TalkingShop May/Jun 2025

Talking Shop ISSUE 136 – May-June 2025

The magazine for Premier retailers

Making a Scoot to success splash Festival fever

PLUS

Grow your sales and profits with Booker’s delivery app

Things are going swimmingly for new Lake District retailer Marcus Parkinson

The Premier Beer and Cider festival returns.

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Talking Shop | May/June 2025

Welcome Talking Shop ISSUE 136 – May-June

2025

The magazine

A very warm welcome to the latest jam-packed issue of Talking Shop as we move towards the all-important summer season – and what a blooming season of opportunity it is promising to be.

We’ve pulled together a sizzling package of support to help you have the hottest summer yet – regardless of what the weather has in store.

Rolled out just in time for the start of picnic season, Premier’s chilled and deli range reset serves up a fresh slice of tasty new products, new pack sizes, recipe upgrades and appetising PMPs. The range reset covers a variety of key summer categories, including soft drinks, pizzas and pastas, ready meals, sandwich fillers, sides, snacks, dips and more – all of which are guaranteed to set shoppers smiling come rain or shine.

Kicking off later this month, Premier’s Beer and Cider Festival meanwhile will help you drink in additional sales and profits over the key summer sales period – with a barrel-load of NPD, Group Exclusive products and fantastic promotions to tempt your shoppers with.

In this issue you’ll also learn more about Scoot – Booker’s brand-new rapid response delivery app that facilitates home deliveries to shoppers in as little as 30 minutes.

Designed by retailers, for retailers, Scoot promises to help you make more and save more – an estimated £34,000 more profit each year to be precise!

This issue of Talking Shop also includes a detailed look at the many exclusive deals and discounts available to you in our new Added Value Services brochure.

We’ve also recently introduced a new B2B WhatsApp channel to help keep you up to date with exciting new product launches, upcoming events, pre-sells and category advice to help you grow your business.

As ever, there’s also the usual mix of remarkable retailer profiles, cutting-edge NPD and key legislative updates to inspire and inform.

It’s set to be a superb summer for Premier retailers, and I wish you all the very best of trading over the next couple of months.

for Premier retail

ers

Making a Scoot to success splash

PLUS

Things are going swimmingly Lake District for new retailer Marc us Parkinson

Grow your sales with Booker’s and profits delivery app

Festival fever The Premier Beer and Cider festival returns.

COVER STORY Young retailer Marcus Parkinson is making waves in the Lake District.

THE THREE BIG STORIES 9 WhatsApp? Booker launches new B2B WhatsApp channel for retailers.

54 SUMMER SIZZLER Premier’s Beer and Cider Festival is back.

67 HOME RUN Grow your sales and profits with Scoot home delivery.

Share your shop news

If you’ve got news, tips or feature ideas, please get in touch with Talking Shop: EMAIL:

talkingshop@booker.co.uk DISCLAIMER:

Martyn Parkinson, Sales Director – Booker Wholesale

4 TalkingShop May/June 2025

Prices are correct at time of going to press, but may be subject to change.

87

Helping you to comply with new waste legislation

31 Opportunity knocks!

38

61

B&B Premier is wide awake in Basildon

Don’t miss the Winter Pre-Sell

7

9

Premier News

38 Hit parade

81 Booker Networks

Premier’s triumphs at The

B&B Premier has revitalised the

Shining the spotlight on The Booker

Convenience Awards 2025

parade of shops that serves

Group’s flourishing Colleague

Basildon’s Clay Hill Road estate.

Networks.

Booker WhatsApp Booker launches a new B2B channel for retailers

21 GroceryAid Update The industry charity has launched its first ever raffle.

22 Making a splash Things are going swimmingly for

48 Summer loving

Helping you comply with the new

deli range in time for summer.

Simpler Recycling Legislation.

54 Festival fever

Booker’s AVS brochure can help you

back with a bang.

make more and save more.

67 Delivering success Grow your sales and profits with

Parkinson.

Scoot home delivery.

75 New product round up

Premier retailers Kam and Lidia

Our pick of the hottest new products

Sahraee jumped at the opportunity

to hit the shelves.

to extend into the store next-door.

93 Adding Value

Premier’s Beer and Cider Festival is

Lake District Premier retailer Marcus

31 Opportunity knocks

87 Legislation update

Premier has refreshed its chilled and

75

Hot new products

PremierNews NEWS, ACHIEVEMENTS AND OPINIONS FROM ACROSS PREMIER

Girish’s@Barmulloch crowned Convenience Retailer of the Year Girish Jeeva took the top accolade at The Convenience Awards 2025.

INBRIEF PREMIER SCOOPS TWO HIGH PROFILE INDUSTRY AWARDS Premier was crowned ‘Britain’s Favourite Convenience Symbol Group’ at The Convenience Awards 2025.

Hosted by awardwinning broadcaster Krishnan Guru-Murthy, the ceremony saw convenience store operators and suppliers gather to forge new connections, recognise excellence and celebrate together.

Glasgow-based Girish’s@Barmulloch was awarded the top accolade of Convenience Retailer of the Year

and most importantly, our incredible customers.”

In a second high-

Commenting on this year’s awards, Convenience

profile win, Premier

Store editor, Aidan Fortune, said: “The quality of

also claimed the title

Held at Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse in

entries for this year’s awards was extremely high

of ‘Britain’s Favourite

March, the awards celebrated the convenience

and it made it incredibly difficult for our judging

Convenience Store

industry’s most inspirational stores, retailers, staff

panel to decide on category winners.

Group.

at The Convenience Awards 2025.

and suppliers.

“The work that Girish has put into his business

The Convenience

The Premier store, which is owned by independent

has been outstanding – he’s successfully balanced

Awards 2025

retailer Girish Jeeva, also claimed the prize of

embracing technology and innovation while keeping

are powered by

Independent Store of the Year.

prices affordable for his customer base.

Convenience Store,

The judging panel of independent retail experts

“At a time when there is so much working against

praised Girish for his willingness to innovate while

retailers, it’s inspiring to see how many are striving

keeping the shopper experience a priority.

forward and growing their businesses. A massive

Commenting on his success, Girish said: “We

congratulations to all of our finalists and winners.”

proudly took home two awards, but the pinnacle

Other winners on the night included Julie Kaur,

of the evening was undoubtedly being crowned

of Premier Jules in Telford, who was named as the

Convenience Retailer of the Year. Words simply

‘Retailers’ Retailer of the Year.

can’t express the joy and gratitude we felt in that moment.

Lumina Intelligence and The Grocer.

In a new format for the awards, this prize was decided by retailer attendees to the event.

“This success wouldn’t have been possible without

Premier Racetrack Wishaw in Glasgow was also

the unwavering dedication of our entire team – our

presented with the prestigious New Store of the Year

fantastic in-store staff, our reliable delivery drivers,

award.

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

7

Booker to launch official WhatsApp Business channel Premier retailers will soon reap the benefits of Booker’s new B2B WhatsApp channel which will enable it to deliver more personalised content.

Booker

is

strengthening

its

customer communications with

WHY JOIN BOOKER’S OFFICIAL WHATSAPP CHANNEL? SPECIAL OFFERS Get instant updates on new promotions, special offers and events.

FIRST TO KNOW Be the first to see new products and Group Exclusives.

the launch of a new WhatsApp Business channel for its symbol

INSIGHTS AND TIPS Get industry insights and category advice to help you grow your business.

group retailers.

As one of the widest used platforms today, Booker’s new WhatsApp Business API will help to amplify its marketing muscle and ramp up retailer engagement.

STAY UP TO DATE Keep up to date on Trade Shows, pre-sells, order cut off dates, recalls and branch news.

The new B2B capability will enable Booker to deliver far more personalised content to retailers, in response to their fascia, region, branch and more.

It will also facilitate more rapid deployment of promotions and enable it to send time- sensitive messages and alerts, including

JOIN HERE!

order cut-off times and distress

USE THE SIGN-UP LINK: APP.PROCONNECTPLATFORM. COM/JOIN/BOOKER

messages – such as branch closures and weather warnings.

Retailers signed up to Booker’s official WhatsApp channel will

OR SCAN THE QR CODE

also benefit from updates on exciting new product launches, upcoming events, pre-sells and category advice to help them grow their businesses.

Booker will also be able to send retailers digital vouchers, instant surveys, Trade Show news and Club information and more.

Retailers will be able to join the channel in a variety of ways, including email sign-up, online, or via a link or QR code.

For more information, speak to your RDM. May/June 2025 TalkingShop

9

FROM THE BIGGEST LEMON & LIME BRAND @BritvicTrade

www.atyourconvenience.com

CommunityNews NEWS, ACHIEVEMENTS AND OPINIONS FROM ACROSS PREMIER

Premier store delivers flaming hot community support Tenby Stores and Post Office in Tenby, Wales has

PREMIER RETAILERS TASTE CHOC-TASTIC SALES

you for their services.

donated 10 cases of Lucozade Blue to the brave

Owned by Premier retailers Vince and Fiona

firefighting crews at Tenby Fire Station as a thank

Malone, the community-focused store has also started hosting regular Police Surgeries.

Local shoppers were invited to come into the store between 10am and 11am on 24 March to meet local police teams, ask questions and air any concerns.

Earlier this year, Tenby stores was announced as one of the 16 regional winners of Allwyn’s firstever Local Retail Champions awards – an accolade

Premier retailers across

which also saw it win £5,000.

the country are reporting

Commenting on the store’s many community-

sell-out sales of the new

focused feats, and its much-deserved award, local

Cadbury Dairy Milk

MP Henry Tuffnell said: “This fantastic community

Biscoff bar.

shop goes above and beyond – supporting local

The innovative tie-

schools with free fruit, helping out at the community

up combines smooth

fridge, and ensuring elderly residents get their

Cadbury’s chocolate

groceries with a personal touch.

with crunchy Lotus

“Small businesses like Tenby Stores are the

Biscoff biscuit chunks

backbone of our communities, and I couldn’t be

– and is causing a stir

prouder to see them celebrated. Well done to the

on social media, with

team!”

retailers who promote the bar online racking

Making a meal of it

up dozens of likes and

Girish’s Premier in Barmulloch, Glasgow recently offered its

Facebook, Premier

late night online shoppers an exclusive offer of one free ready

retailer Jaz Ali said: “This

meal included in orders made after 10pm.

combo is unreal! The

shares.

Commenting on

Late night shoppers could choose from a delicious selection of

new Cadbury Dairy

Jack’s favourites, including Sweet & Sour Chicken, Chicken in

Milk Biscoff bar has

Black Bean Sauce, Macaroni Cheese, Beef Stew & Dumplings

landed at Jaz’s Premier

and more. The exclusive “one-time offer” came just weeks after

Grangemouth and it’s

store owner Girish Jeeva extended his Snappy Shopper delivery

flying off the shelves!”

service to 24 hours.

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

11

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IndustryNews A DIGEST OF NEWS FROM THE INDEPENDENT RETAILING INDUSTRY

Booker’s Maria Clark wins high profile industry award for sustainability success The prestigious FPA awards recognise and reward innovation and excellence.

OLDER RETAIL WORKERS ARE HAPPIEST IN SECTOR Retail employees aged 54 and over are the happiest in the industry, with two in three (67%) reporting high satisfaction at work, compared to 62% of 25-34-year-olds.

The findings from the State of the Frontline Workforce Survey, conducted by workforce management platform Quinyx, revealed that mature workers in the sector report high levels

Booker’s sustainability credentials and the key

industry, making her a deserving recipient of this

of job security, flexibility,

individuals behind them have been celebrated at a

prestigious award.

and engagement. This

glittering ceremony for the Foodservice Packaging

FPA Interim Executive Chair Anna Turner said:

contrasts with younger

“The quality of the entries this year was exceptionally

generations who cite

The prestigious industry awards are designed to

high, but Maria stood out as the worthy winner.

burnout and instability.

recognise and reward innovation and excellence

During her time at Booker, she has developed the

According to the

within the foodservice packaging industry.

company’s sustainability goals significantly and

survey, 46% of retail

worked hard to change the mindset of the company’s

workers aged 54 and up

stakeholders.

do not experience work-

Association (FPA)’s Awards.

Booker’s Sustainability and Technical Report Manager Maria Clark was presented with the FPA’s coveted Rising Star Award which celebrates

“Winning the Rising Star Award also entitles

individuals who have already achieved noteworthy

Maria to an automatic place at Sheffield Hallam

successes early in their careers.

