The magazine for Premier retailers
Welcome
Greetings and a very warm welcome to your last issue of Talking Shop for 2025 as we launch into the lucrative lead-up to Christmas.
The festive season always presents retailers with a package of opportunities to unwrap, and as ever, Premier is here to help you end your year on a high note, with a harmonious song of seasonal support.
From new products to seasonal lines, Group Exclusives, own-brand developments and sparkling special offers, we’ve got everything you need to set your sales and profits aglow this Christmas.
Turn to page 43 to find out all the delicious details.
I’m also delighted to share the merry news that home delivery just got even more accessible for Premier retailers, thanks to the new partnership agreement between Booker’s exclusive Scoot rapid delivery solution and Just Eat.
The new service gives retailers the option to offer fast, reliable delivery without needing to manage their own fleet of drivers –helping them to grow their businesses and reach more customers without the need for a large upfront investment.
Also, keep your eyes peeled for our two new Scoot-branded lorries which are already hard at work out on the UK’s roads.
The 18 tonne rigid lorries started operating out of Wellingborough and South Elmsall in August.
With their eye-catching yellow and pink Scoot livery, and scannable QR codes, they’re sure to turn heads!
Also commanding attention are the four fabulous profiles included in this issue – each one packed with real-world insights, ideas and inspiration.
I’d also urge you to read our advice feature on the new HFSS rules which are now in place and affecting certain businesses.
Our latest feature on Booker’s valuable colleague networks is another cracker.
This issue explores the meaningful support offered by Disability@ Booker – our newest colleague network – which strives to amplify the voices of disabled and neurodivergent colleagues, celebrate their contributions, and embed disability confidence across the business.
An inspiring read, I’m sure you’ll all agree.
And on that note, I wish you all the very best for the weeks ahead. Bring on 2026!
Martyn Parkinson, Sales Director – Booker Wholesale
COVER STORY
Newly redeveloped Premier Outwood Express is a testament to team working at its best.
THE THREE BIG STORIES
9 Scoot success
Scoot partners with Just Eat and hits 100th store milestone
43 Christmas cracker
Tuck in to truly scrumptious sales this Christmas
56 Net win
The inspiring work of Disability@Booker
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: Prices are correct at time of going to press, but may be subject to change.
Shoppers are going wild
New products to set your shelves sparkling. 7 Premier News
Scoot partners with Just Eat to deliver fuss-free growth. 9 Community News
Inspiring stories from Premier stores around the UK.
Booker upgrades website as Scoot lorries hit the road. 15 GroceryAid
The latest news from the industry’s charity. 18 A wild success
Southampton’s shoppers are pouncing on Premier Fair Oak’s wild new offer. 24 A cut above
Arul Palaniappan
“independent magic” is working at Premier Kemnay.
Early birds
Sales have taken flight at newly re-developed Premier T&A Local.
The dream team
Premier Outwood Express is a testament to team working at its best.
Premier’s banquet of support will help you enjoy juicy sales Christmas.
51 New Product Round-up
Our pick of the hottest new products to hit the shelves
54 New HFSS rules in place
New volume-based price promotion rules on HFSS products now apply.
56 Booker Networks
Introducing the Disability@ Booker colleague network.
61 Get socially savvy
Booker’s new Social Media Guide For retailers can help you boost reach and engagement.
Premier Kemnay is working wonders.
Scoot branded lorries hit the roads.
forPrenuer Fair Oak.
NEWS, ACHIEVEMENTS AND OPINIONS FROM ACROSS PREMIER
Scoot partners with Just Eat to deliver fuss-free growth PremierNews
Booker’s exclusive Scoot rapid delivery solution has partnered with Just Eat to offer Premier retailers the perfect last-mile solution to make home delivery more accessible than ever.
Booker is making home delivery more accessible than ever for Premier retailers thanks to a new partnership agreement between its exclusive Scoot rapid delivery solution and Just Eat’s trusted courier network.
The new partnership will allow Premier retailers to grow their business and reach more customers by allowing them to offer fast, reliable delivery without needing to manage their own fleet or drivers.
With 80% of customers now wanting same-day or on-demand delivery, Booker’s symbol group retailers will benefit from direct integration with Just Eat’s technology and trusted courier network.
By working closely with Just Eat over recent months, Scoot has developed an API integration that allows Premier retailers to offer rapid delivery with
ease, speed, and minimal operational complexity.
Shoppers will continue to place orders via the Scoot app with deliveries fulfilled by Just Eat’s trusted courier network.
The move provides a convenient, affordable way for stores to enter the fast-growing home delivery space without the need for a large upfront investment.
Colm Johnson, Retail Managing Director for Booker, said: “We’ve developed this solution with our retailers in mind. By partnering with Just Eat, we’re helping stores offer a great delivery experience while keeping it simple and costeffective.
“We’re proud to bring this national solution to life and see it already delivering results for our retailers and their customers.”
INBRIEF
SCOOT MARKS KEY MILESTONE WITH 100th STORE LAUNCH
Booker’s rapid grocery platform Scoot is now live in 100 convenience stores across the UK, with more joining each week.
Since launching earlier this year, Scoot has expanded at pace, bringing fast, convenient delivery to communities across the UK through Booker’s leading symbol groups: Premier, Londis, Budgens and Family Shopper.
Damian Sanderson, Head of Home Delivery at Booker, said: “Reaching 100 stores on the Scoot platform is a fantastic achievement, and a real testament to the appetite from our retailers and their communities. We’re proud to offer a solution that helps independent stores thrive in the delivery space.”
The 100th Scoot store to go live was Premier Pant Stores in Merthur Tydfill, Wales, with more stores already confirmed to launch in the coming weeks.
NEWS, ACHIEVEMENTS AND OPINIONS FROM ACROSS PREMIER
Sophie in the spotlight
Premier retailer Sophie Williams is starring in a major new campaign by Coca-Cola, spotlighting the invaluable role that convenience stores – and the real people behind the counter – play in their local communities.
Sophie, who runs Premier Broadway in the Oxgangs area of Edinburgh alongside her parents Dennis and Linda, is one of six business owners
from across the country featured in the campaign.
As well as being the subject of her own microdocumentary, Sophie’s face is on display on out-of-home ads across Edinburgh, signifying the importance of convenience stores and their owners to their local communities, as Coca-Cola celebrates 125 years of its products being sold in Great Britain, hand-in-hand with local retailers.
PACKAGED WITH LOVE
Premier Whitehills in Banff is backing Tash for Ukraine’s 2025 Shoe Box Christmas Appeal.
The store is calling on shoppers to help by donating everyday essentials, such as tins and jars of food, pasta and rice, baby food, sanitary products, and small games and books, to its in-store collection point.
Volunteers will then carefully package the donated items into decorated shoe boxes to be sent out to Ukraine.
Cut-price community care CommunityNews
Barry’s Premier in Halton Moor has slashed the price of six key grocery products to help its shoppers during the current cost of living challenges.
A Facebook post from the store owner said: “Good morning all, the cost of living is getting worse for everyone so we have decided to make a loss on a few items to try and support people in our local community.”
The store is now selling:
l 6-pack eggs for £1
l 9-pack toilet roll for £1.99
l McVitie’s Chocolate Digestives for £1
l Cirio Baked Beans for £0.50
l 1kg sugar for £1
l 2kg bag of potatoes for £1
TALKING TACTICS
What are you doing in-store to stand out in your local market? Share it with us and your Premier retailer colleagues at talkingshop@booker.co.uk
IndustryNews
A DIGEST OF NEWS FROM THE INDEPENDENT RETAILING INDUSTRY
Booker upgrades website and app
Booker has completed phase one of its digital transformation with a number of key upgrades to its website and app.
