Issuu

DEPOSIT RETURN SAVED?

ints body to run n Scheme tur Re its Deposit , get the latest • With a year to go your store advice on preparing

• Wales finally appo

8-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 STRICTLY FOR TRADE USERS ONLY

HOT SENSATIONS

This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance. VAPING DUTY

MONEY LAUNDERING

PRODUCTS

Avoid getting caught out by price increases on your top sellers coming in this October

Convenience stores among the businesses suspected of cleaning dirty money

Don’t miss these big launches from Echo Falls, Terry’s and many more

2026

Vote today for a chance to win one of five £50 cash prizes!

Vote for the best new products of 2026. Have your say and tell us… Which snack had shoppers lining up? Which energy drink powered up your sales? Which chocolate bar became a customer favourite?

To find out more and vote:

visit bit.ly/RCAwards26 or scan the QR code SCAN ME

HALLOWEEN

Get your store ready for spooky season with these top tips P16 16

MAKE HALLOWEEN WORK FOR YOUR STORE

8-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 STRICTLY FOR TRADE USERS ONLY

2026 8-21 SEPTEMBER betterretailing.com

CATEGORY ADVICE HALLOWEEN

nds out how DIA STRONACH fi spooky retailers can turn sales season into serious

RIGHT GETTING THE TREATS

at communications manager as they will attract and boosting early, customers and in- Mars Wrigley. more the early sales “Large and extra-large is value. drive both CONFECTIONERY of Hal- basket the creased spending. were the sharing formats basket undisputed heart total UK Sharing bags represent ing Sharing bags penetration and fastest-grow ing format for loween. With the them essenworth largest and ering fastest-grow 2025, growing spend, making enHalloween market house- Halloween segment, off Halloween tial for early pre-season of £263m and 62% right scale and relevance value sales, according gagement,” she says. the in 7.1% getting It external the season. holds taking part, to Lauren George, right throughout to stock larger packs your sweet fixture capturing is vital is critical for

SUPPLIER

VIEW

John O’Neill, retail operations controller, Parfetts

from late should start building “IN-STORE theatre up to full impact during the first props, themed September, ramping Setting up Halloween builds week of October. feature displays early Transitioning signage and eye-catching the local community. anticipation within ly right after 31 October keeps the the store theme swiftre Night promotions, maintaining feel outdated. space fresh for Bonfi without letting displaysentrance customer interest zones near the higher “Creating clear feature attention and encourages ownthrough immediately grabs ering strong value basket spends. Off stores to compete effectively label options allows ts. Retailers can leverage the featuring more with larger supermarke own-brand portfolio, dly bundles. Parfetts Go Local to build margin-frien up or hostthan 250 products, like staff dressing the shopping Adding friendly touches, competitions, makes ing simple in-store ” experience memorable.

T I S O P E D N R U T E R SAVED? y to run d o b ts in o p p a y ll a n • Wales fi e m e h c S rn tu e R it s o p its De e latest th t e g , o g to r a e y a • With r store u o y g n ri a p re p n o e advic VAPING DUTY

MONEY LAUNDERING

PRODUCTS

Avoid getting caught out by price increases on your top sellers coming in this October

Convenience stores among the businesses suspected of cleaning dirty money

Don’t miss these big launches from Echo Falls, Terry’s and many more

our say

Alex Yau, editor

The rise of the machines is still far away IF you’ve not seen footage from this year’s World Humanoid Robot Games in China, I highly recommend you take a look for a few laughs. It’s like the Olympics, but with robots instead of elite sportspeople. Although it’s meant to demonstrate feats of engineering within the robotics industry, there have been a few blunders. Think robots stumbling over in the weightlifting event or a mechanical sprinter going full pelt into a wall. The convenience industry is also filled with examples of technology causing issues where it’s been designed to improve. Last month, a Sainsbury’s branch in London had to disable AI facial recognition cameras after an innocent customer had been wrongly identified as a shoplifter. Similarly, I’ve spoken to a few I WASN’T BLOWN of you who admitted AI-powered anti-theft technology had also AWAY BY THE made the same error, flagging TECHNOLOGY up someone as suspicious when they were simply putting their hand in their pocket. AI isn’t 100% reliable, and human judgement has been vital to identify these mistakes. A few months ago, I visited a firm who produces vending machines designed to offer personalised messaging to customers. It also uses AI cameras to guess someone’s age with age-restricted purchases. Sounds nifty, but there were a few hiccups and I wasn’t blown away by the technology. Both these examples demonstrate that fancy technology can’t replace the human interaction that independent retailers like yourselves have become so well known for.

The five biggest stories this fortnight 01

New tax on vaping products less than a month away

ALEX YAU

WITH less than a month to go before a new duty is applied to vapes, retailers have been advised to cut back on slower-selling lines and prepare customers for price rises. From 1 October, vaping products will become sub-

ject to a new Vaping Products Duty based on the amount of vape liquid they contain. The duty will add £2.20 for every 10ml of vaping liquid before VAT, meaning the cost to the supply chain rises by £2.64 once VAT is included. Steve Mosey, chief executive of the UK’s largest vape distributor, Phoenix 2 Retail,

said: “The �irst thing is just get a grip of your stock. Know where you’ve got too much stock, get some promotions on it and manage it all the way through. “The second thing is have a good communications plan to tell your customers. And probably approach the new regime with a bit of caution.

Don’t go too heavy on the more expensive lines and see how they go.” Retailers will not have to remove all existing non-dutypaid stock overnight. Products manufactured or imported before 1 October can continue to be sold during a six-month transition period ending on 31 March 2027.

For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘vaping’

@retailexpress betterretailing.com facebook.com/betterretailing Editor Alex Yau alex.yau@ newtrade.co.uk 020 7689 3358

Associate editor Jack Courtez jack.courtez@ newtrade.co.uk 020 7689 3371

Editor-in-chief Louise Banham louise.banham@ newtrade.co.uk

News editor Ryan Butcher ryan.butcher@ newtrade.co.uk

Features editor Charles Whitting charles.whitting@ newtrade.co.uk 020 7689 3350

News reporter Kwame Boakye kwame.boakye@ newtrade.co.uk

Features & advertorial writer Shyama Laxman shyama.laxman@ newtrade.co.uk

Deputy insight & advertorial editor Jasper Hart jasper.hart@ newtrade.co.uk 020 7689 3384

Production manager Chris Gardner 020 7689 3368

Head of marketing Kate Daw 020 7689 3363

Finance manager Magdalena Kalasiuniene 020 7689 0600

Senior production & content editor Ryan Cooper 020 7689 3354

Head of commercial Natalie Reeve 07856 475 788

Managing director Parin Gohil 020 7689 3388

Copy editor Minhaj Zia

Senior account director Lindsay Hudson 07749 416 544

Head of digital Luthfa Begum 07909 254 949

Senior designer Jody Cooke 020 7689 3380

Senior account manager Tommy King 020 7689 3387

Designer Lauren Jackson

Cover image: Getty Images/Olli Turho/olegganko

42,624

Single-cigarette rise

INDEPENDENT retailers are reporting an increase in customers asking to buy individual cigarettes. Some store owners told Retail Express there was a nota-

ble increase in recent months, with the cost-of-living crisis and a lack of enforcement on the illicit trade being blamed for the trend, which was previously seen as in decline.

Shoplifting spike

SHOPLIFTING in Scotland increased by 20% in the year to June 2026, with 56,920 offences recorded, according to the latest Scottish government �igures.

For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘tobacco’

Today’s conversion

TODAY’S symbol retailers served by Dee Bee Wholesale have been given until the end of September to remove their fascia following Bestway’s acquisition of the �irm in June. Senior industry sources

Separate of�icial statistics published earlier this year showed shoplifting had risen for �ive consecutive years and reached its highest level in Scotland since 1971.

For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘shoplifting’

Newstrade boost

con�irmed to RN Bestway NEWSTEAM Group (NTG) has had set up a specialised team ramped up investment ahead to manage the transition, as of “substantial growth” in the ownership of the brand re- number of retailers it supturns to Unitas Wholesale. plies with newspapers and Nearly 200 stores around Hull magazines. and Grimsby will be affected. According to the �irm’s

2025 annual report, it has also “invested heavily” in a new depot network, upgraded delivery technology and increased driver pay. Unlike rivals, NTG does not charge stores weekly delivery fees.

Retail Express is printed and distributed by NewsAudit Bureau of Circulations July 2024 to June 2025 printers at Broxbourne and delivered to news average net circulation per issue retailers free by their newspaper wholesaler. Published by: Newtrade Media Limited, 11 Angel Gate, City Road, London EC1V 2SD Phone: 020 7689 0600 Retail Express’ publisher, Newtrade Media, cares about the environment Reproduction or transmission in part or whole of any item from Retail Express may only be undertaken with the prior written agreement of the Editor. Contributions are welcome and are included in part or whole at the sole discretion of the editor. Newtrade Media Limited accepts no responsibility for submitted material. Every possible care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information. No warranty for goods or services described is implied.

