Retail Express - 26 August 2025

Masterclass:

The Future of Convenience

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The convenience stores of the future will look and operate quite differently from what we see today. Future-proof your store with Mondelez and discuss:

• The emerging trends that will matter the most

• The steps you need to be taking now to ensure you’re ready

• What will drive your shoppers’ missions in 2030

• How changing consumer behaviours will shape what your customers want

Secure your place today. Scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/BRfest for more details.

• Greater Manchester Police accused of bungling investigation a er shopkeeper su ers hammer attack

• Retailers say police then ‘made their life hell’ with harassment and unproven criminal allegations

LAST week, I had the privilege of joining leading retailers and senior industry gures for the annual Better Retailing Awards Judging Day.

We were all split into di erent groups, with the task of selecting a winner from several retailers for our respective categories. The group I was given the honour of judging was retail innovation.

Each retailer out of the ve in the category di ered in location and store size, with floor space ranging from 1,000sq to 3,200sq .

The innovation on o er by each store owner also varied, with some wonderful ideas around food to go, own-brand alcohol, desserts, home delivery and loyalty schemes. The wide array of products proved that innovation certainly isn’t lacking across the independent retail sector.

Although each retailer brought a di erent idea, they were all very similar in mindset. Each service was catered speci cally for their respective communities, whether it was to ll a gap in the market or address an existing issue.

As is usually the case with these types of events, picking a winner wasn’t a simple task. There was a lot of arguing before we could decide on who would get the crown of most innovative store. This wasn’t necessarily a bad thing and showed the high standards across the industry.

IT SHOWED THE HIGH STANDARDS ACROSS THE INDUSTRY

I can’t reveal the winner here. You’ll have to nd out by attending the prestigious awards ceremony when it takes place on 16 October.

@retailexpress betterretailing.com facebook.com/betterretailing

Editor Alex Yau

alex.yau@ newtrade.co.uk

020 7689 3358

News editor Ciarán Donnelly ciaran.donnelly@ newtrade.co.uk 07743 936703

News reporter

Kwame Boakye kwame.boakye@ newtrade.co.uk

Editor – news Jack Courtez jack.courtez@ newtrade.co.uk 020 7689 3371

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

020 7689 3368 Senior

Cooper 020 7689 3354

Zia Senior designer Jody Cooke 020 7689 3380

Designer Lauren Jackson

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

Head of marketing Kate Daw 020 7689 3363

Head of commercial

Natalie Reeve 07856 475 788

Associate director Charlotte Jesson 07807 287 607

Account director

Lindsay Hudson 07749 416 544

Account manager Lisa Martin 07951 461 146

Cover image: Getty Images/ArroyanArt

Retailers slam guidance protecting shoplifters

HELENA DRAKAKIS

RETAILERS have criticised guidance issued by the UK’s data watchdog advising them not to display photos of shoplifters in their windows.

The comments come following a warning by the Information Commissioner’s Of�ice (ICO) that retailers may be in breach of data protection law if pictures are

displayed, and they would “need to consider the relevant privacy implications when considering publishing any images”.

Vince Malone, of Tenby Stores & Post Of�ice in Pembrokeshire, who was attacked by a shoplifter in his shop last year, said: “We don’t post pictures because we fear a backlash, but other retailers do and I have no problem with it. Retailers are on the

frontline, they are at their wits end and there is no option for us.

“On the one hand, we’re being told by the police and crime commissioner to stand up to retail crime, and on the other told we can’t deal with it in an effective way. A consistent approach and action must come from the

top down.”

Julia Bywater, of Bywater News in Dudley, said: “I had thought about data protection laws, but I’m increasingly of the mind that retailers should be able to deter proli�ic shoplifters any way they can. It is not in the public interest to warn or prosecute retailers for any breach.”

Specialist reporter Dia Stronach dia.stronach@ newtrade.co.uk 020 7689 3375

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

Features writer Jasper Hart jasper.hart@ newtrade.co.uk 020 7689 3384

Finance manager Magdalena Kalasiuniene 020 7689 0600

Managing director Parin Gohil 020 7689 3388

Head of digital Luthfa Begum 07909 254 949

ALLWYN has acknowledged issues experienced by retailers in updating their National Lottery terminals.

Issues cited by store owners include an outdated interface likened to the Windows 95 operating system, exces-

sive printing of receipts for non-winning tickets and the machines being slow to use.

The �irm acknowledged the problems and assured retailers they were rolling out new terminals to resolve them as quickly as possible.

BESTWAY and the Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD) have outlined the importance of independent wholesale and retail to Doncaster Central MP Sally Jameson. Speaking after her visit to Bestway’s Doncaster depot,

Jameson said: “The wholesale sector is a critical part of the food supply chain. Its role in ensuring food security and sustaining our communities and economy makes it a vital part of the UK’s infrastructure.” For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘Allwyn’

A RECENT spike in con�iscations of fake Labubu dolls has led to updated warnings from National Trading Standards.

“Trading Standards teams have seized thousands of unsafe counterfeit Labubu dolls in recent weeks. In just one month, over 2,000 were con�iscated from 13 retailers in North Tyneside, with further seizures in Greater Manchester, Humberside, North Somerset and Scotland,” the Chartered Trading Standards Institute said.

LLOYDS Bank and PayPoint have teamed up for a mobile app, allowing cash to be paid into any participating PayPoint-partnered store.

Account holders can go into the ‘Everyday’ area of the app to generate a barcode, which can be scanned at PayPoint locations across the UK. Deposits of up to £300 per day in notes and coins will be accepted in partnered PayPoint stores, with a monthly maximum of £600 for customers.

GOOD WEEK

Retailers slam police over racist assault failings

SHOP owners who suffered a nearly deadly racially aggravated assault have accused Greater Manchester Police (GMP) of severe failings after the attacker avoided prosecution.

On 24 October 2021, Qaiser Mahmood and his brother were outside his Da Shop in Cheadle Hulme, Manchester. A car approached at speed and two individuals exited before running towards Mahmood’s brother. One repeatedly shouted ‘you p*** c***’ before hitting him in the head with a hammer.

Instead of the perpetrator being prosecuted, it was the shop owner who was hauled before the courts. The assailant in the attack later accused the shop owners of narcotics and modern slavery offences.

Charges were brought against Mahmood and his two brothers, but the case collapsed on 6 February 2025. Mahmood and his brother, who was the victim of the attack, were found not guilty after the prosecution’s main witness was deemed “not credible” and no evidence was offered against them. Mahmood’s other brother had previously been sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment in September 2024 for drug offences.

Mahmood strongly defends the innocence of him-

self and his brother who was attacked. He claimed a relative of the attacker, who had worked for him at the store, had made false claims to them and the police to evade punishment for their own wrongdoing. Mahmood believes the claims, combined with the store’s 24/7 alcohol licence and delivery service, led the police to falsely believe the shop was being used as a front for the sale of narcotics.

Mahmood accused the police of “making his life hell”. He was arrested and claims the shop and �lat above were raided eight times by GMP over the next year. Despite the �lawed criminal case against the shop owner being dismissed, GMP continued to push for the store’s alcohol licence to be revoked.