Premier retailers are now benefitting from a faster, smarter digital experience thanks to the upgrades, which include new corporate branding and simpler navigation for both platforms.
Visual shopping lists and new high-res photography make shopping and discovering new products easier than ever before.
The website also offers smarter ordering tools, enhanced search functionality and improved print layouts for lists and favourites.
Retailers can access personalised homepages tailored to their fascia or sector and product recommendations for pairing suggestions that
complement chosen items.
An enhanced checkout experience also allows them to see product images on their shopping lists for added clarity, combined with one-click add-tobasket functionality.
With quick access to delivery details, customers can also place orders with speed and confidence on desktop and mobile.
Booker’s new insights and inspiration hub meanwhile, also provides fresh ideas and practical resources to help boost business, from must-stock retail lines to trending ingredients.
The new website and app marks the first phase of Booker’s digital transformation, with plans to roll out additional features and functionality in the coming weeks and months.
New Scoot lorries!
The UK roads are now a brighter place to be thanks to Booker’s launch of two vibrant Scoot-branded delivery lorries.
Each of the 18 tonne rigid delivery lorries features the bold pink and yellow Scoot livery and a scannable QR code.
One is operating out of Booker’s RDC in Wellingborough and the other out of
South Elmsall.
Scoot is Booker’s rapid grocery delivery platform, available to all its symbol retailers: Premier, Londis, Budgens and Family Shopper.
Scoot retailers receive a launch support package worth up to £2,800, including POS and upweighted marketing activity.
ALLWYN’S LOCAL RETAIL CHAMPIONS RETURNS
The search for the UK’s most communityminded National Lottery shopkeepers is on for 2025 – after Allwyn opened nominations for its Local Retail Champions awards.
Last year’s inaugural awards saw Premier retailers Raj and Manish Suchak crowned as one of two national winners. This was ahead of 16 regional winners who also picked up awards and cash prizes.
New for this year is a special Innovation Award category that will reward two National Lottery retailers for their ideas about how they would celebrate National Lottery Good Causes in their store.
New licencing system must be fair to responsible retailers
Responsible retailers must not be unduly restricted by a new licencing system for tobacco and vapes, the Association for Convenience Stores (ACS) has warned.
The appeal hails in response to the Government’s publication of a call for evidence on the implementation of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
The call for evidence, published in October by the Department of Health and Social Care, seeks more detailed views on the tobacco and vaping market, the proposal for a licensing system in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and the proposal for a product registration scheme.
In the call for evidence, the Government states that it will move straight to the consultation phase on rules restricting the display, branding, colour and packaging of vaping products as well as the packaging of tobacco products.
ACS has previously called on the Government to ensure that any licensing system focuses on stopping rogue traders - without introducing disproportionate
burdens on responsible retailers.
The Government is seeking views on all aspects of a licensing scheme, including how licenses are granted, how long they last, what the licensing conditions should be, and how the experience of other licensing schemes, such as those already in place for alcohol, can inform the process.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Unless properly structured, a licensing scheme for tobacco and vapes could result in responsible retailers of a wide range of products and services being subjected to more administrative burdens on or prevented from operating just because of their location. We are clear that the object of a new licencing scheme should be to clamp down on rogue sellers and the billions lost through illicit sales every year, but this must not come at the expense of legitimate businesses.”
CARD SPENDING FALLS AS CONSUMERS BALANCE THEIR BUDGETS
Consumer card spending declined 0.7% year-on-year in September, down from 0.5% growth in August and lower than the latest CPIH inflation rate of 4.1%.
Essential spending declined 2.6% for the fifth consecutive month, while two in three said they were trying to spend less on groceries, the Barclays Consumer Spend report revealed.
Grocery spending in supermarkets and food and drink specialists fell 1.7%.
Growth in discretionary spending also reached a 15-month low, up just 0.2% year-on-year.
Consumers’ confidence in their ability to live within their means, however, reached its highest level in over four years, at 78%, while confidence in household finances climbed to 74% - a seven-month high.
Ahead of retail’s ‘golden quarter’ 23% of consumers said they had already made a start on their festive shopping, buying gifts early to spread out costs.
Barclays Private Bank Market Strategist Julien Lafargue said: “With wage growth continuing to outpace inflation, there is room for spending to accelerate again when visibility improves.”
Checkout Scotland raises more than £30k for GroceryAid
GroceryAid Scotland’s flagship Checkout Scotland music festival raises over £30,000 for the charity helping meet the costs of rapidly escalating demand for support.
More than 550 industry colleagues from the retailing and wholesaling sectors attended the recent Checkout Scotland music festival in Glasgow, helping to raise more than £30,000 for the grocery industry’s charity.
Checkout Scotland is the flagship event of the GroceryAid Scotland committee and is now in its fourth year.
The record number of attendees were entertained by Australian pop star and TV
BARCODE RETURNS FOR 2026
sensation Peter Andre and Scottish charttopper Callum Beattie.
As well as raising much-needed funds for the charity, the event has also played a pivotal role over the years in making more colleagues than ever aware of the financial, emotional and practical support that GroceryAid can provide to those in need of a little help.
Financial support provided to colleagues in Scotland has risen more than 51% in recent times, reflecting the fact that many colleagues require support but also demonstrating that more colleagues than ever now know there is somewhere they can go to find that support.
“We are absolutely delighted that Checkout Scotland raised in excess of £30,000 for GroceryAid last month,” says Matthew Howie, Chair of GroceryAid Scotland.
“Every penny of that money will be spent helping our industry colleagues in Scotland and everyone who attended Checkout or who donated in any way to GroceryAid Scotland should be proud of what they have helped achieve.”
GroceryAid has confirmed that its Barcode summer celebration is set to return for 2026. The festival for the independent retailing and grocery sectors is returning to Kenwood in London on 2nd July 2026, bringing together 6,000 colleagues, including over 1,000 senior leaders from all major retailers.
Barcode offers the chance to reward and recognise your teams with a fantastic summer party while helping to raise funds that allow GroceryAid to provide free and confidential financial, emotional and practical support to all industry workers and their families during tough times.
Get your tickets at groceryaid.org.uk
Walk on the wild side
Shoppers are pouncing on Premier Fair Oak Local’s wild new offer.
Giraffes in the grocery aisles, penguins in the freezers, shopping at Premier Fair Oak Local offers far more than the average tame experience.
Located less than two miles from the legendary Marwell Zoo, the 700sq ft store treats its shoppers to a walk on the wild side courtesy of striking images of some of the zoo’s most famous inhabitants.
“We’re proud of our store and the local area and the pictures show that,” store owner Thevathasan Masilamany (Theva) explains. “They create such impact on the shopfloor and are a real talking point, especially with parents and children.”
But penguins and parrots are far from the only reason that shoppers are roaring the praises of this stellar new store.
Theva and wife Mosanthi, who like him had previously worked as a supermarket
section leader, bought the store around two years ago.
“We already had one other small store nearby, but when this one came on the market, we knew we’d have an opportunity to create something really great,” he explains.
“It’s located on a busy parade and was previously a wine shop – but it was failing, and we knew that one day, we could transform it into something really unique for local shoppers.
By the spring of 2025, the time was right for Theva and Mosanthi to do just that.