For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘NewsTeam Group’

@retailexpress facebook.com/betterretailing

8-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 betterretailing.com

alex.yau@newtrade.co.uk 020 7689 3358

Fears over Deposit Return Scheme delays eased ALEX YAU WALES has �inally appointed a body to run its Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), easing fears any further delays could create problems throughout the UK. The appointment of Exchange for Change (EfC) last month comes four months after its original application was rejected. It means the body will now oversee DRS across all four UK nations from October 2027. Although the appointment will create greater consistency across the UK, Wales will be the only country to include glass alongside plastic, steel and aluminium drinks containers. However, glass bottles will not require a deposit for the �irst four years of the scheme. When launched, customers will pay a 20p premium when buying eligible drinks, which will be refunded when the empty container is returned to a participating return point. Many small shops will be required to participate, either manually or by hosting a reverse vending machine (RVM). There will be some exemptions, however. Previously, one senior industry �igure warned DRS would collapse if Wales failed to appoint a body by the end of September. At the time, the ACS described Wales’ initial rejection as

“extremely concerning”. Independent retailers said the development provided reassurance the scheme would remain on track. Fiona Malone, of Tenby Village Stores & Post Of�ice in Pembrokeshire, told Retail Express: “We’re very pleased, but they should have done it months ago. We’re playing catch-up now in Wales; it’s not very fair. “We’re now going to have to source machines potentially that have to deal with glass as well as everything else, so it’s going to be more expensive for retailers in Wales. I’ve got concerns over health and safety with the members of staff, as well as the compliance with glass. It’s going to make it very confusing for customers.” Mark Dudden, of Albany Road Stationery & News in Cardiff, added: “It was getting to a situation where if they didn’t appoint someone, then there was going to be a delay. We’ve seen delays in Scotland and Ireland, and that’s something we didn’t want. “DRS is going to go ahead. Let’s hope we don’t do glass in future. We’ve got four years before the government has to make a decision about it.” The appointment comes as EfC has delayed the release of its list of approved RVM manufacturers until early October, narrowly missing its original end-of-

express yourself “SALES go up by around a third in the winter. I extend the range of Lemsip and cold-and-flu powders, with other key winter lines including Vicks inhalers, Deep Heat and paracetamol and ibuprofen in capsules and caplets. I have a uniform range of medicines across all my three stores, with a slightly larger selection at the store furthest from a pharmacy. Big-selling lines are Strepsils, Lockets and other medicated throat sweets.” Peter Bhadal, Londis Woodhouse, Leeds

GOOD WEEK NATIONAL LOTTERY: Allwyn has claimed its new Lotto format has created 56 millionaires since its launch in June, up from 35 millionaires created during the same period last year. Andy Carter, senior winners’ adviser at Allwyn, said the summer had marked an “exciting new chapter” for the National Lottery. For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘National Lottery’ CONFECTIONERY: Sweets wholesaler Bobby’s is trialling a customisable pick ’n’ mix unit for smaller shops. The number of compartments in the stand, which is being piloted at two Tamworth Co-op stores, can be adjusted. Bobby’s depot sales manager Andy Burford said the units were the “first of many in the pipeline”. For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘Bobby’s’

BAD WEEK

September deadline. An EfC spokesperson said: “Our formal RVM certi�ication process is moving at pace, and it is positive to see the large number of machines that RVM producers have put forward for certi�ication – many of which are newly developed. This will help deliver greater choice for retailers, and it is vital that rigorous testing is undertaken to ensure that every certi�ied machine meets the necessary standards and is as effective as possible. “Each machine is being

the column where you can make your voice heard

tested on 77 requirements, covering areas including container recognition and processing, safety and operation, fraud prevention, deposit repayment, and consumer accessibility. This is to help ensure that retailers can have full con�idence that a certi�ied RVM is not only robust but will be accessible for consumers and fully compliant with Deposit Return Scheme regulations. “In order to ensure a reasonable sample of machines are included and to support greater choice

for retailers, we expect to publish our list of certi�ied RVMs in early October 2026 and will continue to test and assess new RVMs as they enter the market, up to and beyond the scheme going live in October 2027.” Previously, Colin Smith, chief executive of the Scottish Wholesale Association, warned retailers who purchase an RVM before the of�icial release risk missing out on potential grants. There will be £6,000 available to 10,000 qualifying small shops.

COSTS: Independent retailer Neil Godhania met with shadow Treasury minister James Wild to warn that business rates, rising energy bills and higher National Insurance contributions are affecting the sustainability of independent shops. The multi-site retailer warned rising costs were limiting their ability to expand. For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘business rates’ INPOST: The parcel firm has cut more than 1,700 over-the-counter parcel points from its UK and Ireland network over the past year as it rapidly expands its locker network. The firm’s latest half-year results show it had 4,145 pick-up and drop-off (PUDO) points at the end of June, down 29% from 5,866 a year earlier. For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘InPost’

Winter remedies: How are you preparing ahead of the colder weather?

“I’VE built a reputation for traditional herbal and homoeopathic medicines and supplements, sold alongside a standard winter range. We work with many niche south Asian suppliers, with products for anything from hair loss to knee pain. We sell lots of powders and leaves, as well as a range of herbal teas. Hibiscus tea is popular in winter as it is high in antioxidants.” Mulla Ahmed, Mullaco Supermarket, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire

“AS soon as the colder nights start to draw in, we see the demand for medicines and remedies for coughs, colds, and winter aches and pains rise among customers. People might think they have a tickle in their throat on the way to work and stop in the convenience store for some throat sweets. Sales in the category will be double in winter what they are in summer – around £200 per week per store.” Dev Patel, multi-site retailer, Manchester

Do you have an issue to discuss with other retailers? Call 020 7689 3358 or email alex.yau@newtrade.co.uk

Dev Patel

NEWS

8-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 betterretailing.com

Shops accused of money laundering ALEX YAU

CONVENIENCE stores are among businesses accused of laundering between £310m and £464m over the past 10 years, according to SmartSearch. The anti-money-laundering �irm analysed Companies House records dating back to 2016 and identi�ied 3,097 shell companies operating as convenience stores, hair-

dressers, barber shops and beauty salons. Explaining its methodology, SmartSearch said: “These businesses do not look like companies that traded and failed. They look like companies that were never meant to trade at all. Their lifespans are short, their names generic, their registered addresses shared, and the pattern is consistent across two very different sectors.

“Modelling suggests that between £310m and £464m may have moved through these 3,097 companies alone. Applied across the three remaining high-risk cashintensive sectors named in the UK’s 2025 National Risk Assessment, the true �igure for the past decade likely sits above £1bn.” It added the average lifespan of these companies were 170-to-194 days, compared

with 3.3-to-3.5 years for legitimate businesses in the same sector. SmartSearch also stressed its �igures were a conservative estimate, and warned the scale of the issue could be much higher than its �igures suggest. The claims come after a BBC investigation this year exposed some mini-marts as fronts for organised criminal gangs.

For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘money laundering’

Booker new products BOOKER has launched its Autumn 2026 New Product Development guide, featuring more than 160 new lines. The range includes eight Booker Group exclusives and 11 �irst-to-market products

across impulse, grocery, alcohol and fresh. The guide will be available to all Booker symbol retailers, with printed copies and PoS kits launching in the week commencing 23 September.

For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘Booker’

NEW POST OFFICE PLUS THE second Post Office Plus concept site has launched in Barnsley, offering a community hub to local residents. Like the first site which opened in Derby in July, the Barnsley branch offers one-toone meetings with utility providers, technology firms and banking services. Alongside these, regular post office services are still available to customers.