University to study the four-year Packaging

their current role as a

Professional Integrated Degree and Apprenticeship

long-term career choice

course.”

and only 6% worry about

Maria has been a key driver of sustainability initiatives at Booker, spearheading several impactful

related stress.

In addition, 60% view

projects that have not only advanced the company’s

On receiving the award Maria said: “I am truly

environmental goals but have also set a benchmark

honoured to be recognised for my hard work and

for industry standards.

dedication to sustainability, both within Booker and

a lack of scheduling

the broader foodservice industry.

flexibility while 54%

With a keen eye for detail and a forward-thinking

losing their job.

Only 8% say they have

approach, Maria has contributed to the development

Sustainability has always been my passion, and

said their job has not

of sustainable packaging solutions that have made a

I am deeply inspired by my young family to stay

negatively affected

significant difference in the foodservice sector.

committed to making a positive impact and always

their mental or physical

doing what’s right.”

health.

Her leadership in promoting sustainability has earned her recognition within Booker and across the

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

13

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Industry calls for delivery drivers to be protected by legislation New shopworker protections should be extended to delivery drivers, industry groups insist.

RETAILERS AGAINST CRIME REPORTS 26% RISE IN RETAILER LOSSES

Retailers Against Crime

Usdaw and BRC have pushed for the protection

(RAC) has revealed

to be extended to delivery drivers, who are required

that overall losses for

to conduct age verification checks before deliveries

its retailer members

can be completed.

increased by 26% to

The union says that this can be a real flashpoint for abuse, threats and violence, and they deserve the same protection that their in-store colleagues will have.

£1.85m during the last year.

Speaking at an RAC intelligence briefing for

At the second reading of the Bill in the House

retailers in Edinburgh,

of Commons, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper

the national retail crime

announced “a stringent two-step age verification

partnership said that

system for online knife sales, so that customers have

while the total number

to submit photo ID at the point of purchase and again

of offences reported

on delivery. It will be a legal requirement to hand a

had dropped 5% to

package containing a knife to the buyer alone.”

11,890, the number of

Addressing the Committee, Chris Morris, Usdaw

violent incidents had

Deputy Head of Research, said: “Delivery drivers

surged to make up

have to make age verification checks when delivering

14% of that figure, with

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) and retail

alcohol and other age-restricted products, which can

1,674 reported to the

trade union, Usdaw, have called for the Crime and

cause issues of violence, threats and abuse.

organisation during 2024.

Policing Bill to offer legal protections for grocery

“Order substitutions can also cause customer

delivery drivers, as the Bill reaches Committee stage

frustration. So, we would want to see these workers

ordinator Nataša Wilson

at the House of Commons.

covered by the new law as well.

flagged up the RAC’s

Intelligence Co-

The Bill, which will impact England and Wales, is

“This is something we will continue to engage

set to make abuse and violence against shopworkers

with the Government on, to ensure the Bill is as

tool, which allows

a standalone crime, as is already the case in Scotland.

effective as possible.”

users to share real-time

SentrySIS crime-fighting

information about thefts

New Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee welcomed The Association of Convenience Stores

has

named, contactable officers to tackle the issues

welcomed

new

facing their communities.

the

announcement

of

a

happening in the city with fellow retailers and the police.

Wilson also presented

Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee from the

In addition, every neighbourhood in England and

footage of criminal

Government – which seeks to create dedicated

Wales will have dedicated teams who will spend

teams, showing how

neighbourhood policing teams in every community

their time on the beat with guaranteed police patrols

one member might

across the country.

in town centres and other hotspot areas at peak times

distract a shop assistant,

such as Friday and Saturday nights.

while another stole

It follows a manifesto commitment from Labour to put 13,000 more neighbourhood officers on

There will also be a dedicated antisocial behaviour

merchandise and a third

streets – an increase of over 50%, according to the

lead in every force who will work with businesses

hid them from view in a

Home Office.

and residents on bespoke action plans to crack down

premeditated plan.

The measures include each neighbourhood having

on the problem.

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

15

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Vape rates stall and disposable use falls ahead of ban New UCL research indicates that vaping rates may have plateaued, while use of disposable vapes appears to be falling.

POST OFFICE ANNOUNCES MOVE TO FULLY FRANCHISED NETWORK The Post Office has confirmed that its last remaining 108 Directly Managed Branches (DMBs) will be franchised by the autumn.

The Post Office confirmed in November that the future of its DMB network would be under review.

It claimed that DMBs generate a fully allocated loss (including central and support costs) of over £40m each year.

Nigel Railton, Post Office Chair, said: “By franchising these branches, we are protecting access to our services for communities right across the UK and realising £40 million worth of

Great Britain’s rapid rise in vaping rates appears to

– with the fall steepest among 16 to 24-year-olds.

savings that will enable

have stalled in the lead up to the ban on disposable

In this age bracket, the proportion mainly using

us to uplift postmasters’

products, a new study from University College

disposables has almost halved – from 63% to 35%.

remuneration by up to

London (UCL) suggests.

Lead author Dr Sarah Jackson said: “Action is

10%.

While the proportion of people vaping has

likely still required to reduce high vaping rates, but

increased by nearly a quarter each year since January

now that the situation has stabilised policymakers

will either stay in the

2022 – UCL research indicates that it may now have

may be reassured that it would be sensible to avoid

same location where

plateaued.

stricter policy options currently under review.

possible or be located

Usage of disposable vapes also appears to be

“The 108 Post Offices

“Our results also suggest that the Government’s

close to the existing

ban on disposables, coming into force in June, may

location, meaning

The study of 88,611 people noted a “substantial

have limited impact on vaping rates in general,

customers will continue

decline” in the proportion of vapers mainly using

given that vapers are already moving away from

to have access to a full

disposable e-cigarettes in the last year.

disposable vapes.

suite of products and

falling ahead of the UK-wide ban on 1 June.

In January 2024, nearly half (43.6%) of all vapers aged 16 and over mainly used disposables.

This fell to less than a third (29.4%) a year later

“It seems likely that people using these products

services.”

will move to re-usable versions rather than stop vaping completely.”

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

17

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Coming Soon

InPost acquires parcel delivery firm Yodel InPost has become the third largest agnostic logistics player in the country.

Parcel locker firm, Inpost, has acquired delivery company, Yodel, to become the third-largest

now well positioned to do the same here.”

Neil Kuschel, CEO of InPost UK added: “This

DPD UK TO ADD 8,000 PARCEL LOCKERS THANKS TO YEEP! LINK-UP Parcel firm DPD is to expand its UK out-ofhome network, by adding 8,000 parcel

agnostic logistics player in the country, following

acquisition is a game-changer for InPost’s operations

lockers over the next five

Royal Mail and Evri.

in the UK. Combining doorstep deliveries with

years.

The deal saw InPost acquire 95.5% of Judge

our unrivalled locker network, we are reshaping

The partnership with

Logistics Ltd share capital (‘JLL’), parent company

the future of parcel delivery. We will be able to

YEEP! will see DPD add

of Yodel Delivery Network (‘Yodel’), with PayPoint

provide customers and e-commerce retailers with

to its existing network

retaining a minority stake of 4.5%.

the reliability, flexibility, and efficiency they expect.

of 12,000 Pickup parcel

We’re excited to deliver more for the UK.”

stores and lockers across

The acquisition will enable the company to process around 300 million+ parcels annually,

The acquisition builds on the partnership

immediately expanding its merchant base to over

established between InPost and Yodel in October

The YEEP! network

500+ e-commerce stores and increasing market

2024, when Yodel began providing last-mile services

comprises open, battery-

share to approximately 8%, with 10,000 automated

through InPost’s “locker-to-door” service.

powered parcel lockers,

the UK.

parcel machines, totalling over 18,000 Out Of Home

enabling shoppers to

points.

conveniently pick up

Rafał Brzoska, Founder, and CEO of InPost Group,

and drop off parcels

said: “This acquisition marks a pivotal milestone in

within their local

InPost’s journey to revolutionise the UK delivery

communities.

market as well as the Group pan-European presence.

Elaine Kerr, CEO of

We have just fast-forwarded five years of organic

DPD UK, commented:

expansion in the UK and it is a clear reflection of

“By rolling out 8,000

our long-term commitment to this market, a market

additional lockers,

where we see enormous opportunity for growth. Our

we are creating more

logistics model has transformed delivery in other

accessible, efficient, and

European markets, and with this acquisition, we are

convenient solutions.

We know UK

Gander enhances food waste reduction capabilities

consumers love their

Gander has improved food waste reduction and in-store experiences by integrating its reduced-to-clear

that remains our priority,

(RTC) technology with SOLUM’s Newton Electronic Shelf Labels (ESLs).

but we can also see that

The integration has enabled Gander to automatically display reduced-to-clear products to thousands of local customers actively searching for discounts.

home deliveries, and

our lockers are hugely popular with regular

By integrating the technology, retailers can maximise the reach of reduced-price items across a

users. We anticipate this

wide range of platforms including Olio, Google Local Inventory, Meta, retailer websites and loyalty

market to grow in the

programmes.

UK in the next five years,

The collaboration drastically reduces food waste, increases footfall to stores and helps recover lost profits.

Mark Duckworth, Country Manager at SOLUM, said: “By eliminating the need for manual updates, it also reduces labour costs and human error while providing customers with up-to-date product information

as networks expand, and consumers become more familiar with the benefits.”

and pricing instantly.”

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

19

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Give your team the chance to ‘win their summer’ with GroceryAid’s first ever industry-wide raffle!

Industry charity GroceryAid has launched its first ever raffle in support of GroceryAid Day 2025, with a raft of hot summer prizes up for grabs.

WIN THIS SUMMER! For just £1.50 per ticket, you can give your colleagues the chance to win some incredible prizes this summer! l £1,000 grocery vouchers l Theme park trips and heritage days out l VIP event tickets and luxury getaways l Spa days, pizza ovens and state-ofthe-art TVs

Thursday 8 May will see grocery industry colleagues

To help you do just that, GroceryAid has put

from across the country come together in celebration

together a handy toolkit, providing you with physical

of GroceryAid Day – the annual day of awareness

and digital assets to share with your organisation.

designed to showcase the array of incredible support available to colleagues experiencing tough times.

This year, on GroceryAid Day, the industry charity will be launching its first ever raffle to create even greater impact – and give grocery colleagues the opportunity to ‘win their summer’.

For just £1.50 per ticket, you can give your

l Summer supplies and more!

The raffle toolkit includes: l An A4 poster to print and display around the workplace. l Digital assets for Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. l Editorial content including a PowerPoint presentation.

colleagues the chance to win some incredible prizes

RAFFLE RULES The GroceryAid raffle opens on 1 May and closes on 31 May for digital entries and 6

this summer, including: £1,000 worth of grocery

GroceryAid Day 2025 and the industry raffle are

June for postal entries.

vouchers, theme park trips and heritage days out,

designed to raise awareness of the charity’s free

Maximum 20 entries

VIP event tickets, spa days, TVs, pizza ovens and

and confidential financial, emotional and practical

per person.

more!

services that are available to grocery industry

The raffle is a fantastic opportunity for you to reward your team and support a great cause.

colleagues 24/7, 365 days a year.

If you, or any of your team, need immediate

Looking to buy 20+ tickets or have any questions?

Whether you’re buying for a small team or your

emotional support you can call GroceryAid’s FREE

Simply contact your

entire business, it’s the perfect way to recognise hard

and confidential Helpline on 08088 021122 and

Relationship Manager

work and say thank you – all while raising awareness

speak to a trained counsellor.

at GroceryAid

of GroceryAid and helping us provide relief to more grocery colleagues going through tough times.

YOUR RAFFLE TOOLKIT You can play your part in telling colleagues about

Support and further advice are also available

or email raffle@

through the website groceryaid.org.uk/get-help. The

groceryaid.org.uk

website has an accessibility toolbar which translates

to help you make it

the content into more than 100 different languages,

happen quickly and

as well as text to speech in 60 different languages.

easily.

the raffle so that everyone can have the opportunity

GroceryAid Day is the best way to help you

to get involved and have a chance to win whilst

ensure that your colleagues reach out for support

supporting and finding out about GroceryAid.

should they need it.

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

21

CUSTOMER PROFILE | Windermere Convenience Store

Making a

splash Twenty-two-year-old first-time retailer Marcus Parkinson is making a splash in his Lake District hometown of Windermere.