Conversely, Mahmood said GMP failed to properly investigate the attack on his brother. A formal complaint made to GMP earlier this year by the victim of the attack alleged GMP failed to interview or take statements from the many witnesses, despite them being identi�ied to of�icers. An investigation by Retail Express uncovered another potential �law in GMP’s case against the attacker put forward to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Unlike the video provided to GMP, the audio on the CCTV –vital in showing the racist

“IN the past, breakdowns with our chillers have been a problem, but I now clean the vents at the front of my fridge, usually on a weekly basis, to prevent future issues from happening. The vents act like suction and can collect lots of dust, which can potentially damage the equipment. During the hot weather, a fridge has to work harder to stay cool, so clogged vents can end up putting pressure on it.”

Graeme Pentland, Ashburton News, Newcastle

nature of the attack – was missing from the version of the footage sent by GMP to the CPS.

Mahmood said: “It’s twotier policing. Why would two crimes that have been reported be chucked together and then the police decide which to follow. Every single crime should be independently investigated to their full potential and then passed to the CPS. I can tell you categorically the attack against us was not fully investigated.”

Retail Express understands the CPS decided not to pursue charges against the attacker due to insuf�icient evidence and con�licting statements in the evidence provided by GMP. The brothers also claimed counter to their rights, GMP failed to inform them that their attackers would not face charges. The brothers only found out the CPS’s decision through Re-

WHOLESALE: The former north London site of collapsed cashand-carry rm Abra Wholesale has been taken over by Enzo Wholesale. The new wholesaler claims to o er more than 10,000 products across impulse, alcohol and confectionery at competitive prices. It plans to expand the range in the coming months.

tail Express’s investigation this year, preventing them from taking their right to make the CPS review its decision due to the time limit for this right passing.

The allegations against the shop owners had a devastating impact. Newspapers reported on the charges they faced, but failed to report when ruled not guilty, resulting in signi�icant sales and reputational harm, and the loss of their lottery services. “At our best, we had over 22 members of staff, we were trading well – now we’re down to eight and struggling for stock,” said Mahmood.

Asked what he’d say to

those who believe he is guilty, he told Retail Express: “In court, we didn’t get an opportunity to take the stand and defend our reputation. In nine years, we’d had no issues, we were community orientated – we sponsored local causes, our staff aren’t hooligans, they are good, honest local people. If I’d done anything wrong, I would’ve been held to account.”

The only way the brothers’ attacker will see justice is if GMP re-open their investigation and resubmit a case to the CPS.

GMP was approached for comment, but failed to respond.

How do you prevent chiller breakdowns during the summer?

“WE clean our chillers out every four months and we do that with our freezers as well. We fully clean out the inside, but also remove the fans under the bottom shelf, lift them out and clean those thoroughly with a water vacuum. Summer is an important time for us for seasonal demand, as we can get a lot of sales from products stored in our fridges, so maintaining our fridges and freezers is important.”

Alan Mannings, Shop on the Green, Chartham, Kent

“WE maintain our chillers and freezers weekly, but the real problem comes when the temperature outside rises above 28°C. Our condenser is outside, and once it gets hot, things can break down. Recharging with gas can be expensive. There are several companies we call to help with maintenance. We call our contractors, but also have a local engineering company that services it.”

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

ALCOHOL: Health experts have urged the government to implement minimum unit pricing (MUP) on alcohol sold in England, mirroring a similar policy in Scotland. Retailers in Scotland said the legislation led to their prices competing with supermarkets.

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

BAD WEEK

SHOPLIFTING: More than 516,000 shoplifting o ences were recorded in England and Wales in 2024 – a 20% rise on the previous year and the highest gure since 2003. The gures were revealed in a retail crime report published by CCTV operator training experts at Get Licensed last month.

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

DUBAI CHOCOLATE: Retailers have been warned not to list any of the viral confectionery products under the Le Damas brand. Although the brand is legitimate worldwide, any product with its name in the UK is not. A Le Damas spokesperson said: “It is a counterfeit that falsely uses our branding and does not meet our safety, quality or design standards.”

HELENA DRAKAKIS

POST Of�ice minister Gareth Thomas is inviting sub-postmasters and customers to have their say in the future of the Post Of�ice (PO) as it launches its �irst comprehensive review of the network in 15 years.

Launched in the wake of the Horizon IT scandal and against a backdrop of rising demand in online shop-

ping and falling demand for traditional post services, the organisation’s recently launched Green Paper will examine a number of key areas to shape the network over the next �ive-to-10 years.

These include how services in branches should evolve to meet changing customer needs, ways to strengthen the relationship between the PO and its postmasters across the network, how it can im-

prove relationships with banks and commercial partners, and how to transform the culture of the PO so a similar miscarriage of justice to the Horizon scandal cannot happen again

In a video posted online by the �irm last month, Thomas said: “Post Of�ices continue to be a central part of our high streets and communities over the country. However, after 15 years without a proper

review, and in the aftermath of the Horizon IT scandal, it’s clear we need a fresh vision for the future.

“This Green Paper marks the start of an honest conversation about what people want and need from their Post Of�ice in the years ahead.”

The consultation for the PO’s Green Paper will close on 6 October and can be found on the Department for Business and Trade website.

Postmasters asked to review PO Parfetts Southampton

PARFETTS’ long-awaited depot in Southampton is to open on 3 September.

The site, which will act as a cash and carry as well as a delivered site, will be the �irm’s ninth depot, following the opening of its Birmingham warehouse in 2023. It will serve more retailers in the south and allow Parfetts to reach more retailers in Greater London. The company also launched its �irst symbol store in the region earlier in August.

HUNDREDS of retailers are attracting more social media followers after partnering with social media specialist Orrest Digital.

The rm launched a year ago and has since formed many of its partnerships with Booker symbol retailers.

Founder Henry Jacob told Retail Express its most-successful partners were featuring themselves addressing customers in video

posted on their Facebook and Instagram accounts.

2026 wage increases

THE minimum wage is set to increase by 4.1% to £12.71 in April 2026, the government has predicted.

The Low Pay Commission, which aims to ensure the living wage does not drop below two-thirds of median income, anticipated a range of between £12.55 and £12.86 per hour. It will make its �inal recommendations to the government by the end of October 2025.

Balancing Core with Innovation

Hosted by

Stocking new products first is a fantastic way to gain a competitive advantage in your store. In this Masterclass, CCEP will discuss:

• Building shopper excitement ahead of a product launch

• Making room for new products without compromising your core range

• Creative ideas to achieve strong sales of new products

Secure your place today. Scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/BRfest for more details.

PRODUCTS

‘This Is My Taste’ makes return

SHYAMA LAXMAN

DIET Coke has unveiled the next iteration of its ‘This Is My Taste’ campaign, starring actor and brand ambassador Jamie Dornan.

The new phase of the campaign celebrates the unique passions that de�ine people, with Dornan sharing his love for cold-water swimming.

At the heart of the campaign is a new insight, that the average Diet Coke break lasts just eight minutes. The creative highlights how reclaiming a break can be transformative, encouraging consumers to feel empowered to take time for themselves and express their unique tastes.

Shot at Shepperton Open Water Swim, Surrey, the campaign’s �ilm features Dornan sipping on an ice-cold Diet Coke, before taking the plunge into icy waters.

During his swim, Dornan encounters a series of quirky characters embracing a break in their own unique ways, from bird spotting and radiocontrol boating to paddleboarding – tapping into one of the UK’s fastest-growing water sports.