For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘Post Office’

Lottery boss doubt

Products included:- IRN-BRU, Rubicon and Barr Fizzy Drinks – 500ml x 12 PET plain or PMP all variants, all flavours. Rubicon Spring, Spring Vits and Twist 500ml x 12 PET plain or PMP any flavour. IRN-BRU Energy 500ml x 12 Cans plain or PMP Regular and Zero Sugar. Rubicon RAW 500ml x 12 Cans plain or PMP any flavour. Boost Energy 250ml x 12 Cans plain or PMP any flavour. Boost Sport 500ml x 12 PET plain or PMP any flavour. Boost Water+ 500ml x 12 PET plain or PMP any flavour. Summary Terms & Conditions: UK residents aged 18+ who are registered trade customers of participating UK wholesalers only (Promotion is NOT open to individual consumers, please see full T&Cs for details). Purchase necessary. Opens: 00:01 on 24/08/2026. Closes: 23:59 31/10/2026. Device with QR scanning capability and able to send/receive SMS messages and internet access required. To enter: (i) purchase 5 cases of qualifying A.G. Barr products (see 4. in full T&Cs) in a single transaction at a participating UK wholesaler (see full T&Cs for qualifying products) and retain the receipt; (ii) access the entry form by using your device to scan the QR code on the productʼs display or promotional material, OR by texting “BARR” to 88802 and clicking the link in the response text, OR by visiting 20kstore.winwithagbarr.com; (iii) complete the online form with the required details (including uploading a clear image of your receipt / invoice) ; and (iv) submit the completed form. Headline prize: 1 x £20k Store Investment from A.G.BARR (winning retailer can choose items such as new EPOS system, Security system, Energy efficiency improvements: max total spend £20k). See full T&Cs for prize details. A prize will not be awarded if a winnerʼs entry is found to be invalid / ineligible. Max 5 entries with a corresponding valid invoice or receipt per device per week. Winner selection: Winner is determined by randomly allocated final prize draw & subject to verification. Winner will be notified via SMS within one week of the closing date of promotion and provided with instructions on how to claim the prize and must respond within 14 days. 1 prizes are available to be won. Promoter: A.G. BARR p.l.c., Westfield House, 4 Mollins Road, Cumbernauld, G68 9HD. Visit winwithbarr.com/terms for FULL T&Cs & prize details.

MPS ARE questioning the National Lottery’s new interim boss over his record in the gambling sector. The �irm recently announced the appointment of former William Hill boss Phil Walker to replace Andria Vidler on an interim basis. However, in letters seen by The Guardian last month, MPs Dawn Butler and Iain Duncan Smith told the Gambling Commission they were “deeply concerned” by the hire of Walker given the National Lottery’s “unique position” in public life.

Phil Walker

STOCK UP TO SCORE BIG! UK business owners only. 18+ only. Purchase necessary during Promotional Period of 31.08.2026 - 22.11.26. Grand Prize of £20,000 drawn on 23.11.26. T&Cs apply. See case for entry details.

15013 Retail Express Luke Littler 26 Full page.indd 1

24/08/2026 19:26

PRODUCTS

Echo Falls launch goes green SHYAMA LAXMAN

Est. 1919

ECHO FALLS has expanded its Fruit Fusion portfolio with the launch of Sour Apple. Retailing at £6, it has a 9% ABV and will be available as a wholesale-exclusive from this month, ahead of wider rollout across grocery channels nationwide from October, in time for Halloween.

Sour Apple combines a vivid green liquid with a glow-in-the-dark Echo Falls monogram on the pack, offering a point of difference on shelf to maximise visibility. The launch follows the viral success of Blue Raspberry, which has sold more than two million bottles into wholesale and convenience since launching in March this

Federation of Independent Retailers

year, according to NIQ. Now at 26% total market distribution, the �lavour is selling almost 80,000 units a week across major grocers, with early data suggesting sales are driving an uplift across the wider portfolio.

Fox’s Chocolatey now tastes of autumn FOX’S Burton’s Companies has widened its Fox’s Chocolatey portfolio of biscuits with the launch of Pumpkin Spice Indulgent Creams, available until December. The biscuits are priced at £3 (£2.50 on promotion) and available via Booker. Fox’s viral �lavours range was launched in 2025 with Dubai Style Indulgent Creams, which brought 850,000 new

LAUNCH

shoppers into the brand, according to Worldpanel Numerator. In May this year, Fox’s tapped into the matcha trend with the launch of Matcha Indulgent Creams. Both products have brought in more than £3.4m, as per Circana data.

LAUNCH

Biona drops doughlightful baked goods BIONA has expanded its roster of baked goods with the launch of two ranges. The �irst is a three-strong range of organic sliced breads: Bakehouse White Sliced Loaf and Bakehouse Wholemeal Sliced Loaf, both retailing at £3.19, as well as

a Bakehouse Protein Sliced Loaf, which retails at £3.79. Also launching are organic Super Seed Toasties, made with 23% ‘super seeds’, including �laxseeds, sun�lower seeds and pumpkin seeds. The toasties come in packs of four with an RRP of £3.99.

LAUNCH

Aston Manor rolls out Knights Pear ASTON Manor has expanded its Knights cider range with the launch of a Premium Pear variety. The 8.4% ABV cider is rolling out throughout September, with listings already seen in Parfetts and Bestway Wholesale retailing at £1.69 and £1.79, respectively, for a 500ml can. The launch comes in the wake of strong growth for Knights. Its Premium Bittersweet variety is the fastestselling cider in UK conveni-

LAUNCH RN Full page ad.indd 1

15/12/2023 11:20

ence, according to Nielsen. Retailers can also secure PoS material to help drive sales of the new variant in store.

8-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 betterretailing.com

Fini gets sweet with New Nurishment two new Tubes lines drink draws on coffee CONFECTIONERY brand Fini has expanded its Tubes range with the launch of two products – Fini Cotton Candy Tubes and Fini Sour Blue Raspberry Tubes. Both come in 140g pricemarked packs of £1.25. The packs are also available in clip strips. Fini Cotton Candy Tubes are currently included on promotion throughout September and October in selected Spar stores. Fini Sour Blue Raspberry Tubes are available exclusively through Unitas Wholesale. The product

will have wider availability in selected Spar stores as well as via Sugro.

LAUNCH

NUTRITIONALLY enriched milk drink Nurishment is expanding its range with the launch of a Coffee Caramel �lavour. The launch comes as demand for ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee continues to soar. The UK RTD coffee market is valued at more than £410m in 2026 and is forecast to grow by 7.3% annually through to 2030. Other �lavours in the brand’s portfolio include Strawberry, Vanilla, Chocolate and Hazelnut Swirl.

LAUNCH

Riesen drops new Share the Halloween Salted Peanut flavour fun with new M&M’s STORCK has expanded its Riesen portfolio with the launch of a limitededition Salted Peanut variety. The new 135g sharing bag, retailing at £1.50, combines the brand’s chewy toffee and dark chocolate with salted peanuts. The launch builds on the continued growth of Riesen, which is now worth £5.7m annually, having delivered 3.8% value and 2.4% volume growth, and increased buyer numbers by 18.7%.

MARS Wrigley is strengthening its seasonal confectionery offering with the launch of M&M’s Chocolate Minis Funsize. The 220g sharing pack, which contains 11x20g bags, has been developed to meet growing demand for convenient, portioned formats that

are perfect for trick-or-treating, Halloween parties and seasonal sharing occasions. Retailing at £4.90, the launch is available to Nisa retailers.

LAUNCH

Give your store an AG Barr makeover

Maggi gives shoppers ramen in an instant

AG BARR is giving retailers a chance to win up to £20,000 to invest in their store. Running until 31 October, the competition is available to registered trade customers who buy �ive cases of qualifying products – online or in depot – in a single transaction from a participating UK

MAGGI has widened its noodle roster with the launch of the Maggi Ramen instant noodles range. Retailing at £1.20, the 90g HFSS-compliant packs are available in three �lavours: Tom Yum with Chilli, Beef & Lemongrass and Soya Chicken with Mushrooms.

wholesaler. Retailers must retain an invoice. They can then scan the QR code on promotional packs, text ‘BARR’ to 88802, or visit the competition website to complete the entry form and upload their proof of purchase.

NEW CAMPAIGN

Earlier this year, the brand also launched three Koreaninspired �lavours: Gochujang Beef, Kimchi Chicken and Spicy Cheese, retailing at £1.49, and available at Bestway and Spar.

LAUNCH

Your time is valuable. Start cashing in. Free t o join!

Turn your time into money with the rewards platform built for busy retailers.

 Earn cash for your views  No stock investment required  Win free stock for your store

Scan the QR code to get started or visit tinyurl.com/club-rewards to ﬁnd out more

PRODUCT NEWS

8-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 betterretailing.com

A world of seasonal sweets SHYAMA LAXMAN WORLD of Sweets has unveiled this year’s Halloween and Christmas confectionery range. Candy Realms’ new Halloween lines are Jelly Pumpkins, Candy Skulls and Mallow Pops, each retailing at £1. Christmas lines include Jelly Candy Canes (170g for £1) and Christmas Candy Lollies (£1). Christmas Gummies come in the shape of a hanging Christmas tree, containing six individually wrapped gummy treats (£1), while 50p Festive Gummy Pops is a stocking �iller. Under the Bonds brand, Fizzy Fangs and Monster Mash return with refreshed

packaging, while Choco Stars, retailing at £1, and Bonds Festive Mallows, priced at £1.25, launch for Christmas. The Elves Behavin’ Badly range has added new 5D Peelable Gummies (£1.25) and a Reindeer Poop Prank Bag (£1), while Pez offers seasonal collectable options from £1.75. The Traitors range includes The Traitors Chews, Chocolate Coins and Shield Medallions for £1.50 each, and Jelly Bean Game for £3. Anthon Berg returns with refreshed packaging and pack sizes, featuring Chocolate Liqueurs, Chocolate Cocktails and the premium Single Malt Collection, ranging from £5.49 to £18.99.