22 TalkingShop May/June 2025

Store profile

Name: Windermere Convenience Store, Cumbria Retailer: Marcus Parkinson Size: 800sq ft Staff: 3 Services: National Lottery, Royal Mail parcel lockers Opening hours: 7.30am-8pm

I

n his LinkedIn profile, 22-year-old

university and get a degree. So I did all that.

community, as Marcus explains. “It has a lot

Marcus Parkinson describes himself

And then, once I left uni, with my degree

of hotels and bars, and in terms of retail there

as a business management grad who

in Business Management, I found myself

are a couple of supermarkets and some small

is “all about turning daily errands into

looking around and saying, ‘OK people, so

unaffiliated stores, but not much else – and

delightful experiences”.

what do I do now?’ And everyone was like,

certainly nothing out of the ordinary.”

And the entrepreneurial first-time retailer is

certainly walking the walk at his brand-new

‘Oh, that’s up to you now,’ which was quite overwhelming at first!

“My

time

at

Tesco’s

Bowness

On

Windermere store had taught me a pretty

Premier-branded convenience store in the

“Apart from working part time at my local

decent amount about retail and I’d enjoyed it.

Lake District town of Windermere, where he

Tesco during my studies, I didn’t really have

It’s such a dynamic industry and crucially, it’s

grew up.

any other work experience. I was clear that

all about people, and I’m a big people person.

However, as Marcus explains, he didn’t

I wanted to be my own boss though. My

“Next to the park where I play football, there

grow up knowing that retail would be his

university course had focused heavily on

was an old convenience store called PKs. The

bag – far from it in fact – but that’s certainly

entrepreneurship and my parents had owned

owner, known as PK, had run it for many years

not stopped him from bagging phenomenal

their own hotel business, so I had a good

and we often chatted. It was on the outskirts of

success with his first-ever store.

understanding of what that meant.

the town centre, close to where all the locals

“Growing up, I’d never envisioned myself

“I wanted to start my own business, and I

live but it hadn’t been invested in for quite a

doing something like this, or even working in

wanted to do it where I grew up in Windermere,

while, and the offer mainly focused on wine,

retail to be honest,” Marcus laughs.

where I knew there was an opportunity to do

cigarettes and papers. One day, after chatting

something different.”

to PK, it just hit me that maybe this could be

“When you’re a kid, you always get told what the next step is. You go to school, you

The picturesque town of Windermere is

my path. Owning my own convenience store

focus on your GCSEs, then you go on to sixth

a tourist hotspot, especially in the summer

would offer me a way to be my own boss, to

form and after that you’re advised to go to

months, but it also enjoys a thriving local

really achieve something – and to give back to May/June 2025 TalkingShop

23

my local community at the same time.”

Following many more talks with PK, and with the support of Marcus’s family, a plan for him to take the store over was settled on in February 2024.

“I shopped around the different symbol groups in the lead-up to taking the store on, but Premier’s offer just stood out,” Marcus says. “I was immediately attracted by the Premier structure and the level of support on offer, via its RDMs and RDCs. “Then I met my RDM Kelly and I just had a great feeling. Kelly and the Premier team laid everything out for me: all the support they could offer, the different sort of plans we could look into, and it was all just incredibly easy and never pushy at all.

“Designing the store was also a lot of fun and we worked hard to develop a store plan unlike anything else here – one that was

The store has seen a 400% growth in sales since the development.

guaranteed to turn heads and bring shoppers rushing in. The Booker merchandising team were also exceptional, especially a gentleman called Neil who went above and beyond and continues to do so.”

A jaw-dropping three-week refit of the old store began in June, entirely transforming its look, range and offer, ahead of opening in July 2024.

“RK

Shopfitters

were

absolutely

incredible,” Marcus says. “I felt like they’d have moved the world for us if we’d asked. It really was incredible.

“Initially, I think the community thought we we’re just giving the old store a lick of paint and sticking some more stuff on the shelves, so to say that they were blown away by the change would be an understatement!

“One of the first things we did, along with ripping out the old floors and ceilings, was to let the light in! The old store’s windows were completely covered by vinyl so there was no natural light. Now, you can see in and out from almost every angle, which is fantastic.

I especially love walking past at night when it’s dark and seeing that bright and inviting interior.”

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

25

What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk

That inviting interior includes a bold and

quantities, so shoppers are going mad for the

from the renowned Apple Pie Bakery in

bright Refresh@Premier zone at the entrance,

American brands – as well as other ‘viral’

nearby Ambleside.

featuring Coca-Cola and Fanta Freeze, Think

products such as freeze-dried candy, Korean

“The Apple Pie Bakery is very, very popular.

Fresh Shakes and Costa Coffee – all of which

noodles and Takis crisps – all of which we sell

Lots of people will travel to Ambleside just

have created “a huge stir” locally, especially

and make a big deal of on social media.

for the bakery, so I was so chuffed when they

the slush and shakes.

And then there’s the Beer Cave – an utterly unique feature in the local area.

“The initial reaction when shoppers first step into the cave is ‘Woah!’ Marcus laughs.

“I’m a local lad, so a lot of people around here know me, but I’ve worked hard at

agreed to let me sell their products in-store,” Marcus says.

engagement nonetheless and the biggest and

“They don’t tend to supply other stores but

most effective way of reaching out to people

when I reached out and explained my story,

is through social media.”

they were up for it, so it was a real win.”

“When we first opened, quite a few shoppers

The store’s social media feed is awash

The inside of the store also features a

said to me: ‘I can’t see any beer on the

with fun and engaging posts and reels about

number of further nods to its locality and

shelves.’ I’d grin and then say: ‘follow me…’

new products, competitions and promotions,

heritage, with rustic-looking slate-stone walls

“It’s like the best magic trick ever when you

including a regular run of ‘Power Hour’ and

inside the Beer Cave and old black and white

show them into the cave and see the surprise

‘Deal of the Day’ promotions offering shoppers

images of the store through the ages dotted

and delight on their faces! Shopping our Beer

irresistible prices on selected products for just

around the interior. “Having grown up here

Cave is an experience; everything has such

one hour, or day – a tactic which Marcus has

I thought it was really important to maintain

great standout on shelf and it’s all perfectly

found to be especially powerful for driving

a nod to the shopkeepers who had been here

chilled. We’ve also got cool LED ceiling

engagement and footfall.

before us,” Marcus says.

panels, featuring a tree canopy with blue sky above it.”

The store and Beer Cave has also been

One category which lends itself especially

Elsewhere in the store, 10 doors have

well to engaging social media posts is the

been devoted to fresh and chilled products,

store’s mouthwatering range of local goods

including ready meals, fresh produce, and

fitted with a new Retail AI system which uses cameras to detect possible theft. They system also features a customisable radio station with music that changes throughout the day. It also plays customisable adverts and promotes Premier’s Mega Deals and new products, including on-trend US confectionary.

Marcus’s impulse zone also features a whole bay of American confectionery, which, just like his US soft drinks, are selling “extraordinarily well.”

“In Windermere, American products are few and far between,” he says. “You’d need to travel quite far out to find them in any great

{

The way I see it, all this hard work is a short-time sacrifice for a long-term gain and it’s a gain that won’t just benefit me but also this whole community – and that’s what I’m most proud of.

} May/June 2025 TalkingShop

27

% 3 3 h t i Now w E E R F Extra d squash drink *

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20

30

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*NielsenIQ Scantrack 152 we 08.10.22; 252 we 27.05.23. **Recommended retail price.

Based on RRP of 750ml.

What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk

dairy and local milk. The chillers also star

further rack for red wine, but it’s white that’s

Premier’s Mega Meal Deal, offering shoppers

leading the sales charge.

five items for just £5.50.

“Vape is another big category for us. We

Since

opening,

store

turnover

has

skyrocketed by more than 400%, with the cost of the full store refit expected to pay back within its first year of trading.

“We also have a six-door soft drinks chiller

first opened with two bays of vape and three

with two whole doors devoted to American

of spirits behind the counter, but we’ve since

“Standing here today, I’m beyond happy

drinks, plus four doors for frozen. Interestingly,

changed it round so that there’s more space

with my decision and what we’ve achieved in

our frozen offer includes frozen roast dinners

for vape than spirits which is working much

such a short space of time,” Marcus says.

from Kershaws, which are incredibly popular.

better. I just had a feeling that the original mix

I’d never come across them until they arrived

wasn’t quite right. I called Premier and they

in-store and we’re selling loads!

immediately sent someone to help me change

“Don’t get me wrong, there are times

things around – another example of their

when I’m knackered, but you’ve got to look

exemplary support.

forward.

“It’s fascinating to see how locals are shopping the store and the types of products that they are buying – we’ve had some big surprises!”

Sales to date are being led by fresh and chilled – the success of which has also taken everyone by surprise.

“Even my RDM Kelly has been surprised at just how well fresh is performing,”

“The store is doing phenomenally well and we’re all so chuffed.

“The continued support is another thing I

“The way I see it, all this hard work is a

love about Premier – the team work so hard to

short-time sacrifice for a long-term gain

make your goals their goals too.”

and it’s a gain that won’t just benefit me but

And Marcus is certainly hitting the back of the net.

also this whole community – and that’s what I’m most proud of.”

Marcus says. “It already accounts for 40% of daily sales, which is massive in a store of just 600sqft.

“It’s an interesting one but really shows how quickly local people have come to rely on us for their daily needs.

“One thing I learned early on was to persevere with fresh and chilled. We did have wastage in those early weeks but that’s dropped now that awareness of our offer has grown. You’ve got to stick with it and keep on ordering, even if it’s not selling as fast as you’d like, because you have to keep those gaps filled and the shelves looking good.”

Jack’s own-label products are doing “very well,” especially the ready meals, which have a full three shelves devoted to them.

“Shoppers like the fact that it’s ‘part of the Tesco family’. It adds an enormous amount of trust,” says Marcus.

“Another interesting product category is wine. Wine sales are significant in this store.

Had I known just how well wine would do, I would probably have made the Beer Cave a Wine Cave,” he quips.

“We have a three-door chiller for white and rosé wines, which forms the outer wall of the Beer Cave, so it looks great. There’s also a May/June 2025 TalkingShop

29

C id er Prof it Perfe ction

Stock up

on the UK’s no.1 strong cider brand * * Nielson Total Cider Market, Strong Can, MAT to 25.01.25 ** Aston Manor Sales Report to 31.12.24

Premier Hardham Road | CUSTOMER PROFILE

Magic number three!

Premier retailers Kam and Lidia Sahraee couldn’t be happier with their pictureperfect Premier store in Chichester, following another inspiring development.

T

here aren’t many retailers who can say they’ve been profiled three (yes three!) times in Talking Shop magazine – but then Premier retailers Kam and

Lidia Sahraee are pretty unique.

For more than a quarter of a century, the

dynamic duo has been making a meaningful difference to local lives from their two Sussex-based Premier stores – both of which have been radically updated in the last year to showcase Premier’s new concept offer.

As avid readers of Talking Shop will recall, last April saw the husband-and-wife team complete a transformative refit of their Premier store in Wishfield near Bognor.

And there’s been absolutely no let-up since – with the couple embarking on an even more ambitious development of their original Chichester store just a few months later.

“We’ve run Premier Hardham Road in Chichester for more than 25 years now,” Lidia explains, “and then last year the unit next door became available to rent.

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

31

CUSTOMER PROFILE | Premier Hardham Road

“We

were

Kam and Lidia invested around £250,000 on the development of Premier Hardham Road. both

immediately struck by the opportunity that having both units could represent: the chance to create a much bigger store with a vastly expanded range of choice for local shoppers.”

The couple’s admirable work ethic and strong community ties were certainly not lost on their landlord, who was only too happy to sign number 2 Hardham Road over to them too.

“We have a great relationship with our landlord. We joked that she’d never get better tenants than us and she obviously agreed!”

Lidia laughs.

But then they hit a wall – literally.

“There were a lot less laughs once we started to plan the build,” Lidia explains.

“The problem was the party wall between the two properties. We wanted to knock through – but in order to do so, we needed a structural engineer, planning permission, building control approval and a brand-new fire control system fitted.

“We’ve done refits before, but this was on another scale, there were so many regulatory hoops to jump through, so it was a challenging time!

“Our saving grace was the incredible team of people who supported us throughout the process. From our landlord to the council, our builder, our accountant, the shopfitters and of course Premier, we were surrounded by so much fantastic support and advice.

32 TalkingShop May/June 2025

What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk

“When everything was finally approved, I almost couldn’t believe it and we couldn’t wait to get going!

“We used the same shopfitters that we did at Premier Wishfield and once again they and the Premier team did the most incredible job.”

“A key aim of the development was to introduce a much larger range of fresh, chilled and frozen products to enable shoppers to complete full basket shops with us.

