48%

51%

48%

Elf Bar 600 Disposable 20mg Watermelon 600 puffs

76%

Blu Pro Open System Starter Kit

23%

76%

0

20

40 Below mostcommon price

p12-13 Pricewatch.indd 13

10%

82%

11%

IVG Disposable 20mg Rainbow 2ml 600 puffs

How to use this data

10%

86%

1

Use the price-checker table to see what the most common prices are for a key line in the category.

2

21%

60

80

Most-common price

Use the price distribution chart to see the range of prices being charged on 12 key lines.

3

100 Above mostcommon price

Use the must-stock products table to see the percentage of retailers charging above, below and at the most-common price.

10/10/2022 16:08

14

betterRetailing.com // 14 October 2022 RN

PRICEWATCH

Tamara Birch Deputy insight & advertorial editor @TamaraBirchNT

020 7689 3361 tamara.birch@newtrade.co.uk

Wholesale checker Crisps, snacks & nuts shoppers are spending an extra £100 in the category, a 14% year-on-year increase. Value is an important mission to cater to, and sharing bags will help achieve this, as well as to help capitalise on nights in. We compare pricing across five wholesalers to help you attain the best margins AVG – Average RRP N/A – Information not available PMP – Price-marked pack * – On promotion P – Diff erent pack size C – Diff erent case size

WHOLESALER 1

WHOLESALER 2

WHOLESALER 3

WHOLESALER 4

WHOLESALER 5

Booker Wholesale

Abra Wholesale

Youings

SOS Wholesale

Time Wholesale

National delivered cash & carry wholesaler

National delivered cash & carry wholesaler

National delivered wholesaler

National delivered wholesaler

National delivered and cash & carry wholesaler

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

RRP

WSP

RRP

WSP

RRP

WSP

RRP

WSP

RRP

WSP

Hula Hoops Big Hoops BBQ Beef 70g

£1 PMP

70p

£1 PMP

75p

£1 PMP

76p

£1 PMP

60p

£1 PMP

56p

Walkers Cheese & Onion 65g

£1 PMP

78p

£1 PMP

£1

£1.25 PMP

£1.03

N/A

N/A

£1 PMP

61p*

Cheetos Twisted Flamin' Hot 65g

£1.25 PMP

97p

£1 PMP

80p*

£1 PMP

82p

£1 PMP

80p

£1 PMP

61p*

Walkers Monster Munch Roast Beef 72g

£1.25 PMP

97p

£1 PMP

84p

£1 PMP

83p

N/A

N/A

£1 PMP

61p*

Walkers Quavers Cheese 54g

£1 PMP

78p

£1 PMP

80p

£1 PMP

82p

£1 PMP

80p

£1 PMP

61p*

Doritos Chilli Heatwave 70g

£1.25 PMP

92p

£1.25 PMP

79p

£1.25 PMP

95p

£1.25 PMP

93p

£1 PMP

68p*

Doritos Tangy Cheese 70g

£1.25 PMP

92p

£1.25 PMP

79p

£1.25 PMP

95p

£1.25 PMP

93p

£1.25 PMP

78p

Walkers Ready Salted 65g

£1 PMP

78p

£1 PMP

£1

£1 PMP

83p

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Nik Naks Nice n Spicy 75g

£1 PMP

58p*

£1 PMP

74p

£1 PMP

76p

£1 PMP

59p

£1 PMP

67p

Walkers Sensations Thai Sweet Chilli 65g

£1.25 PMP

97p

£1 PMP

80p

£1 PMP

83p

£1 PMP

80p

£1 PMP

74p*

DISCLAIMER: Prices accurate as of 7 October, prices may vary by region.

Rebates, delivery costs and membership fees not included. All prices are inclusive of VAT. Minimum or maximum orders may apply.

Cheapest wholesale price

DEAL OF THE WEEK PRODUCT Walkers Monster Munch Roast Beef 72g WHOLESALER Time Wholesale SINGLE UNIT PRICE 61p* MARGIN AT LOWEST RRP 38.73%

p14 Wholesale Pricewatch.indd 14

Kesser Mahmood STORE Da Shop LOCATION Cheadle Hulme,

Stockport

SIZE 1,300sq ft TYPE Residential

TOP TIP Focus on top sellers

It’s a very consistent category. Usually I go to Bestway or Parfetts cash and carries two-to-three times a week. I also get van sales and rep visits from PepsiCo. At the moment, availability is a bit hit and miss. I’m currently struggling to get Pringles, and the other week it was Doritos, but they’ve just had a price increase, which explains it. It’s a crazy market at the minute. I’m trying to stick with popular brands.

10/10/2022 16:00

RN Full page ad.indd 1

04/04/2022 16:05

16

STORE ADVICE

betterRetailing.com // 14 October 2022 RN

Premium opportunities Amid national belt-tightening, the RN team finds out the categories where retailers can still achieve sales without price reductions, and where upselling opportunities still lie

F

or convenience stores, upselling can come in two different formats. They can increase the overall size of the customer’s basket. Or they can encourage customers to purchase products with higher price tags.

With the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, that latter opportunity might seem fanciful to many, with customers increasingly trading down rather than up. However, there are still categories where retailers can retain and even attract customers with higher-value products.

In some instances, this will be determined by the local customer demographic. Jonathan Cobb, from Miserden Stores & Post Office in Gloucestershire, has a customer

p16-18 Store Advice.indd 16

base that stretches from very low earners to multimillionaires, meaning that while value sales will always be important, there remains a place for premium options as well.

“We’ve got a diverse customer base and they buy what they’re going to buy,” he says. “People who’ve bought value options continue to do so and people who buy premium haven’t been put off.”

Rav Garcha, who runs five stores in the West Midlands, believes that upselling is always possible.

You just have to find the product they are willing to splurge on. “Our customers aren’t our customers, they’re everyone’s customer,” he says. “They can get their products from a range of places, so you can

increase basket spend by increasing your range.”

For example, if your store is offering the same cakes that customers can pick up for less at a multiple, you can either lower your own prices or find a better kind of cake that will justify – if not demand – that higher price and promote it as the better option. It’s about finding out what customers are not willing to compromise on, what products you can stock that they can’t get anywhere and how you can get them in front of the right people at the right time.

To see what other stores are doing, go to betterRetailing. com/advice

You can increase basket spend by increasing your range RAV GARCHA

11/10/2022 10:12

17

RN 14 October 2022 // betterRetailing.com

Big nights in

Jeet Bansi has seen a definitive trend in his Londis Meon Vale store in Stratfordupon-Avon, Warwickshire, towards value across certain everyday lines. “We’ve seen sales of smaller loaves of bread increase, and I can’t keep my Euro Shopper beans on the shelf,” he says. “We’d normally go through a case a week, now we’re doing it every half week.” He is thinking of focusing on more budget lines when it comes to his Easter presales if current trends continue, especially with the increased cost of price-marked packs.

However, for now his customers are retaining money to keep spending more on pricier products for nights in with guests. “When customers are having guests round and want to have a treat, we are seeing the opposite,” he says.

“Rather than them buying own-brand tonic water, they buy Fever-Tree. We see sales of premium gins, vodkas and Belvoir pressé continuing.”

Corner a market

For Jonathan Cobb, from Miserden Store & Post Office in Gloucestershire, his mixed customer base has meant that there are always opportunities to create sales in premium products. In particular, the chilled section has always been an area that has only offered premium options, sourced locally.

“It’s always been local meats and delicatessen products,” he says. “We’ve never done anything lowerend in chilled. We found that the people who would be buying value chilled options would just go to the supermarket instead of us anyway.

So we play to the higher end of customer, and they are continuing to sell well. It’s about knowing your local customer base.”

Cobb also enjoys sales in his range of higher-end cakes – including Italian treats such as cannoli. Additionally, he has value and premium options in wine and beers, with both attracting regular sales.

p16-18 Store Advice.indd 17

»

11/10/2022 10:13

18

STORE ADVICE

betterRetailing.com // 14 October 2022 RN

People are particular about coffee

While Joe Williams, from The Village Shop in Hook Norton, Oxfordshire, stocks a range of standard and value tea and coffee products, he finds there is still ample demand for premium coffee brands from his customers.

“The Starbucks or Costa effect means people are happy to pay £5.50 for a bag of ground coffee,” he says.

“People here tend to trade up to that as well.”

After a supply issue with Taylors, Williams tried out a premium brand called Cornish Coffee and found that demand increased even further.

“We even had customers asking us not to get rid of it once we’d sorted out the supply issue because they really like it,” he says. “People will trade up for coffee and there are certainly other products where they want that specific brand – like Heinz Baked Beans – and if we haven’t got it, they go elsewhere.”