“We knew from the start that a Premier concept store would be the right fit for us and for the local area – so I got in touch with Premier and the very next day, RDM Pawel came to see me.
“The support from Premier was great from the start and when the store development began, Pawel was there every single day –along with my new RDM Beth. They both worked so hard – caring about the project and outcome as though it was their own store.”
The whole process went incredibly smoothly and involved the creation of a Beer Cave in what was previously old storage space, while the shopfloor was totally reimagined with a new layout designed to optimise product visibility and customer flow.
Brand new floors, fixtures, fittings and smart energy efficient chillers work in union to create a remarkable new look that never
fails to elicit a ‘wow’ from new shoppers.
The store’s walls, meanwhile, feature a striking barnwood effect around the perimeter and are further enhanced with the striking black and white wildlife photos.
Additional photos of Eastleigh through the ages – including shots of the famous Railway Man statue and church – celebrate the town’s local heritage.
Clever use of lighting, meanwhile, including striking LED ceiling fixtures, bold PAN lights above key categories, such as Refresh@Premier, soft drinks, frozen, dairy, food to go, ready meals and Deli@Premier, also combine to further elevate the store’s roarsome new form.
The Beer Cave itself is also signposted with illuminated category wording – while blue-sky light panels in the ceiling shine down on the bestselling range inside.
“The Beer Cave is totally unique in this area and a big footfall driver,” Theva says.
“One of my favourite features is actually the counter though,” he adds. “It looks so smart, especially with the spirits behind.”
Theva’s pride and joy counter is further set off by the large chilled Cossiga unit sited next to it, laden with lovely local cakes and sweet treats, while atop it sits a basket brimming with fresh fruit – free for local kids.
“The whole development took a month to complete, and we only closed for two days between 10am and 6pm, which was fantastic,” he adds.
The finished article was officially unveiled in a Grand Opening Day on 28 July 2025 –much to the delight of local shoppers who’ve been herding in to graze ever since.
Greeting them near the entrance is a welcoming Refresh@Premier bar featuring Lavazza coffee, Jolly Rancher slush and Think Fresh Shakes.
“The new store also has five metres of fresh and chilled foods and four doors of frozen – offering shoppers a fantastic range of choice,” Theva says.
“We also have six doors of soft drinks, which are proving to be one of our strongest selling categories.”
As are confectionery and snacks – two areas in which Theva boasts expert product knowledge thanks to his past as an ambient section leader for one of the UK’s major multiples.
“One of my key strengths is my knowledge of products and sales trends and I especially love to make the most of seasonal opportunities,” he says.
“Whether it’s Father’s Day, Halloween, Pancake Day or Christmas – I’m on it! I get in there as early as possible with the promotions and love to create attentiongrabbing displays.
“Right now, in the run-up to Christmas, we’re going heavy on multipacks – a massive opportunity during party season.
“I’m also not afraid to try new products and always get behind them in a big way.
“As independent retailers we have the ability to adapt our ranges and get behind
STOCK THE UK’S NO.1 TOILET TISSUE BRAND*
Store profile
Name: Premier Fair Oak Local
Retailers: Thevathasan Masilamany and Mosanthi Thevahasan
Size: 700sq ft
Staff: 2
Opening hours: 7am–11pm
Services: Parcel collection, food to go
new products and seasonal events like no-one else – that’s what sets us apart.
“I also respond to shopper requests, wherever possible. If someone asks me for a specific product that’s not currently on my shelf, I’ll go to my local branch and try to get it for them – shoppers will never get that kind of service in a supermarket.”
And shoppers are clearly appreciative of Theva’s approach.
“Prior to the refit, shoppers would come in for a few sweets and a drink and
that would be it – hardly anyone took a basket but now almost everyone does,” he says.
Pre-refit, weekly sales averaged £10,000 – but now, as a new concept Premier, Theva is hoping to double that figure – and aims to hit the £20,000 mark by summer 2026.
“The feedback that we have received since opening has been so positive and we know that it will only continue to build.”
The support from Premier was great from the start and when the store development began, Pawel was there every single day – along with my new RDM Beth. They both worked so hard – caring about the project and outcome as though it was their own store.
Thevathasan Masilamany
A cut above
Arul Palaniappan has once again worked his “independent magic” in the small Scottish village of Kemnay – with not a shortcut in sight.
Shortcuts: great for saving time in the kitchen, car and on the keyboard – generally not so great, however, in construction.
One man who has a zeroshortcut policy in the construction and store development departments is Arul Palaniappan, director of the dynamic SRJ Convenience.
With more than 20 stores in his portfolio, including the showstopping Premier New Elgin and inspirational Premier Forres – Arul certainly knows a thing or two about creating great convenience stores – and they never, ever, involve shortcuts.
His recently developed Premier store in Kemnay, Scotland, is a case in point.
Bought at auction after being vacated by the Co-op, the store is in the centre of the small village of Kemnay in Aberdeenshire.
“With no other independent store in the village, we could see at once an opportunity to work our magic and create a strong neighbourhood store that would perfectly meet local needs,” Arul explains.
And with its breathtaking landscapes and scenic trails, the village of Kemnay is also the perfect pitstop for ramblers and
hillwalkers – a fact which Arul knew could generate a pacey lunchtime trade.
“The old building was empty when we took it on and needed a lot of improvements before we could even begin with the fit-out –starting with a brand-new roof and a number of internal repairs,” Arul says.
“We also opened up a couple of old storerooms to increase the size of the shopfloor and create space for both a Beer Cave and a Soft Drinks Cave.
“When it came to doing the shop up, we did it to the best standard that we could. There were no shortcuts. It was an expensive project, but it was worth it.
“You have to invest in your store and make it look professional; make it look inviting –make it stand out. Your aim should always be for shoppers to say ‘wow’ when they walk in – because when they do that, it becomes their shop for life.
“That wow factor is what changes behaviours. You need to sweep shoppers off their feet and that’s what we strive to do in all our stores, Kemnay included.”
With its vibrant Beer and Soft Drink Caves, a Refresh@Premier bar and more, the store boasts all the bells and whistles that
you’d expect from a fresh-faced new concept Premier.
“Concepts such as the Beer Cave and Soft Drinks Cave really elevate the customer experience,” Arul says.
With their smart wood-effect floors, rustic brick wall vinyls and arresting spherical light fixtures, each chilled cave acts as the perfect stage for the store’s stellar range to shine.
The Soft Drinks Cave alone boasts 14 bays, while the Beer Cave has 15 – plus four bays outside for red wine. Inside, there’s also ample space for store staff to create eye-
Store profile
Name: Premier Kemnay
Retailer: Arul Palaniappan
Services: Free ATM, payment, National Lottery
Staff: 6
Size: 2,000sq ft
Opened: Nov 2024
Opening hours: 7am–10pm
The ice cream of ice creams.
When it came to doing the shop up, we did it to the best standard that we could. There were no shortcuts. Your aim should always be for shoppers to say ‘wow’ when they walk in – because when they do that, it becomes their shop for life.
Arul Palaniappan
catching promotional displays that showcase its great-value range of chilled multipacks and Perfect Draught kegs.
“Shoppers love the caves and so do I,” Arul says. “Even in a small store, a Beer or Soft Drinks Cave is the best way to reduce labour demands, reduce energy use and increase your range.”
Catering to local food-to-go needs, the store’s Refresh@Premier bar features carbonated and regular slush, a bean-to-cup coffee solution and Rollover Hotdogs.
And then there’s the sandwiches.
“Food to go is a key category at Kemnay and we have another great USP in the form of our own homemade range of sandwiches,
wraps and baguettes,” Arul says.