NESTLÉ Cereals has added two new variants to its Shredded Wheat portfolio called Happy Heart and Active. Retailing at £3.75 for 450g, they will be available via wholesale, following an initial launch in supermarkets

in August, though con�irmed listings weren’t available at the time of writing. Earlier this year, the brand also launched Shredded Wheat Raisin Wheats, which are bitesize biscuits, made with toasted whole grain wheat and a raisin �illing.

Nestlé expands Shredded Wheat

LAUNCH

Flipz drops new pack size and promo PLADIS has expanded its snack brand Flipz with the introduction of a singleserve pack. Flipz Milk Chocolate pretzels come in a 39g snacking pack, retailing at 95p with 10 units in a case. The brand is also back with its ‘Grab A Grand’ on-pack promo for the fourth year in a row. Running until 30 November, shoppers stand to win £1,000 each week. It runs across 80g (£1.65) and 90g (£2.20) packs of Milk Chocolate, Salted Caramel, Cinnamon Bun and Peanut Butter.

NEW CAMPAIGN

Terry’s unveils seasonal line-up TERRY’S 2026 Christmas range features a new product and returning favourites. The new 330g Terry’s Chocolate Orange XL tablet, retailing at £5, can be used for gifting as well as a stocking �iller. The brand has also brought back its White Chocolate Orange after four years by popular demand.

It’s available at an RRP of £2.50 for 145g. Terry’s has also reintroduced its Chocolate Orange Exploding Candy Ball (£2.50 for 147g), further expanding its orange-�lavoured portfolio.

LAUNCH

Fanta unleashes ‘Horrorverse’ lines FANTA has unveiled ‘Horrorverse’, its new Halloween activity designed to help retailers capitalise on the calendar event. The activity sees the launch of limited-edition collectable packs, in different formats, featuring horror icons including Ghostface, Haystacks and Howlie. The packs are also supported by a multimillion-pound marketing campaign called ‘Wanta Fanta? Run For It’, including paid social media, in�luencer activity, digital, out-of-home advertising

LAUNCH

and experiential activations. Retailers can download free PoS materials from CCEP’s online portal.

STOCK. SELL. WIN. Stock the No.1* premium bars and snacking brand

LINDOR. Lindt EXCELLENCE. Lindt NOCCIOLATTE. There’s a treat for every taste. Stock the Lindt Treat Range and you could win help with your everyday business costs.

WIN A BILL PAID FOR 6 MONTHS FIND OUT MORE Promotion runs from 14 September to 1 November 2026. Terms and conditions apply. *Circana, 52 w/e 14.02.26, Total Market, Value Sales.

MY STAR STAFF

MEMBER

OPINION

8-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 betterretailing.com

RETAILER OPINION ON THIS FORTNIGHT’S HOT TOPICS

What do you think? Call Retail Express on 020 7689 3357 for the chance to be featured CIGARETTES: Are more customers asking for singles? “WITHIN the past six months, we’ve noticed we’re getting a lot of people coming in asking for cheap vapes, cheap cigarettes and, more importantly, single cigarettes, which we’ve never had people ask for before. Within the locality, somebody’s selling separates.” Kishor Patel, Riddlesden Convenience Store, Keighley, West Yorkshire

Natalie Evans

“WE had a customer recently come in to ask about single cigarettes. I thought he was asking for cigars at �irst, but it was a genuine request. I have been in business for 40 years, and it’s the �irst time someone has asked this. There is an issue with illicit trade in the area.” Jason Byrne, Kingswear Post Of�ice, Torquay

My role in the shop: customer service assistant How did you come to work for the store? My last role was with the NHS, but that got hit when the pandemic struck. I had to give up that job and was out of work. I live right by the shop, so I came in one day and asked if they had any vacancies available. More than five years later, I’m still here.

Somebody’s selling within the locality

The role must be really rewarding for you to stay on? It is, and there are lots of rewarding parts to it. I really love the community aspect and all the people who come into the shop. There are a lot of familiar faces who I know from living nearby. I have a caring side from my days at the NHS and I love hearing what people have to say. When they speak to me, I always provide advice if they want it.

REFILLABLES: What opportunities does it offer?

What’s your favourite part of the role? Every day is a fun day because we’re so friendly with the customers. We always have a laugh and joke, and smile at each other. Can you tell us about your regular day-to-day tasks? I do all the morning shifts and opening of the shop, getting it set up and ready for the day. All the morning deliveries are overseen by me, where I unload and unpack them. Alongside this, I do general customer service, sort out all the newspapers and cash up the tills at the end of the shift. Do you have any favourite products? The promotions we have in the store are absolutely fantastic, and there’s a wide range of products. We do Tango Ice Blast at the front of the shop, which does really well all year round.

It brings in at least £62.50 a week

“WE sell our cheapest pick ’n’ mix cup for £2.50, then one for £3.50 and then the large cup is £4.50. You take the cup and �ill it up to the top with whatever you want. We’re selling 20-30 cups a week, bringing in at least £62.50, which has been steadily increasing over the past six months.” Stilyana Trifonova, Frome Valley Local Store, Bristol

“WE’VE saved more than 6,000 plastic bottles since we started doing re�illables. The washing-up liquid is by far the most popular. In the past four weeks, we’ve sold 74 products – the original bottle sells for £2.50 and a re�ill for £1.50, so that’s around £30 in weekly sales.” Vanessa Riley, Levens Village Store, Cumbria

HEATWAVES: How are you preparing your store? “WE’VE done very little different other than really concentrating on keeping our fridges and freezers fully stocked all day, every day. We’ve not left gaps. The drink of the moment seems to be Rubicon Mango. We’ve sold a lot this summer.” Alan Mannings, Shop on the Green, Chartham

“I HAVE my slush machines on all the time. I have a bogstandard slush selling three �lavours: cola, raspberry and blueberry. I’ve found that a lot of kids don’t want one �lavour, so I layer up all three colours in one drink to make it look good – they love it.” Ali Awan, H&A Convenience Store, Gateshead

It’s about keeping on top of fast sellers THE OBSERVER: How will the recent 50p cover increase hit retailers?

Store owner: Simon Grewal, Premier Crabbs Cross, Redditch

Get in touch

Want to recommend a star member of staff? Call 020 7689 3358 or email alex.yau@newtrade.co.uk

Retailers can no longer sustain further cuts

“I AM furious at this decision. This move directly impacts Fed members’ tills. The Federation’s policy is clear and has been for a number of years. Retailers can no longer sustain or tolerate further cuts to the margin we receive from selling a publisher’s product.” Hemanshu Patel, Saltwood General Stores, Kent

“A LITTLE over 12 months ago, we took the decision to say enough is enough to margin cuts by organising demonstrations outside key News UK sites. We will meet as a committee as soon as possible to discuss our options in terms of a response to this news.” Craig Etchells, C&W Etchells Newsagent, Manchester

Image credit: Getty Images/subjug

ING TITLE THE LEAD

ILERS NCE RETA ONVENIE C D N A S FOR NEW

THE LEADING TITLE FOR NE WS AND CONV ENIENCE RETA ILERS

Changes to your top vape lines revealed How Elfb

n mustThe seve of Xmas es stock typ and cakes s it u » bisc RANGE

e 28 ADVICE Pag

RETA IL NEW

MARGIN H G I H W S FOR E TWO NER I T I N U OPPO TUR SHOP YO

RETAIL

NEW S THA

T MATTE

RS ●

tailin be tte rre

g.com ●

TERS ● bett

erre taili ng.c

N Page 3

om ● 08.12.20 23

NEWSTR

Pag

YOUR RKETING

STORE

y shop ‘How m4. 5k made £ Tok’ from Tik k using TikTo to Your guide customers and to win new es to your sal add extra

G SALES

& PROFIT

rices Better p top on yournks soft dri

GROWIN

e take-hom Compare in local drink pricesd where you shops to fin rgin Page 14 » ma can add

ADE

er New pap voucher sk ‘fraud’ ncrierned

co Publishers anges could ch that legal ‘significant cost them 6 sums’ Page »