Global products

Rav Garcha runs five stores in the Midlands and has looked to social media to find out what products customers are willing to find the money to pay for. US candy, for example, is sold to people at two-to-three times the price of standard UK versions and people are still finding the money to pay for them.

“Nobody would have thought that we have customers who would spend £6 on a packet of crisps, but social media created that buzz,” he says. “People are prepared to pay that price for that perceived luxury – they’ve either got the money to do it or they’re finding it.

These products are out there and those customers are out there as well.”

Garcha says beer is another category that is enjoying a growth in demand for premium options, with mainstream standard lager sales dropping in favour of more expensive world beers and craft beers with diverse flavours. l

p16-18 Store Advice.indd 18

11/10/2022 10:13

RN 14 October 2022 // betterRetailing.com

COLUMNIST

19

Bryan Roberts

Delivery drop-off

The growth of rapid delivery services is slowing post Covid-19, heralding a shift in city-centre convenience retailing

W

hile the rapid-delivery grocery sector or ‘q-commerce’, or whatever you want to call it, saw bumper growth during the pandemic, there can be little doubt that momentum has dramatically decreased since then as evidenced by a slew of closures, withdrawals and downsizing by a number of the delivery-only operators around the world.

Compared with the Covid-19 era, when a number of these businesses were attracting huge valuations and were speculating about virtually unlimited growth, it appears the market for rapid delivery is very much finite, and will be a lot tougher than many of these operators had envisaged.

That said, there is still some ambition, with Tesco expanding its Whoosh capacity and the Co-op pledging to hike the number of stores that are serviced by partners such as Deliveroo and Uber Eats. There have also been some interesting recent endeavours by some of the pureplays to enhance the physicality of their proposition, such as Gorillas opening a

*+

dark store crossed with a coffee bar on the Finchley Road earlier this year, and this month seeing the opening of the first physical location by Deliveroo Hop on New Oxford Street.

As well as operating as a dark store, this site enables shoppers to immediately buy groceries by using McDonald’s-style ordering kiosks. This echoes similar moves

by Getir and GoPuff, both of which operate walk-in dark stores in other markets around the world.

Of course, one motivation for this is getting round opposition from local authorities who are getting resentful about dark stores and the relentless moped traffic they can create by offering a direct retail experience to shoppers, as it is expected authorities will be more amenable to this type of proposition.

Rapid-delivery grocery works on one level because time-poor and cash-rich shoppers are happy to pay a premium to avoid walking to convenience stores, instead enjoying delivery to their homes or offices. What is less clear is if the same logic will apply to these

HFSS has landed

it IT WAS A long time coming, and there were doubts about happening at all until the last minute, but the HFSS regulations landed this month. It was fascinat ing to watch the frenzied preparation from the multiples as they rejigged their stores, and this month will provide the first acid test as they try to negotiate Halloween without the usual hotspots for confectionery visibility. This year presents a real opportunity for independents to grab some seasonal market share.

p19 Bryans Column.indd 19

It appears the market for rapid delivery is finite, and will be a lot tougher than many operators envisaged

physical stores where the premium pricing might be off-putting for customers who don’t have far to travel to encounter a Co-op, a Tesco Express or a Sainsbury’s Local.

I’m always a little cynical about the rapid grocery industry, as it seems to have been propped up by excessive vouchering and discounts as the operators have battled each other for recruitment of new shoppers. The cost-of-living crisis engulfing the industry will also act as a brake on growth, as paying £5 for a food delivery becomes a luxury rather than an affordable indulgence.

There will be some customers for whom this isn’t an issue, and they will continue to use the services, but recent market-share data indicates discounters are winning new customers for whom low prices have become non-negotiable.

This opening shows that, despite the takeover-related suspended animation forced upon it by the CMA, Morrisons’ aspirations in terms of e-commerce, wholesale and convenience continue to expand, with the McColl’s acquisition on the way, as well as ongoing progress in franchising and its own e-commerce proposition.

The long-term battle for supremacy in terms of city-centre convenience retailing has a long way to go. What works in London will also work in Manchester or Birmingham, so it will be interesting to see what the coming years bring us in terms of the evolution of rapid delivery within convenience.

Bryan Roberts is a leading grocery retail and shopping expert

10/10/2022 17:39

MAYFAIR LEADING THE WAY This year marks the 30th Anniversary of Mayfair, one of JTI’s most iconic brands. Since its launch in 1992 Mayfair has continually developed to meet the changing demands of consumer markets and trends, and 2022 is no different.

30 years of heritage, quality and value have come together to create the latest addition to the range – MAYFAIR SILVER,

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

which was launched earlier this year.

MAYFAIR SILVER is a new ULTRA VALUE alternative for value conscious consumers. Available in both KING SIZE and SUPERKINGS 20s at a recommended retailer price of £10.151 it’s our lowest

The ULTRA VALUE RMC category is now the fastest growing RMC segment2, catering for adult smokers seeking affordable options from trusted tobacco brands.

price across the entire JTI portfolio of cigarette brands.

My JTI Business Adviser presented MAYFAIR SILVER to me when it was launched back in May, and I’ve been stocking it from the start. The ULTRA LOW PRICE is proving to be extremely popular with my customers and it’s already one of my top selling cigarette brands.

Steve Bassett.

Abbotsbury Road Post Office, Dorset

Mayfair Original has a loyal consumer base so I’m keeping this range available at its current price point so that it continues to deliver profitability.

So, stock Mayfair Original and Mayfair Silver at RRP1 to ensure your customers keep coming back and make the most of all the profit opportunities available to you.

1. Recommended Retailer Price effective 14th February 2022. Retailers are, of course, at all times free to sell JTI’s products at whatever price they choose.

2. IRI Market Place, Volume Share, Total RMC, Total UK, 08/08/21 vs. 31/07/22.

RN DPS.indd 4 Mayfair 30th Anniversary DPS v5.indd 1

06/10/2022 17:14

S I LV E R

THE NEW SILVER RANGE AMAZING VALUE FROM ONE OF THE UK’S MOST RECOGNISABLE BRANDS

3

10.15 RRP

£

1

AVAILABLE IN KING SIZE AND SUPERKINGS 20s

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

ose.

ULTRA LOW PRICE

For more information speak to your JTI Business Advisor, call the help desk on 0800 163503 or visit www.jtiadvance.co.uk 3. Kantar/Online One Tracker: Wave 3 2021Base: All RMC Smokers 19+ n = 1,149, All RMC/RYO/MYO n = 1,611.

RN DPS.indd 5

06/10/2022 18/08/2022 17:14 14:48

22

betterRetailing.com // 14 October 2022 RN

CIGARS

The cigar sales opportunity

Charles Whitting finds out what makes a strong-selling range of cigars and how retailers can boost sales in this growing category

W

hile cigarettes and next- their cigar and cigarillo offer all year gen nicotine might be round because it’s a high-margin the mainstream and the category and driver of footfall in headline-grabbing new- store. However, certainly in the comers respectively, retailers would run-up to Christmas, we know cigar be wise to keep a strong range of sales go up, so it’s important for cigars and cigarillos in their stores. retailers to get their range right so Not only is the category in growth, they can enjoy those extra sales and it also offers a number of rewarding profit margins.” different selling opportunities to retailers, from A VALUE OPTION AND smaller, value options A SPECIAL TREAT to flavoured innovaIn the eyes of many tions, to treats and people, a cigar is a per month premium product gifts, particularly at The value of the this time of year. with a premium cigarillo category “While obviously price tag. And in the not matching the sales case of hand-rolled volumes of cigarettes or Cuban cigars, which roll-your-own tobacco, cigars can sell for more than £20 are an important part of the tobacco a cigar, that is certainly true. But category because they drive footfall while convenience stores can and in store and particularly as a driver do sell these kinds of products to a of profit in tills, as they typically dedicated customer base, the world offer up to three times the margin of cigarillos also offers a range that that cigarettes do,” says Alastair appeals to both people looking to Williams, country director at Scantreat themselves and those looking dinavian Tobacco Group UK (STG to save some money.

UK). “Retailers should think about “Because they’re available in

£8m

p22-23 Cigars & Cigarillos.indd 22

In the run-up to Christmas, we know cigar sales go up

packs of 10 rather than in packs of 20, people who want something for under £5 will go for them,” says Dipak Shah, from H&R News in Camberley, Surrey. “Signature is our top seller, but it’s mostly oneoff purchases.”

This makes cigarillos an important fixture within your tobacco section, particularly as the cost-ofliving crisis will impact people’s expenditure, and tobacco may well be a heavily affected category.

“There’s no doubt consumers are going to be increasingly price conscious as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite,” says STG UK’s Alastair Williams. “It’s sensible to assume that value products will only increase in importance across the store, and that will certainly include cigars.”