“We currently make all our products in one centralised kitchen and they get sent out fresh to our stores each day. The vast homemade range also includes an abundance of cheesecakes, which have fast become top sellers.
“Shoppers love the range. It’s totally unique – and because we have full control, we can tweak it in response to local trends and requests.”
Arul is currently in the throes of transferring his food-to-go operation to a new and much larger kitchen unit – a move which will not only enable him to double production capability but also to expand into new areas –
such as homemade ready meals in the future.
“The new kitchen is massive – it’s even got a huge walk-in chiller! It’s going to enable us to take our offer to a whole new level.”
Arul is also in the process of refreshing his food-to-go packaging – moving from plastic boxes to more sustainable cardboard.
Local products also play a starring role at Premier Kemnay – and we’re not just talking a few eggs and ales.
“Local products are a major USP at Kemnay – and indeed all our stores,” Arul explains. “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: local is the way to go! Shoppers love anything local and local products give us the upper hand against other stores in the area –
especially the multiples.
“In Kemnay we work with more than 15 local suppliers, across a wide range of categories including meats, deli items, cakes, eggs, honey, bread and more. We work with three different local bakeries alone!”
The store’s welcoming wood-panelled counter is home to a tempting array of locally baked beauties – from buns to brownies, bars and more – all housed in a smart integrated chilled display cabinet.
The store’s 10-metre fresh and chilled range also includes a mouthwatering mix of local goods including pre-prepared meals and seasonal products.
And of course, Premier Kemnay’s success is about so much more than fixtures, finishings and fancy products.
Standards and service also set it apart –and once again there are no shortcuts here.
Like all Arul’s stores, Premier Kemnay offers a masterclass in merchandising.
No matter the aisle – or time of day –every inch of this pristine new store always looks picture perfect.
“High store standards are a must – and our team are experts when it comes to delivering them,” Arul says.
All staff are given full and regularly refreshed CPL training covering a broad range of key subjects – with full reviews of stock taken every single day to ensure perfect availability.
Staff rotas, meanwhile, are meticulously planned in response to peak trading times, helping to maintain fast, yet always friendly,
customer service at all times.
“We have a team of six at Kemnay and they do a truly amazing job,” Arul says.
Most of them are local, including the store manager Fiona who lives in the village. Everyone knows her – she’s got fantastic relationships with so many local shoppers and that counts for so much.
“Local people working in local stores gives shoppers even greater confidence.”
And that confidence is all too clear to see.
“Local shoppers have given us their support from the start. They’ve seen all the fantastic USPs we have, our great-value prices and our brilliant customer service and they love it – they really love it.
“The store has taken off and we’re over the moon with the results.”
Early birds
The early bird catches the worm – and over in the West Yorkshire town of Knottingley, there’s a family of early birds who are unearthing especially juicy treats.
Rina and Pritesh Patel’s days begin at 3.30am every morning – long before the dawn chorus begins to tweet.
Arriving at the store just after 4am, Rina’s first job of the day is to fire up the ovens and start slicing up salads in preparation for the store’s now roaring lunchtime trade.
Pritesh, meanwhile, gets to work setting the store up – the daily checks and tasks second nature to him, having grown up in the convenience industry.
“Dad was a convenience retailer, so the shop was always a part of life. I’d get back from school and start helping in-store straight away,” he chuckles.
“I always knew it was what I wanted to do – and so I bought my first Post Office in 1998 – I was only 18 at the time!”
And Pritesh’s passion for retail has certainly not been lost on his children and store namesakes – Tia and Aryan.
“Our kids have grown up in this industry and love it too. They help us out all the time, keeping us abreast of new trends and looking after our social media content – which they do a great job with.”
They certainly do – as Premier T&A’s many followers will attest. Followers are treated to a regular cycle of fun and engaging in-store posts and videos hosted by Tia and Aryan.
And their posting prowess hit new heights over the summer of 2025 when T&A Local underwent a radical store development project.
“We’ve had this store for about five years now and our intention was always to make it into a Premier. However, when we first took it over, we were just renting it, so we didn’t want to invest in a big store development project until we owned the freehold,” Pritesh explains.
When the opportunity to buy the freehold finally arose, Pritesh and Rina jumped at it and immediately began making plans for the
The deli is doing so well. Everything is freshly made to order, and our Salad Boxes are the biggest selling item, we sell at least 50 salads a day, often many more.
Pritesh Patel
seismic redevelopment which took place over the summer of 2025.
“The store is in a great location; we are just off the A1, so it benefits from large amounts of passing trade and lots of workers on the hunt for food and drinks to go, but we weren’t maximising that opportunity previously,” he adds.
But that’s certainly not the case anymore, with brand-new Premier T&A Local now home to a mouthwatering Premier Deli concept.
From piping-hot paninis to packed jacket potatoes, freshly filled baguettes, sumptuous salads and so much more, the store’s mouthwatering serve-over deli counter has become a meal solution magnet since the store re-opened in July 2025.
“The deli is doing so well. Everything is freshly made to order, a bit like a Subway, and our Salad Boxes are the biggest selling item, we sell at least 50 salads a day, often many more,” Pritesh says.
With numbers like that, it’s little wonder that the couple’s mornings begin as early as they do!
Further food-to-go choice is also on offer at the new concept store’s Refresh@Premier bar, including Rollover, Thick Fresh Shakes, Snow Shock slush and coffee to go.
“We also have a wonderful Cossiga unit up at the tills which features a great range of local cakes and pastries,” Pritesh adds.
“We open the doors at 5am and we are busy straight away. A lot of people now stop in on their way home from night shifts – while others pop in before starting early ones.”
“Soft drinks are also a huge category; we have 12 doors in total, six of which are dedicated to impulse drinks, which fly off the shelves, especially the energy drinks.
“We also have a strong residential trade, and local shoppers are loving our brand-new fresh and chilled offer, which is more than double the size of what we had before.
Prior to the refit, we just stuck to the basics: apples, bananas and not a great deal else – now, we sell every fruit and vegetable we can
get from Booker. Shoppers are thrilled with the choice and we’re buying more and more in every week to keep up with the growing demand.”
“Our expanded chilled range is selling strongly too; shoppers are loving the new ready meals. At first, we were sceptical that it would all sell – but it does, especially the Jack’s products.”
And it’s not just local residents and bleary-eyed shift workers who are snapping up the store’s appetising new offer. Premier T&A Local also features – wait for it – a hair salon!
“The salon is a great concept – we rent out the space and customers come in, get their hair done and then do a shop with us afterwards –some of them will do their whole weekly shop while they’re here.
“Quite a few salon customers will also buy drinks and snacks from the shop to take in with them, so it works really well.”
The salon, known as ‘Whiteley Waves’, also underwent a smart refurbishment over the summer and complements the store’s headturning new look.
Further footfall-driving concepts include a Beer Cave, stacks of services and a large car park out the front.
“The finished result is absolutely incredible – even better than we expected,” Pritesh says. “The opening day attracted hundreds of people – they were literally queuing to get in.”
1.5L ON PROMO P10 - P11
*Source: NIQ Total Market Coverage, Sales Volume (Ltrs) and Sales Value (£s), 52wks to 06/09/2025
STORE PROFILE
Name: Premier T&A Local
Retailers: Pritesh, Rina, Tia and Aryan Patel
Staff: 10 plus family
Size: 1,321sq ft
Opening hours: 5am–9pm
And the momentum has continued to build.