To encourage fans to express their unique tastes and own their Diet Coke break –however they choose to take it – as part of the launch, Diet Coke is inviting fans to design their own virtual can via the Coca-Cola app.

OCB unveils packaging refresh

ROLLING papers brand OCB has rolled out a packaging update across its entire range to increase on-shelf appeal.

The modernised designs aim to unify the range and improve brand recognition, while enabling clearer product differentiation.

There has been no change to the composition of the papers, said the supplier. Retailers can also avail PoS to highlight the new pack design, the supplier added.

Gavin Anderson, sales and marketing director at Republic Technologies UK, said: “The new

designs are modern, fresh and bold, highlighting core elements of the products while keeping the same OCB that shoppers know and trust front and centre.”

Pepsi Max is bringing out the flavour

PEPSI Max has launched its �irst ever cocreated campaign called ‘Bring Out the Flavour’.

Featuring in�luencers Emma Johnson, Formz and Luke Vernon, the campaign spotlights the brand’s core summer �lavours – Cherry, Lime and Mango.

As part of the campaign, Pepsi Max has partnered

Give away cash with Cadbury

CADBURY has launched its latest competition, ‘The Cadbury Giveaway Give Away’, giving shoppers chances to win cash prizes for friends and family.

The promotion runs until 3 November. Aside from the grand prize of £25,000, several cash prizes are available for runners up. Shoppers

must buy a participating pack and either scan the QR code or visit the competition website, giveawaygiveaway. cadbury.co.uk, and enter their details. If selected, they will nominate someone to receive their cash amount.

A Proper nice on-pack promo

PROPER has launched a “voice-activated” on-pack promotion.

Running until 27 October, customers across the UK and Ireland can win thousands of snacks, alongside a wellness retreat in the Maldives.

Shoppers need to submit a voice note via a guided manifestation ritual for the chance to win. Other prizes include 100 wellness bundles worth £60 and 2,600 snack vouchers worth £2/€3.

Participating lines include Proper’s range of single, grab, sharing and multipacks, including the new Cheese variety and Sweet & Salty pillow packs.

with Townhouse Salon in Covent Garden, London, to offer guests the “ultimate cherry glow-up” from 11 to 14 September. Customers can also book the Pepsi Max Cherry Manicure at any UK Townhouse Salon from 15 September, with select salons offering free manicures.

Stranger Things have happened

CHUPA Chups has collaborated with Net�lix show Stranger Things to unveil a new range of lollipops.

Available in two pack sizes, the bags are �illed with nine mystery �lavours inspired by characters from the show.

Nothing arti cial about Quorn

QUORN is rolling out a new look across its core frozen ingredients range, with a new “high protein with no arti�icial ingredients” claim on-pack.

The meat-free brand’s Mince and Pieces products are available in the new packaging.

and “cooks in 10 minutes” claims on the back of packs.

Later this year, Quorn Swedish Style Balls will also join the ‘no arti�icial ingredients’ range, alongside Quorn Strips, which have always contained no arti�icial ingredients.

One pack re�lects the familiar reality of the �ictional town of Hawkins, while the other is inspired by the parallel dimension the Upside Down, featuring an upside-down Chupa Chups logo.

The packs also come with QR codes linking to a digital experience with competition opportunities.

RRP: £1.50 PMP

Available: September

CORNISH Orchards has added to its range of premium ciders with the launch of a Peach & Apple �lavour, available through wholesale.

Cornish Orchards adds to cider roster

They also feature “high in �ibre, low in saturated fat”

More ‘no arti�icial ingredient’ launches will follow in 2026.

Peach & Apple is a gently sparkling cider made with traditional, bittersweet apples, complemented with the natural sweetness of ripe peach. It is available in a 500ml bottle.

Peach & Apple is the brand’s third �lavoured cider following the launch of Cherry & Blackberry and Raspberry & Elder�lower in 2023.

ABV: 3.4%

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How to write a stand-out job advert x

Viral lines from Amos

SHYAMA LAXMAN

VIRAL candy Peelerz, launched by American brand Amos Sweets around two years ago, is now available to UK convenience retailers.

Made with real fruit juice, Peelerz are shaped like fruits. “The concept is you can peel the outer skin off; you can eat the skin as well as the inner part,” said Simon Leydon, regional manager at 3D Candy Co. While the candies are not halal-certi�ied, they are compliant with UK trading standards, Leydon said, adding that retailers can secure up to 58% margin.

premium range of sugarfree ‘audio’ lollipops that use “bone conduction technology”, to enable consumers to record and play back personalised messages or songs while having the lollipop. These can bring up to 52% margin. To stock lines from Amos Sweets, contact editorial@ newtrade.co.uk.

Retailers can also consider Amos Tasty Sounds Pop, a

WALKERS is set to add two new �lavours to its permanent core range – Sticky Teriyaki and Masala Chicken. With the Tikka Masala �lavour continuing to grow in popularity and interest in Japanese �lavours rising by 60% in the salty snacks segment, these additions will inject excitement into the category and drive shopper engagement, according to the supplier.

Toggle between Masala and Teriyaki

The new �lavours are nonHFSS and can be displayed in key locations in store to drive impulse sales, the supplier added.

Available: end of August

RRP: £2.15 (six-pack multipack), RRP £1.10 (45g grab bag) and PMP of £1.35 (70g)

FLYERS, known for its liquorice candy, has moved into the sour space with the launch of a new variant.

Sour Patch Kids Blue Raspberry

AMY SOHAL

Focus on… managing mental health

MY husband passed away in 2015. Although he always had a smile on his face, he su ered with his mental health, and it used to get me down, too.

Available: now RRP: £1.50 (130g bags)

The rst two years a er he passed away were really hard – there were times I wanted to give up, and if it hadn’t been for my sons backing me up, maybe I would have.

Flyers Apple & Raspberry are apple-�lavoured sticks with raspberry-�lavoured crystal centres. Flyers spokesperson Andy Valentine said: “With ‘sours’ remaining the hottest trend within sugar confectionery, we spied the perfect opportunity to showcase our new sour apple candy sticks packed with tangy raspberry sherbet crystals, thereby extending Flyers’ appeal to both a younger audience and intransigent ‘liquorice loathers’.”

Available: September

RRP: £1.49

Flyers launches nonliquorice flavour

SOUR Patch Kids has launched its latest limitededition vegan �lavour, Blue Raspberry. The launch comes as 43% of consumers want sour �lavours, according to the supplier. Furthermore, with shoppers looking for raspberry�lavoured candy, the launch will help drive incremental sales for retailers, the supplier added. Sour Patch Kids Blue Raspberry will be available for one year – in price-marked and non-pricemarked packs – sitting with the brand’s UK range, which also includes Original, Cola, Watermelon, Fruit Mix and Strawberry.

In 2022, I attended the rst Women in Convenience (WiC) event. I met a lot of wonderful women that day and I’ve never looked back. It showed me there’s a lot of help out there. It’s been amazing, and I know I wouldn’t have found them without that event. The journey has been fantastic.

Before WiC, I also joined the Fed, but I would sit quietly at meetings. However, as I’ve built my network, my con dence has grown, and this year I became district president. The ACS has also made me an ambassador. It’s shown me I can do this and encouraged me to do more.

iPro Hydrate unveils into Epicurium

There can be times when struggles with my mental health take over. When that happens, I concentrate on my customers and my community. And I post in the WiC WhatsApp group as they always pick me back up again.