For all the price benefits to a cigarillo purchase, retailers should also recognise that cigars are also perceived by many as a treat, a longer smoke to savour, particularly when it comes to hand-rolled Cubans, for example. And if there

»

10/10/2022 17:50

RN Full page ad.indd 1

06/10/2022 17:04

24

CIGARS was a time for retailers to highlight what’s on offer – Sterlings, Players, the indulgence and gifting offers Signatures and the rest – from the within the category, the lead-up to cheapest ones to products that are Christmas is it. £20 a cigar,” says Nijjer. “We don’t “Each year, cigar sales follow a sell massive quantities of the top very similar seasonal pattern, with end, but we sell a huge amount of a spike in volume in December,” the cheaper cigarillos. None of them says Gemma Bateson, sales director get stuck really, they all sell. Having at JTI UK. the variety gives customers that Mike Nijjer, from Costcutter Bull choice, and choice is what the indusStreet in Birmingham, has a wide try’s all about now. They’re not takrange of brands and finds that ing up room on a display. Give while customers are brand customers the choice and loyal to his premium it engenders loyalty.” products sourced from Training your staff Hunters & Frankau, about your cigars at the lower end, the ensures customers loyalty is to the price won’t feel stranded The total value of instead. at the till waiting the cigar market “When people ask for information and in the UK for cigarillos, we’ll ask will instead feel looked which one they want, after and well informed and after they’ve asked by helpful, confident and what we have, they’ll say they enthusiastic recommendations. want the cheapest ones. That’s “Having up-to-date knowledge on at the bottom end,” he says. “The the latest cigar and cigarillo prodhigher you go in value the more ucts is key to offering a good level brand comes into it.” of customer service. To confidently talk about new products, retailers SELLING CIGARS SUCCESSFULLY and their staff should use all the While cigars are exempt from plain- platforms available to them – includpackaging legislation, they are still ing JTI UK’s trade retailer website, under many of the same visual and jtiadvance.co.uk,” says Bateson. promotional restrictions as other Nijjer adds: “Because we have a tobacco products, so retailers can’t large footfall volume, staff try to let really display or promote them the customer know what we have in their store. This means retailin as little time as possible because ers need to rely on word of mouth, there are lots of people waiting. which derives from having a strong They can’t see what we have. It’s imrange and well-trained staff. portant to let them know the range, “We just keep the full range of and what we have and stock.” l

betterRetailing.com // 14 October 2022 RN

£291m

THE THREE CUSTOMERS BUYING CIGARS Alastair Williams

Country director, Scandinavian Tobacco Group UK

• Customers who buy cigars and cigarillos are quite varied. Some will be looking for value, so point them in the direction of a good-quality value brand such as Moments.

• Others will be looking for flavour, so a peppermint cigarillo like Signature Action is a good option.

• As we head towards Christmas, many adult smokers will be looking for a larger cigar, such as our Henri Wintermans Half Corona, to enjoy as part of their festive celebrations.

p22-23 Cigars & Cigarillos.indd 24

10/10/2022 17:51

FIFA WORLD CUP 2022 20 November-18 December

Come in store and you will find: edition Limited- lusively xc poster e aders in e for RN r ssue this i

Please use this space to let your customers know what you will be doing in store to celebrate the World Cup with them

to help you enjoy the matches

World cup poster Ad.indd 1

10/10/2022 11:08

26

CHRISTMAS

betterRetailing.com // 14 October 2022 RN

Adding pop to this Christmas ‘Will soft drinks sales be sparkly this Christmas?’ is the million-dollar question this year. Anne Bruce finds out

O

ver the past two Christmases, Covid-19 put a dampener on Yuletide.

This year, it is a cost-ofliving crisis that threatens to take some of the fizz away from the festive period.

But despite all the economic doom and gloom, independent retailers remain optimistic that their customers will want to buy affordable treats during the golden quarter.

With the FIFA World Cup in Qatar thrown in for good measure between 20 November and 18 December, there is every reason to be positive about sales opportunities this winter.

The focus for retailers will be about being able to offer the best value and deals possible to their customers, and to focus on the availability of must-have products that customers want to indulge in while watching the match or spending time with friends and family in the run-up to Christmas.

p25-29 Christmas Drinks.indd 26

WHAT TO STOCK So, what are the must-have soft drinks lines at Christmas? Retailers should look for big-brand favourites alongside festive limited-edition options. Additionally, the larger formats tend to be more in demand as people host family and friends.

For Dan Brown, managing director of Lothian Stores, which operates Pinkie Farm Convenience Store, in Musselburgh, East Lothian, Coca-Cola, lemonade and IrnBru are the strong sellers over Christmas, particularly in big bottles for sharing.

With the World Cup on at the same time, he expects that multipacks and cans will do well, too. And the shop brings in premium mixers just for Christmas as well.

Meanwhile, Nishi Patel, of Londis Bexley Park in Dartford, Kent, says: “We’re expecting a shift towards take-home and bigger-sized bottles and squashes and a variety of multipacks this year. Fever-Tree’s range of flavoured sodas always do well at

We’re expecting a shift towards take-home and biggersized bottles

Christmas. We clear a bigger space for the six-packs. It is a shame they are not available all year round as I think they would sell well.”

Limited-edition Christmas Starbucks and Costa varieties, such as Costa gingerbread, and milkshakes always do well for him, too.

At Premier Linktown Local in Kirkcaldy, Fife, Faraq Iqbal is expecting customers to trade up as usual to more premium soft drinks.

Premium cokes, lemonade, juices

» 11/10/2022 10:28

Introducing New Attached Caps We’re proud to be leading the industry in Great Britain, introducing attached caps across our entire portfolio* making it easier to collect and recycle the whole package and ensure no cap gets left behind. The change is another step on Coca-Cola’s journey towards a World Without Waste, helping to reduce waste, prevent litter and support the creation of a circular economy for our PET packaging.

Keep cap attached & recycle together

To find out more email connect@ccep.com, call 0808 1 000 000 or visit my.ccep.com *Including Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Dr Pepper and Lilt. Switch to attached caps across all formats completed by 2024. ©2022 The Coca-Cola Company. All rights reserved. All brand names are registered trade marks of their respective owner.

RN Full page ad.indd 1 COC1537_CCEP Tethered Cap Ad_Retail Version_A4_SP_AW1.indd 1

06/10/2022 21/09/2022 17:04 10:55

28

CHRISTMAS

betterRetailing.com // 14 October 2022 RN

from Starbucks. We will be running promotions over Christmas – whatever is on at Booker.”

Anticipating your customers’ priorities will be the key to success as retailers prepare for Christmas.

Suppliers suggest that price-marked packs (PMPs) will help boost sales over Christmas. A spokesperson for Red Bull says: “Red Bull recommends stocking PMPs across bestsellers at all times, to demonstrate range and offer customers a transparent choice while driving sales and profit for operators.”

Stocking PMPs provides a sense of reassurance when it comes to price, Red Bull adds. and cordials do well at Christmas, and multipacks and take-home packs are the go-to format.

THE IMPORTANCE OF VALUE The cost-of-living crisis has hit hard in Lingdale, North Yorkshire, and Asin Hussain, of Family Mart Premier, reports that customers are struggling to keep up the credit on their fuel meters. However, he is expecting sales of soft drinks to go up at Christmas, especially of big bottles, but he thinks price will be prioritised over brands.

“Own-label drinks do well with us,” he says. “Happy Shopper drinks are the go-to for many customers, with branded sales trading down.

Cheap milkshakes are popular, and we also have branded cold coffees

p25-29 Christmas Drinks.indd 28

THE IMPACT OF THE WORLD CUP Patel’s store is always flat out at Christmas and, with the World Cup being on at the same time, assessing the possible impact on sales is tricky. He is confident that sales will soar if England get past the group stages, though.

Faraq Iqbal says that he is not sure there will be the usual amount of extra trade that the World Cup brings, as it is in the run-up to Christmas. Hussain also worries that with all that is going on with rising costs and the run-up to Christmas, customers might not be able to sit down and enjoy the World Cup. All eyes are on soft drinks suppliers to support retailers at Christmas. Amy Burgess, senior trade communications manager

11/10/2022 10:28

29

RN 14 October 2022 // betterRetailing.com

LAUNCHES The Ribena Sparkling range launched a new look in September to help the drinks to stand out on shelf, to encourage trial and drive additional purchases, according to Sarah Fleetwood, head of Ribena at Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I (SBF GB&I). The new packs showcase reduced-price price-marked bottles to help retailers drive value in their range at a time when consumers are price-sensitive.