“There’s not one category that isn’t doing well. Shoppers love the whole package.
“Average basket spend has already increased dramatically. Before, most of our regular customers would spend around £10 – but now it’s more like £40 or £50. We even get people doing their big weekly shops here now – spending £100 in one go. We’ve even done a few £200 baskets!”
“Sales have already more than doubled since re-opening and I think that if we launch home delivery with Scoot, as we hope to, we could triple the numbers.”
With little other home delivery competition in the local area, it’s clear that even more opportunities are waiting to be unearthed –and who better than these early birds to do it?
We get people doing their big weekly shops with us now – spending £100 in one go. We’ve even done a few £200 baskets!
Pritesh Patel } {
The dream team
Newly refitted Premier Outwood Express
is a testament to team working at its best.
Ribbon cutting: an honour oft bestowed on mayors, local celebrities, centenarians – the odd Gladiator perhaps.
But when it came to the grand opening of newly re-developed Premier Outwood Express, business partners Navaneethan Eswarapatham and Gajendran (Darren) Sorubakaanthan decided that there was no-one more deserving of the ceremonial scissors than their Premier RDM Matt Truelove and shopfitter Lee Sampson.
“The success of this store development really is a testament to teamwork – the fantastic support from Premier and from our shopfitters who together helped us to create this incredible new-look store,” Darren explains.
The store is one of three sites in Wakefield that the pair purchased 20 years ago – and has been acting as a hub for the community ever since.
All three stores have been updated over the years – but by the summer of 2025, Navaneethan and Darren thought it was time for a more major makeover. Readers of Talking Shop will remember our profile on their East Ardsley store, which was re-fitted in June 2025 – and just a short time later it was Outwood Express’s turn to go under the knife.
“The store is on a main road and receives a lot of trade from local residents as well as passers-by. We do have a fair bit of competition from multiple retailers – but over the last 20 years we’ve built up a very loyal customer base: regulars who shop with us because they like our service and the difference we offer,” says Darren.
do have a fair bit of competition from customer us because they like our service and the enormously over the years. Shoppers services
“However, trends have changed enormously over the years. Shoppers expect more from their local stores now: more fresh, more chilled, more services – and more of an experience when they shop.
The whole layout was changed to optimise customer flow and to get more range in. We didn’t extend the building at all; we just used space more cleverly.
Gajendran Sorubakaanthan } {
“Lifestyles have changed too. Convenience is a major factor; shoppers want to be able to create quick and easy meals at home with minimum fuss. They are also shopping more frequently – day to day instead of big weekly shops – and we needed to respond to all of that.”
So Navaneethan and Darren worked closely with the Premier team to come up with a plan that would help them do exactly that – and more.
“The whole layout was changed to optimise customer flow and to get more range in. We didn’t extend the building
Store profile
Name: Premier Outwood Express
Retailers: Navaneethan Eswarapatham and Gajendran Sorubakaanthan
Size: 1,321sq ft
Opening hours: 6am–10pm
Services: National Lottery, Payzone, parcel collection, home delivery
Re-developed: July 2025
at all, we just used space more cleverly,” Darren explains.
“For example, former unused and wasted corner space was converted into a Beer Cave.
“We also brought in new higher shelving that allowed us to bring more range in.
“Fresh and chilled space – a key requirement for any successful convenience store now – was also more than doubled, as was frozen – in line with what shoppers want.”
“Booker offered fantastic support throughout the whole process, especially our RDM Matt.
We went through about nine versions of the plan and he was there every step of the way, helping us to get things exactly as we wanted them.
“The support you get as a Premier retailer is why we joined 20 years ago – and it’s never wavered in all that time.
“We also need to mention our shopfitter Lee from Omega Retail Services – he was fantastic and, just like Matt, put in so much overtime to get everything perfect.”
The end product was revealed to excited shoppers on 11 July 2025 at a well-attended grand opening day.
Expertly meeting shoppers’ new need states, Premier Outwood Express now offers a comprehensive choice of quality meal and snacking solutions – courtesy of its new 12.5-metre fresh and chilled range and expanded frozen offer.
“We have also expanded our soft drinks space to 12 metres in a bid to offer shoppers a locally unrivalled range – including sports & energy drinks, international products and more.
“Our grocery range, meanwhile, has been cut back from where it was before. Shoppers’ appetite for tinned goods seems to have reduced – it’s all about the fresh, chilled and frozen,” Darren adds.
“Premier’s fresh and chilled range is perfectly placed to meet that demand –there’s a great variety of quality products at great-value prices – and the shelf life for
+50% in S&I since the launch of 8 packs Drive your sales with the No.1
Midas Code: M297239 x8 BARS
Overall, we couldn’t be happier with the upgrade and with the service that we received from Booker and our shopfitters. There truly was no-one better to cut the ribbon and get the glory.
Gajendran Sorubakaanthan
many of them is long too.”
New-look Premier Outwood Express also features a Refresh@Premier zone that truly pops thanks to backlit category signage, bold wall coverings and three vibrant machines including Think Fresh Shakes, Snowshock Slush and coffee to go.
Right next to the eye-catching zone sits the store’s smart new service counter where shoppers can pay and peruse a delicious array of locally baked cakes and treats from Dale Bakery.
“The cakes have been a huge hit since we re-opened,” Darren says. “We get them delivered fresh every morning – six days a week.
“The Beer Cave has been another hit. It’s a standout feature – not only because of how it looks but also the convenience that it offers.
Multi-packs are the biggest winners – none of the other local stores have the space to chill their multi-packs, but thanks to the Beer Cave, we can. It was a big footfall and sales driver over the summer months and especially now as we build up towards the key festive season.”
The store’s offer has also been strengthened with an array of convenient services including parcel collection from Yodel, InPost and Royal Mail.
“Parcel collection is such a big opportunity these days and brings in a huge amount of footfall which, thanks to our fabulous new look and offer, we are converting into extra sales,” Darren adds.
A new home delivery service via Snappy Shopper has also just launched in the last few weeks.
“We now have a truly standout new store and offer which is creating a big buzz locally.”
So big, in fact, that Darren says the store is now attracting new shoppers from further afield too, with many travelling to Premier Outwood Express “to see what all the fuss is about”.
“Everyone is amazed and we’re getting such great feedback,” he adds.
Store sales grew by 10% in the first few weeks and have continued to build steadily — with Navaneethan and Darren expecting to reach a 25% uplift soon.
“Overall, we couldn’t be happier with the upgrade and with the service that we received from Booker and our shopfitters. There truly was no-one better to cut the ribbon and get the glory.”
Festive Feast
Premier is helping retailers to tuck into a feast of sales and profit opportunities this Christmas.
The mulled wine is brewing, mincemeat is stewing, choirs are crooning and shopping bags are groaning under the weight of festive fancies.
It can mean only one thing: Christmas is coming – and Premier retailers are set to enjoy a truly fabulous festive spread for 2025, thanks to platters of new products and dishes of deals.
Confectionery will of course play a starring role in the Christmas 2025 opportunity. Last year, chocolate and sweets reached a total value of £2.7m over Christmas – an impressive year-on-year growth of 8.3% that retailers will be hoping to replicate – if not better – in 2025 [IRI Unify 12 we 28.12.24].
Chocolate once again led the confectionery pack during 2024’s festive season, with value sales up 9% to £2.2m – driven by boxed chocolates, limited editions and novelty formats which tapped into the spirit of gifting and sharing.
Sugar confectionery played an instrumental role too, with sales exceeding £522m and growing at 6.1% year-on-year.