Why adding doughnut bra this trending nd co store’s next s uld be your mash hit

E H T S S I M T ’ N DO N R F O E U S S I R 11 SEPTEMBE h ktail’ slus Small ‘moc g 56% profit in er liv de d devices ng big spen and winni omers st cu t ul from ad Page 3 »

ck-and-mix Bespoke pi 65% profit g in er units deliv a sales for and extr yours stores like 4e» MA

S THAT MAT

23 06.10.20

ar, Los 88Vape are pre t Mary and paring restrictions and for legal bans REGULATIO

CATEGORY ADVI

● REVE ALED : The major bra nd to supply loc al shops for the looking first time ● Everything you need to wo rk out if this 50% margin opportunity is right for you Page 4 »

Alternative snacking brands

Eight brands and launches in hea 10 lthie snacking deservi r on your shelves ng space Page 34

IMPROVE YOUR

RANGE

Your area’s top beers and ciders Mak

e sure you’re not missing out on bestselling line s in your region Page 28 »

26 shop Page »

● Get your shoppers adding more to their

baskets with the right deals and displays ● Prepare for flu season with

the winter remedies your customers will be looking for

EXCLUSIVE PRICING DATA TO BOOST YOUR PROFITS Pricewatch: discover the most profitable price points on top-selling take-home ice cream

KNOW MORE ● SELL MORE ● MAKE MORE ORDER YOUR COPY from your magazine wholesaler today. Find out more at bit.ly/RNMagazine.

WHOLESALE

NEWS

Scottish symbol invasion

KeyStore expand efforts to converts English store own more its brand Page 5 ers to »

THE NO. 1 REASON FOR A LOST MAGAZINE PURCHASE IS BECAUSE CONSUMERS CAN’T FIND WHAT THEY’RE LOOKING FOR. DON’T MISS A SALE AGAIN Get your free Just Ask point-of-sale at betterretailing.com/just-ask

Got a question? Just ask us! Email marketing@newtrade.co.uk Or call Kate on 07886784465.

LETTERS

8-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 betterretailing.com

Londis Solo

natalie Convenience, lightfoot Baillieston, Glasgow

Letters may be edited

Using technology to keep things working

‘We only get one life as retailers – enjoy it’ BEING a retailer means working seven days a week – long hours, stress and hard graft. You arrive in the morning and leave at night, constantly worrying whether you and your staff are following every guideline. When the phone rings, your stomach drops in case it’s bad news from the store. It’s no surprise that

this life takes a real toll on your health and well-being. But there are positives, too. You get to meet and chat with your customers, and most of them are genuinely pleasant and kind. They take the time to talk to you, and when things go wrong – when someone’s threatening you – they stay behind, just in case you need help. Especially

COMMUNITY RETAILER

OF THE WEEK

Julie Kaur, Jules Premier, Telford

here in Blantyre, I’ve found most people to be sincere, honest and friendly. A proper community, no matter their background. Of course, you get the odd nasty, dishonest one to deal with – but that’s true in every walk of life. I try to focus on the positives, but I’m starting to feel that small business owners –

not just shopkeepers – need to look harder at their worklife balance. We work so hard to pay the bills and keep our heads above water that we lose sight of the fact we only get one life, and we need to enjoy it, too. Mo Razzaq, Premier Mo’s Blantyre

COMMUNITY RETAILER

OF THE WEEK

Bobby Singh, BB Nevison, Pontefract

‘Dressing up for a good cause’

‘Supporting Prince of Wales Hospice’

“WHO doesn’t like dressing up, all in aid of Lingen Davies Cancer Support. It was a fun night last year, and I’m looking forward to bringing a table of lovely ladies, running a raffle ahead of the event to boost fundraising on the night and donating prizes for the raffle. I’m asking all my suppliers to help with cash donations, vouchers, food and drinks. I’ve also been asking friends, family and business colleagues in the area to attend the event as it’s a great, fun night.”

“I AM so honoured and humbled to become a patron of the Prince of Wales Hospice. It is an amazing organisation doing incredible work for our local community. The work it does caring for people with life-limiting illnesses and their loved ones is valuable. I’m truly proud to be part of the family and look forward to supporting the team in any way I can. In a social media post about the appointment, the hospice said I would be the latest addition to a team of patrons.”

THE only things we use in store are things that make us money – and Kelsius is one of those things. It’s not cheap, but it helps us keep an eye on what’s going on. There are other remote apps out there, but Kelsius is the one we use. It monitors the fridges to make sure they’re running well and, compared to the Each issue, one of seven top cost of replacing retailers shares advice to a fridge, the make your store magnificent cost of a remote monitoring service is pretty small, not to mention the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re compliant. The other side of it is helping staff. We have a whole other system with an iPad where staff have tasks they have to complete over the course of a day or a week. It’s a photographic system, so they have to upload a picture of a completed task – like mopping the floor, for example – to prove it’s done rather than just ticking a box. It’s a clocking-in and clocking-out function as well, and you can integrate it into your payroll, running reports on how many hours people have worked. Using technology like this just helps retailers keep a better eye on what’s going on in their business at any time. Someone might say they swept the floor last week, but people’s memories can be faulty. With an app, you can look at the facts and find out exactly when it was done. We’re running a business, and that doesn’t mean we’re cutting corners. It’s the same principle I apply to having a HR service that I pay for every month. It’s insurance. I could not do it and nothing could go wrong, but that peace of mind is so good at reducing your stress levels – and for managing staff more professionally and efficiently. And if an environmental officer comes in unexpectedly, I’d rather know I’d been checking the remote monitoring system throughout the year, and that everything was in order and correct.

Get in touch

@retailexpress betterretailing.com facebook.com/betterretailing alex.yau@newtrade.co.uk 020 7689 3358

CATEGORY ADVICE HALLOWEEN

MAKE HALLOWEEN WORK FOR YOUR STORE DIA STRONACH finds out how retailers can turn spooky season into serious sales

early sales and boosting basket value. Sharing bags represent the largest and fastest-growing Halloween segment, offering the right scale and relevance throughout the season. It is vital to stock larger packs

SUPPLIER

VIEW

John O’Neill, retail operations controller, Parfetts

GETTING THE TREATS RIGHT CONFECTIONERY is the undisputed heart of Halloween. With the total UK Halloween market worth £263m and 62% of households taking part, getting your sweet fixture right is critical for capturing

8-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 betterretailing.com

early, as they will attract more customers and increased spending. Sharing bags were the fastest-growing format for Halloween 2025, growing 7.1% in value sales, according to Lauren George, external

communications manager at Mars Wrigley. “Large and extra-large sharing formats drive both penetration and basket spend, making them essential for early pre-season engagement,” she says.

“IN-STORE theatre should start building from late September, ramping up to full impact during the first week of October. Setting up Halloween props, themed signage and eye-catching feature displays early builds anticipation within the local community. Transitioning the store theme swiftly right after 31 October keeps the space fresh for Bonfire Night promotions, maintaining customer interest without letting displays feel outdated. “Creating clear feature zones near the entrance immediately grabs attention and encourages higher basket spends. Offering strong value through ownlabel options allows stores to compete effectively with larger supermarkets. Retailers can leverage the Parfetts Go Local own-brand portfolio, featuring more than 250 products, to build margin-friendly bundles. Adding friendly touches, like staff dressing up or hosting simple in-store competitions, makes the shopping experience memorable.”

No.1

wrapped chew bag**

Stock up on the No.1 sweets for Halloween* *Source: IRI Circana, Total Market, 52 we 27 Dec 2025

CATEGORY ADVICE HALLOWEEN

BUILDING THE RIGHT DISPLAY IT’S not too soon to start working on the Halloween display: 18% of confectionery value sales happen in the first three weeks of September. Introduce ambient seasonal items, non-perishable decorations and early-launch sharing bags. Late September is when stores should start building a major display in a high-traffic part of the store, catering to everything shoppers might need during spooky season. With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, expect a massive last-minute rush. “Unlike many seasonal

occasions, Halloween purchasing is heavily concentrated in the final lead-up to the event, with 57% of shoppers planning in the last week,” says George. “As this year’s peak trading period coincides with October half-term, retailers are well placed to help customers maximise sales through sustained stock availability, impactful merchandising and strong support throughout the final trading push.” To bring the display to life, keep an eye out for brand PoS kits to decorate your fixtures, or try creating your own.