“The store is based in the heart of a lovely residential estate, and close to schools too, so there was a big opportunity to deliver an outstanding offer for local people.

“There’s also a lot of pets in the neighbourhood, so expanding our pet food and accessories range was another thing we’d wanted to do for a long time.”

With lush green playing fields just across the road there was also an opportunity to expand the store’s food- and drinks-to-go offer.

And that’s exactly what they’ve done.

{

I’m so happy with what we’ve achieved here. In this business you have to be in the market all the time – you need to invest constantly to keep winning footfall and sales.

Lidia Sahraee

}

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

33

STOCK THE

ONLY PROTEIN

FLAPJACK with

PLANT PLANT PLANT PROTEIN PROTEIN PROTEIN

NATURAL NATURAL NATURAL INGREDIENTS INGREDIENTS INGREDIENTS

SOURCE SOURCE SOURCE OFOF OF FIBRE FIBRE FIBRE

CODE

DESCRIPTION

SIZE

M303134

TREK Biscoff® Flapjack - NEW

16x50g

M224712

TREK Cocoa Oat Flapjack

16x50g

M256443

TREK Salted Caramel Flapjack

16x50g

What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk

Around £250,000 and one month later – brand-new Premier Hardham Road opened its smart new doors on 17 November.

The first thing to greet shoppers is the store’s brand-new Refresh@Premier offer featuring a footfall-driving mix of Think Fresh Shakes, Jolly Rancher slush and coffee to go – all of which are selling strongly in the spring sunshine.

“We’ve also got a range of hot food-to-go products from Country Choice which local shoppers love to grab on their way to work in the morning and at lunchtimes,” Lidia says.

The vibrant Refresh@Premier zone then leads shoppers on to the store’s brand-new fresh and chilled offer – appealingly displayed across 10-doors of fridges that run along the store’s angled outer wall.

“Shoppers are simply delighted by the breadth of our new range. From fresh meats to ready meals, pastas, cheeses, deli meats, fruit, vegetables and so much more, they can do a full basket shop,” Lidia says.

The store’s frozen range has also been expanded to two three-door upright freezers, plus a further two-door upright freezer, offering local shoppers an unrivalled range of frozen meal solutions, desserts and special offers.

{

The Beer and Soft Drinks Caves work so well. We have a very strong neighbourhood trade, so this store is the perfect setting for them. Shoppers love to come in and browse the full extent of the range and it’s so much easier for us to keep the caves perfectly stocked – rather than constantly opening and closing individual chiller doors.

}

Lidia Sahraee May/June 2025 TalkingShop

35

£1

.15

What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk

Five impeccably merchandised vertical gondolas at the centre of the store are home to the store’s brand-new bread and grocery offer, along with confectionery and snacks – and not forgetting pet food for local dogs and cats.

Eye-catching promotional ends highlight the store’s great-value offer, including Mega Deals and seasonal products.

At the back-right of the store – in what was the previous unit – dedicated Soft Drinks and Beer Caves now stand proud.

The Beer Cave features 12 bays for a wide range of beers, ciders, wines and RTDs, while in the Soft Drinks Cave, shoppers are treated to 11 bays of choice, including a large range of international brands, functional drinks, multipacks and large bottles.

“The Beer and Soft Drinks Caves work so well,” Lidia says. “We have a very strong neighbourhood trade, so this

Store profile

Name: Premier Hardham Road, West Sussex Retailers: Kam and Lidia Sahraee Size: 1,280sq ft Opening hours: 6am-10pm Staff: 9 Services: National Lottery, PayPoint, ATM, parcel collection

store is the perfect setting for them. Shoppers love to come in and browse the full extent of the range and it’s so much easier for us to keep the caves perfectly stocked – rather than constantly opening and closing individual chiller doors,” she adds.

The store has also introduced a vast range of convenient parcel services including Amazon, Yodel, Royal Mail, DPD and more.

“The reaction from the local community has been incredible, and so heartwarming,” Lidia says.

“People are just so happy. We’ve been here for 25 years so lots of shoppers have grown up with this store and they are so thrilled at what it’s become. They can’t believe the transformation and are so grateful for what they now have on their doorstep.”

And it’s not just shoppers who are delighted. “Our landlord’s face was a picture when she first saw it too,” grins Lidia. “Like us, she thinks it’s incredible.

“I’m so happy with what we’ve achieved here. In this business you have to be in the market all the time – you need to invest constantly to keep winning footfall and sales.”

“The key to our success has been teamwork though.

My in-store team are a wonderful bunch and the support that I’ve received from my Premier RDMs has also been amazing.

“If you have a good team behind you, I really do believe you can achieve anything – we’re proof of that!”

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

37

CUSTOMER PROFILE | B&B Premier

Hit parade B&B Premier’s hot new offer is proving to be a smash hit with shoppers in Basildon.

F

or more than half a century, the small parade of shops that serves Basildon’s Clay Hill Road estate has been a magnet for shoppers in need of supplies and succour.

And

now,

following

a

six-figure

transformation of the parade’s old drinks-led convenience store into a powerhouse of a Premier, its pull is stronger than ever.

Bought by business partners P Bakeerathan and N Baheerathan in June 2024, the centrally sited unit had been run as a Bargain Booze for more than 20 years and “not been refitted in a very long time,” as Baheerathan (Bahi) explains.

“There was a clear opportunity to offer local shoppers a radically different offer –including vastly improved fresh, chilled and frozen ranges, because there was almost nothing of these to speak of in the old deep-discount store,” he says.

“I already own two Budgens stores in London while my business partner owns a number of Premier stores in Cambridgeshire, so between us we were very familiar with how the Booker Group operates.”

Following a productive site visit from the local Premier RDM, it was swiftly agreed that Premier was the perfect pairing for the parade.

38 TalkingShop May/June 2025

What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

39

Vimto® is the squash brand* A Vimto® Sparkling is sold **

M106349 M284685 M284696 M284688 M275478

725ml Vimto® Original Squash £1.65 330ml Vimto® Original Can 75p 500ml Vimto® Original Fizzy £1.25 500ml Vimto® Original Still £1.25 2L Vimto® Original Fizzy £1.49

Vimto® is a registered trademark of Nichols plc. *Source: Nielsen IQ RMS; Squash, Flavoured Carbonates, RTD Still Juice Drinks, Flavoured Water, and Energy categories; 12-month period ending 22.02.25; Total Coverage. **Source: Nielsen IQ RMS data for the Flavoured Carbonates category for the 12-month period ending 25.01.25 for the Total Impulse. (500ml Sparkling products and 330ml Sparkling cans only).

What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk

“The parade of shops is within a large

After weeks of strengthening stock levels,

housing estate and features a number of

work to revitalise the 1,750sq ft store from

popular takeaways and a pharmacy,” Bahi

shabby shell to modern marvel started in

explains. There’s also a school, local library,

December 2024.

community centre and a doctors surgery, just

“We decided to continue trading throughout the refit,” Bahi explains. “As the only store

a short walk away.

What there wasn’t, however, was a comprehensive convenience offer.

“There wasn’t anywhere else on the parade

the changes that were taking place. It was an exciting time for all involved.”

And that excitement hit fever pitch on 4 January 2025 when the store officially ‘opened’ as B&B Premier – in homage to Bakeerathan and Baheerathan.

on the parade, local shoppers relied on it for

“The old store had been very run-down – so

essential products and services, so we couldn’t

when you invest in a big refit, it has quite the

cut them adrift by closing.

impact!” Bahi laughs.

And brand-new B&B Premier certainly

or within easy walking distance that offered

“The work was carried out section by

local people the opportunity to do a full basket

section and the in-store team, most of whom

shop,” Bahi adds.

stayed on with us after we bought the store,

From its uplifting ‘blue sky’ ceiling panels

Cue the refit!

did a fantastic job of talking to shoppers about

to its smart new floors, wood-effect walls,

{

packs a punch.

The Refresh@Premier has been primely sited at the front of the store and it’s doing very well. There was nothing like this available before and nothing else like it locally, so it’s caused quite a stir!

}

N Baheerathan May/June 2025 TalkingShop

41

What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk

Store profile

Name: B&B Premier, Basildon Retailers: P Bakeerathan and N Baheerathan Size: 1,750sq ft Staff: 12 Services: Lottery, PayPoint, parcel services, dry cleaning collection Opening hours: 5am-10pm

and polished Premier signage, the new store exudes proficiency and professionalism at every turn.

Where once a meagre mix of fresh and chilled products sat in open-deck fridges, now stands a vast array of fresh and chilled meal solutions, housed within a 10-metre run of energy-efficient chillers with doors.

From fresh meats and vegetables to cook up delicious dinners at home, to ultra-convenient Jack’s ready meals and not forgetting dairy, deli and desserts, B&B Premier now offers shoppers the chance to do a full basket shop.

A new eight-door frozen offer, including pizzas, meat products, vegetables and more elevates the store’s valuable new offer even further.

Shoppers after a great value ‘lunch to go’ solution can also make the most of the Premier Mega Meal Deal – offering them ‘5 items for £5.50.’

Another new addition to the store has been hot food to go, courtesy of the local bakery – May/June 2025 TalkingShop

43

AVAILABLE

NOW IN BOOKER

M302395

What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk

with a tempting array of hot pastry products,

expecting things like the slush and milkshakes

including pies, sausage rolls and slices, all

to take off this summer,” Bahi adds.

available to take away from the store’s new

multi-pack products.

“The old store sold a lot of cheap booze,

However, when it comes to chilled

but the margins were low – like around 12%

refreshment, the store’s crowning glory is its

so now with Premier our margins are much

Further local lovelies can be found in the

large custom-made Beer Cave which has sent

higher,” Bahi says.

bakery aisle – including pre-packed cakes

shockwaves of excitement across the parade

from Hunts Bakery and Cupcakes by Sophia.

and beyond.

hot Cossiga unit at the till.

Other margin magnifiers, including US products, play a starring role in the store’s brand-new confectionery offer.

A 3.75m run of chillers also house the

“Because of the store’s history as a Bargain

store’s thirst-quenching new range of soft

Booze we knew that BWS would continue to

“The reaction that we’ve had since officially

drinks which includes top-selling brands, new

be a key category in the store, so we’ve given

re-opening has been great. Sales are up more

products and hit international options.

it the space and impact that it deserves,” Bahi

than 20% since the refit and still growing,

says.

with shoppers loving the new fresh and chilled

And that’s far from all. For the first time ever, Clay Hill Road’s shoppers can also enjoy

With 14x800mm bays, the Beer Cave offers

offer and all the other footfall drivers such as

fresh coffee to go, courtesy of a Rijo coffee

shoppers a perfectly chilled array of choice

Refresh, hot food to go and of course the Beer

offer, along with Think Fresh Shakes and

across beers, ciders, RTDs and wines – the

Cave.

Coca Cola Freeze.

latter of which are housed in its refrigerated

“The Refresh@Premier has been primely

outer walls.

“They are also thoroughly impressed by the store’s look – both inside and out. The

sited at the front of the store and it’s doing

A strong promotional offer has been

shopfitters and Premier team have done such

very well,” Bahi explains. “There was nothing

maintained thanks to Premier’s pricing

a great job inside, while outside, the new

like this available before, and nothing else like

prowess –with the cave also home to a cool

Premier fascia and signage has brightened up

it locally, so it’s caused quite a stir and we’re

collection of special offers and Mega Deals on

the whole parade. It’s proving to be a real hit.”

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

45

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FEATURE | RANGE RESET

Have a fresh

Tuck into even tastier sales this summer thanks to Premier’s chilled and deli range reset.

S

ummer’s here and bringing with

pizzas and pastas, ready meals,

it the promise of picnics, BBQs

sandwich fillers, sides, snacks, dips

and beach buffets, as shoppers

and more – all of which are guaranteed

ditch the dinner table in favour

to set shoppers smiling come rain or shine.

of garden get-togethers and park

playdates.

PLATTER PERFECTION

The warmer weather and associated rise

Shoppers looking to create a taste of the

in often impulsive outdoor eating occasions

holidays at home, will be able to add some

offers retailers a fantastic chance to grow their

pizzazz to their platters with new packs of

fresh and chilled sales – and thanks to a recent

Spanish Tapas and Italian deli meats from

reset of Premier’s chilled and deli range,

Charcutti.

doing just that, should be a walk in the park.