This year, Premier retailers will be able to offer shoppers a sleigh load of seasonal sweetness, thanks to great-value prices on key novelty products such as 140g packs of Haribo Elf Surprises – which, in the NP10 promotional period, will be available to shoppers on a ‘2 for £2’ deal – offering retailers a POR of 25.1%.
Perfect for stocking fillers, workplace sharing or as seasonal self-treats, brand-new
SWEET PICKINGS
Confectionery reached a total value of £2.7m over the 2024 Christmas season – an impressive year-on-year growth of 8.3%.
A sweet 97% of UK households purchased confectionery during the holiday season, spending an average of £73 per person – highlighting the category’s broad penetration and the opportunity for retailers to drive incremental sales by offering the right mix of festive confectionery.
NEW AND EXCLUSIVE! BREWDOG REINBEER
Case size: 1x8x330ml
Promo WSP: £7.19
Consumer Deal: £11.00
POR: 21.6%
M&M’s Crispy Santa five packs will also be available for a tasty RSP of £3 – offering retailers a POR of 20%.
Also ideal for gifting is the Cadbury Medium Selection Box – which Premier retailers will be able to sell individually for £3.99 or offer as part of an ‘Any 2 for £5’ offer (subject to HFSS scope).
But of course, Christmas isn’t all about sweet stuff!
As the party season builds towards the big day itself, the NP10 promotional period also features a bevy of marvellous Mega Deals on key BWS brands, such as ‘Any 2 for £12’ across the I Heart range – including Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Bubbly and more. Retailers in Scotland will be able to offer their shoppers bottles for £6 each.
There’s an array of cracking lager deals too – including 10x400ml packs of Fosters for just £9 (Scotland £10.59).
Carling 10x440ml packs will also be available for the Mega Deal price of £9 (Scotland £11.44).
New and Group Exclusive products are also sure to lend your sales some added Christmas sparkle.
Look out for brand-new and exclusive multipacks of Brewdog Reinbeer! Available to retailers in cases of 8x330ml for £7.99 and with an RSP of just £11 – these seasonal sensations
are sure to fly off the shelf faster than Rudolf himself.
And with the low to no beer and cider category currently seeing impressive volume growth of 39%, fuelled by the 30% of UK adults now drinking more low to no products than they were a year ago [KAM Low and No: Drinking Differently], Premier’s festive line-up also includes amazing value pricing on 0% lager brands, including four-packs of Estrella 0% and Madri Zero, which will both be available to shoppers for just £4.75.
Soft drinks have certainly not been left out of the Mega Deal mix either – with 18x330ml packs of Diet Coke and Coke Zero set to be available for just £6.99 –down from £11.99.
Price-marked £2.19 packs of Pepsi Max, Pepsi Max Diet and Pepsi Max Cherry will also be available on an ‘Any 2 for £3’ deal.
Premier shoppers will also be able to bag great-value deals on a wide range of leading crisp and snack brands, including Pringles, Wotsits and many more, with 165g tubes of Pringles Original, Sour Cream & Onion, BBQ, Cheese & Onion set to be available for just £1.50 each, and 130g bags of Wotsits Giants Flamin Hot and Cheese for just £1.65 – down from £2.50.
MAKE A MEAL OF IT
The Jack’s brand also looks set to play a starring role in the build-up to Christmas 2025 thanks to an array of delicious deals and greatvalue prices on key fresh and chilled products. Look out for a fantastic multibuy deal on Jack’s festive sides including: ‘Buy a pack of Jack’s Yorkshire Puddings and Jack’s Roast Potatoes for just £2.50!’
A selection of Jack’s vegetables, including
CORKING DEALS
Mixed Veg, Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli Florets, Cauliflower and Baby Carrots will also be available as part of an ‘Any 3 for £3’ deal.
Shoppers will also be able to get more bangers for their bucks with great-value pricing on Jack’s sausages – including 400g packs of Premium Pork, Cumberland and Lincolnshire for just £2.99 each – offering retailers a POR of 23.7% on single packs.
And of course, no festive fiesta would be complete without a mince pie to round off affairs.
Helping retailers to earn a serious crust are six Jack’s Mince Pies – back for 2025 for the great-value RSP of just £1.99 and a POR of 23.4%.
And as ever, Premier’s seasonal support doesn’t stop at products and prices. A cracking suite of high-impact point of sale materials will also help retailers create dashing displays and sparkling shelves. Elves not included!
Premier retailers will be able to offer their shoppers a corking deal on key wines brands, including Prosecco, this Christmas thanks to a ‘3 for £20’ (£6.66 Scotland) offer across Canti, Casillero and Jam Shed in NP11.
LOVINGLY MADE SINCE 1616
WARNINKS HAS BECOME A TOP 5 BRAND WITHIN BOOKER’S LIQUEUR CATEGORY OUTSELLING, BAILEY’S SALTED CARAMEL & BAILEY’S MINT CHOCOLATE SHAKE, IN THE LAST 12 WEEKS TO CHRISTMAS. DON’T MISS YOUR SALES OPPORTUNITY.*
All fired up
Booker’s new NPD Range Guide for Autumn is packed with first to market new products, Group Exclusives and seasonal lines to help you rake in extra footfall, sales and profits this key autumn season.
The temperature might have taken a tumble, but Booker’s New Product Development (NPD) Range Guide for Autumn is here to help retailers stoke up footfall, sales and profits.
Laden with more than 170 new lines, including 22 Group Exclusives plus first-to-market products, the 2025 edition is sure to help stores secure a smoking-hot end to the year.
GROUP EXCLUSIVES
In today’s ultra-competitive retail marketplace, the ability to get your hands on new and exclusive products before anyone else offers a powerful advantage – and that’s where Booker’s Group Exclusives come in.
Booker’s NPD Range Guide for Autumn includes 22 Group Exclusive products from across the key BWS, impulse and grocery categories, allowing you to surprise and delight your shoppers.
Highlights include 8x330ml multipacks of Brewdog Reinbeer, 12x300ml multipacks of Kopparberg Dark Nights, and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Blackberry, which offers a minimum POR of 20%.
Shoppers will also want to tuck into new and exclusive on-trend biscuit products including Jaffa Cakes Yuzu Lemon and Fox’s Chocolatey Dubai Style Pistachio.
INSIGHTS TO INGEST
The NPD Guide for Autumn is also packed with enlightening insights and top tips into key market trends and footfall-driving categories such
as energy drinks, confectionery, fresh, food solutions and more.
With the ‘artisan inspired’ bread category growing at 26% year on year, highlights include new and exclusive Hovis Signature White.
And as shopper demand for gluten free products continues to soar, the guide also shines a light on Booker’s great range of long-life gluten free products, including an expanded range from Dr Schar.
With noodle pots and spicy flavours also in “huge demand”, new products from the Namdong and Fuel brands are also called out – as are new pouches of Ben’s Original Street Food noodles, available to Booker retailers in Korean BBQ and Spicy Indonesian-style flavours.
SEASONAL STARS
And with Christmas just around the corner, the guide also showcases some of the fantastic new seasonal products sure to help you unwrap success in the run-up to the big day, including Reese’s Peanut Butter Crème Filled Santa Heads, Maltesers Gingerbread Reindeers and Terry’s Chocolate Orange Caramel Ball, to name but a few.
With 42% of unplanned Easter impulse sales having taken place in January and February last year, the guide also includes a cracking selection of Easter treats, including 16 new products and four Group Exclusives to help retailers get ahead of the game early.