SBF GB&I has also launched Ribena Sparkling Zero Sugar to help retailers meet growing demand for zero-sugar choices within the flavoured carbonates category, she says. Ribena Sparkling Zero Sugar will be available in 500ml and 2l bottles meeting shopper needs for both ‘drink now’ and ‘drink later’ formats. The updates from Ribena Sparkling will be supported by outdoor, PR, social media and in-store marketing across the country.

Chilled milk drinks brand Shaken Udder is working on a rebrand that should hit shelves by the end of this year. “As we’ve seen phenomenal growth, it made sense to evolve our branding and take it to the next level, with a design that reflects the superior taste and premium nature of our milkshakes,” says Paras Arora, Shaken Udder’s senior brand manager. at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, says: “We’ve got a host of activities planned to build excitement this Christmas, which will include activations in stores.”

SHARING FORMATS In terms of formats, suppliers suggest that sharing is the way to go in the festive season.

Burgess says: “Colas, mixers, lemonade and adult soft drinks overtrade over the festive period in comparison with the rest of the year, so that’s why it’s important for stores to make sure they are well stocked with sharing packs of bestselling soft drinks.

“We expect nights in will continue to be a key opportunity for retailers over Christmas and in the new year, particularly as shoppers continue to manage through challenging economic conditions.”

Including larger-format and multipack soft drinks in meal deals will offer the choice and value shoppers are looking for, Shaken Udder’s trade marketing manager, Alex Makin, says. Shaken Udder has a range of 750ml milkshakes for big nights in.

IMPACT OF HFSS The new high fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) location restrictions present

p25-29 Christmas Drinks.indd 29

a new challenge this Christmas, although smaller retailers will not be affected as they fall outside the strictures of the legislation.

But for those that must comply and keep HFSS products away from prominent spots in the shop, there is an opportunity to promote the soft drinks category.

Over recent years, the soft drinks category has invested heavily to reduce sugar content due to the sugar tax.

As a result, many products will not be affected by the new HFSS restrictions. Almost three-quarters (73%) of soft drinks value sales come from HFSS-compliant products.

“That means soft drinks have a key role to play at the heart of festive front-of-store displays or aisle ends, creating in-store theatre and helping to drive sales,” says Burgess.

It seems that every cloud has a silver lining if you know where to look. By the same token, despite warnings from research company Retail Economics that Christmas will see UK consumers reducing their non-essential Christmas and Black Friday spending by £4.4bn this year as the cost-ofliving crisis bites, everyone is hoping that Christmas purchases of soft drinks in small shops will be cutback-proof. ●

RETAILER VIEWPOINTS Nights in will continue to be a key opportunity for retailers

Faqaz Iqbal, Premier Linktown Local, Kirkcaldy, Fife: Shoppers may be keen to treat themselves on small items and buy more as they are not going out so much, but on the other hand, regular customers may buy less as they are under financial pressure.

Dan Brown, Lothian Stores, Musselburgh, East Lothian: There will be more pressure to be competitively priced at Christmas this year, but I think it will be a big opportunity across the board as people will want to treat themselves even if they are struggling.

Nishi Patel, Londis Bexley Park, Dartford, Kent: It is difficult to see what Christmas will be like this year, possibly people just want to get themselves to the end of the year and worry about the debts next year. We will be doing as many offers as possible.

11/10/2022 10:29

30

FROZEN FOOD

betterRetailing.com // 14 October 2022 RN

s e l a s n o e z e e r f No Jasper Hart looks at how retailers are growing their frozen sales thanks to the cost-of-living crisis

B

efore the cost-of-living crisis began to bite this year, shoppers were already turning towards the frozen category in search of better value and to make their money go further.

“The frozen category has undergone a resurgence over the past few years,” says Joss Bamber, head of convenience at Birds Eye. “By the end of last year, the category had grown by 11% during the two years from 2019. Shoppers enjoyed more meals at home as the working-from-home culture and nights in were a more common occurrence.

“Despite a dip in frozen sales in the convenience channel over the past 12 weeks, driven by lapping the strong sales during lockdown, it’s clear that consumption of frozen food has risen over the past few years, with people no longer just filling their freezers to have ‘emergency’ options to hand.”

While restrictions on dining out seem unlikely to return from a legal standpoint, they are now a likelihood for many individuals thanks to the pressure on people’s finances, with shoppers trying for more nights in.

“As we move out of lockdowns and into a period where consumers face cost-of-living challenges, the decisions that consumers are making at the start of their shopping journey,

p30-31 Frozen Food.indd 30

such as ‘where to eat’ and ‘where to shop’, are where we see the greatest change to consumers’ shopping habits and the greatest impact on the frozen category,” says Bamber. “We now anticipate a drop in the number of out-of-home eating occasions, such as trips to restaurants and takeaways, as shoppers choose to eat at home to save money.”

Nishi Patel, of Londis Bexley Park in Dartford, Kent, has recently finished a significant investment into his frozen offering. “We’ve spent £15,000-16,000 getting Pastorfrigor machines in,” he says.

“It’s made a big difference – we’re probably doing about £1,000 a week more than last year and we’ve only added a few multipack ice creams to the overall range.

“The freezers are taller, tidier and have better lighting, so they’re able to advertise the products better.

They’re also energy efficient.”

There is naturally tension at the moment between the cost of running freezers and chillers compared to the return they can bring you, but Patel believes his range wouldn’t have increased sales without the requisite investment.

He has also seen evidence of people buying with longer-term finances in mind across his ice cream section.

07/10/2022 11:42

31

RN 14 October 2022 // betterRetailing.com

“Multipacks and tubs have gone really well this year, especially with the summer we’ve had. Lollies have died a death now, but ice cream tubs will continue to sell,” he says.

Bamber says helping shoppers stretch their money has always been key to the category’s appeal.

“Frozen food has always played an important role in helping shoppers get more for their money, offering consumers longer shelf life and greater portion control, which helps reduce food waste and therefore allows budgets to stretch further,” he says.

“The extended life of frozen products also allows for larger formats, which often come with monetary savings as price per kilo reduces.”

WHAT TO STOCK For many of the occasions for which the frozen category provides – think easy meals in and desserts – brands are a key component.

“In times of uncertainty, the frozen category has historically performed well as shoppers turn to brands within the channel that they know and trust,” says Bamber.

“Brands make up 93% of the retail sales value of the frozen savoury im-

p30-31 Frozen Food.indd 31

pulse channel, so there is real value in providing consumers with brands they are familiar with and which provide comfort to them.”

Brands are also important for the retailers making steps into the growing meat-alternatives segment.

With almost 50% of the UK population buying meat-free products, providing meat-free alternatives from established suppliers can serve as a good starting point for consumers taking the plunge.

“We’ve given two sections to meat-free and vegetarian products,” says Paresh Vyas, of Limehurst Mini Market in Astonunder-Lyne, Greater Manchester. “Birds Eye Green Cuisine, Pukka Pies and Quorn are strong sellers.”

On the flipside, customers are also looking for the best deals available, which is why some retailers have found a mixture of branded and own-label products works best.

“When it comes to pizzas, it’s got to be Chicago Town – we do a range of seven,” says Patel. “We do a £5 meal deal, which offers two pizzas and an ice cream.

“In a downturn, that offer is great and is a good treat. It also works well on Snappy Shopper.

Frozen-food shoppers put 75% more items in their basket per shop than the average convenience shopper

“When it comes to vegetables and chips, we’ve moved to Jack’s from Birds Eye and Aunt Bessie’s. The margins we’re getting are a lot better. Brands are putting the price up and we’re getting less margin.”

That said, having a robust freezer offering, even with low-margin branded products, can help boost overall basket spend, with frozen shoppers generally buying more.

“Frozen food continues to represent a strong sales driver for retailers, with frozen-food shoppers putting 75% more items in their basket per shop than the average convenience shopper, and spending 134% more than average,” says Bamber. “With families continuing to consume more meals at home, shoppers are focused on purchasing those bestselling products to enjoy at mealtimes.”

Meal deals may not be financially viable for some retailers, particularly those with the support of a symbol, but cross-merchandising can still be a viable means of increasing spend.

“We sometimes buy kebab meat and put frozen pizza bread next to it,” says Vyas. “Putting these products alongside each other pushes the basket spend up a bit.”

Placing relevant categories like desserts, snacks or drinks alongside any combos or deals can push it further. “Cross-merchandising ice cream with alcohol or other sharingsize snacks can often interrupt shoppers,” says Jose Alves, marketing manager for ice cream at General Mills. “This presents an opportunity to upsell a big night in.” ●

07/10/2022 11:42

Introducing

Our year-round initiative designed to connect, support and empower women working in independent convenience retail.