Featuring Serano Ham, Chorizo and Lomo,

Rolled out just in time for the summer

the new Spanish Tapas packs will enable

season, the range reset revitalises retailers’

shoppers to create picture-perfect antipasto

food to go, food for later and deli offers – with

platters, ideal for sharing with friends and

a fresh serving of tasty new products, new

family.

pack sizes, recipe upgrades and appetising PMPs. The range reset covers a variety of key summer categories, including soft drinks,

48 TalkingShop May/June 2025

Shoppers seeking a taste of far-flung shores can also enjoy exotic new Thai Style Chicken Bites from Delicatessen Fine Eating. With an RSP of £1 they’re shore to score highly.

Image by Ghasoub Alaeddin from Pixabay

What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

49

What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk

MEALS IN MINUTES

pasta with some cheese shavings and a crusty

Premier retailers will also be able to offer

loaf of garlic bread?

their shoppers a taste of Italy thanks to new

Shoppers looking to fill up in a flash (of the

products from La Famiglia Rana – the quality

microwave) can also add new La Famiglia

fresh pasta brand that’s growing at 94% in

Rana Bolognese Lasagne slices to their

convenience.

baskets.

New products include fresh Tortellini pasta,

The first to market ready-made lasagne

in Prosciutto & Mozzarella and Spinach

portions offer shoppers a scrumptious slice of

& Ricotta flavours, along with Garlic &

fresh beef lasagne for an RSP of £4 each. A

Mozzarella Gnocchi.

Vegetable Lasagne option is also available. enable

A new range of lunch pots from leading

shoppers to whip up tasty summer meals in

sports nutrition brand MyProtein should also

minutes, also benefit from a long shelf life and

prove popular with shoppers seeking a healthy,

deliver minimum PORs of 25% for retailers.

flavour-packed, protein hit this summer.

quality

products,

which

To top it all off, a selection of fresh La

Available in flavours including

Famiglia Rana sauces, including Sundried

Chipotle Beef Chilli and Firecracker

Tomato & Pecorino Cheese, and Mushroom

Chicken, pots have an RSP of £4.25

& Roasted Garlic, are also available.

and deliver minimum PORs of

Why not remind your shoppers to pair their

New PMP packs are available across a range of picnic-perfect soft drinks, including Tropicana juices, with Tropicana Smooth Orange, Tropical Fruits, Multivitamin and Original Orange 250ml bottles all available in £1.50 PMP packs delivering a minimum POR of 22.5%.

300ml bottles of Copella Cloudy Apple Juice are also available in a new £1.50 PMP format, which offers retailers an equally refreshing minimum POR of 22.5%.

Look out also for 850ml long life cartons of Tropicana Original, Smooth Orange and Tropical Fruits, all of which also come in a new £2.95 PMP format.

24.5%.

Image by phuong hoang thuy from Pixabay

The

ENJOY JUICIER SALES WITH NEW PMP PACKS

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

51

What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk

CHILLED AND DELI RANGE RESET Including: l 59 new lines l Price mark changes l Recipe and price mark changes l New case sizes

Image by Mariya Muschard from Pixabay

Also look out for the exciting new fresh guide to be published soon!

SNACK ATTACK Premier’s Chilled and Deli Range Reset also includes a number of new products and PMP formats in the lucrative sides, snacks and dips market, which shines at this time of year.

As demand for protein-packed snacks continues to soar, look out for new high protein Beef Jerky snacks from Jack Links, which has launched a new Teriyaki Beef flavour – along with Honey BBQ and Original Beef from the Wild West Jerky company – the ideal accompaniment to a cold drink on a hot day.

Be sure to also stock up on brand-new Peperami Chicken Bites in Tikka and Roasted flavours too! Available in £1 PMP packs, the new meat snacks from the Peperami brand are made from 100% chicken breast and perfect

Recipes for success A number of key Jack’s deli products have been given a recipe refresh ahead of the key summer picnic season.

PRODUCT

CASE SIZE

RSP

POR

Jack’s Tuna Sweetcorn Filler

6x200g

£1.99

29.7%

Jack’s Egg Mayo Filler

6x200g

£1.99

29.7%

Jack’s Coronation Chicken

6x200g

£1.99

29.7%

Jack’s Cheese and Onion

6x200g

£1.99

29.7%

Jack’s Potato Salad

6x200g

£1.39

28.2%

Jack’s Coleslaw

6x250g

£1.39

28.2%

for packing into picnics.

FEATURE | BEER AND CIDER FESTIVAL

Crate expectations

TOP TIPS

l Have small packs chilled and ready to consume to make the most of summer socialising. l Consider a mix of larger packs to meet the needs of bigger gatherings. l There is a clear trend towards berry and tropical profiles so focus on stocking sweet and juicy flavours for summer. l Make sure to support all Mega Deals with the relevant POS.

54 TalkingShop May/June 2025

NEW TO BOOKER!

THATCHERS JUICY APPLE

Give your sales some hop with the Premier Beer and Cider Festival, which is back from 21 May to 15 July.

Case size: 1x10x440ml Promo WSP: £7.05 Promo RSP: £10 (SCOT £11.44) POR: 15.4%

MADRI ZERO Case size: 6x4x330ml Promo WSP: £16.49

B

Promo RSP: £4.75

ees are buzzing, lawns are

POR: 30.6%

looking lush and the sun, for now, has got his hat on (with an umbrella underarm).

It can mean only one thing:

Britain’s famously unpredictable summertime is here and ready to drench shoppers with its seasonal serving of showers and shine.

And while the sporadic nature of British

REKORDERLIG WILD BERRIES

summertime can prove challenging for

Case size: 1x10x330ml

some sectors, for convenience stores, it’s an

Promo WSP: £5.65

opportunity to play to their strengths.

From spontaneous garden get-togethers to impromptu BBQs, convenience store retailers

Promo RSP: £7.99 POR: 15.1%

are ideally placed to meet shoppers’ needs – and one category they can excel in, is beer and cider.

Beer features in 65% of BBQ occasions according to BrewDog, while 66% of cider drinkers mainly drink cider in the warmer months, according to Mintel – highlighting just how important both categories are to summer sales.

Helping retailers to make the absolute most of the opportunity is the Premier Beer and Cider Festival – back for 2025 with another refreshing serve of new and exclusive

PERONI 330ML CANS Case size: 2x10x330ml Promo WSP: £15.99 Promo RSP: £12 POR: 20.1%

products that are sure to drive footfall, sales and profits.

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

55

YOUR CHANCE TO

Peroni Nastro Azzurro 6X4x440ml Can M285046

WIN 1 OF 5 LUXURY SECRE T ESCAPES

AND £€ 50 OFF HOTEL BOOKINGS

00S US 1

OF

R L E L T A N TRAVE

PL

M MIU ES E R P PRIZ

Peroni Nastro Azzurro 6X4x330ml Bottle M276878

PARTNERED WITH

Peroni Nastro Azzurro 6x4x330ml Bottle M278717

WITH EVERY PURCHASE *

*UK and ROI, 18+. Purchase Necessary. Retain Receipt/take photo of pint in outlet. Internet access required. Open: 08:00 GMT 01/05/25 – 23:00 GMT 30/09/25. Purchase any Peroni Nastro Azzurro promotional product in-store, online, or in participating outlets. Scan QR code on pack, promo materials, glassware or visit www.peronicompetitions.com/summer, play game of skill and enter details. Prizes awarded via leaderboard based on closest and fastest time to drop pin. Prizes: Five (5) holidays to Italian locations for winner and guest (both 18+), six hundred and three (603) premium Antler travel accessories. Any unclaimed prizes allocated via Mop-Up Leaderboard. Max one (1) entry per person per day. Max one (1) of each prize type per person. Claim one (1) x £/€50 Secret Escapes online promo code with your first eligible purchase to use on bookings over the value of £/€300 (Max one code per person. Max one code per booking). Use code within 30 days of issue. Exclusions apply. Promoter: Asahi UK Ltd, Griffin Brewery, Chiswick Lane South, London, W4 2QB, England. Full terms: asahibeer.co.uk/promotional-terms-and-conditions.

What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk

Set to run throughout the NP4 and NP5

total impulse [Circana 12 weeks to 1 Sep] and

periods from 21 May to 15 July, the Premier

this summer retailers will be hoping for an

Beer and Cider Festival also includes a mighty

even better performance.

NEW AND EXCLUSIVE!

measure of Mega Deals across standard and

The Premier Beer and Cider Festival

premium multi-pack lagers, premium pints,

includes a number of exciting new products

low ABV products and more.

to help them do just that, including BrewDog

As ever, the Beer and Cider Festival will be

Orange Crush.

BREWDOG ORANGE CRUSH

supported with an array of high-impact POS

The new and exclusive IPA features tangy

which retailers can use to give their displays

citrus aromas and is available to shoppers in

even more clout.

multi-packs of 4x330ml for a promotional

Promo WSP: £23.49

RSP of just £6 during the festival period.

Promo RSP: £6

BEER O’CLOCK

With its light and refreshing characteristics,

Despite some disappointing temperatures

lager drove much of the Beer category’s

at times, beer performed strongly over the

growth last summer – and continues to hold a

summer of 2024 – up 2.2% in volume across

94% share of the category [ibid].

Case size: 6x4x330ml

POR: 21%

MOUTHWATERING MEGA DEALS PRODUCT

PACK SIZE

PROMO WSP

PROMO RSP

POR

Fosters

1x10x440m

£6.99

EWI £10/ SC £10.59

16.1%

Thatchers Juicy Apple

1x10X440ml

£7.05

EWI £10 / SC £11.44

15.4%

Strongbow

2x10x440m

£13.79

EWI £10.00

17.3%

Strongbow Strawberry cans

1x10x330m

£6.89

£10.00

17.3%

Kopparberg Strawberry Variety

1x10x330m

£6.89

£10.00

17.3%

Inch’s Medium Apple Cider

1x10x440m

£6.99

EWI £10.00

16.1%

Budweiser

1x10x440m

£7.49

EWI £10 / SC £12.87

10.01%

BrewDog Mixed Can

1x8x330ml

£6.79

£10.00

18.5%

Magners Cans

1x10x440m

£6.29

EWI £10 / SC £12.87

24.5%

Carlsberg

1x18x440ml

£8.49

E&I £11.99 / W £13.47 15.0%

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

57

What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk

The Premier Beer and Cider Festival includes an array of sparkling deals on new and bestselling lager brands including Peroni, which will be available to Premier retailers in a new format of 10x330ml. With an RSP of £12, retailers will be able to drink in a POR of 20.1%.

Look out also for Mega Deals on Fosters, Stella

Artois,

Budweiser,

Poretti

and

Carlsberg 10-packs – all of which are sure to prove popular with shoppers looking to cater for large gatherings.

SNACK ATTACK

Shoppers looking to snack while they sip will also be able to indulge in a new range of seasoned dried meat snacks from Hungry Boar. The new-to-Booker snacks are available in cases of 10x50 and in Chicken, Cheddar, Piri Piri and Pork varieties.

Each protein-packed portion is available to shoppers for just £1.50 during the Beer and Cider Festival (normal RSP £1.99) – offering retailers an equally tasty POR of 26.7%.

DON’T FORGET CIDER

Mega Deals on a range of strawberry-

With 66% of cider drinkers mainly drinking

flavoured products from key brands including

cider in the warmer months, offering shoppers

Kopparberg and Strongbow.

a strong range of chilled ciders is also a must.

Strongbow Strawberry cans are available

There’s a clear trend towards fruity and

in multipacks of 10x330ml for an RSP of £10

tropical flavours at the moment – a desire which is further fuelled by warm and sunny days.

And for 2025, strawberry appears to be the pick of the bunch.

Helping retailers to respond to that trend, the Premier Beer and Cider Festival includes

and POR of 17.3%.

The new Kopparberg Strawberry Variety packs also feature a promotional RSP of just £10 and an equally juicy POR of 17.3%.

Shoppers will also be able to snap up new 10x330ml multipacks of Rekorderlig Wild Berries for just £7.99.

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

59

WINTER PRE-SELL | FEATURE

Set your sales rocketing with the Booker Winter Pre-Sell The Booker Winter Pre-sell is loaded with new products, Group Exclusives and Seasonal must-stocks to help you plan for a profitable winter season.

The Pre-Sell opens online on 21 May and closes on 23 June.

WINTER PRE-SELL

O

l

10 Group Exclusive products

l

More than 130 lines new to Pre-Sell

l

Over 400 seasonal lines, including Halloween, Christmas and winter specific

l

More than 30 lines with at least 45% POR

specific goods.

n the rocky world of planet

Packed with a stellar selection of new

retail, planning ahead is

products, top-selling seasonal lines and not

And that’s far from all. In a bid to help

the launchpad to success.

forgetting Group Exclusives, the Winter Pre-

retailers to pump their profits up further, more

Successful convenience

Sell has everything retailers need to plan for

than 30 lines feature PORs of at least 45%.

store retailers have always

rocketing sales and profits this winter season.