I make sure to check in on sta , too. I’ll take them away from the shopfloor for a tea and a chat.

I have come a long way, and I won’t let anything beat me.

FUNCTIONAL drinks brand

iPro has announced its of�icial launch with Epicurium by introducing two popular �lavours from its ‘Hydrate’ range: Orange & Pineapple and Berry Mix. iPro Hydrate is caffeinefree, contains no arti�icial colours or �lavourings and is naturally sweetened with stevia. Each bottle delivers 100% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C and is enriched with essential B vitamins (B5, B6, B7 and B12), along with electrolytes to support hydration and recovery. The drinks are vegan-friendly and halal certi�ied. The packaging is fully recyclable, and each

bottle is made using 30% recycled plastic.

Available: now

UNVEILING THE FUTURE OF VUSE

The launch of VUSE ULTRA heralds a new dawn for vaping – and retailers should seize a special opportunity to pro t from the premium product

THE NEXT LEVEL IN VAPING

VUSE Ultra is more than just a device – it’s a fully connected vaping experience that gives adult consumers a level of personalisation and control not seen until now.

Advanced features like Flavour AutoTune, CloudControl and seamless integration with the MyVuse App make Vuse Ultra a game-changing innovation for those who won’t settle for less than premium.

The app adds extra value

by allowing users to monitor performance and engage with the brand – increasing loyalty and repeat purchases. Users can adjust flavour and power by toggling between three intensity levels.

Vuse Ultra doesn’t disappoint when it comes to flavours, either, bringing back established favourites such as Chilled Mint, alongside new options such as Mango Calamansi and Dragon Fruit Pomegranate.

Hashim Tahir, B2B manager, BAT UK SUPPLIER VIEW

“THINK you know the vaping category? Well, it’s time to think again – the new Vuse Ultra is really going to shake up the norm, delivering an elevated vaping experience for those adult nicotine consumers who are on a premium journey.

“As the number-one global vape brand1, Vuse relished the responsibility to transform the category again with Ultra – and invites retailers to come along. That means product innovation, premium support and a new range of standout unitary display options to make the most of Ultra.”

VIP TREATMENT GIVEN TO RETAILERS

A GROUP of retailers representing stores across the UK got a memorable rst – and lasting – impression of the next-level Vuse Ultra.

To get a rst-class insight into the premium new vaping product, as well as the rewards and returns it can bring, the select retailers were guests at a series of exclusive events at standout locations in eight cities across the UK.

Four events in London were followed by others in Cardi , Brighton, Birmingham, Man-

chester, Glasgow, Liverpool and nally Edinburgh.

The impressive agenda included drinks and entertainment on arrival, before the retailers were given a bespoke trade presentation on Vuse Ultra.

They were then given their own gift box, containing the new Vuse Ultra, to open together. A dedicated product Q&A then followed to help give retailers more of the ne details of the product.

Ultra goody bags completed an event designed to be

a comprehensive showcase of a product that is the culmination of 11 years of vaping innovation.

The event was hailed by participants as an exceptional experience – professional, premium and perfectly aligned with the product’s development.

Vuse has created something special with the Ultra – and it’s now up to all retailers to get up close and unlock a special future in store and with their adult nicotine consumers.

MY STAR STAFF MEMBER

OPINION

RETAILER OPINION ON THIS FORTNIGHT’S HOT TOPICS What do you think? Call Retail Express on 020 7689 3357 for the chance to be featured

My role in the shop: assistant subpostmistress

Is community important in your store?

Absolutely. One of my main duties is to look a er the post o ce, and we o er many community services, such as parcel collection and drop-o . We are the only DPD point within a 10-mile radius, so we get a lot of customers.

How did you become a part of the team?

I’ve been here for three years, but have had lots of retail experience. I was previously a shi supervisor for home company The Range. I decided to move as I wanted more hours, which only store owner Vidur Pandya could o er when I applied.

What’s so di erent about working for a community store?

You get to engage with customers more and decisions are made more quickly. For example, if I notice the store layout needs changing to accommodate elderly customers, it will be done. At my previous job, this would have to go through several people for approval.

Are you involved elsewhere in the shop?

I help produce some of the freshly baked goods as I have experience in this area. We produce a variety of products catering for many dietary requirements. The fresh, locally produced range helps set the store apart.

Have there been any funny moments?

I was unpacking bottles of bleach once and the bottom of the cardboard was broken. They all fell out. Myself and the customers nearby all had a good laugh about it. Luckily, they were all contained and nothing spilled.

MINIMUM UNIT PRICING: How will the legislation in England affect shops?

“IN some states in America, independent retailers have bene�ited as supermarkets can’t cut their prices, and I think they are also �inding this in Scotland. In the past, alcohol could be sold cheaper than water, but now independents are not being undercut.”

Sanjay Patel, Londis Holyport, Maidenhead

“I DON’T think there’s a de�initive answer about whether it’s a good idea. It would put independents on a level playing �ield with the supermarkets, but I wonder whether sales would drop off as a result – it may also fuel the grey market. The illegal trade is no good for anyone.”

Legislation may fuel the grey market

PARCEL SERVICES: Are they working for you?

“WE work with every parcel provider and we’re open early. People can drop off parcels on their way to work. I’ve trained my staff well so the operation runs smoothly. We’re currently looking at getting InPost lockers. We’re always looking at how to get ahead in this category.”

Judith Mercer, Hamilton News, Belfast

DISPOSABLE VAPES: Are you still seeing them on the market?

“I HAVE not heard or seen any illegal vapes on the market. My own store was checked by Trading Standards after the ban. Then they went next door to where there’s a post of�ice and didn’t check that owner’s stock room at all. There doesn’t seem to be much consistency.”

Anonymous retailer

Store owner: Vidur Pandya, Kislingbury Village Store & Post O ce, Northampton

Want

I’ve trained my sta well so it runs smoothly I sell

“MY vape sales are down by around 50%. Before the ban, wholesalers were selling disposables off very cheap, so I know there are people selling them illegally and cheaply. Two shops in Paisley have been hit by Trading Standards.”

Hussan Lal, St Mirren Food Store, Paisley

“WE’RE also a post of�ice, so we’ve always done well with parcels, but there’s de�initely been an increase. We’ve taken on more providers and recently took part in the Evri trial, which wasn’t available in post of�ices before. It named us its best start-up and have kept us on.”

Mark Dudden, Albany Road Post Of�ice, Cardiff

There

isn’t

consistency from Trading Standards

WHOLESALE: Who do you go to for unique products?

“I’M looking to grow my bakery section, especially when a new shop I’ve taken on undergoes a refurb in September. I’m currently looking to local bakers to bring in good-quality pasties, breads and pies. Carrs is a familyrun bakery in nearby Bolton, so I’m sourcing from them.”

Sasi Patel, Go Local Stores, Manchester

“BECAUSE many of my customers are elderly, they love to knit – therefore I sell good-quality wool and knitting equipment. The wool I sell is the King Cole range – which is the best in England – so I have gained a reputation and people know they can come to me.”

Dilsher Singh, Sanderz Convenience Store, Banbury

‘Frustrated with Santander support over bank charges’

I RECENTLY found out about changes Santander was making to banking accounts through Retail Express. Initially, I thought the new £9.99 monthly charge they were introducing would be bene�icial, as it would be half of what I am currently paying.