Inaugural event Fazeley Studios, Birmingham 8 November 2022 10.30am onwards Connect and share experiences in our safe-space discussion groups Build a support network of like-minded female retailers Feel empowered as you hear how to address female-specific issues in the workplace Spaces are limited – if you would like to attend, please register at betterRetailing.com/women-in-convenience, scan the QR code below or contact events@newtrade.co.uk // 020 7689 0500 Headline partner

WIC Ad_.indd 1

Supporting partners

27/09/2022 17:09

33

RN 14 October 2022 // betterRetailing.com

THIS WEEK IN MAGAZINES

In partnership with

GUEST COLUMNIST

Opportunity of the week

PIXAR ADVENTURES WITH…

Joe Little, managing editor, Majesty

Disney magazines editor Monica Labrosse reveals why this new launch is likely to be a sure winner on newsstands Monica Labrosse Disney magazines editor, Immediate Media

What’s the idea behind the magazine?

Pixar Adventures With… magazine was launched

by Immediate Media Co on 5 October and alternates between Disney and Pixar’s Lightyear and Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story every four weeks.

Pixar Adventures With…

Lightyear ties in with the Disney and Pixar Lightyear movie and invites readers to join Captain Buzz Lightyear on his adventures.

Pixar Adventures with…

Toy Story reflects Disney and Pixar Toy Story’s themes of friendship and fun.

Which customers is the title aimed towards?

Lightyear is for Buzz Lightyear fans aged six and older who love adventure. Buzz Lightyear will be immersed in imaginative play and the activities.

Pixar Adventures With…

Toy Story is for fans aged four and older, and explores the world of Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story.

How is Pixar Adventures With… different from other titles in its segment?

Pixar Adventures with…

Lightyear is the only title to feature Buzz Lightyear as the star, along with his crew, friends and Zurg.

Pixar Adventures with…

Toy Story features the Disney and Pixar Toy Story friends. Readers will find out more about Woody, Buzz, Forky and the gang through stories, puzzles, quizzes, colouring, posters to keep, makes and games.

What's in the first issue?

Pixar Adventures With…

Lightyear is the first issue, and it includes puzzles, quizzes, colouring, drawing, two posters and a door hanger make, plus missions for readers.

There is an interactive movie story, a codecracking activity with Sox and five mini-missions for the reader to complete.

Why should independent retailers stock it?

It’s a unique launch that alternates between two Pixar brands. Lightyear focuses on the space explorer who inspired the Buzz Lightyear toy in Toy Story, while Toy Story features Woody,

PUT A BIT OF MAJESTY IN YOUR MAGAZINE SALES

Jessie and friends. Both titles include stickers, colouring, puzzles and quizzes, and each issue comes with a gift.

How will you be driving youngsters into local shops to buy each edition?

The launch will feature digital and offl ine marketing, including video advertising across YouTube, video ondemand platforms and in WHSmith travel stores.

There will be an interactive mini-game on kids’ apps and sites; mission boxes will be sent out to a selection of influencers; and we will carry out print advertising across our portfolio, including in Disney Stars, Pokémon and MEGA magazines.

Majesty first appeared on newsstands in May 1980 with the Prince of Wales, and now flash forward King Charles III, on the cover.

More than 40 years later, it continues to report on all the activities of royal families around the world.

During those four decades, Majesty celebrated weddings, babies and three jubilees, but also had to bid farewell to Diana Princess of Wales, the Queen Mother, Prince Philip and, most recently, Queen Elizabeth II, all of which were significant milestones in UK royal history.

Majesty is currently achieving doubledigits-plus year on year, including on issues published to celebrate the Queen’s historic Platinum Jubilee.

Our November issue, a second collector’s edition following the death of the Queen, will feature a profile of the new King to mark his 74th birthday, and further tributes to our late monarch.

The independent sector is extremely key for us as it accounts for nearly half of all Majesty sales. Overall sales are up 4.6% year on year with an additional 314 retailers receiving copies from targeted penetration exercises.

Majesty maintains an affordable cover price of £3.95, which appeals to customers who shop in the independents.

Copies can be ordered from wholesalers nationwide. It’s important to note that issues covering the Platinum Jubilee period were supported with merchandising in central London.

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Official Sticker Collection

ON SALE NOW! www.paninigroup.com

©FIFA, FIFA’s Official Licensed Product Logos, and the Emblems, Mascots, Posters and Trophies of the FIFA World Cup™ tournaments are copyrights and/or trademarks of FIFA.

RN banner.indd 1

p33 TWIM 1.indd 33

06/10/2022 17:12

10/10/2022 15:51

34

betterRetailing.com // 14 October 2022 RN

THIS WEEK IN MAGAZINES

SYMBOL KEY

Terms change

Launch activity

One Competition Special shot issue

Free gift

Sales Bumper Redesign Spotlight Newspro issue recommends trend

SPECIALIST CHOICE HELLO! – A TRIBUTE TO HM QUEEN ELIZABETH II

● This commemorative issue pays tribute to the late Queen’s life and legacy. ● This high-quality special edition is likely to stand out on newsstands and appeal to royalists, and will bag stockists £2.50 profit per copy sold.

ADVENTURES WITH GABBY’S DOLLHOUSE

● This magazine is based on DreamWorks Animation’s popular Netflix TV series and toy brand Spin Master, and comes with a playset. ● The title supports learning through stories, puzzles, colouring, crafts, cooking and activities.

KINDRED SPIRIT

● This magazine combines ancient wisdom with advice from modern teachers since 1987, and is the UK’s leading guide to mind, body and soul. ● It includes a special feature on how to boost your mood using colour, plus a 2022 tarot and oracle review.

RAILWAY MODELLER

● Railway Modeller remains Britain’s most popular railway title, having published 800 issues since it was launched. ● The latest issue looks at the new range of Hornby TT-120, and previews this year’s upcoming Warley NEC show.

On sale 20 September Frequency quarterly Price £10 Distributor Marketforce Display with OK! Barcode 9771756571045

On sale 13 October Frequency monthly Price monthly Distributor Marketforce Display with CBeebies Barcode 9772752326974

On sale 13 October Frequency bimonthly Price £5.99 Distributor Marketforce Display with Spirit & Destiny, Soul Spirit Barcode 9770955706081

On sale 13 October Frequency monthly Price £5.30 Distributor Marketforce Display with British Railway Journal Barcode 9770033893306

EUGENE DIAMOND, DIAMOND’S NEWSAGENT, BALLYMENA

On sale 8 September Frequency irregular Price £10.99 Distributor Marketforce Display with Uncut, Mojo, Q Barcode 9772399751030

CLASSIC POP PRESENTS What’s it about?

It’s a 132-page magazine featuring all things music. The latest issue celebrates Kate Bush’s career, childhood and comeback tour in 2014.

Who buys it?

Over-40s, who are fans and can afford it, but since the popularity of ‘Running Up That Hill’, more youngsters are interested.

Bestsellers FIFA WORLD CUP QATAR 2022 OFFICIAL STICKER COLLECTION

● This collection consists of a total of 670 stickers, plus 50 special edition ones. ● NewsPro anticipates quick sales growth during the build-up to the November event.

Science On sale now Frequency collectable Price sticker packs 90p Distributor Panini Display with The Fifa World Cup 2022 Adrenalyn XL Official Trading Cards Barcode N/A

Title 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

WHAT’S ON TV

● With new TV schedules recently launched, nights are set to draw in with renewed interest in programmes. ● Traditionally, sales increase at this time of year, and NewsPro urges retailers to tap into consumer interest by stocking this title.

p34 TWIM 2.indd 34

8

On sale 18 October Frequency weekly Price 77p Distributor Marketforce Display with Radio Times Barcode 9772059005060

9 10

New Scientist Nature Scientific American BBC Science Focus BBC Sky at Night Astronomy Now Scientific American Specs How It Works Sky & Telescope Astronomy

On sale date

In stock

20/10 21/10 18/11 12/10 20/10 17/11 28/10 22/12 14/10 28/10

Data from independent stores supplied by

07/10/2022 11:20

35

RN 14 October 2022 // betterRetailing.com

editorial@newtrade.co.uk 020 7689 3357 f facebook.com/thisisRN

Partworks and collectables Title

No

Pts

£

Title

RBA Coleccionables Timeless Classics

5

11.99

75

F1 Collection Rossi Bike Collection

Byline Bob Dylan Vinyl Total Tarot

26 21

41 120

16.99 6.99

53

110

9.99

DeAgostini

Fast & Furious: Build The Dodge Charger

Hachette 2000 AD Ultimate Collection Build Eddie Stobart Build The Spitfire Build The Titanic DC Comics Heroes & Villains Disney Crochet Disney Cross Stitch Disney Dolls’ House Disney My Little Library Marvel Legendary Collection The New Marvel Ultimate Graphic Novel Collection Warhammer Imperium