This includes the Group Exclusive Toffee

got one eye fixed on the future as they seek to

Featuring 10 Group Exclusive products,

Crunch-flavoured Terry’s Chocolate Orange

prime their stores for profit and stay ahead of

they will certainly be over the moon with the

the game.

footfall-driving range on offer.

Ball.

With a seasonal RSP of £3.09, the orange and toffee-flavoured chocolate ball is sure to

One especially effective form of forward

All 10 Group Exclusive products hail

planning is to take advantage of pre-sells –

from the lucrative confectionery category – a

something which Premier retailers serviced by

key player in the run-up to the all-important

Three separate Pumpkin Drops will also

BRP depots are able to do – and fortunately

Christmas gifting and sharing opportunity.

help retailers to carve out additional sales and

for them, Booker’s Winter Pre-Sell is set for lift off.

The Winter Pre-Sell brochure will touch

bowl shoppers over this winter season.

The Winter Pre-Sell also includes more

profits over the autumn, with the first drop

than 130 new lines – guaranteed to help give

set for 6 October and the last, just ahead of

stores the edge.

Halloween on 20 October.

down in stores on 2 June, with the first of five

It also stars more than 400 seasonal

The Pre-sell opens online on 21 May and

drops set to land on 18 August – right up until

lines, including spooky Halloween-themed

closes on 23 June, so don’t delay, get your

22 December 2025.

products, Christmas classics and winter-

orders in today!

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

61

STOCK UP ON THE #1 * BESTSELLING WATER SKU

Evian 75cl POR

51%

Circana, UK All Outlets, Value Sales of Bottled Water Drinks, L52W/e 27th July 2024

M204961

What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk

GROUP EXCLUSIVES! TERRY’S CHOCOLATE ORANGE TOFFEE CRUNCH Case Size: 12x152g Seasonal WSP: £16.99 Seasonal RSP: £3.09 POR: 45%

BOUNTY CENTREPIECE Case Size: 6x350g Seasonal WSP: £23.25 Seasonal RSP: £6.00 POR: 23%

AERO CARAMEL BLOCK Case Size: 12x295g Seasonal WSP: £31.99 Seasonal RSP: £4.00

POR: 20%

ROWNTREE’S BOTTLES GIANT TUBE Case Size: 15x100g Seasonal WSP: £16.15 Seasonal RSP: £1.99 POR: 35%

Winter PreSell Brochure lands in store: 02/06/2025

Drop Dates DROP 1

LINDT LINDOR TIRAMISU Case Size: 8x200g Seasonal WSP: £28.25 Seasonal RSP: £5.65 POR: 25%

CADBURY TWIRL POUCH Case size: 8x270g Seasonal WSP: £27.49 Seasonal RSP: £5.50 POR: 25%

18/08/25 DROP 2 22/09/25 DROP 3 20/10/25 DROP 4

GALAXY MIXED POUCH Case Size: 10x260g Seasonal WSP: £27.99 Seasonal RSP: £4.50 POR: 25%

LINDT LINDOR SHORTBREAD Case Size: 8x200g Seasonal WSP: £28.25 Seasonal RSP: £5.65 POR: 25%

CADBURY DAIRY MILK VARIETY SELECTION BOX Case Size: 8x450g Seasonal WSP: £47.99 Seasonal RSP: £9.00 POR: 20%

CELEBRATIONS POP BOX Case Size: 6x185g Seasonal WSP: £13.75 Seasonal RSP: £3.75 POR: 27%

17/11/25 DROP 5 08/12/25

Pumpkin Drop PUMPKIN DROP 1 06/10/25 PUMPKIN DROP 2 13/10/25 PUMPKIN DROP 3 20/10/25

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

63

FEED URGE YOUR

FOR EPIC

SALES

MUST STOCK

RANGE

M279478 M239569

M279476 M199303

THE UK’S BESTSELLING

VARIETIES AS STOCKED

VARIETIES AS STOCKED

FROZEN PIZZA BRAND

AND THE UK’S BESTSELLING TAKEAWAY PIZZA BRAND IN S&I

CIRCANA 52w/e 25th January 2025 PROMOTION NP4-NP7

YOUR CUSTOMERS CAN

7

M29737

M290404

M2907

92

STOCK UP NOW TO CASH IN ON YOUR SALES *18+,UK. Purchase, Internet, email, phone & UK bank account required. Retain Receipt. 01/06-12/09. Scan QR code. 1 entry p/p p/day. 1 entry equals 1 x Winning Moments entry AND 1 x Prize Draw entry. Max 1 Prize Draw Prize p/person. Winning Moments Prizes: 1000x£5; or 10,000x£1. Draw 1: 01/06-05/07: 3x£1000; 1 x£5000. Draw 2: 06/07–09/08: 10x£500; 100x£100. Draw 3: 10/08–12/09: 1x£10,000; 2x£1000. Winners may be requested to take part in reasonable publicity in connection with this promotion. T&Cs: tangocashstash.com. Promoter: Britvic Soft Drinks.

HOME DELIVERY

Give your sales some oomph with Scoot Booker’s new rapid response delivery service can help you reach new customers and power up your sales and profits.

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

67

STOCK THE #1 GIFTED MALT THIS FATHER’S DAY

#1

GLENFIDDICH 12 YO IS THE #1 BRANDED SINGLE MALT WHISKY AND #1 IN TOTAL OFF TRADE FOR FATHER’S DAY, DRIVEN

BY ITS UNRIVALLED GIFTING APPEAL.

36

OF SHOPPERS BUY WITH PURPOSE, PRIORITISING FOOD & DRINK GIFTS, % MAKING GLENFIDDICH THE TOP CHOICE.

WATCH OUT FOR SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL PACKS AND ADD VALUE TO YOUR CUSTOMERS WITH A CHANCE TO WIN THIS FATHER’S DAY

STOCK UP NOW WHILE STOCKS LAST

Sources: IGD shopper vista (GB convenience shopper research Aug 24), Nielsen 12w to 05/01/25 vs YA

6 X 70CL M818360 1 X 70CL M818370.

What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW? l Average delivered basket transaction is £27 – that’s three times more than in store! l One in three shoppers are interested in using Rapid Grocery Delivery l Key times for your shoppers to order are Dinner, Lunch and Evening snack and treats.

A

pint of milk, a loaf of bread, a couple of pizzas and

l The market is set to grow to £2.6bn by 2029 from £2bn.

Its rise has already been nothing short of meteoric.

a packet of crisps – five

In 2019, just 12% of convenience stores

years ago, the vast majority

offered home delivery, according to the

of shoppers would have

Association of Convenience Stores’s (ACS)

popped to their local store to top up on such

Local Shop Report – but by 2024 and in the

items.

wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, that figure

These days, however, there’s a lot less

had soared to 47%.

popping and a lot more clicking – as shoppers’

Convenience stores’ use of social media,

love for on-demand home delivery services

the key medium for promoting home delivery

burns ever brighter.

services, has similarly surged over the same

A staggering one in every three shoppers is

period.

now interested in using rapid grocery delivery

In 2019, only 39% of convenience stores

services according to TWS data, with the

had a Facebook page, while just 11% were

market expected to hit £2.6bn by 2029.

on Instagram. But by 2024, those figures had

l 80% of orders are delivered within a mile radius. l The busiest days for shoppers to order are Thursday, Friday and Saturday. l The top three categories are Treats and Snacks 68% (including crisps, chocolate & sweets), Cold Drinks – including soft and alcoholic) 62%, and General Food 48% (top-up shop) [Source: TWS]

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

69

What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk

MAKE MORE SAVE MORE WITH SCOOT! l Make an estimated £34,000 additional profit per year (based on weekly app sales of £2,500)** l Only 1% commission charged up to £4,999 of weekly retailer sales. l Zero commission once you reach £5,000 of weekly sales on the app.

RETAILER VIEW

l 0.7% card transaction fee*

GUPPY SINGH

Premier Ashurst, Lancashire

l Next banking day settlement at no additional charge (not included Saturday/Sunday)

“I was delighted to hear that Booker was launching Scoot and couldn’t wait to sign up. As a Premier retailer for more than 20 years, I trust Booker with my business, and for me, Scoot offered the whole package.

l Zero consumer charges giving you the ability to offer the service for free.

I’d never offered home delivery before, so the support and advice that I received during set up and launch was invaluable, and that support is ongoing. The marketing support that I am also receiving is another significant benefit.

* 0.7% is the average transaction fee.

We had a very successful launch week and I’m expecting sales to continue building over the weeks to come. We are already a very busy store and now home delivery is another string to our bow.”

** based on 26% gross margin.

climbed to 74% and 43% respectively – with

Scoot also offers an outstanding low-cost

support package – including point of sale,

15% on TikTok too – the ACS Local Shop

proposition.

digital assets and thermal delivery bags.

Report 2024 shows.

There are also no shopper charges – giving

They

also

benefit

from

upweighted

Today, rapid response home delivery

you the flexibility to offer the service free of

marketing support, including targeted social

services are widely regarded as a ‘must’ by

charge, should you wish – or set your own

media adverts, and a contribution towards

successful convenience store owners – helping

delivery, service or minimum order fees.

a full promotional wrap for their delivery

them to reach new customers and ignite sales and profits.

Did you know that the average delivered basket transaction is £27? That’s a marginmaxing three times more than in-store!

Helping retailers to make the most of the red-hot rapid response delivery opportunity

The

app

connects

shoppers

with

vehicles.

participating stores, enabling them to order

Colm Johnson, Managing Director for

from a range of products, curated by you, the

Booker Retail, said: “We’re always looking

retailer.

for new and innovative ways to help our

The secure platform also facilitates the

customers grow their business, so we are

ordering, payment, and picking processes, so

incredibly proud to announce the launch of

all you need to do is organise the delivery.

Scoot, to support them in doing just that.

is Scoot – Booker’s brand-new app that

Retailers who sign up to Scoot will also

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for our retailers

facilitates home deliveries to shoppers in as

receive support from a dedicated Business

to increase their basket spend, store sales, and

little as 30 minutes.

Development Manager (BDM) and their

connect with new and existing shoppers in their local communities.

Designed by retailers, for retailers, Scoot

existing RDM, who together will assist with

promises to help you make more and save

on-boarding, including product file set up,

more – an estimated £34,000 more profit each

training and live support.

year to be precise!* With only 1% commission charged up to £4,999 of weekly in-app sales – and zero commission once you hit £5,000 a week,

Your dedicated BDM and RDM will also help you to develop a plan to grow sales to £5,000 and increase your profitability.

Retailers also receive an exceptional launch

“The feedback from our pilot test has been really positive and we look forward to welcoming more retailers to the platform over the next few months.” [*based on weekly app sales of £2,500 and 26% gross margin] May/June 2025 TalkingShop

71

What are your views? Email talkingshop@booker.co.uk

SCOOT FAQ’S WHAT COSTS ARE INVOLVED FOR RETAILERS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN INTRODUCING SCOOT TO THEIR STORE? Retailers interested in introducing Scoot to their store will incur a one-time setup fee of only £395.

There is a 1% service charge on in-app sales up to £5,000 per week, however this is removed once a retailer consistently achieves over £5,000 in weekly in-app sales, over a four-week period.

A card processing fee of approximately 0.7% will apply to all transactions.

Next day settlement of all consumer transactions occurs, with the exception of the weekend and bank holidays. This means the money goes straight into the retailers’ account as opposed to being held for up to a week versus other platforms.

WHAT IS THE SET-UP PROCESS LIKE FOR RETAILERS INTRODUCING SCOOT TO THEIR STORE? The setup process for retailers introducing Scoot to their store is designed to be seamless and nonintrusive, allowing them to continue trading as usual throughout the onboarding process.

Once confirmed, retailers should go live on the platform within two weeks of the merchant ID being completed.

WHAT LAUNCH SUPPORT CAN RETAILERS EXPECT? Key support and equipment includes: l A hand-held terminal to facilitate easy order processing. l Thermal bags to maintain food temperature during delivery. l A contribution towards vehicle wraps to help promote the service. l Digital marketing support with geo-targeted social media campaigns to reach the right audience. l In-store radio advertising. l Full Point of Sale suite to promote Scoot in-store. l The Scoot team will ensure that the retailer’s range is uploaded to the platform and the platform is correctly set up in advance of launch. l Market-leading and App Exclusive promotions.