8-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 betterretailing.com

WHAT TO STOCK FOR ADULTS WHEN it comes to adults, the two big opportunities to sell at Halloween are parties and movie nights. Make sure your store is stocked up on popcorn, drinks and everything else a Halloween night in could need. “With 32% of snack sales taking place in the evening between 5pm and 9pm, retailers must target Halloween socialising missions,” says Ed Merrett, head of wholesale at PepsiCo. Sharing bags dominate this space, accounting for 73% of PMP new product sales. Beyond snacks, retailers should incorporate other key Halloween essentials into their displays. Items you already sell can become invaluable, such as candles for pumpkins, sewing supplies for quick costume repairs, and arts and

crafts items to keep kids entertained. Benedict Selvaratnam, from Freshfields Market in Croydon, south London, doesn’t prioritise having Halloween branded snacks and sweets, but focuses on a range of Halloween essentials. He orders pumpkins from the same supplier every year, so that he gets them as soon as they become available. “We stock them with pumpkin carving supplies,” he adds. You can also drive early sales of Bonfire Night fireworks by featuring them nearby. Fireworks are legal to sell without a special licence from 15 October to 10 November in England, Scotland and Wales. Enforce strict under-18 age verification and local hazard storage guidelines.

CATEGORY ADVICE HALLOWEEN

8-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 betterretailing.com

STOCKING FOR ALL AGES WHILE confectionery often steals the limelight, beverages represent a massive revenue stream during the autumn season. In the lead-up to and across Halloween, beer and cider sales hit a staggering £373m, potentially outstripping confectionery, with impulse sales alone reaching £97m. “2025 beer and cider sales in the week of Halloween were 6.6% higher than the previous week, cementing Halloween as the biggest trading week during the autumn season in value sales, demonstrating how key a trading period this is

for retailers,” says Sarah Duncan, category and commercial strategy director at Heineken UK. Beers aren’t the only alcoholic drink expecting an uptick this season. Chris Jones, managing director at Paragon Brands, says: “Vodka is a hero product for Halloween as it’s the key ingredient for multiple serves and cocktails. “Stock up on versatile, clean, well-crafted vodka that offers the flexibility for mixers, cocktails and, of course, shots.” Uthay Soundararajan, from Costcutter Inverleith in Edinburgh, says premixed drinks

SUPPLIER

Paid for by SHS Drinks

VIEW

Scott Bell, marketing director, SHS Drinks “HALLOWEEN has become a huge opportunity for independent retailers to increase footfall and drive basket spend. Almost half of UK adults celebrate Halloween, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, through house parties, pre-drinks and journeys between locations. The RTD category suits this perfectly, already growing by 14% in the past year. “For WKD, Halloween couldn’t be a more natural fit. Retailers should maximise visibility through off-shelf displays, secondary sitings and seasonal merchandising. Convenience remains essential, so ensuring strong availability across bestselling flavours, innovation, multipacks and sharing formats will help capture both planned and impulse purchases. The key is to make the Halloween shop feel simple, exciting and complete, particularly for shoppers who are buying for groups, parties and last-minute get-togethers.”

perform particularly well at Halloween as the 18-to-25year-old crowd stock up for parties and nights in. “We see an uptick in Dragon Soop every year, because of the name,” he says. “But this year there’s something totally different coming out: the new Echo Falls Sour Apple. It’s forecast to be the bestselling drink this Halloween.” He adds that shoppers buying premixed drinks often want to pick up snacks along with them, and that it always pays to range brands with fun on-theme names like Monster Munch to encourage that additional basket spend.

GET IN ON THE FUN CREATING strong in-store theatre is one of the most effective ways to capture customer attention and drive higher basket spends during the autumn trading period. Retailers should establish dedicated Halloween or Bonfire Night feature zones near store entrances or high-footfall stopping points. Jonathan Ford, off-trade director at Heineken UK, says: “When it comes to instore theatre, convenience retailers should consider using any themed PoS available and creating their own display near the front of the store which signals Halloween-themed promotions. For example, a multipack of beer with snacks like crisps and nuts, to help inspire cus-

tomers to purchase multiple items, and to get everything they need from one store.” Beyond visual displays, community engagement is key. Retailers can connect with shoppers by encouraging staff to dress up, hosting simple in-store competitions or sharing special deals and community events via local social media channels. Finally, consider hosting in-store events, such as costume competitions or pumpkin carving. Not only is this a fun way to get your local community engaged and take some great pictures and videos to liven up your social media presence, but giving away prizes can be a great way to use up leftover Halloween stock.

SPINECHILLING REFRESHMENT.

STRONGBOW DARK FRUIT IS THE #1 FLAVOURED CIDER FOR HALLOWEEN*

*Dark Fruit flavoured cider line extension sales 4WKS to 01.11.25 (total coverage).

CATEGORY ADVICE HALLOWEEN

8-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 betterretailing.com

product LAUNCHES New stock for Halloween M&M’s Chocolate Minis Funsize Mars Wrigley is strengthening its seasonal confectionery offering with the launch of M&M’s Chocolate Minis Funsize. The new 220g sharing pack, which contains 11x20g bags, has been developed to meet growing demand for trick-or-treating. It launched with a £4.90 RRP.

SUPPLIER

VIEWS

Lauren George, external communications manager, Mars Wrigley “HALLOWEEN is seeing sustained year-on-year growth, and with the occasion falling on a Saturday this year, consumer participation is expected to be stronger than ever. Latest data reveals that Halloween confectionery is now worth £263m, with 62% of UK households participating in Halloween celebrations each year, making it a critical revenue driver for retailers.”

Echo Falls Sour Apple This new addition to the Echo Falls Fruit Fusion range has an acidic green colour with a glow-in-the-dark label designed to maximise sales over Halloween, following the viral success of the Blue Raspberry flavour earlier this year. The beverage has a 9% ABV. Fanta Horrorverse Coca-Cola Europacific Partners has announced a new ‘Horrorverse’ campaign for Halloween. The campaign includes limited-edition collectable packs across the range and a disruptive marketing campaign called ‘Wanta Fanta? Run For It’. The range will receive a temporary makeover featuring Ghostface from the Scream franchise on Fanta Orange and Fanta Orange Zero Sugar, alongside Haystacks on Fanta Lemon, Drayk on Fanta Fruit Twist and Fruit Twist Zero Sugar, Howlie on Fanta Grape and Franx on Fanta Mango. Haribo Sour Bats Haribo is launching Sour Bats, available in 140g sharing bags (RRP £1.25) and price-marked packs. This new addition joins Haribo Bone Shakers, Starmix Pumpkin Bumper Box and Maoam Halloween Mixx Share Bags, which rank among the top five Halloween-themed lines in symbols and independents.

Duncan Tyrrell, head of category, Haribo

Forest Feast Double Chocolate Crispy Fruits Forest Feast has expanded its seasonal snacking range with new Double Chocolate Crispy Strawberries and Double Chocolate Crispy Raspberries.

“A CRITICAL trend for 2026 is the growing demand for themed products, which now account for 30% of total category sales over the period of Halloween. In fact, 55% of shoppers now prefer seasonally themed sweets over standard everyday lines.”

Inch’s Reserve Heineken UK launched Inch’s Reserve, a premium apple cider made using apples grown within 40 miles of the Herefordshire mill. It has a higher ABV at 7.4%.

Jonathan Ford, off-trade director, Heineken UK “IN 2025, beer and cider impulse sales reached £97m in the lead up to and across the Halloween period. This cements Halloween as the biggest trading week during the autumn season in value sales – after the sunny weather has gone, and before the build up to Christmas festivities – demonstrating the importance of the event.”

World of Sweets World of Sweets has unveiled its Halloween confectionery range for this year, including new Candy Realms Jelly Pumpkins, a 170g bag of fruit-flavoured fizzy pumpkins, Candy Realms Candy Skulls, which are strawberry & cream-flavoured chocolate candy skulls, and Mallow Pops, which feature pumpkins, skulls and gravestones. All three launches have an RRP of £1. In addition, Bonds Fizzy Fangs and Monster Mash return in new packaging, with Fizzy Fangs made to a vegan recipe and Monster Mash containing no artificial flavours or colours, while Pez has launched Halloween impulse and blister formats.

CATEGORY ADVICE HALLOWEEN

8-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 betterretailing.com

WHAT COMES NEXT? NAVIGATING the transition from Halloween to Bonfire Night and beyond requires careful stock management to prevent residual dead stock from eating into your seasonal profits. Themed confectionery and novelty masks rarely hold their value past 31 October and do not cross over well into Christmas ranges. Keeping orders of singleuse novelty items conservative is essential. As Halloween closes, swift promotional markdowns or bundle deals can help clear remaining in-

ventory, while Bonfire Night offers a natural follow-up opportunity to sell off discounted seasonal candy. For more cautious retailers, you can still make sure you catch any Halloween profit opportunities without buying up risky stock. Make sure that multipacks of sweets and other mini treats are visible in high foot traffic areas to remind anyone who hasn’t picked up trick-ortreater supplies to stock up now, and consider spreading Halloween PoS through the store to keep shoppers aware

that they could be planning a movie night or a last-minute costume. To avoid the risk altogether, stocking versatile brands that fit autumn hosting without relying on specific holiday packaging is a smart strategy. “Clear signage such as ‘party food’, ‘feed the family’ or ‘build your burger night’ can demonstrate how the range fits the occasion while retaining its relevance after these occasions,” says Rachel Wells, commercial director at St Pierre Groupe.