133

180

9.99

55 120 33

140 120 140

9.99 9.99 9.99

46

100

9.99

4 108 39

100 140 120

0.99 3.99 9.99

110

170

2.99

18

100

11.99

279

280

9.99

58

No

Pts

£

200 66

11.99 11.99

Panini Partworks

8.99

80

Title

154 56

Starter Stkrs/cards

Panini Baby Shark My First Sticker Album Disney Frozen 2 Sticker Collection Disney Princess 2021 Sticker Collection Disney Pixar Luca Movie Sticker Collection

Starter Stkrs/cards 3.99

0.70

5.99

1.00

4.99

0.90

Title Match Attax Xtra Match Attax Xtra 21/22 UEFA Nations League Stkrs WWE Sticker Collection

Creative Toys Company 3.99

0.70

3.99

0.90

3.99

0.90

3.99

0.90

FIFA Road to the World Cup 2022 Official

3.99

0.90

Fortnite Official Trading Card Collection Series Two

8.99

2.70

3.99

0.90

Harry Potter Anthology Sticker Collection Puppies and Me! Sticker Collection Minecraft Treasure Sticker Album Pixar Fest Sticker Collection

Title Premier League 2022 Sticker Collection Premier League Adrenalyn XL Turning Red Sticker Collection

3.99

0.90

3.99

0.90

3.99

0.90

Magic Box Zomlings Series 6

0.50

Intermedia

Star Monsters

1.00

Squishy

SuperZings Series 2

5.00

Pokémon

Topps 10.00

1.00

5.99

1.00

-

2.50

-

2.79

6.50

2.50

-

1.75

-

3.00

UEFA Champions League Best of the Best

1.00

4.99

1.00

5.00

1.00 2.50 2.99 3.50

Magiki Princesses Magiki Unicorns Sharks & Co

3.99

Cricket Attax The Hundred F1 Turbo Attax 2021 I Love Bunnies Figurines I Love Koalas Figurines I Love Panda Figurines WWE Slam Attax

-

DeAgostini

2.99

SoccerStarz Foil Bag SoccerStarz Blister Pack

Starter Stkrs/cards 5.00 1.00

2.99 3.99

Pokémon Battle Style Pokémon Chilling Reign Pokémon Darkness Ablaze Pokémon Evolving Skies Pokémon Fusion Street

3.99 3.99 3.99 3.99

Newspapers Daily newspapers price/margin pence/margin % Sun

80p

16.8p

Mirror

£1.10

20.9p

Mirror (Scotland)

£1.20

22.8p

Daily Record

£1

21.45p

Daily Star

75p

14.25p

Daily Mail

90p

20.1p

Express

£1.10

20.9p

19%

Express (Scotland)

90p

17.1p

19%

Telegraph

£2.80

56p

Times

£2.50

46.2p

FT

£3.10

62p

Guardian

£2.50

55p

i

70p

i (N. Ireland)

70p

Racing Post

£4.20

84p

Herald (Scotland)

£1.50

33p

Scotsman

£1.90 42.75p

Saturday newspapers

21%

£1.10

23.1p

21%

Sun

£1.40

29.4p

21%

19%

Mirror

£1.80

34.2p

19%

Sunday Mirror

£2.10

40.95p

19.5%

19%

Mirror (Scotland)

£1.80

34.2p

19%

People

£2.10

40.95p

19.5%

Daily Record

£1.60

32.3p

19%

Star Sunday

£1.50

26p

19%

Daily Star

£1.20

22.8p

19%

Sunday Sport

£1.50

36.45p

24.3%

Daily Mail

£1.30

27.3p

21%

Mail on Sunday

£1.90

39.9p

21%

Express

£1.65

31.35p

19%

Sunday Mail

£2.30

44.85p

19.5%

Express (Scotland)

£1

20.6p

20.6%

Sunday Telegraph

£2.50

51.25p

20.5%

Telegraph

£3.50

70p

20%

Sunday Times

£3.50

63p

21%

Times

£3

52.5p

21%

Observer

£3.50

85.7p

24.5%

FT

£4.50

94.5p

21%

Scotland on Sunday £2.50

55p

22%

22%

Guardian

£3.50

77p

22%

Racing Post

£4.20

84p

20%

15.4p

22%

iWeekend

£1.30

27.95p

21.5%

SundayHerald(Scotland) £2

42p

21%

15.4p

22%

Racing Post

£4.50

90p

20%

Sunday Express

£2.10

39.9p

19%

Herald (Scotland)

£1.95

42.9p

22%

Sunday Post

£2.30

46p

20%

Scotsman

£2.40

54p

22.5%

19.5% 19% 22.31%

20% 21% 20%

20% 22% 22.5%

Weight Watchers Watchers 8-9 17-18 December Weight October Total Total Supplements Supplements weight weight15 weight weight Sunday Times Telegraph Daily Telegraph FT Weekend

Sunday newspapers

Sun

965g 1,080g 760g 905g

490g 405g 510g 550g

Observer Times Sun Sunday Times

575g 825g 565g 800g

30g 155g 220g 340g

Daily Mail Mail Daily Mail on on Sunday Sunday Mail

515g 580g 405g 580g

440g 220g 395g 140g

Guardian Guardian The Times Sunday Telegraph

370g 545g – 405g

350g 275g – 0g

Scale of third-party advertising insert payments Ad Ad inserts inserts Number Number of of 30 weight Inserts weight Inserts 60g 3 30g 5 0g 0g 10g 95g

0 0 31

100g 0g 75g 45g

5 0 3 3

10g 40g 20g 15g

11 2 3

– 0g

– 0

Heaviest Heaviest ad insert insert ad

Insert weight

Original scheme

50g 10g 0g 0g

Cumulative?

10g 45g 35g 0g

70-100g

35g 45g 10g 40g 10g 5g – 0g

0-69g

Mail

Mirror News Express Guardian Telegraph UK

Observer

no

no

no

no

no

no

no

no

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

1.5p

3.1p

2.57p

2.7p

2.93p

2.93p

2.93p

2.75p

101-200g

2p

3.9p

3.36p

3.3p

3.65p

3.65p

3.65p

3.35p

201-300g

4p

6.65p

6.09p

5.5p

6.26p

6.26p

6.26p

5.75p

301-400g

5p

8.5p

7.43p

6.7p

7.06p

7.06p

7.06p

7p

401-500g

*

9p

*

*

*

*

*

*

Over 500g

*

9.5p

*

*

*

*

*

*

* By negotiation

Insertion payment guide Per copy sold Guardian Newspapers =2p. News UK =2p. DMGT =2p. Reach Plc =2p. Telegraph Group =2p.

Per copy supplied JPI Media =2p. Financial Times =2p. Reach Plc =2p

p35 TWIM 3.indd 35

10/10/2022 15:29

THE LEADING TITLE FOR NEWS AND CONVENIENCE RETAILERS

THE LEADING TITLE FOR NEWS AND CONVENIENCE RETAILERS

THE LEADING TITLE FOR NEWS AND CONVENIENCE RETAILERS

THE LEADING TITLE FOR NEWS AND CONVENIENCE RETAILERS

Stores taking up to £35k per week fuels race to secure 75 trade accounts up for grabs Page 4 »

The new vaping lines stores need to know about

PayPoint working towards more sales, more margin and more stores for its parcels network

CO UP VID DA -1 TE 9

l betterRetailing.com l 03.12.2021

»

RETAIL NEWS THAT MATTERS

STORE SERVICES Page 3

l betterRetailing.com l 18.02.2022

NEWS Page 4

»

RETAIL NEWS THAT MATTERS

What the new Covid-19 rules mean for your store

Get more customers through your door

sales from potential Christmas disruption

STORE SERVICES

»

STORE ADVICE

Free body cameras for stores

CEO discusses plans for parcel, payment and newspaper voucher services Page 4 »

l Why your store is missing

shape and size can win more passing trade

out on younger shoppers, and eight ways to fix it

Get more from local suppliers

Police and BID praised for ‘pilot’ scheme to fight crime with free gear for staff Page 6 »

The rules stores follow to fill gaps and win custom through local partnerships Page 18 »

p1 RN Cover.indd 1

30/11/2021 15:47

THE LEADING TITLE FOR NEWS AND CONVENIENCE RETAILERS

SALES OPPORTUNITY

»

p1 Cover.indd 1

Page 16

»

Low-cost team building Give staff rewards and responsibility without breaking the bank Page 26 »

STORE ADVICE Page 17

IN VE R ST N IG AT IO N

»

● Bad business rates advice given to more

than one in 20 stores by local authorities ● Find out how these errors could be causing stores like yours to miss out on rates relief Page 4 REVEALED

SYMBOL GROUP

United Wholesale Grocers and Booker said to be in talks with delivery services Page 3 »