However, upon further inspection, I discovered it would be quite detrimental

as it would increase my monthly banking charges considerably. We’re looking at around £50 in additional banking charges a month –equivalent to £600 annually. Contacting Santander to try and resolve my dispute has been quite dif�icult. I’ve spent hours waiting on the phone to speak to someone who still has been unable to help with

COMMUNITY RETAILER OF THE WEEK

‘Labour MP visit was refreshing’ Vince Malone, Tenby Stores & Post O ce, Pembrokeshire

“IN JUNE, we sent our MP Henry Tufnell an email saying we’d seen a year of a Labour government and wanted to discuss some the decisions it had made, so he paid us a visit. We spoke about the increase in National Insurance and its impact; we told him we’d had to cut sta hours to make the business viable; we expressed concern at the current economic uncertainty and how we couldn’t invest in our businesses; and we highlighted the problem of retail crime. He made lots of notes, and it was refreshing to stand face to face with him.”

my query.

The calculations I made were passed onto them as I’m considering switching bank to avoid the charges. Still, nobody has con�irmed whether my calculations were correct. I wanted to get this done quickly, but have been unable to do so.

The assistant on the phone con�irmed to me that they had been inundated

with calls from angry customers after they announced they were introducing the £9.99 charge. I don’t know why they don’t invest in additional support.

Jason Byrne, Kingswear Post Of�ice, Devon

Santander failed to comment when Retail Express went to print

CHRISTINE HOPE Hopes of Longtown, Hereford

Finding specialities this summer

THE good weather so far this summer has been a big help for sales, with ice cream getting o to a really good start before the supermarkets caught up with demand. That early success has also translated to some longer-term loyalty, which has been more than we might have expected –another plus.

Each issue, one of seven top retailers shares advice to make your store magni cent

Every Thursday now, we’re just checking that weather report and hoping for a sunny weekend. The tourist trade is important down here, and we’ve certainly found that people are booking their holidays at later notice these days.

One of the ways we really capture that tourist market is by having a good range of gins. Another thing we have is speciality sourdough bread that we only get in on Friday. We might have it on other days of the week, but we’ve really focused on Friday so we create that experience. If we had it all the time, then people would say, “I’ll get it another time,” and sales would drop. It’s nice to have that anticipation building among customers. Some people will order ahead, so we’ll have sold a third of it before Friday even comes.

We’re always looking at what we can do operationally to bring home the speciality options that we have in the store and bring a bit of theatre and memorability to it. We try to have planned wine tastings in the store, for example. We did one the other day with some white wine and I sold two bottles at £16.99 each, which was a marvellous return.

Another major event was the recent summer bank holiday. Unlike the earlier ones – where we were gearing up for the warm weather – our focus was sanity. We wanted to sell out of the summer products and get ready for autumn. We wanted to be slowing down the stock in the run-up to the August bank holiday, although you never know if we’ll have an Indian summer, which would see demand for summer produce remain high.

“I HAVE a place to run for Marie Curie in the London Marathon next April. It’s Spar’s charity and I’ve also been inspired by my dad who has run the marathon twice in two years. This run is also in memory of our assistant manager, Timothy Forde, who sadly lost his life to cancer in 2024. I am no runner, so the next year will be spent training. I am hoping the atmosphere on the day will get me through. I aim to raise more than the minimum £2,500 required – anyone wanting to support me can nd me on LinkedIn and Facebook to donate.”

DELIVERING MORE PROFIT WITH SNAPPY SHOPPER

SNAPPY GROUP is enthused to announce Q-Commerce Delivered 2025, bringing together retailers and brands to help grow their businesses at Glasgow Science Centre on Tuesday 9 September 2025

NOW in its second consecutive year, Snappy Group is bringing together 200 of the UK’s most-influential convenience store owners for a day of networking, insight and product discovery.

Building on the success of its 2024 summit, Snappy Group is taking things to the next level with Q-Commerce Delivered 2025, hosted at the iconic Glasgow Science Centre. From innovations in last-mile delivery to shifts

in consumer behaviour, attendees will gain actionable insights to stay ahead of the curve and make smarter business decisions.

Justin King CBE, former CEO of Sainsbury’s and Snappy Group board member, will headline the event. A true retail visionary, King will share lessons from his transformative decade at Sainsbury’s – and his perspective on the future of q-commerce.

Retailers who attended last year’s Summit give their views on the day

“I’M so happy I attended. I am overwhelmed by the love, the camaraderie, and I’ve learned so much. I’m taken aback by the love and how much everyone is helping us retailers. I’m so grateful.”

“IT was the perfect setting for exchanging ideas, challenges and successes, reinforcing our shared commitment to revolutionising retail. I appreciated the collective wisdom in the room and the opportunity to inspire one another as we navigate the future of retail together.”

In partnership with

INNOVATION, ENGAGEMENT AND UNMISSABLE INSIGHTS AWAIT

RETAILERS are in for a treat at the upcoming Snappy Group Presents Q-Commerce Delivered 2025 – a dynamic event full of opportunities to connect, learn and be inspired.

With insightful talks from industry leaders, inspiring conversations with leading retailers, breakout sessions on delivery innovation and consumer trends, brand partnership insight, technology presentations and more, this year’s event promises to be the most exciting yet.

Retailers will bene t from speaker sessions with Snappy Group CEO Mike Callachan and chief growth o cer Daniel Calvert, with keynote speaker Justin King CBE among other speakers, in Scotland’s largest IMAX theatre.

With experts from both the convenience store industry and the rapidly evolving qcommerce sector, attendees can soak up valuable insights, trends and best practices, giving listeners direct access to cutting-edge knowledge and

strategies shaping the future of retail.

From innovation in last-mile delivery to shifts in consumer buying behaviour, attendees will gain actionable knowledge to stay competitive.

Attendees can explore the Brand Village in between speaker sessions. More than 20 brand partners, including Nestle, Britvic, Coca-Cola, Suntory and Heineken, will join the Brand Village, bringing energy, insight and innovation to the day, highlight-

ing growing opportunities for retailers.

To celebrate the achievements of retailers across the industry, the day will conclude with a special awards dinner. This evening event will recognise outstanding contributions, innovation and excellence, o ering a chance to shine a spotlight on those making an impact. It will be a grand opportunity to unwind, enjoy a meal and connect with peers in a more informal and celebratory setting.

ALL RETAILERS WELCOME

“WE are delighted to be hosting our second consecutive retailer event, Q-Commerce Delivered powered by Snappy Group, in 2025, in partnership with Better Retailing as our media partner,” says Snappy Group CEO Mike Callachan.

“Q-commerce is now a £3.2bn industry and growing. We’re not just riding the wave, we’re shaping it. This summit is a chance to connect

with our top-performing retailers, leading FMCG brands and industry innovators who are rede ning what convenience means in 2025 and beyond.

“This is more than just a summit, it’s an opportunity for innovation, collaboration and inspiration. It provides retailers with an invaluable opportunity to step away from their daily operations and gain insight into emerg-

ing trends, new products and innovations that can help them with their businesses.

“Equally, it serves as an opportunity for brands to engage with retailers.

“Snappy Shopper remains committed to empowering retailers with the tools, knowledge and networks they need to succeed.

“Our goal is to add value and insight – we are here to help our retailers thrive.”