TOP TIPS Ed Merrett, wholesale controller, PepsiCo Placement matters Sharing formats should sit at the top of your main displays so they are right in the shopper’s eyeline. This grabs attention and encourages trade-up to larger packs, which deliver higher value than singles. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the value, the higher they should sit. But don’t forget to make sure sharing packs are easy to find in secondary sitings for those last-minute Halloween big nights ins. Think beyond the aisle Position sharing packs near beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks to drive cross-category sales ahead of celebrations. Retailers can also tie snacks into deals and displays around occasions like Halloween, when drink-and-snack combos are a go-to choice. Use the right layout Blocking your main fixture based on key missions, like big night in, makes it easier for shoppers to quickly find what they are looking for. To amplify this, using point-of-sale materials can deliver 12% of sales uplift.

CATEGORY ADVICE WINTER REMEDIES

Get ahead of seasonal demand.

TIME TO GET YOUR WINTER REMEDIES READY

The hot weather may not be quite over yet, writes CHARLES SMITH, but stores should put treatments for cold-weather ailments in place now

WHAT TO STOCK With over 40 years category expertise, we have the brands your customers know and trust. Make sure you’re ready for seasonal demand with must-stock favourites.

RETAILERS should focus on cold and flu treatments, decongestants, medicated confectionery, cough medicines, adult pain relief, children’s pain relief and natural remedies. Offer products for other symptoms, too, such as headaches, indigestion, muscle pain and general first aid. Check out suppliers and wholesalers’ ranging advice, and tailor your offer to what people buy in your store.

“We stock core products such as ibuprofen, Calpol and Covid tests all year round, but in the cold and flu season we put out more Strepsils and decongestants, and move paracetamol to the top shelf alongside thermometers and steamers to unblock noses,” says Jeet Bansi, from Londis Meon Vale in Stratford-uponAvon, Warwickshire. “We sell Nurofen for £3, but our other painkillers, priced

at £1.89, also do well and give better margins. We sell Calpol at £5, alongside cheaper own-brand kids’ liquid paracetamol.” Smaller stores should stock a selection of bestselling lines and boxes of tissues at the till. Retailers with more space should display winter remedies in a prominent position, merchandised by symptom and blocked by brand, and dualsite impulse products such as

small tissue packs, pain relief and throat products near tills. While some shoppers are looking for value in the current climate, high levels of brand recognition and loyalty continue to influence purchasing decisions. Signpost the subcategories using leading brands such as Lemsip, Strepsils and Beechams. This is particularly helpful for shoppers who are unwell, short of time or buying for someone else.

8-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 betterretailing.com

27 23

With these trusted brands. STOCK UP NOW

SUPPLIER

VIEW

new productS What’s new in winter remedies? Jakemans Jakemans Sugar Free Summer Berries is a permanent addition to the range following Throat & Chest Sugar Free, in response to growing demand for sugar-free alternatives. Jakemans also launched a limited-edition Spiced Cola flavour, priced at £1.09 for 73g. Lanes Health Lanes Health’s Olbas Pelargonium Herbal Cough & Cold Relief Tablets are a naturally derived, NHSreferred herbal medicine for adults and children over 12. RRP £7.99 for 21 tablets.

Robert Slater, sales & commercial director, SHS Sales & Marketing “SHOPPERS have become significantly more confident purchasing medicines from convenience stores since Covid, with over-the-counter sales in the channel typically around 30% ahead of pre-pandemic levels. There are still clear seasonal shifts, but the category should no longer be viewed as purely seasonal. “Retailers need a credible core range throughout the year, but from September should allocate more space to cold and flu treatments as schools go back and seasonal illnesses begin to circulate. Evidence suggests cold and flu medicines sales typically double in September, but demand can surge again in December, after Christmas and into early January, as people spend more time together. “Last year, the cold and flu season arrived early, peaking during October and November, then fell back significantly after Christmas. Sales stayed resilient in the first half of 2026, but a period of relatively low cold and flu incidence can be followed by a more severe season.”

Call +44 (0) 1452 378500 or visit www.shs-sales.co.uk to find out more.

CATEGORY ADVICE WINTER REMEDIES

TOP TIPS How to boost winter remedy sales Cold weather In cold weather, offer a choice of everyday skincare products such as lip balm and hand and face creams. Christmas complaints In the run-up to Christmas, place dual-function indigestion remedies and analgesics such as AlkaSeltzer and other ‘morning-after’ staples by the alcohol section.

MAKE THE MOST OF WINTER REMEDIES

Winter sun After Christmas, offer suncare products for shoppers taking winter holidays.

FOLLOW the weather forecast and keep fixtures filled, ready for rainy spells and cold snaps. Missed sales caused by empty shelves may also mean losing the shoppers’ wider basket spend, while well-stocked displays will prompt shoppers looking for remedies for one ailment to buy ahead for others.

Make it welcoming Finally, when the weather’s bad, keep your store warm, dry and welcoming to encourage shoppers to come in for winter remedies and shop ‘comfort’ categories such as hot beverages, soups and other treats to speed their recovery.

Ideally, retailers would stock remedies on open fixtures so customers can browse freely, but if you keep your winter remedies behind the counter to prevent theft, highlight them with signage and make prices readable a few feet away. Train staff to recommend products. Free-standing display units

can improve availability and increases sales in some categories by up to 80%, compared with stocking products behind the counter alone. “We have a dedicated health and beauty fixture on the main shop floor, and an impulse stand by the counter with pocket tissues, hand gels and

other fast-moving lines,” says Bansi. “Below that, we have two shelves of Panadol and soluble analgesics, then indigestion remedies, cough syrups, and vitamins and mineral supplements. Our cold and flu remedies and decongestants are a mix of standard and tertiary brands.”

N .1 o

EST. ES ST. T 1907 T. 07

Cough/Throat Lozenge Brand*

B O S TO N, E N G L A N D

www.jakemans.com *Source: Worldpanel by Numerator Lozenges 24we 22nd March 2026 (Worldpanel P3) Value Actuals (£21.2M) and Shoppers Actuals (3.9M).

Jakemans Retail Express 210mm x 140 10-08-2025.indd 1

12/08/2026 16:33

CATEGORY ADVICE NICOTINE POUCHES

GROW YOUR NICOTINE POUCH SALES Retailers say that nicotine pouches are growing in their stores, but how are they boosting sales? TAMARA BIRCH reports

Singh says: “We have a mix of customers who have transitioned to the category. In fact, we’ve noticed a trend that those who want to give up prefer pouches.” Graham has noticed that travellers, off-shore employees and footballers buy into the category. “Eighty per cent of our sales come on a Satur-

day morning from footballers because they can use them during breaks,” he says. “We also have off-shore workers. They can’t smoke on site, so they buy nicotine pouches in bulk as they’re gone for threeto-six weeks at a time.” Both retailers have different approaches when it comes to choosing what to stock. Gra-

SUPPLIER

VIEW

Paid for by PML

Dor Matot, head of Zyn UK & Ireland, Philip Morris Limited

WHO’S BUYING NICOTINE POUCHES AND WHAT ARE THEY BUYING? NICOTINE pouches are popular for providing a discreet form of nicotine delivery, according to Andrew Malm, UK market manager at Imperial Brands. This insight is backed by both Bobby Singh, of BB Nevison Stores & Post Office in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, and Scott Graham, of McLeish’s in Aberdeen.

8-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 betterretailing.com

ham focuses on a tight range, such as Velo and Pablo Silver, while Singh’s is much broader. “The ones we order most are Velo and Nordic Spirit, but we also have tried Zyn and XQS,” Singh says. “We encourage shoppers to make their own decisions, but when they’ve found one they like, they stick to that product.”