Bestway ups weekly fee for marketing support to £12.50 per week Page 5 »

Wholesalers eye rapid deliveries

Costcutter stores get £650 bill

50

FOR TRADE USE ONLY FIRM SALE

07

How retailers best use supplier visits to get stock, support and sales for their stores Page 30 »

Discover new store concepts pushing the limits of big-night-in promotions Page 7 »

What your soft drinks range should look like in 2022

Retailers reveal the categories, lines and tips that convince customers to spend more STORE ADVICE Page 16

Page 29

Booker and One Stop’s new ideas

p1 Cover.indd 1

●

Booker own label replaced

NESCAFE

»

Tesco reveals plans to replace more Booker lines with its Jack’s-branded products Page 4 »

How sustainability is improving the margins, sales and reputation of local shops Page 22 »

NEWSTRADE

PINGDEMIC

WHOLESALE

Go beyond eggs and take a chunk of the wider Easter opportunity Page 22 »

Understand how last Underst month’s cover price increases dented store sales Page 9 »

Advice for retailers on what the latest rules across the UK mean for staffing Page 7 »

How availability issues have left stores on the brink of missing payments Page 4 »

Ultimate guide to Easter

Paper price rises sales impact

23/02/2021 15:29

THE LEADING TITLE FOR NEWS AND CONVENIENCE RETAILERS

03

18/01/2022 14:53

THE LEADING TITLE FOR NEWS AND CONVENIENCE RETAILERS

Make a success of opening another store STORE STRATEGY Page 30

24

SYMBOLS

Discover the tactics stores are using to grow sales in a declining market Page 26 »

How any sized store can profit from selling this high-margin, takeout staple Page 18 »

Wholesaler’s new strategy helps retailers reduce wastage in their store Page 5 »

The role of newspapers in stores

08/06/2021 15:41

THE LEADING TITLE FOR NEWS AND CONVENIENCE RETAILERS

»

Vol 132 No 35 £2.50

35

CATEGORY ADVICE Page 26

07/09/2021 16:27

»

Make money from digital magazines for the first time with this exclusive poster Page 19

RETAIL NEWS THAT MATTERS

Stores: prepare now for the impulse sales comeback Discover the top-selling lines set to make a return as lockdown eases Page 28

»

SUSTAINABILITY

LEGISLATION

COMPETITION

Latest sales data reveals the muststocks and the major flops Pages 6 & 32 »

Expert Scott Annan shows how ROI leads the way forward for convenience stores Page 20 »

Publisher concern as supermarket follows Waitrose in banning most covermounts Page 6 »

Data from Too Good To Go confirms stores are struggling with shortdate stock Page 4 »

Carrier-bag charges are changing. Here’s how stores are getting ready Page 7 »

Exclusive photos and analysis on what the new chain means for rivals Pages 5 & 18 »

‘Want 40% margin?

Copy Ireland’

Tesco pulls plug on mag plastics

Why food waste is on the up

p1 RN Cover.indd 1

06/07/2021 16:41

THE LEADING TITLE FOR NEWS AND CONVENIENCE RETAILERS

Get ready for the 10p bag charge

NFRN tackles late deliveries

Top tips to attract weekly shoppers to your store postpandemic Page 28 »

National president Stuart Reddish to approach publishers and wholesalers head on Page 6 » 03/08/2021 16:17

RETAIL NEWS THAT MATTERS

69+

AMBIENT GROCERY

RN uncovers plan to add Post Office services to Payzone devices Page 4 »

The tech that is changing how local shops are run Page 13 »

Your shop’s spectacular summer

Vol 132 No 19 £2.50

19

Top tips for a successful season as restrictions lift Page 24 »

p1 Cover.indd 1

BEERS

SPIRITS

»

IMPULSE SOFT DRINKS

RANGING

FOR TRADE USE ONLY FIRM SALE

71% Page 37

04/05/2021 16:40

CASH AND CARRY

Trading standards target wholesalers and order ‘illegal’ top lines to be removed from sale Page 4 »

For stores from 480 6,000sq ft

FROZEN

SEASONAL EXTRAS

Disposable vaping crackdown

17 Xmas must-stock products

Discov the lines that Discover will bag stores extra sales in the final run-up to Christmas Page 26 »

THE LEADING TITLE FOR NEWS AND CONVENIENCE RETAILERS

PRODUCE

STORE ADVICE

Vol 132 No 48 £2.50 FOR TRADE USE ONLY FIRM SALE

48

Sharing your store duties

How shops delegate tasks to staff and family to focus on growing their business Page 22 »

p1 Cover RN.indd 1

23/11/2021 14:23

THE LEADING TITLE FOR NEWS AND CONVENIENCE RETAILERS

Get more from your back of store Retailer tips for a more profitable and easier-torun stock room STORE ADVICE Page 14

23/03/2021 16:09

THE LEADING TITLE FOR NEWS AND CONVENIENCE RETAILERS

How these familyowned stores keep things professional to drive shop performance STORE ADVICE

Page 20 RETAIL NEWS THAT MATTERS

STORE ADVICE Page 14

● Why the latest government measures will leave

this independent retailer £8,863.92 worse off ● Compare your store to see how much

more you will be paying in April Page 10 »

BUSINESS RATES STORE SERVICES

MINIMUM WAGE

TOBACCO DUTY

RETAIL NEWS THAT MATTERS

● betterRetailing.com ● 28.01.2022

ANALYSIS Page 18

»

RETAIL NEWS THAT MATTERS

● betterRetailing.com ● 08.01.2021

Government and Camelot under fire over National Lottery’s pivot to online games Page 4 »

Bargain Booze in Costcutter

Leaked floorplans detail new off-licence concession planned for local shops Page 3 »

SOFT DRINKS

Vol 132 No 45 £2.50 FOR TRADE USE ONLY FIRM SALE

an advantage over supermarkets

Tesco ditches PayPoint for Payzone

Discover what the swap means for nearby independent stores RETAIL NEWS THAT MATTERS

● betterRetailing.com ● 08.10.2021

Page 4

»

RN 21 October Forward Sell - To go inPick RNthe14 October.indd HND Mail Snappy’s Improve 1 HOME NEWS DELIVERY

GROCERY DELIVERY

FASCIAS

ALCOHOL

supply ‘ringfenced’

‘race against dark stores’

right symbol group

your gin range

The questions retailers

Uncover the flavours,

Page 3

Broker advice, contract negotiations, smart meter opportunities and more… Page 15 » NEWSPAPERS

XR targets papers in stores Industry activates

SYMBOLS

Booker delivery fee

Charges for Premier,

PAYMENTS

Minimum card spend removal

Why cutting card spend

NFRN

Energy crisis closures Scottish district

SUSTAINABILITY

A greener store for leaner costs Quick and affordable

SERVICES Page 4

»

Camelot could owe your store hundreds of pounds ● Lottery operator accepts ‘breakdown of communications’ may have prevented stores getting funds owed for old scratchcards

unhealthy goods sold near tills or on offer ● What retailers can do to prepare stores and protect sales

soft drinks and snack sales

Use US lines and flavour trends to add value to your range while keeping core sales Page 28 »

THE LEADING TITLE FOR NEWS AND CONVENIENCE RETAILERS

● Small shops caught up in plans to ban

l The challenges ahead in confectionery,

Shake up your cola sales

02/11/2021 13:44

betterRetailing.com/subscribeconvenience stores your store

45

p1 Cover RN.indd 1

of 2019’s top-sellin convenie g lines affecnce ted

l Why the ban gives independent shops

ALCOHOL DUTY

FASCIAS

MPs call for Lottery advert ban

»

ORDER YOUR COPY from your magazine wholesaler today 40% or contact Kate Daw on 020 7689 3363 What the new junk New promo Getting the food ad ban means restrictions to hit best energy for your store deal for l betterRetailing.com l 02.07.2021

»

● betterRetailing.com ● 05.11.2021

Know the right time to keep or ditch price-marked packs

RETAIL NEWS THAT MATTERS

Retailers reveal their top tips for saving time and money in depot Page 23 »

p1 RN Cover.indd 1

Retailers plan for success with these January to-do lists

Striking a PMP balance

»

13

Explained: how the budget will affect your store

of RN’s news stories are exclusive

»

New tools for small shops

»

Simple changes to increase sales in these hard-to-get-right sections of your shop

Learn what’s in demand, what to avoid and how to turn new launches into cash, according to 500 convenience shoppers

Better cash and carry visits

Vol 132 No 13 £2.50 FOR TRADE USE ONLY FIRM SALE

Retailing with relatives

Your store’s ranging guide

unique retailers spoken to every month

Payzone stores get PO access

Page 3

● betterRetailing.com ● 26.11.2021

STORE ADVICE

Iceland’s c-store launch

PayPoint’s new cashback threat to ATM services

»