This year’s event is o cially sold out! Keep an

DRIVING SALES OF NICOTINE POUCHES

With the disposables ban now in place, nicotine pouches represent one of the alternative ways for retailers to ll the sales gap, as SIMON KING reports

ESTIMATES suggest more than one million people in the UK are using nicotine pouches, with the number continuing to rise, especially following the disposables ban.

This category is still in its early stages in the UK at least, but momentum is building fast.

Pouches are no longer niche; they’re starting to show up in mainstream conversations,

and that’s reflected in repeat purchase behaviour.

Javier Soria De Vicente, international business development lead at SNU Nicotine Pouches, says: “We’ve seen a signi cant uplift in retailer interest since the ban. Retailers are looking for clean, compliant nicotine alternatives that don’t require specialist storage or disposal – pouches t that perfectly.

“Customers that are drawn to nicotine pouches are typically urban, socially aware and want a nicotine experience without the fuss or stigma of smoking or vaping. We’re also seeing growing uptake among gym-goers and hospitality workers, people who need something discreet and e ective.”

Fiona Malone, owner of Tenby Stores & Post O ce

in

WHAT DOES THE CATEGORY LOOK LIKE?

Pembrokeshire, says sales of nicotine pouches have grown in her store since the disposables ban.

think

“I think that’s because people have been seeking alternatives, and they’ve realised that you can use it anywhere – you can use them in all the places where you can’t vape. I think the sales of nicotine pouches will probably grow; the flavours have exploded.”

Flavour. All In.

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BAT REPRESENTATIVE

FOR ADULT NICOTINE CONSUMERS ONLY.

*Based on NielsenIQ RMS data for the Nicotine Pouches category for the 18-month period ending 31/10/2024 for the UK total retail market (Copyright © 2024, Nielsen IQ). For more info, please visit velo.com

**This product is not risk-free and contains nicotine, which is addictive. You should not use this product if you do not already use nicotine. For trade use only and not to be left within sight of consumers.

PEOPLE MOVING INTO THE CATEGORY

MARKUS Lindblad, head of external a airs at Haypp, says the banning of disposables has led to an increase in the use of nicotine pouches, but there are also signs that other tobacco users are moving into pouches as well. “There is a general trend of smokers switching to vaping, and then, over time, switching to nicotine pouches,” he says. “About 27% of nicotine pouch users start using pouches to help give up a nicotine product other than cigarettes. Seventy per cent of these were giving up vaping.” Latest data shows that total UK nicotine pouch sales are

worth just under £158m and growing at 71% year on year in volume terms.

Prianka Jhingan, head of marketing at Scandinavian Tobacco Group UK, adds: “Sales of nicotine pouches are actually growing fastest in the convenience channel – almost doubling in the past 12 months.”

Soria De Vicente, international business development lead, SNU Nicotine Pouches

“WE recommend a focused range that covers a variety of flavours and strengths – from classic mint to fruitier pro les – and from 6mg to 20mg. More isn’t always better, shoppers just want to see something fresh, relevant and easy to understand.

“Flavour experience is everything. That’s why our rubto-smell packaging has been a game changer: it turns shopper curiosity into trial. If a customer likes what they smell, they’re far more likely to buy. There’s still confusion about what pouches are, and it’s our job as an industry to clear that up.”

CATEGORY ADVICE NICOTINE POUCHES

THE RISE OF STRONG PRODUCTS

WHILE most nicotine pouches range from 6mg to 20mg per pouch, some international products push the boundaries, with nicotine levels of 150mg per pouch.

Patrick Deadman, manager of Vape & Go in Colchester, Essex, says the strengths of his

range, which consists of the Pablo, Cuba and Rush brands, range from 17mg to 50mg.

“Customers are looking for strength and flavours,” Deadman says.

“Since the disposables ban, we’re seeing increased demand for nicotine pouches. In

the future, we’ll see more flavours introduced, and I think it could be a good idea to lower the strength of products to 3mg to 5mg.”

Kelly Busby, owner of Seaborn Stores – Londis in Morecambe, Lancashire, tries

and flavours to cater for all.

“The Pablo range is the strongest, and we also have a variety of flavours to appeal to the younger customers,” Busby says. “There seems to be a degree of brand loyalty within the nicotine pouches

to stock a mixture of strength category.”

STOCK UP WITH FUMI.

CATEGORY ADVICE NICOTINE POUCHES

SUPPLIER VIEW

Markus Lindblad, head of external a airs, Haypp

“FOCUS less on stocking di erent brands, and more on having a good range of flavours and nicotine strengths. The UK market is not yet mature, so there is very little brand loyalty; UK consumers want to try various types of pouches.

“Only about a third (34%) stick consistently with the same product, while 66% rotate between two or more di erent products. The most-common reason for switching to di erent products – cited by 57% of nicotine pouch users – is simply the enjoyment of trying new varieties and brands.

“For UK customers, there are three key factors to consider: price, flavour and nicotine strength.”

VALUE AND MERCHANDISING

LINDBLAD recommends retailers show value in the nicotine pouches category through bundle deals, while Stuart Vaughan, head of sales, branded retail UK at Nextgen 360, says the key thing that retailers can do to provide value to consumers is having nicotine pouches readily available to purchase, ensuring that a variety of flavours and strengths are available.

“Always aim to o er the products at competitive prices to increase availability and lean into the fact that nicotine pouches are considerably cheaper than the price of smoking and tobacco products,” Vaughan says.

Nishi Patel, owner of Londis Bexley Park in Dartford, Kent, merchandises the nicotine pouches in a prominent place and has a good

range available.

“On Velo, for example, we run a ‘two for £10’ multibuy, which resonates with customers,” Patel says.

Judith Smitham, owner of The Old Dairy – Pydar Stores in Truro, Cornwall, says she has increased her range of nicotine pouches since the disposables ban.

“We’ve got a much bigger range and sales are de nitely improving,” Smitham says.

“Before the ban, we displayed nicotine pouches on plastic shelves on the counter; now we’ve devoted the top row of the gantry to nicotine pouches and have 20 products facing out.”

Smitham says she plans to reduce her range of medicines and increase her nicotine pouches range into that space.

BIG NIGHT IN: THE OPPORTUNITY

With value at an all-time high, suppliers and retailers unveil how they’re driving the occasion. TAMARA BIRCH reports

DIFFERENT NIGHTS

THERE’S no one approach that ts with the big-night-in occasion. Customers could be shopping for a movie night, a games night, a sporting event or a date night – and retailers should make sure they have the ranges in place to cater to them all to drive spend.

“If it’s a movie night, we’ll have popcorn, snacks and soft drinks,” says Vidur Pandya, of Kislingbury Village Store & Post O ce in Northamptonshire. “We’ll also run a promotion on multipack cans, 2l drinks and sharing bags.”

Craig Warren, of The Corner Stores Costcutter in Mildenhall, Bury St Edmunds, Su olk, o ers similar products for movie-nights-in, but will switch products for any sporting events, such as football games.

IN

He says: “With movie nights, we’ll o er take-home drinks, snacks, popcorn and Haribo, but with football, this will involve beer, wine, crisps and peanuts.”

For date nights, Pandya offers a Praveen Kumar curry meal deal that includes a choice of two curries and a side, and he plans to include a drink soon for a xed price.

“We’ll be marketing the offer in a way that’s similar to a takeaway, without having to wait 45-to-60 minutes for it to arrive,” he says.