To help retailers even further, Scoot has also partnered with the Eskuta brand.

Retailers can receive a Scoot-branded SX-250 Series 4 eBike for easy weekly payments from only £30 a week.

The cost includes damage and theft insurance, an eBike tracker, servicing at your store, and a helmet.

To find out more, visit www.eskuta.com/scoot or call 02476 350 150.

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

73

New Products CHEETOS FIERY JALAPENO CHEESE Case Size: 12x70g WSP: £10.39 RSP: £1.49 POR: 30.3%

CHEETOS TWISTED SWEET AND SPICY Case Size:12x85g WSP: £10.39 RSP: £1.49 POR: 30.3% Case Size: 9x120g WSP: £12.85 RSP: £2.50 POR: 31.5%

BEBETO SWEET TUBS PARTY MIX, RAINBOW BELTS, FIZZY RAINBOW CABLES Case Size: 12x400g WSP: £16.99 RSP: £2.25 POR: 24.5%

MAS+ BY MESSI Case Size:12x500ml WSP: £13.29 RSP: £2.25 POR: 40.9%

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

75

New Products AU VODKA JUICY PEACH Case Size: WSP: £24.29 RSP: £36.49 POR: 20.1%

MURPHY’S IRISH STOUT

GORDON’S PREMIUM PINK GIN

Case Size: 6x4x440ml WSP: £19.99 RSP: £5 POR: 20%

Case Size: 4x6x250 WSP: £28.99 RSP: £11.00 POR: 20.9%

KOPPABERG STRAWBERRY VARIETY PACK Case Size: 10x330ml WSP: £8.19 RSP: £12.25 POR: 19.8%

LUCOZADE SPORT JUDE BELLINGHAM ICE KICK Case Size: 12x500ml WSP: £10.85 RSP: £1.50 POR: 27.7%

HENRY WESTONS1880 VINTAGE Case Size: 8x500ml WSP: £12.69 RSP: ‘Any 2 for £5.50/SC £2.75 POR: 30.8%

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

77

Cocoa

SKU CODE M282995 M282994 M282997

YAZOO PRODUCT Strawberry £1.29 PMP Banana £1.29 PMP Chocolate £1.29 PMP

* NielsenQ Retail Measurement, Total GB Coverage, Sales Units, 52 w/e 15/09/2024

New Products

LS

E SUMMER BBQ FU

FUEL EXPRESS BARBECUE LIGHTING FLUID Case Size: 12x1ltr WSP: £32.99 RSP: £4.99 POR: 33.9%

FUEL EXPRESS BARBECUE CHARCOAL BRIQUETTES Case Size: 1x5kg WSP: £4.79 RSP: £7.99 POR: £28.1

FUEL EXPRESS INSTANT LIGHT CHARCOAL Case Size: 1x2kg WSP: £3.49 RSP: £5.79 POR: 27.7%

FUEL EXPRESS INSTANT DISPOSABLE BBQ Case Size: 12xsingle WSP: £22.99 RSP: £3.79 POR: 39.3%

JACK’S FIRELIGHTERS WITH HOTSPOTS Case Size: 24x15pack WSP: £16.99 RSP: £1.69 POR: £49.7%

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

79

The Perfect Summer Shave

M098024

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M216847

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BetterService IDEAS TO GIVE YOUR BUSINESS THE EDGE

Welcoming ways

The Booker Group’s four flourishing colleague networks seek to advocate, support and celebrate colleagues from all backgrounds and walks of life.

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

81

HERE TO STAY

THE NO.1 FOR YOUR TURNOVER. RED BULL 250ML RANGE

HERE TO STAY

A

s community hubs and key service providers, convenience store retailers are keenly aware of the acute need to make their stores open, accessible and welcoming to all.

That necessity for everyone to feel welcome is

certainly not lost on The Booker Group either – which is leading by example and championing inclusivity via four flourishing Colleague Networks that seek to advocate, support and celebrate colleagues from all backgrounds and walks of life.

Including Women@Booker, Race & Ethnicity at Booker, LGBTQ+

The initiative promotes gender equality, enhances workplace culture,

at Booker and Disability at Booker - the four thriving Colleague

and contributes to Booker’s commitment to diversity and wellbeing,

Networks share three key objectives: Amplify, Celebrate and Consult -

benefiting both employees and the business.

with each striving to spark important conversations and foster a deeper sense of connection and understanding across the business.

Open to all colleagues, these essential networks generate awareness, encourage learning and create safe spaces for sharing experiences via regular events, both on- and off-line, all year round.

WOMEN@BOOKER NETWORK

The Women@ Booker Colleague Network recently organised an in-person International Women’s Day event on 8 March which saw nearly 200 colleagues across the business come together to celebrate and reflect.

In addition to supporting women, Booker Group also recognises the importance of mental health and wellbeing for all employees.

Recognising the importance of Male Allies - the network strives to

Launched in 2023, the Women@Booker Network focuses on

drive gender equality for all – and also works closely with the men’s

empowering women within the company by fostering connection,

mental health and suicide awareness charity, Andy’s Man Club.

support, and professional development.

Through Women@Booker, the company hosts a range of events,

LGBTQ+ AT BOOKER NETWORK

seminars, and workshops that focus on a variety of important topics

The LGBTQ+ at Booker Network is run by members of the LGBTQ+

such as leadership, career progression, work-life balance, and women’s

community and allies – and seeks to ensure everyone is welcome at

health.

Booker – regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

83

M290318

*Nielsen Total Coverage MAT 29.03.25 vs 2021, Value Sales Growth, Carlsberg Britvic Defined RTD Tea Universe, ** Nielsen Total Coverage MAT 29.03.25, Value Sales, Carlsberg Britvic Defined RTD Tea Universe, *** Nielsen Total Coverage MAT 26.10.24 vs 2021, Value Sales Growth, Carlsberg Britvic Defined Iced Tea Universe. **Recommended retail price

STOCK UP NOW

supported and embraced numerous celebrations over the past year including Understanding Ramadan, Celebrating EID and Diwali and Black History Month. It’s also broken fast with colleagues in Booker’s St Pancras branch and celebrated Vaisakhi at the Gurdwara in Bedford.

DISABILITY AT BOOKER NETWORK

Created in 2023, the Network offers a dedicated space for LGBTQ+ colleagues to come together to share experiences and issues with each other.

The LGBTQ+ at Booker Network also supports Pride events across

Launched in December 2024, Disability at Booker is the newest

the country and has supported a Vigil for Trans Day of Remembrance

Colleague Network –and aims to provide a safe space for disabled

and run sessions – to help allies understand how they can support

colleagues and allies to share experiences, knowledge and activities.

Trans+ colleagues.

In February 2025, the network hosted two events in support of LGBTQ+ History Month – a time to celebrate the history, achievements and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community.

The Disability At Booker Network also keeps the wider business informed about disability initiatives and celebrates the contributions of colleagues with disabilities to promote understanding.

The network recently hosted two key events in support of

RACE & ETHNICITY AT BOOKER NETWORK

Neurodiversity Week between 17-23 March. The events included

Created in September 2023, the Race & Ethnicity Network provides a

interactive listening groups providing a deep-dive into neurodiversity,

space to celebrate diversity, spark meaningful conversations, and help

including misconceptions and discussing how Booker could better

shape an inclusive future at Booker.

support neurodivergent colleagues.

With progressive Executive Sponsors, passionate Chairs and three dedicated committees focusing on Events & Comms, Colleague Feedback & Insight, and Talent & Development, the network offers a powerhouse of voices and ideas to drive change. The Network has

A separate virtual event explored the power of neurological differences and celebrated diverse ways of working.

Attendees also had the opportunity to hear from three Booker colleagues about their experiences of being neurologically different.

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

85

BetterService IDEAS TO GIVE YOUR BUSINESS THE EDGE

Are you complying with the Simpler Recycling Legislation?

New recycling legislation came into force on 31 March to help improve recycling rates – and Booker has an exclusive deal in place which can help you save up to 11% on waste management costs.

New recycling requirements The four waste streams that need to be segregated under the new legislation are: l

Dry recycling (glass, metal and plastic)

l

Paper and card

l

Food waste

l

Black bin waste (to be sent to landfill)

FAQs

HOW DO I OBTAIN A QUOTE? Visit collectmywaste.com and use the code ‘BOOKERWASTE’ and your Booker customer number for a free, discounted quote, and follow the quick and easy steps.

WHAT TYPES OF WASTE CAN I GET COLLECTED? General waste, dry mixed recycling, food waste and glass as well as one-off clearances.

WHAT BINS OR CONTAINERS CAN YOU PROVIDE? A variety of wheelie bin and front-end loader containers are available in all sizes to suit your needs. A skip hire service is also available.

ONCE I HAVE MY QUOTE AND HAVE AGREED TO PROCEED, WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP? Once your services are set up and processed, you will be contacted by your Collect My Waste Account Manager to discuss any further specific requirements. A welcome email will be sent confirming all relevant details such as delivery date, collection schedule and contact details.

WHEN WILL I NEED TO MAKE MY FIRST PAYMENT? Your first payment will be taken by credit/debit card or Direct Debit shortly before the service starts.

HOW CAN I REQUEST AN EXTRA COLLECTION OR ARRANGE FOR EXCESS WASTE TO BE CLEARED? You can request an emergency collection or arrange for excess waste to be cleared via your online account or by contacting the customer service department on 01992 765260.

AM I ABLE TO VIEW MY ACCOUNT INFORMATION AND COLLECTION HISTORY? Yes. All information will be readily available to you via a quick and easy-to-use online portal where you can view all your important waste and recycling statistics.

HOW DO I KEEP UP TO DATE ON THE PROGRESS OF MY COLLECTIONS? You can contact Collect My Waste at any time to discuss any issues but as soon as you’ve downloaded the app, you will receive notifications on the morning of each waste collection day indicating which collection(s) are due.

Similarly, in the afternoon, notifications will confirm that collection(s) were made.

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

87

NEW T HE U S’S FA S T E S T GR O W ING ENER GY DRINK ** NOW IN T HE UK

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PRODUCT PACK CELSIUS SUNSET VIBE PMP £1.79 12X1X355ML CELSIUS PEACH VIBE PMP £1.79 12X1X355ML

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PMP £1.79 £1.79

Benefits: Instant quote showing best price for each service Booker Group exclusive discount on every collection Easy to use app that holds all your data and invoices in one place Connected, real-time updates about your collections Environmentally friendly with realtime analytics reported

T

he

UK

Government

has

been working on simplifying recycling processes as part of its commitment to moving towards a zero waste, circular

economy to create a future where we keep our resources in use for longer and reduce waste.

Save up to

The Simpler Recycling Legislation went live on 31 March 2025 for all businesses with more than 10 FTE employees and will also apply to all micro-firms with fewer than 10

employees) are at risk of

FTE employees from 31 March 2027.

receiving a compliance

It requires convenience stores in England that produce waste collected in customerfacing bins and from their business operations,

11% with Bookerexclusive deal*

waste, mixed recycling and much more.

The service is available

notice from the Environment

via a simple, easy-to-use app

Agency.

To help customers comply with

and website – collectmywaste.com

to separate their waste into the following four

the new legislation and cut the cost of doing

– which provides instant quotes showing

streams: dry recycling; paper and card; food

business, Booker has secured an exclusive

the best prices for each service, including a

waste; and black bin waste.

deal which will help you make significant cost

Booker-exclusive discount.

Businesses who do not comply with these

savings on waste management.

Simply choose the service you require, and

requirements by 31 March 2025 (or 31 March

Every penny that you can save on costs helps

you will be kept up to date in real time on

2027 for those with fewer than 10 FTE

boost profits and build stronger businesses –

the progress of your collection, helping you

and the Booker deal can deliver savings of up

organise your team and maximise efficiency.

to 11% for your business, subject to terms and

Collections are made by professional,

Quote ‘BOOKERWASTE’ along with your Booker customer number to claim discounted rates today!

conditions.

friendly drivers who know their way around

Working with its waste management partner

and can ensure fast, no-fuss pick-ups to let

Collect My Waste, Booker has secured a deal

you get back to the business of running a great

that helps catering customers gain access

store and focusing your attention on your

to better prices for the collection of general

business and your shoppers.