● betterRetailing.com ● 07.05.2021

TECHNOLOGY

»

● betterRetailing.com ● 26.03.2021

MAGAZINES

How to make more from new products in your store

SERVICES

Why going from four shops to just one worked for this retailer Page 15 »

THE LEADING TITLE FOR NEWS AND CONVENIENCE RETAILERS

GUEST COLUMN

24/08/2021 16:41

Page 22

NEWSTRADE

37

p1 cover.indd 1

Seven convenience retailers reveal their plans for 19 July Page 3 » Five shopfront tips to win more passing trade Page 22 » Build a core chilled range ready for on-the-go customers Page 34 » Bestway’s top trends for post-lockdown revealed Page 5 »

THE LEADING TITLE FOR NEWS AND CONVENIENCE RETAILERS

»

FOR TRADE USE ONLY FIRM SALE

Check whether you are stocking the newest and top-selling lines ● betterRetailing.com ● 09.07.2021

Downsizing for a sales boost

Vol 132 No 37 £2.50

Get your store ready for ‘Freedom Day’

Mag and paper ABCs revealed

FOR TRADE USE ONLY FIRM SALE

STORE PROFILE

Booker cuts promo allocations

FREE INSIDE: The Big Issue sales poster

STAY INFORMED AND GET AHEAD WITH RN

»

Delivery firm plans

Energising on-the-go sales

Your sports and energy drinks makeover

Experts warn murky status of CBD products puts stores at risk

THE LEADING TITLE FOR NEWS AND CONVENIENCE RETAILERS

to two months of disruption

New scheme prevents

FOR TRADE USE ONLY FIRM SALE

COFFEE

NEWSTRADE

LEGISLATION Page 3

p1 Cover.indd 1

l How to maintain sales despite up

Seven ways retailers

Retailer rebates at risk

»

7

Bringing in ‘big shop’ customers

Supermarkets avoid caps and shortages on popular lines, unlike indies Page 3 »

putting 26% of your top snack lines at risk

Spend less time at cash and carry

Vol 132 No 24 £2.50

»

NEWSTRADE

p1 Cover.indd 1

RETAIL NEWS THAT MATTERS

p1 Cover RN.indd 1

RETAIL NEWS THAT MATTERS

FEATURE

Mults beat indies on availability

l Hack causes complete delivery shutdown,

STORE ADVICE

Booker, Bestway, Nisa and others hit by supply issue affecting more than 40 major brands Page 5 »

Wholesaler chilled meltdown

Cannabis law confusion

● betterRetailing.com ● 06.08.2021

WHOLESALE

Prepare your store for KP Snacks’ supply meltdown Page 4

Nearly half of local shops are failing to comply with new 10p bag charge Page 3 »

Plastic bag charge ignored

Page 25

»

Counter Cash service is for low-cashaccess areas, so why is it going to stores with free-to-use ATMs?

Retail veterans reveal the secrets of building your convenience-store count

l betterRetailing.com l 11.02.2022

AVAILABILITY

Page 19

At RN, our content is data-led and informed by those on the shopfloor:

Page 23

Retailers discuss tips to prevent store upkeep from breaking the bank Page 14 »

p1 RN Cover.indd 1

RETAIL NEWS THAT MATTERS

Isolation change guidance

Your guide to growing sales, reaching more customers and driving profits

Minimising store repair costs

FOR TRADE USE ONLY FIRM SALE

LEGISLATION

»

Pricewatch: see what other retailers are charging for red wine and boost your own profits

RETAIL NEWS THAT MATTERS

AND MORE…

Vol 133 No 3 £2.50

Page 30

»

»

EVENTS ADVICE

STORE ADVICE Page 14

STORE ADVICE

24 ways to a greener store

TECHNOLOGY Page 18

»

l Exclusive independent pricing data

● Six retailers reveal their plans for a postpandemic summer

better-selling evening meal range

●

retailers’ sales data analysed for every issue

LAVAZZA

● Build a simpler and

»

ways to keep your home delivery service relevant

SUSTAINABILITY

»

Electronic shelf labels explained

● betterRetailing.com ● 27.08.2021

How do retailers pick winning new products?

»

COSTA COFFEE

Page 25

Work out the time and money you could save by scrapping paper labels

Discover the trends and new products you need to win more on-the-go shoppers

Find out which of these nine top profit-generating hot drinks machines is right for your store CO-OP

RETAIL NEWS THAT MATTERS

+

»

PMPs: how to use price-marked packs to drive sales during the cost-of-living crisis

3,451

WHOLESALE

07/04/2021 16:42

THE LEADING TITLE FOR NEWS AND CONVENIENCE RETAILERS

Why cereal bars deserve more space in your store

Coffee machines compared Page 26

»

»

p1 Cover.indd 1

Hot or not

Discover the changes customers want to see in your chiller that can deliver bumper sales RANGE REVIEW Page 18

Page 16

SERVICES Page 4

l betterRetailing.com l 10.09.2021

Cash in on festive snacking

Customer habits Ranging Footfall Trading hours

THE LEADING TITLE FOR NEWS AND CONVENIENCE RETAILERS

● betterRetailing.com ● 21.01.2022

15

How your store can seize opportunities in the four phases of ending Covid-19 restrictions

SYMBOL GROUPS

07/12/2021 15:00

RETAIL NEWS THAT MATTERS

Vol 132 No 15 £2.50

FOR TRADE USE ONLY FIRM SALE

What Boris’ lockdown exit plan means for local shops

SUPPLIER SUPPORT

p1 Cover.indd 1

● betterRetailing.com ● 26.02.2021

●

Get more from rep visits

Vol 132 No 50 £2.50

RETAIL NEWS THAT MATTERS

l Make mega margins

Page 23

How shop owners keep their stores ticking over when taking a break

Camelot addresses your concerns ahead of new legislation next month

l New products and must-stocks ● Discover the ● Ten must-stock simple bread trend bakery brands and up 60% year on year their top-selling lines

»

Need a holiday?

Trading up for bigger baskets

Page 3

»

FOR TRADE USE ONLY FIRM SALE

What stores need to know about the 2021 magazine launch boom Page 6 »

Vol 133 No 7 £2.50

15/02/2022 16:04

RETAIL NEWS THAT MATTERS

Council blunders: is your store owed thousands of pounds?

Pages 5 & 18

New mags for your shelves

THE LEADING TITLE FOR NEWS AND CONVENIENCE RETAILERS

Store owners share how they tackle complaints, keep staff safe and protect sales

● betterRetailing.com ● 10.12.2021

»

NEWSTRADE SUCCESS

Dealing with difficult customers RETAIL NEWS THAT MATTERS

Page 4

STAFF DEVELOPMENT

Make more from the big night in Nine tips to grab bigger baskets from your sofa-loving customers Page 20 »

l Bestway trial shows these healthier lines sell anywhere l Discover the new lines ready for the junk food promo ban l Retailer plans for growing lower-sugar sales

How to get your free toy-vending machine

● betterRetailing.com ● 11.06.2021

Your complete guide to Christmas: everything you need to plan for a profitable festive season

Page 23

SHOPLIFTING

PayPoint ramps up services

l How stores of any

»

The grocery changes all stores need to make to win today’s shoppers

80

l How local shops can act now to protect Page 3

RETAIL NEWS THAT MATTERS

healthier lines that help deliver £250 extra weekly profit to indie stores

E RE XCL SE US AR IV CH E

the reintroduction of mandatory Covid-19 control measures

l betterRetailing.com l 09.04.2021

: Revealed

l Advice and resources for stores on

Lottery age change

Footfall, customer trust and sales being damaged by mistake that takes under five minutes to fix

LO 1 AD OK- 3-P VI BO AG CE O E GU K A ID ND E

CATEGORY ADVICE Page 21

18+

Revealed: 63% of convenience stores list the wrong opening hours

PayPoint parcel locker plan revealed

Inside the latest opportunities in e-cigarettes and what they mean for local shops

RETAIL NEWS THAT MATTERS

THE LEADING TITLE FOR NEWS AND CONVENIENCE RETAILERS

COMING UP IN THE 21 OCTOBER ISSUE OF RN Keg sales gold rush

Page 5

»

»

PARFETTS

New ownlabel range revealed Wholesaler quietly

NEWSTRADE

Vol 132 No 2 £2.50

The new must-stock magazines Discover the titles

CATEGORY ADVICE

The winter meds you need to stock Stock up to sell up

11/10/2022 60% caught13:07 LEGISLATION

out by allergy law Mistakes by shop staff

OWN-LABEL

Booker to change own label Happy Shopper,