Warren adds that your bignight-in range could change with each season. He says in summer, retailers should include ice cream in any bignight-in range, but in winter, this could be switched to hot chocolate.

supplier TIPS

Georgia Ladbrook, customer marketing manager – impulse, BrewDog PLC, identi es big-night-in occasions to drive alcohol sales.

Night in

This might be along the lines of a meal as a couple, a chance to wind down and relax at the end of the day or spend quality time with someone, generally involving food. This is an opportunity to highlight four-packs along with meals-for-tonight solutions.

Regular/everyday drink

As before, this could be relaxing at home alone or with a partner or spouse, but more habitual, rather than a special event. This is a key occasion for alcohol-free products, where shoppers are looking for a drink to unwind with but wanting to moderate mid-week consumption.

Planned social occasion or barbecue

This relates to a bigger gathering at someone’s home, a more upbeat get-together with friends on a weekend. To cater for a bigger group with di erent tastes, larger multipack formats are ideal, maybe linked to sharing style snacks.

Party mood

This can simply be drinks before going out or a party at home with friends or family – the emphasis here is on fun. Where a four-pack is the perfect accompaniment to pre-drinks, larger multipack formats and BrewDog’s Mixed Pack are best placed for larger parties.

CATEGORY ADVICE

BIG NIGHT IN

SUPPLIER VIEW

John O’Neill, retailer sales controller, Parfetts

“IT’S best to focus on categories that suit a relaxed evening at home, including crisps and snacks, sharing confectionery, so drinks, chilled beer and cider, and ready-to-eat or heat-and-serve meal options. Products that can be picked up quickly as part of a one-stop shop perform especially well.

“Multipacks and sharing formats remain important, alongside premium snacks for special occasions. Parfetts sees strong demand across these areas in its Go Local own-brand range, which o ers quality at value prices, appealing to budget-conscious shoppers. Matching these lines with seasonal entertainment, such as big TV events or sporting events, can further boost sales.”

THE ALCOHOL NIGHTS IN OPPORTUNITY

PREMIUMISATION and lowand no-alcohol are the biggest opportunities for nights in, according to Robert Hobart, marketing director at Asahi UK.

“Premium lager is the only value segment of the beer market that is in growth, up by 3.7% year on year, as total lager continues to decline,” he says. “Cans are playing an increasingly important role at

the premium end of the lager category and are therefore a must-stock format for bignight-in shoppers.”

With low- and no-alcohol, this year, two in ve consumers abstained from alcohol in January versus 35% in 2024, Hobart says.

“While soft drinks are the number-one switch for consumers, nearly half of those

abstaining choose to drink low- and no-alcohol beer,” he says. “Therefore, if you are running a big-night-in meal deal in store, we recommend including an alcohol-free beer option, such as our Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0%.”

This is also backed by Janel Fatania, customer marketing manager at Diageo, who says 0% options are driving catego-

ry growth. As a result, Hobart suggests executing “standout in-store promotions” as key to unlocking growth.

“To support retailers in driving sales in their store, Diageo launched its trade platform, Diageo One, last year, o ering retailers access to exclusive themed and timely promotions and merchandising tools,” he says.

TOP Products

Asahi UK and Arsenal multi-year partnership

Asahi UK and Arsenal have joined forces, meaning the brand will become the club’s O cial Beer Partner. The partnership means Asahi UK has gained exclusive pouring rights for lager, ale and cider at the club’s home ground, beginning at the start of the 2025/26 season. The partnership will also see Arsenal Legends become part of new digital content and campaigns.

Chupa Chups unveils Stranger Things lollipop collaboration

Chupa Chups has unveiled a new range of lollipops with the Netflix show Stranger Things, available from September. Available in two di erent pack sizes, the bags are lled with nine mystery flavours inspired by the famed characters and world of the show. Each pack also features a QR code linking to a digital experience with competition opportunities.

Monster Ultra Fantasy Ruby Red

Available now, Monster Ultra Fantasy Ruby Red comes in plain and £1.65 price-marked packs, as well as 4x500ml multipacks. The flavour is grapefruit with a pink colour, which the supplier says “perfectly balances sweetness and tartness with a fresh citrus taste”. It launched in the US in 2024.

Sour Patch Kids limited-edition Blue Raspberry Sour Patch Kids Blue Raspberry will be available for one year alongside the brand’s UK range, comprising Original, Cola, Watermelon, Fruit Mix and Strawberry. It is available in 130g bags with a £1.50 RRP and will be supported by in-store activations and organic social media.

SUPPLIER VIEW

Kate Abbotson, senior external communications manager, Coca-Cola Europaci c Partners

“AS consumer habits evolve, the big night in has cemented itself as a key occasion in the weekly routine for many UK households – o ering a unique opportunity for retailers to cater to demand for indulgent yet convenient drinks that enhance the athome experience.

“Whether it’s a movie night, games night or a relaxed evening with friends or family, so drinks are a go-to choice across all demographics. The Coca-Cola range is leading the way, accounting for more than two-thirds (69.3%) of value sales in cola, the largest so drinks segment in retail.”

WHAT’S TRENDING WITHIN CRISPS, SNACKS AND CONFECTIONERY?

WARREN and Pandya stress the importance of snacks and chocolate for the big-night-in mission. Susan Nash, trade communications manager at Mondelez International, says this is because shoppers want to treat themselves.

“Shoppers want variety, so it’s important to have a range

of flavours – and in candy, different types of sweets, from hard to soft, to appeal to all shoppers,” she says.

Nash adds that value is important in candy, where 70% of sales are in pricemarked packs.

“To build a successful and e cient big-night-in range

in confectionery, retailers must focus their space on the bestselling lines across these key formats and pack types,” she says.

The crisps, snacks and confectionery categories are also where new products can thrive for big-night-in missions.

“New products are always

about excitement, and it will always do that to a better extent than core because it will have that point of disruption,” explains Ed Merrett, wholesale controller at PepsiCo. “That might be an FSDU or PoS. We’ve also just launched That’s Nuts, so there’s another great opportunity for the big night in.”

HOW you merchandise for big nights in will depend on the size and layout of your store. The aim should be to both inspire customers to have a big night in and to provide everything they need for it in one place. Warren utilises a gondola end that will include a big-night-in promotion.

“We do this for one bignight-in mission speci cally, like a movie night or for an upcoming football match, but the flow of our store is also designed to predict those occasions,” he says.

“So, you’ll nd take-home drinks, sharing bags and confectionery together.”

Pandya also uses promotional bays to group products together, including snacks, crisps, chocolate and sweets.

“We’ll then attach PoS to it to help drive the overall theme to the forefront of our customers’ minds,” he says.

Retailers should utilise window posters and shelf barkers, advises Stuart Graham, head of convenience and impulse at KP Snacks.

“Sixty-eight per cent of bagged-snack shoppers buy on impulse, and window posters and shelf barkers are great ways to catch the eye on the path to purchase and encourage impulse sales,” he says.

Georgia Ladbrook, customer marketing manager –impulse, BrewDog

“CRAFT beer features in many at-home occasions, with four- and six-packs delivering 55% of cra beer spend in convenience1. To help deliver value for shoppers and consistency for retailers, PMPs of bestselling beer products o er a great opportunity to drive rate of sale for the occasion.