Colm Johnson, Retail Managing Director at Booker, said: “With trends evolving quickly, our new products will help retailers meet customer demand and stand out this autumn with exceptional choice, value and innovation.”
Booker’s Autumn 2025 NPD Range Guide is available to all Booker symbol group retailers. Simply visit booker. co.uk to download your copy.
New Products
WALKERS
MAX PUNCHY PAPRIKA AND JALAPENO & CHEESE
Case size: 15x70g
Promo WSP: £9.89
RSP: £1.35
Promo POR: 41.4%
CHEETOS ORIGINAL CHEESE
Case size: 9x125g
Promo WSP: £9.89
RSP: £2.50
Promo POR: 47.3%
BOOKER GROUP EXCLUSIVE
JACK DANIEL’S TENNESSE BLACKBERRY
Case size: 1x70cl
WSP: £20.39
RSP: £29.99
POR:18.4%
STARBUCKS WHITE CHOCOLATE MOCHA
Case size:10x220ml
Promo WSP: £9.75
RSP: £1.25
POR:22%
PRINGLES
SANTA’S SECRET FLAVOUR
Case size: 19x165g
Promo WSP: £28.49
RSP: £2.25
Promo POR: 29.9%
FLAGSHIP BOURBON
FROM THE WORLD’S MOST AWARDED DISTILLERY
NOW AVAILABLE FOR BOOKER RETAILERS
Buffalo Trace M127086
New Products
MCVITIES SIGNATURE CARAMEL CHOCOLATE ROUNDS AND CHOCOLATE CREAM SWIRLS
Case size: 15x109g
Promo WSP: £14.99
RSP: £2.25
POR: 46.7%
UBBS NICOTINE POUCHES
Case size: 5x20pk
WSP: £10.75
RSP: £5.99
POR: 56.9%
KOPPARBERG SPICED APPLE
Case size:8x500ml
Promo WSP: £10.59
RSP: £2.99
POR: 46.9%
EUROSHOPPER
PABLO NICOTINE POUCHES
Case size: 10x20pk
WSP: £17.95
RSP: £4.99
POR: 56.8%
EUROSHOPPER ORIGINAL ENERGY MULTIPACK
Case size: 6x4x250ml
WSP: £5.39
RSP: £1.95
POR: 44.7%
GLUCOSE SPARKLING CHERRY AND SPARKLING ORANGE
Case size: 12X500ml
WSP:£4.75
RSP: £0.75
POR: 36.7%
BetterService
IDEAS TO GIVE YOUR BUSINESS THE EDGE
New HFSS rules in place
From October, new volume-based price promotion legislation on high fat, salt and sugar products (HFSS) are in place.
From 1 October 2025, volume-based promotions on HFSS (high fat, salt, sugar) products have been restricted for ‘affected businesses’.
Which products / promotions are affected?
Under the new rules, volume-based promotions on HFSS products will be banned, meaning affected retailers will no longer be able to display the following promotions:
l Multi-buy offers like “3 for £10”
l Free product deals such as “Buy One Get One Free” (BOGOF) or “50% extra free”
l Loyalty point incentives linked to HFSS items
l Promotions on party-style platters containing HFSS products
Meal deals and pre-packaged multipack offers will still be allowed under the legislation.
WHO IS AFFECTED BY THE NEW HFSS REGULATION CHANGES?
Your business is affected if, as at 1 April each year, you employ 50 or more people. If your business is affected, then you will likely already have been operating under the location restrictions that have been in place for some time, which apply online and (depending on the size of your store’s relevant sales area) in-store.
It is your responsibility to determine whether your business is affected and bear in mind that if you have several stores under the same business, it is the scale and the arrangement under which that
business operates in practice that matters.
For example, if you operate multiple stores under the same company then it is the employees of all stores that are operated by that company that counts. Similarly, if you operate multiple stores under the umbrella brand of a larger organisation you will need to consider with them whether that brings your store(s) under the definition of a franchise, in which case it is likely that your store(s) will all be affected.
If your business is in scope, then in addition to the existing restrictions on online and in-store placement of HFSS products, you are restricted in what you can sell on volume price promotion –products that are HFSS cannot be sold on volume price promotion. If your business is not in scope, then you are not restricted by the HFSS rules relating to placement and volume price promotions.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT WHICH BRANDS ARE HFSS COMPLIANT, AND WHICH ARE NOT?
Booker flags products on its website with information provided to us by suppliers as to whether products are or are not likely to be considered HFSS. Booker has not independently verified this information so cannot guarantee it is complete or correct and is not responsible for any inaccuracies. There are also some products where suppliers have provided us with no information. It is for retailers to make their own checks as to whether products are in scope of the HFSS restrictions.
HOW WILL MY PREMIER PROMOTIONS BE AFFECTED?
Booker will continue to offer consumer-facing volume price promotions for retailers.
It is important that if your business is affected by HFSS restrictions that you carefully review your promotions and do not run them where HFSS restrictions apply to you. Booker does not accept any responsibility for promotions or placements of HFSS products which are contrary to the applicable restrictions.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH THE BOOKER OWNBRAND ON-PACK MULTIBUYS?
You will continue to see some on-pack volume price promotions for several months, as packaging already printed sells through and there is a period allowed for the sale through to consumers of products marked in that way. Retailers should not mark products themselves with volume price promotions and all products with on-pack volume price promotions should be sold through as soon as possible, and in any event, removed from sale by 30 September 2026.
CAN HFSS PRODUCTS BE DISPLAYED ON A RETAILER’S ONLINE WEBSITE HOMEPAGE?
If you have a website where you are offering HFSS products for sale to consumers then you will need to comply with the volume price promotions restrictions that apply to online sales, in addition to the existing restrictions on placement.
I AM A SCOOT RETAILER, HOW DOES HFSS AFFECT ME?
If you are a Scoot retailer, then it is important you assess whether your business is affected by HFSS – if it is, you will have to determine which of the Scoot promotions you are able to opt in to.
Where can I find more detail on the new HFSS regulations?
Restricting promotions of products high in fat, sugar or salt by location and by volume price: implementation guidance - GOV. UK
https://www.acs.org.uk/ advice/hfss-regulations
BetterService
IDEAS TO GIVE YOUR BUSINESS THE EDGE
Willing and able
Shining the spotlight on Booker’s newest Colleague Network: Disability@Booker.
Over the last few months we’ve been taking a closer look at Booker’s four flourishing Colleague Networks, which all share one common goal: to advocate, applaud and aid Booker colleagues from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Recent issues of Talking Shop have introduced you to Race and Ethnicity@ Booker and Women@Booker – and now it’s time to say hello to Booker’s newest colleague network: Disability@Booker.
Launched on 3 December 2024 to coincide with International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Disability@Booker seeks to amplify the voices of disabled and neurodivergent colleagues, celebrate their contributions, and consult on ways to embed disability confidence across the business.
Like the other colleague networks, Disability@Booker is backed by a structured
committee with designated leads for different areas including Events and Comms, Colleague Feedback and Insights, and Talent and Development.
It also benefits from the support of two dedicated executive sponsors, co-chairs and SteerCo co-chairs.
Strengthening the committee’s power is the fact that many of its members bring lived experience of disability, neurodivergence or caring responsibilities to their roles.
These personal insights not only help to shape the network’s priorities, tone and approach, but also ensure that work is grounded in real-world understanding – and not just policy.
Leaning into their own experiences, the committee can spot gaps in support or accessibility that others might miss, design events and resources that reflect what actually helps, and create safe spaces where colleagues feel seen and understood.