“NICOTINE pouch awareness continues to rise, driven by adult smokers seeking smoke-free alternatives. As one of the world’s leading nicotine pouch brands1, Zyn is gaining momentum2, with a broad portfolio of strengths, pouch formats and flavours to help retailers meet the preferences of adult smokers and legal-aged nicotine users. “Stocking Zyn as part of a wider smoke-free range can help retailers support customers moving away from cigarettes and vapes. It reinforces nicotine pouches as a viable alternative that suits modern lifestyles while delivering the quality, consistency and satisfaction adult users expect. For more information, contact the PMI Open Support Team at: retailersupport@iqos.co.uk.” 1 PMI reported global shipment volumes and in-market sales of nicotine pouch units, January-July 2025, 2PMI internal data

CATEGORY ADVICE NICOTINE POUCHES

8-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 betterretailing.com

new PRODUCTS The latest launches Republic Technologies enters the market with Zig Zig is available now for a £4.50 RRP and comes in strengths of 8mg, 12mg and 17mg across six flavours: Berry Cool, Citrus, Ice Mint, Peppermint, Power Mint and Tropical. Snu adds Fizzy Energy to nicotine pouch range Launched in July, Fizzy Energy from Snu combines tropical flavours with the fizz of an energy drink. It is available in strengths of 6mg, 12mg and 18mg per pouch, as well as a very high-strength 60mg per gram option in Snu’s extra-strong ‘Xtra High’ range. The brand will support retailers with tailored PoS kits, educational materials and on-the-road support. PMI launches highest-strength Zyn nicotine pouch to date Philip Morris Limited (PMI) added Menthol Ice 16.5mg to its Zyn nicotine pouch, the brand’s highest-strength variety to date, in May. The product delivers the taste of eucalyptus and menthol, and is available to buy from PMI Open and wholesalers.

THE RIGHT NICOTINE POUCH FLAVOURS AND STRENGTHS MINT flavours account for more than 75% of all sales, according to Prianka Jhingan, head of marketing at Scandinavian Tobacco Group UK, so these are important to stock. Your most popular flavour will depend on your demographic. For Singh, fruit and tobacco flavours are the more consistent sellers. He adds that shoppers are

more experimental with nicotine pouches. “Those more experienced choose tobacco and mint flavours, but those new to the category will experiment with fruit flavours,” he says. Jhingan adds retailers should stock a variety of strengths “to cater for new entrants to the category up to experienced nicotine pouch customers and

everyone in between”. This approach is followed by Graham, who has a wide range of strengths spanning across 12-15 flavours of Velo and fiveto-seven variants of Pablo Silver Edition. He is careful with strengths, however, and rejected stocking Killa because its strength was too high for his customers. Retailers should talk with reps

SUPPLIER

VIEW

or other stores and trial new products for six-to-eight weeks, monitoring sales data to determine if they will be a permanent fixture of your range. Jhingan adds: “Retailers should stock the bestsellers, but also consider stocking some of the newer entries as these can bring excitement, interest and, most importantly, incremental sales.”

Andrew Malm, UK market manager, Imperial Brands “THE top factors driving product selection, according to recent research, are good taste, taste duration, freshness and a wide range of flavours. Customer choice of nicotine products is also driven by the need for a fastacting nicotine, coupled with long-lasting flavour. We know some users have expressed dissatisfaction with products that fail to deliver on these fronts, prompting them to seek alternatives that better meet their needs.”

EW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NICOTINE POUCHES

THE

SAVOUR FLAVOUR berry cool 8mg

SCAN FOR WEBSITE

citrus 12mg

ice mint

varying nicotine strength

peppermint

tropical

power mint

long lasting flavour

ORDER NOW

18+

CATEGORY ADVICE NICOTINE POUCHES

DISPLAYING NICOTINE POUCHES CURRENTLY, nicotine pouches have no rules around keeping them hidden, though this could soon change under the Tobacco and Vapes Act. In the event of display restrictions, Graham says he’ll use his learnings from when tobacco products went dark. “The biggest challenge we face if nicotine pouches go

dark is selling new products,” he says. In the meantime, Graham purchased a Perspex display unit that holds 20 products and places it on the till area. Singh also has a counter stand for nicotine pouches, but he plans to move away from that and focus on his gantry space. “We have a BAT gantry and

it’s worked wonders for us. It really highlights and brightens the products, and brings the category to the forefront of our business,” he says. “The mix of products merchandised there works well together and we have the digital screens to attract attention and get shoppers to engage and then buy.”

SHOULD YOU BE CONCERNED ABOUT ILLICIT POUCHES? NEW research by Haypp revealed that one in four consumers have encountered illicit nicotine pouch products – a figure that spiked to 44% among 18-to-24-year-olds. Haypp’s fourth annual Nicotine Pouch report found that the illicit nicotine pouch black market is expanding, with market stalls and informal shops as the primary chan-

nels through which consumers have seen illicit products. Dr Marina Murphy, senior director of scientific affairs at Haypp, says: “The expanding black market in nicotine pouches is a serious concern. The new powers enabling authorities to close businesses found selling illicit products for 12 months is an important step, but additional invest-

HOT SENSATIONS

ment is needed.” While there’s been an increase in illicit nicotine pouches, Singh and Graham have yet to see them being sold. Singh says: “We are seeing a lot of illicit vapes and tobacco out there, but with pouches, we just don’t know. Maybe it exists, but more education around it is needed.”

8-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 betterretailing.com

INCOMING LEGISLATION FOR NICOTINE POUCHES

SUPPLIER

VIEW

Prianka Jhingan, head of marketing, Scandinavian Tobacco Group UK “OUR latest data shows total UK nicotine pouch sales have now reached just under £250m and are growing by 46% year on year in volume terms. Although more sales currently take place in the grocery channel, they continue to grow fastest in the convenience channel. In fact, our latest data shows pouch volume sales have grown by 57% in the past 12 months in convenience stores, with our own XQS selling particularly well in this channel.”

THE tobacco and next-gen categories are no stranger to legislation, but recently the government announced that from 29 October, it will be an offence for retailers, including online retailers, to sell any vaping or nicotine product to anyone un-

der the age of 18. While some retailers have always had this in place following the ‘Challenge 25’ approach, the key change in these new rules is age restrictions on selling zero-nicotine vapes and nicotine pouches,

which aren’t covered by existing age restrictions. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the new law replaces the previous restriction, which only applied to nicotine vaping products. Meanwhile, in Scotland, vapes

were already subject to age restrictions, but this will now extend to all nicotine products. Graham, who now sells caffeine pouches, was confused by this change, and says it’s hard to prepare for this and other legislation changes.

This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance.

To become a stockist please visit: trade.vapesupplier.co.uk/fumi

ADVICE

8-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 betterretailing.com

SMALL CHANGE, BIG IMPACT CHARLES WHITTING explores the small changes retailers have made in their stores that had a major impact on their business

It’s been an intense summer, so I’ve not done much in store. What small changes have other retailers made recently? – Suki Athwal, Shop Around the Clock, Tenterden, Kent

Vanessa Riley, Levens Village Store, Cumbria

“WE’RE quite a cake-driven store here. We use lots of different bakers, like Hazelmere Bakery, and at least three cake bakers to build quite a large range. And it really works. We get through a lot of cake and bread. But how you display it is so important. “We had a re�it and thought we would put the bread and baked goods behind the counter to make it look like a French boulangerie. But it just threw people and we lost sales for several months. We looked at the sales data and the amount of wastage we had, so we just cut that idea and put the bread back on the shelves and in some nice baskets, and then put a re�ills range behind the counter. “And now we’re back selling a lot of cake. It looks really good and it sells well. And we’ll be getting more bakers and suppliers involved this year. But rectifying that one decision around placement made all the difference.”

Katrina Yule, Kat’s Corner Shop, Hawick, Roxburghshire

“ONE thing we’ve done this summer is focus on making sure the drinks in our fridges are really cold. People are coming in to our shop and saying it’s because they know they can get a cold drink on a hot day. Our shop is air conditioned as well, so the customers can stay cool. They like that. “The other thing is posting on social media. It’s quite straightforward, you just take a photo of something and then post it, but you’ve got to make time for it. I always post when we get something new or something good in store. And people always come in after I’ve posted something looking for that speci�ic product. “All too often, people think that shops stay the same and don’t stock anything new. We work hard to get new stuff in and then we shout about it. People went mad for the Echo Falls Blue and we’re jumping on the Green version now.”

Stilyana Trifonova, Frome Valley Village Store, Bristol

“WE’VE been looking at introducing more services into our store. First up is Western Union. We have a university near our store and there are always customers looking to send things and transfer money, so we’re in the process of getting that sorted. “Beyond that, we’ve been working with Rollover and soon we’ll be getting one of its hot dog machines into the store. “Another small thing that I started out doing and has become a massive part of the business is arti�icial �lowers. More people are getting to know about our �lowers and they are coming to order them from us for everything, even funerals. In the past two weeks, we have taken 100 orders for �lowers. We have a display in the window and people tell their friends about us. But I am working until 2am sometimes to make the arti�icial ones. It costs us less than £2 to make and we are selling them for £10.”

In the next issue, the Retail Express team finds out what trends retailers are leaning into. If you have any problems you’d like us to explore, please email charles.whitting@newtrade.co.uk

Retail Express- 8 September 2026