“As an initial cra o ering, we recommend our top two products, Punk IPA and Hazy Jane New England IPA 4x330ml can multipacks – now available in a £6.99 PMP. They continue to see a lot of love from shoppers and are worth nearly half of the category in impulse combined2.”

PUSHING WINE PROFITS HIGHER

CHARLES WHITTING investigates the di erent ways retailers can increase wine sales this year

GETTING YOUR RANGE RIGHT FOR SUCCESS

AS a category, wine o ers a wide array of options for retailers and customers, with myriad grapes, prices and countries of origin to choose from. But retailers are also reporting that the category is challenging at the moment.

Exclusive data from Retail Express’ website, Better Re-

tailing, found that 61% of the top wine lines had smaller margins in 2025 than 2024, as the category was a ected by increases in alcohol duty. This means that retailers need to get their range on point if they are to drive volume sales to make the category pro table.

“We’ve noticed a big decline

in wine sales over the past year, especially with red wine sales,” says Marty Uppal, from Fixby Stores in Hudders eld, West Yorkshire.

“The cost has gone up, meaning people are only buying it for an occasion or a treat rather than ‘I fancy a bottle of wine tonight’.”

LOOKING AT THE TREAT OPPORTUNITY

FOR Harj Dhasee, from the Village Store in Mickleton, Gloucestershire, the sweet spot is wines priced between £8 and £10, which o er good volumes and a 28-34% margin. He gets better margins from Co-op own-label wines, but the pro tability for the more expensive ones is far greater. He adds that retailers’ focus should always be on pushing

weekend sales.

“Wines sell really well on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays,” he says. “People are moving away from quantity to quality purchases as well. That’s the premiumisation trend coming into focus. That’s when you want to be pushing the £8-to-£10 bottles of wine because people are happy to up their spend.”

Uppal echoes this and says that while he isn’t selling as much wine as he used to, what he is selling is the more expensive varieties.

“We’re in a middle-to-affluent area and many of our customers don’t mind spending £10-to-£15 on a bottle of wine because they know what they’re getting. We’re not in a Blossom Hill area and we’ve

found that sales of those brands are on the slide because the customers interested in them are focused on value and the prices have gone up.

“The way trade is now, we must be clever. We used to buy a lot on promotion and know that it would fly out, but now we’re just ordering enough to keep on the shelves. Once that’s gone, it’s nished.”

RETAILER VIEW

Bipin Chawla, Late Shop 24, Bangor, Gwynedd

“WE’VE got a cosmopolitan clientele, with lots of students who are switched on when it comes to branding. We have to keep a good steady range of whites, reds and rosés, but our bestsellers are what you’d expect: Blossom Hill, Echo Falls and Jacob’s Creek.

“Our wines are generally around the £6-to-£7 mark going up to, but not beyond, £10. We try to keep things under £10 because for many customers that’s just too big a barrier for them to cross.

“We’ve got quite a narrow shop and the wines are towards the back, with the whites and rosés in the fridge and the reds on the other side of the aisle. People don’t necessarily come in for more than a bottle of wine, but by the time they’ve got to them, the way the shop is laid out, they’ll have seen crisps and snacks, biscuits and cakes, even something from the chiller, and then some sweets at the till. So, we’re always aiming to turn that single purchase into a £10 basket.”

THE IMPORTANCE OF BRANDS

THE wine category is so vast, with so many di erent producers and suppliers out there, that it can be intimidating to enthusiasts, let alone someone coming in to buy a nice bottle for the evening. With this in mind, it is important that your range caters to your customers’ needs. If you’re going to invest in a wider range of lesswell-known options, then you need to make sure they are arranged in a navigable fashion, with helpful tasting notes and recommendations, as well as a well-trained team of sta members who are able to provide insight and advice for customers.

Regardless of how wide you go, however, it is key to have the big brands on your shelves to provide that anchoring point for customers.

“We’ve noticed that we need to focus on the brand names,” says Bipin Chawla, from Late Shop 24 in Bangor, Gwynedd. “That’s what people recognise and go for. We’ve tried the cheaperend wines in a bid to get more throughput, but it just doesn’t work as well.

“Customers tend to buy what they know and if we try to fob them o with a £3 bottle they don’t know, it will sit on our shelves for three months.”

PRODUCT LAUNCHES

Dolly Wines

Dolly Wines, a collaboration between US country star Dolly Parton and Accolade Wines, is now available to the convenience channel. The range consists of Dolly Rosé and Dolly Prosecco, both in 75cl bottles. Both varieties had initially launched exclusively in Asda last September. Booker is o ering the Prosecco at an RRP of £10.99, giving retailers a margin of 30.3%, while the Rosé has a £9.49 RRP and a 28.5% margin.

Echo Falls

Echo Falls has partnered with social media influencer GK Barry to launch a limited-edition Fruit Fusion Summer Berries bottle. Available now to independent retailers from Booker, Morrisons and Co-op, the supplier said the collaboration is a “strategic move to inject energy and excitement into the fruit wine category”. It has an RRP of £5.50.

ADVICE

THE END OF SUMMER

The RETAIL EXPRESS team nd out how retailers prepare for the end of summer

2

Lewis Woodward, Nisa Colley Gate, Halesowen, West Midlands

“WE get promotions from Costcutter and put them in the bays. We use the knowledge of who we have in our demographic and combine that with the promoted goods. I went to the Costcutter showcase in Coventry and got some good deals we’re still using.

“You want to keep core lines, but always have different things coming in. If they work, that’s �ine – and even they don’t, it’s about taking that opportunity to do different things because people in our community are keen to try new things.

“Around and after the bank holiday, there’s more of a focus on alcoholic products. White wines and rosés are good at this time of year and we’ve got fridges for beers and wines, so they’re chilled and ready to drink. We’re based near Adnams Brewery in Southwold, so we try to get some of their new-wave beers and ciders. That local angle is important for us. People will pay more if they know it’s been sourced locally.”

Abdul Arain, Al-Amin Supermarket, Cambridge 3

“WE try to get some deals on and new lines in that we can shout about. It’s always good to have that anyway, but we tend to do well with that kind of stuff towards the end of summer. We’ll de�initely put some beer promotions on because alcohol is the big seller at this time of year.

“Around August, as opposed to May, we do things a lot more last minute and try not to put too much planning into it. In May, we held a Fun Day for the community, but we’re not doing that for August and will instead focus more of our energy into building up for Christmas.

“Whereas the middle of the year was all about people being positive because the weather is �inally getting better and there’s a sense of them thinking, ‘let’s go for it and spend’, summer is a bit trickier for retailers. People are away on holiday, the schools are off and if the weather’s bad, people won’t do anything.”

“CAMBRIDGE empties out in the �inal months of summer with people away on holidays. So, what we do is focus on the staff. We hold barbecues for the team in our garden and things like that. It’s important to reward them and show we are looking after them.

“Beyond that, this is a time for us to get a better understanding of how the market is moving. We’re living in a really challenging environment right now. People are looking for new trends and products, and we have to be on top of that because they’re conscious of the stores that are delivering new products.

“But there’s also food in�lation and rising prices. We were glad to see the interest rate break a bit as that will help people. But in reality, with summer almost over, we are spending the period after the recent bank holiday focusing heavily on our value offer and making sure that we are still perceived as offering great value to our customers.”

In the next issue, the Retail Express team nd out how retailers are changing their range for winter. If you have any problems you’d like us to explore, please email