BOOKER’S FAB FOUR COLLEAGUE NETWORKS ARE OPEN TO ALL AND INCLUDE:
l Women@Booker
l Race and Ethnicity@Booker
l LGBTQ+@Booker
l Disability@Booker
BOOKER COLLEAGUE
“What a brilliant session, I have learned so much, thanks to all the Network for pulling this together. It’s so important we ensure all colleagues feel able to be themselves, this helps so much to improve all our understanding, so that we can all work better together and support each other.”
This blend of structured leadership and lived experience is what gives Disability@Booker its authenticity and impact.
The network combines its strengths to offer a robust and meaningful support frameowork, to include:
l A Teams Channel open to disabled colleagues, neurodivergent individuals, those with long-term health conditions, carers and allies, where we can share information to increase awareness and promote events.
l A safe, supportive space to ask questions, share experiences or simply listen and learn.
l Creating awareness to develop understanding and knowledge to better support colleagues and continue to promote allyship.
l Influencing and advising on policies and changes to the business to ensure that they’re inclusive to disabled colleagues.
l Informing the business of tailored
HELEN WILLIAMS Executive Sponsor
resources.
l Providing psychological safety to share the needs and support required.
l Reducing stigma around disability to support colleagues to feel that they are not alone and able to speak about it.
l Educational sessions on accessibility and inclusive design.
And despite having launched less than one year ago, Disability@Booker has already welcomed colleagues from across the business to a raft of relevant events and celebrations, including Neurodiversity Listening Groups, an Alzheimer’s and Dementia Awareness virtual event, and a celebration of listening in support of National Samaritans Day on 24 July 2024.
Helping to mark the day, Disability@ Booker proudly unveiled its new Disability Network lorry that bears the powerful strapline: “Breaking Barriers, Building
Belonging”.
A series of communications were also deployed through the network’s Teams Channel in support of International Week of Deaf People (23–29 September) and International Day of Sign Languages (23 September) – with resources for learning the BSL Finger Spelling Alphabet and videos using BSL.
And with the network’s first birthday fast approaching, plans are currently being made for a big celebration to tie in with International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December 2025.
As ever, listening will play a powerful role in the festivities as the network strives to harness thoughts and insights that will help to shape its focus for 2026 and beyond.
“I’m delighted to sponsor our Disability@Booker colleauge network because inclusion is not just a corporate initiative – it’s essential. This network plays a vital role in ensuring that disabled colleagues are empowered, heard and valued. By fostering accessibility and championing diverse abilities, we’re building a workplace where everyone can thrive, which in turn brings huge benefits to our business.”
l Amplify lived experiences and feedback.
l Celebrate disability inclusion and awareness.
l Consult with colleagues to shape inclusive policies and practices.
l Embed disability confidence by reflecting on existing practices and building on them.
BetterService
IDEAS TO GIVE YOUR BUSINESS THE EDGE
Be a social butterfly
Service
Let your reach and engagement take flight, by getting social media right.
In today’s digitally driven world, social media is one of, if not the most powerful tools for raising awareness of your business and showcasing its footfall drivers.
From flashy new fit-outs to new and exclusive products, amazing value deals and convenient services, a well-placed post can work wonders for boosting your reach and engagement – helping you build even stronger connections with local shoppers and attracting new ones.
However, managing your social media is not just a one-click job. From setting up your pages to live posting, scheduling, and growing your followers, there’s actually a fair bit to get right – which is why Booker has just launched
SOCIAL MEDIA TOP TIPS
a new Social Media Guide For Retailers.
The super-easy-to-follow guide includes step-by-step advice, top tips and three short and informative videos to help you achieve post perfection.
Not sure what a ‘reel’ is? How to boost your posts? Access and make the most of Insights? It’s all there for you!
So, whether you’re just getting started on social media or looking to grow your reach and engagement, Booker’s new Social Media Guide For Retailers is the perfect tool.
Help is just a click away!
Guides will be available to download from www.booker.co.uk from November - or ask your RDM for more info.
l You don’t need professional photography or videos to succeed on social media. In fact, simple and authentic content works best.
l Aim for three to four posts a week. This helps keep your page active and your store front of mind for local shoppers.
l Insights will give you helpful stats on post reach, engagement, page views and follower growth. Check your insights regularly to understand what works and what doesn’t. This will help you tailor your posts to better connect with your shoppers.
l Grow your followers by using hashtags to help more people find you – especially locals who might be interested in what you offer. Useful hashtags include: #grabandgo, #freshfood, #dailydeals, #specialoffers, #flashsale, #communityshop, #localsupport.
l If you’re promoting alcohol, always include: drinkaware.co.uk 18+ and any other promotional terms and conditions.
l Show your community spirit! Always post about your involvement in local events or support for local good causes – these are a great way to build goodwill and connections.
l Check your inbox throughout the day so that you can respond to any customer questions or comments in good time.
WATCH AND LEARN
Booker’s Social Media Guide For Retailers includes three short and informative videos covering:
l Setting up Facebook and Instagram Business pages
l Live posting, scheduling and content
l Insights and growing followers
SETTING UP FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM BUSINESS PAGE
LIVE POSTING, SCHEDULING AND CONTENT
INSIGHTS, BOOSTING AND GROWING FOLLOWERS
The business rates system is in desperate need of change to establish a fair playing field for small businesses says James Lowman.
Getting down to business
The ACS has written to the Chancellor outlining a series of measures that would help support local shops with their rates bills and invest in their long-term sustainability.
After a year of weathering the storm of increased costs from regulation changes, National Living Wage increases and Employer’s National Insurance contributions, local shops are now facing down another wave of cost increases on business rates. In April next year, the latest revaluation will come into effect, likely increasing the business rates bills of thousands of convenience stores across the country, coupled with the looming threat of a further reduction of the Retail and Hospitality Relief that was introduced at 100% during the pandemic, then reduced to 75% and most recently to a 40% reduction in rates bills this year.
The outlook seems bleak, so what can be done? We’ve written to the Chancellor outlining a series of measures that would mitigate these increases if announced at the Budget in November. Firstly, government need to deliver on their new Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Multiplier by using it to the full extent of the powers given to it in legislation, which would mean reducing the multiplier by the full 20p. In practical terms, this would save an average sized high street convenience store several thousand pounds next year enabling to invest in their stores and managing rising employment costs.
Next, we need to make sure that fiscal drag doesn’t take hold of the
small business rate relief thresholds and that they’re indexed against the rise in property values to ensure that those who receive relief now continue to do so next year. Failure to act on these thresholds would see the smallest shops, often in the most isolated areas, hit by increased business rates bills.
Thirdly, we are proud of the record that convenience stores have when it comes to investing in their businesses, but they shouldn’t be hit with higher rates bills soon after as a result. The Improvement reliefs in place for stores that invest should be extended from 12 months to three years to give businesses a chance to see that investment pay back. Finally, we know that convenience store retailers’ number one priority is making their business safer for themselves, their colleagues and their customers. But if a retailer improves their CCTV system, their rates bills go up as a result. This cannot be allowed to continue, so we’ve called for CCTV to be excluded from business rates altogether.
It’s pretty clear that the business rates system is being held together with string and sticky tape at this point, in desperate need of change to establish a fair playing field for businesses that trade on our high streets while ensuring that the online businesses who have seen massive recent growth pay their fair share.
If this Government is committed to growth, supporting retailers on rates can go a long way to achieving that aim.