BOOK TODAY BY VISITING COLLECTMYWASTE.COM *Terms and conditions apply

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

89

BetterService IDEAS TO GIVE YOUR BUSINESS THE EDGE

Retailers4Retailers:

a safe space for everyone Some of the UK’s leading independent retailers have joined forces to launch a new ‘safe space’ support platform where retailers can meet, talk and learn from one another about the unique mental health and wellbeing challenges they face.

A

s all retailers know only

questions were asked about what support

too

an

we had as independent retailers. We quickly

retailing

recognised that we didn’t have any support

business can be tough and

networks in place for retailers to access when

can place a huge burden on

they needed some help.

well,

running

independent

your mental and physical health. That burden

“In independent businesses, sometimes we

can leave retailers feeling stressed, exhausted

aren’t fortunate enough to find a supportive

and lonely – and this is precisely why a group

network. Many retailers can feel isolated in

of the UK’s leading independent retailers have

their towns and villages, and this was leaving

created a new support network that brings

many people in our industry feeling alone and

retailers together in a safe space to discuss the

struggling without support from others who

difficulties they are facing with other people

understand what they’re going through.

Meeting schedule

facing exactly the same issues.

“So, together with a few other independent

“Unless you have run an independent

retailers, we decided to start our own

retailing outlet and faced the unique and often

community, our own network, to make sure

intense challenges that convenience store

that all of our colleagues in the independent

Retailers4Retailers meet online on a weekly basis:

owners and colleagues face, it’s impossible

retailing sector have access to the help

to understand,” explains Natalie Lightfoot,

and support we need. We want retailers to

l Every second Monday at 7pm

a retailer in Baillieston in Glasgow and co-

know that they’re not alone. We are here for

founder of Retailers4Retailers. “And that’s

each other, and we are all facing the same

l Every second Thursday at 1.30pm

why we’ve created this new support network

challenges, so we understand what you are

and safe space where we can meet online and

going through.”

To join, simply visit retailers4retailers.co.uk and fill in the very brief form or follow retailers4retailers on Facebook where links to the meetings are published.

share our experiences and help each other.”

90 TalkingShop May/June 2025

Retailers4Retailers currently meet online

platform

on a weekly basis and all independent retailers

explains where the idea came from: “The

are invited to join in the conversation in a

Retailers4Retailers idea initially came from a

private, confidential, safe space.

A

spokesperson

for

the

video that was put together for World Mental

“We meet every second Monday at 7pm and

Health Day in 2023. From that video, several

every second Thursday at 1.30pm. This helps

{

We want retailers to know that they’re not alone. We are here for each other, and we are all facing the same challenges, so we understand what you are going through.

Natalie Lightfoot, Retailers4Retailers

ensure that retailers with kids or dependents

things are in independent retailing – but we

who find it hard to make evening meetings can

don’t feel that it should be that way. This is

do the Thursday afternoon meeting instead if

a really intense career choice, and we believe

that fits their schedule better,” a spokesperson

that being part of our retailer network, our

explains.

retailer family, can bring enormous benefits

There’s no commitment and no requirement

and help people manage their mental health,

to attend regularly. “We just want retailers to

their physical wellbeing and their relationships

know that we’re here and if they want to drop

with colleagues, friends and family.”

into one or two meetings and just listen, that’s

Additionally, building

fine,” a spokesperson adds.

bonds

Retailers4Retailers with

organisations

is like

“Not everyone wants to share their

GroceryAid which can offer free, confidential

experiences or their challenges in front of

and professional support to retailers who feel

others, but we generally find that people who

like they might benefit from it.

}

Founding members Retailers4Retailers was founded by four independent retailers: l Sophie Towers, One Stop Burnley l Atul Sodha, Londis Harefield, Uxbridge l Neil Godhania, Neil’s Premier, Peterborough l Natalie Lightfoot, Londis Solo Convenience Store, Baillieston, Glasgow

come along just to listen and get a feel for

“We’re retailers and the group exists for us

the meetings often end up joining in pretty

to share our experiences of retail at the coal

quickly. We’ve tried to create a welcoming,

face. We’re not fully qualified mental health

open, warm environment where there is no

specialists or finance specialists or legal

judgment. It’s just about talking, sharing,

specialists or whatever – but we realise that

listening and helping each other. We’re all in

some retailers might feel like they need some

the same boat after all. And clinical research

extra help so we’re developing our reach so

overcome these challenges and can help them

clearly shows that even just being part of

that we can point retailers in the right direction

find a way forward.

something like this can make a big difference.

to make sure they get the support they need for

“We’re trying to create real solutions for

So many people have told us they feel lighter

whatever it is they are facing,” a spokesperson

real problems,” a spokesperson says. “If you

after joining the meetings, that they don’t feel

adds.

work in independent retailing, you know the

so alone. It’s working.”

Support is also provided by Nathan Hall of The Fed.

With tens of thousands of independent

challenges that face all of us every day in life.

The meetings are rapidly growing in

retailing outlets in the UK, Retailers4Retailers

What we’re doing with Retailers4Retailers is

popularity with upwards of 25 retailers

is providing the first industry-wide self-help

trying to put people in touch with people for

attending and the group hope that many

network where affiliations are put to one side

the benefit of all.

more will come along to see for themselves

because, at the end of the day, all retailers face

“If you’re a busy retailer, you know the

and become part of this network. “In most

the same challenges – and only retailers can

challenge: it never seems to be the right time

industries there are ready-made networks

understand those challenges and what they

or the right place to talk about the stuff that’s

available and all sorts of safeguards and safety

mean.

really worrying you, the stuff that weighs

nets but in independent retailing, that’s just not the case,” a spokesperson says.

The next phase of the development of

really heavily on you.

the network is the roll out of a one-to-one

“With Retailers4Retailers we’re creating

“Many retailers work extremely long hours,

mentoring scheme that allows retailers with

that time and that place – and we’re doing it

rarely take holidays and have literally nobody

specific challenges or problems with the

every week in life. So why not join one of our

to talk to about what they’re going through.

chance to spend time in a private, safe space

meetings and see what you think. You won’t

Often they just accept that as being the way

with retailers who have perhaps faced and

regret it.”

Find out more at retailers4retailers.co.uk May/June 2025 TalkingShop

91

Did you know Ribena sells 137 bottles per minute / 2 bottles per second*.

STOCK UP NOW!

RIBENA is a registered trade mark of Lucozade Ribena Suntory Ltd. © Lucozade Ribena Suntory Ltd. All rights reserved.

*[source: Nielsen, Total Ribena Volume, 52 weeks to 25th Jan 2025 – assumed average 750ml per bottle, 54mL sold annually]

M301695

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BetterService IDEAS TO GIVE YOUR BUSINESS THE EDGE

At your service!

Booker Group Added Value Services

Make an save oved

£50Kr*

JOIN ‘000’s OF RETAILERS ALREAD BENEFIT Y ING

Make more and save more with Booker Added Value Services. Find exclusive deals and discounts with Booker’s business enabling partners inside.

*Based on a combination of potential preferential, exclusive rates and commission from store services.

121812 - Premier - AVS Brochure.indd 1

10/02/2025 16:16

Make more and save more with Booker’s Added Value Services, including exclusive rates and key discounts.

E

veryone loves getting a good

a fully-loaded feast of exclusive deals,

deal – and no-one more so

preferential rates and deep discounts from

than

retailers

more than 25 of Booker’s business enabling

who continue to battle a legion

partners – yet another advantage of being part

of legislative and cost-based

of a bigger group.

independent

challenges.

Available now, Booker’s AVS brochure is

Any opportunity to save precious pounds

packed from cover to cover with thousands

and build better sales and profits is guaranteed

of pounds-worth of retailer savings across

to be warmly welcomed to the table.

a wide range of disciplines such as energy

Cue Booker’s exclusive Added Value

saving, finance, sustainability, food waste

Services (AVS) brochure – which offers

management, Epos, marketing and cleaning.

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

93

NOW available in 10x440ml & 4x440ml

M292484

M300543

How does 15% off all DoubleCOOL doors sound? With energy cost savings of up to 60%, we think it sounds pretty – well, cool.

What about an Exclusive Solar Panel and EV charging deal? Check out Hawley Energy’s special offer available to you. You

Get exclusive rates and discounts on over 25 selected suppliers.

can also protect your store, staff and profits with exclusive Booker pricing on Reliance Protect’s VT100 solution.

Booker’s AVS brochure also includes a meaty serving of key opportunities to drive footfall into your store and make more profit too.

Did you know that you can make between 70-80% profit per cup with Tango Ice Blast?

Just two cups a day covers your lease fee.

Or how about hosting an InPost Locker and earning a guaranteed base rate for the space.

There’s no cost to you and 54% of InPost locker users also make a purchase when in store.

To take a closer look at the many savings and margin-making opportunities available, simply log onto the website at booker.co.uk.

What could be better than that?

Bespoke services tailored to your brand.

Benefits to beam about!

The Added Value Services brochure offers Premier retailers the opportunity to make and save more than £50,000 in the following areas: l Home Delivery l Energy saving l Finance l Payments l Food To Go l Media Screens l Waste l Electronic SELS l Epos l Security l Licensing l Marketing l Store services

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

95

For the Tobacco Trade Only

NEW

CHESTERFIELD FINE CUT

£ 20.50 RRP*

*POR = Profit on Return. All on-shelf prices are selected by the retailer alone. Margin is calculated on the stated RRP (recommended retail price). All pricing decisions rest with the retailer and therefore margin may be affected by the retailer’s chosen selling price.

This material is restricted to those who are involved in the business of the sale or distribution of tobacco who are aged 18 or over. This material should not be made available to the public or sent to anyone else. (This is to replace “this communication is for the information of the tobacco trade only).

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIERS The new Added Value Services brochure features more than 25 recommended suppliers who can offer tailored support for your business in the following key areas: SECURITY

SUSTINABILITY AND WASTE

l Quail

l Olio

l Facewatch

l Fareshare

l Veesion

l CollectMyWaste

l Reliance Protect

l Valpak

ENERGY SAVING

EPOS

l Saffron Business Solutions

l Retail Data Partnership

l Hawley Energy

l ITS

l DoubleCOOL

l Point Four

IN-STORE TECH

STORE EQUIPMENT

l Media Group

l HL Displays

l Image Sound

l Project Display

l Koel & Hanshow

l Navarra Retail Systems

l Avery Berkel

l Formbar

DRINKS MACHINES

IN-STORE SERVICES

l Costa

l Paypoint

l Lavazza

l Cashzone

l Tango Ice Blast

l InPost

l Snowshock

l Quadient

l Polarkrush

l Eskuta

l Celtic Frozen Drinks l Blue Ice

SEE THE FULL BROCHURE AT BOOKER.CO.UK

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

97

ACS Viewpoint | INCLUSION

James Lowman outlines the key changes you can make, so that everyone is welcome in your store.

Make your store accessible to all The ACS has revamped its Everyone Welcome guide, which sets out the key changes that stores can make to be accessible to all.

E

veryday activities such as shopping can present their

is welcome in our stores. The Everyone Welcome guide gives you and

own challenges for some colleagues and customers,

your colleagues the tools to be confident when serving customers or

and therefore it is important to ensure that our spaces

employing people with additional needs as a result of dementia, sight

are accessible and supportive for those who need them

loss, hearing loss and hidden disabilities, among others. It also covers

- particularly as not all needs are immediately apparent

how to ensure that you’re catering for additional accessibility needs

or visible. To help retailers equip themselves with knowledge about the

that some customers might need, such as those who use wheelchairs,

different needs that customers may have when visiting a store, we’ve

walking frames, or walking sticks.

revamped our Everyone Welcome guide which sets out the ways that

For those who have additional needs, it’s important that they know

stores can adapt their environment and processes to ensure that they are

they can go into your business and shop with confidence, so we’ve

providing the correct support for disabled and vulnerable customers, as

created a tool that you can use to shout about what you do in store.

well as those with additional needs.

You can generate a poster specific to your business which includes

We know that convenience stores are a community hub for all ages and demographics of customers, as well as a place where people can reenter the workplace or find work when they otherwise wouldn’t be able to, so it’s important that we as a sector highlight the fact that everyone

everything from baby change facilities, wider aisles and hearing aid loops to quiet hours, level access and being dog friendly.

Just visit the ACS website (ACS.org.uk) and click on the Everyone Welcome link to get started.

May/June 2025 TalkingShop

99

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share a

with your customers Can’t find your name?

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*Total Market as measured by Nielsen & CGA – Coca-Cola Trademark (Coca-Cola, Diet Coke and Coke Zero) Volume in Litres, MAT to Oct 2024. © 2025 The Coca-Cola Company. All rights reserved.