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Meanwhile, this issue’s cover story (page 3) highlights the growing social media craze of chocolate chicken drumsticks, which are currently flying o some retailers’ shelves.
Like previous social media trends, there have been reports of non-compliant stock entering the UK market.
Read our coverage for trading standards advice on how to stay on the right side of the law.
Editor Alex Yau alex.yau@ newtrade.co.uk 020 7689 3358
News editor Ryan Butcher ryan.butcher@ newtrade.co.uk
PayPoint to boost eld and sales support for stores
ALEX YAU
PAYPOINT is to conduct a reorganisation of the business, which it claims will help it improve revenue and �ield support for its estate of more than 30,000 partnered convenience stores.
Revealed in an unaudited trading updated for the year ending 31 March 2026, the
�irm said the strategy will involve driving “network performance through better store compliance and service delivery”.
It added: “To achieve this, the Network Services unit will move to a uni�ied, geographically aligned operating model to enhance estate quality, strengthen commercial and operational consistency, and deliver material
ef�iciency savings.
“The business will be organised into �ield services and a retail service hub. This approach will underpin a ‘growing retailer value’ strategy focused on increasing revenue per store, improving compliance, widening product penetration and strengthening retailer capability, supported by increasingly sophisticated data
analytics.”
PayPoint con�irmed it was conducting similar changes across its digital payments, Love2shop and merchant services businesses.
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“The board believes these actions are fundamental to the next steps in the development of the PayPoint business and will establish a stronger foundation for future growth,” it concluded. @retailexpress betterretailing.com facebook.com/betterretailing
Associate editor Jack Courtez jack.courtez@ newtrade.co.uk 020 7689 3371
Features editor Charles Whitting charles.whitting@ newtrade.co.uk 020 7689 3350
Features & advertorial writer Shyama Laxman shyama.laxman@ newtrade.co.uk
Editor in chief Louise Banham louise.banham@ newtrade.co.uk
CONSERVATIVE party leader Kemi Badenoch has faced criticism for encouraging retailers alongside their staff and customers to tackle shoplifters if they were “not too big”.
Speaking to Times Radio
last month, the MP said: “I think it depends on how big they are. But yes, broadly, it would be my instinct.
“I think people should look after their personal safety. I think those people who are stronger should do more.”
of digital Luthfa Begum 07909 254 949
Cover image: Getty Images/Hoang Fuong/GCapture
42,624
the upcoming �inancial year.
In a message sent to Retail Express, HMRC warned those with a turnover greater than
£50,000 must keep digital records and send quarterly income and expenditure updates using compatible software. A penalty point will be issued for each late quarterly �iling, with four penalty points triggering a £200 �ine.
SOME of Booker’s smallest symbol stores are likely to be hit hardest by changes to the wholesaler’s rebate scheme.
The changes mean the minimum spend required for the 1% rebate has increased by 10%, while the spend needed for 5% has risen by 5.7%.
A Booker spokesperson con�irmed the changes to Retail Express, stating: “We’ll continue to review our ongoing range of support for customers to ensure they are set up for success.”
ADMINISTRATORS for vape distributor JM Wholesale have blamed recent vape legislation for its collapse.
The Leicester-based �irm is no longer trading, but claimed to offer more than 10,000 products to convenience stores before disposablevapes were banned. Administrators Quantuma reportedly blamed the disposable-vapes ban for the drop in trade, but the wholesaler’s accounts suggest it was shrinking before the ban.
story,
For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘PayPoint’
Warning over chocolate chicken drumstick craze
RETAILERS jumping on the chocolate chicken drumstick craze are being told to beware of rogue traders �looding the market with non-compliant products.
The trend has been driven by social media due to the imitation confectionery resembling a real chicken drumstick. Independent retailers with compliant products said they had �lown off the shelves within a week of stocking them.
However, other store owners have reported receiving visits from trading standards claiming certain lines do not meet UK trading standards laws.
SV Wholesale founder Amrit Singh Pahal, who is working with Vape Supplier Limited (VSL) to distribute the compliant Cluck-o-late product into convenience, warned the majority of chocolate chicken drumsticks being sold into the market potentially breach UK trading standards laws.
Retail Express has seen some listings that incorrectly state certain brands are Oreo and Biscoff products. One wholesaler immediately removed these products after being informed by Retail Express.
They said: “This was due to a misunderstanding with the listing provided by our distributor. We ensure we only stock compliant lines for retailers.”
GOOD WEEK
DSL GROUP: The general merchandise distributor has launched an app, designed to improve the purchasing process for customers. DSL head of procurement and sales Karanbir Landa told Retail Express the app is live with 5,000 retailers, giving them instant access to ordering, promotions and planograms.
Advising on what retailers should look out for, Dean Cooke, from Slough Trading Standards, stated the label must declare a “GB geographical address of the importer/manufacturer into the UK”.
He added that the product must declare and make allergens distinctive from other ingredients, include a descriptive name, which provides consumers with a full summary of the product, and include a “UK oversticker”.
In a Better Retailing Club Rewards poll of 42 retailers, 16 store owners stated they were not aware of UK laws around imported food.
Jo Wrate, trading director at VSL, added that Clucko-late was one of the only compliant products being distributed to convenience stores, with the distributor securing listings with major symbol groups.
She said: “TikTok has de�initely played a big role in turning food imitation into a mass trend. Cluck-olate is produced in a factory fully accredited by the British Retail Consortium and we’ve worked with trading standards to ensure every ingredient contained in the item is compliant.
“We launched it in March and within a week we’ve sold 2,500 cases. Some of the groups we’ve sold it to include James Hall, CJ Lang, AF Blakemore, some Co-operative societies and a whole host of members
“CHANGES to Statutory Sick Pay requiring employers to pay it from the rst rather than third day of absence is not necessarily a bad thing overall, but will lead to abuse. It’s about work ethos, managing a team and developing that ethos, knowing not to leave your team short and setting that standard. It’s recognising that from one person to another, when someone doesn’t turn up, it has an impact on the well-being of everyone.”
Natalie
Lightfoot, Londis Solo Convenience, Glasgow
Simon
within the Unitas group. Nearly 40,000 units have been sold to date.”
Asked whether the product’s popularity has a limited time span, Wrate added: “We want a product that isn’t just a fad. For us, this is just the start and we want to approach it as a brand rather than a standalone product. There’s a potential for a family of products and we’re looking at launching Cluck-o-late in a chicken nugget format.”
Mo Razzaq, of Premier Mo’s in Blantyre, has been stocking Cluck-o-late chocolate chicken drumsticks at an RRP of £2.99, and took nearly £150 in sales from them last month. He told Retail Express: “They’ve been selling really well and have been a phenomenon from social media.
“It’s a novelty because they’re shaped like real food. Customers are a mix, ranging from teenagers to adults buying them for their children.”
For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘DSL’
UNISNACKS: The specialist wholesaler is expanding into convenience, helping retailers capitalise on the growing demand for Asian novelty snacks and frozen ready meals. Lines o ered by the rm include products from South Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan and Indonesia, o ering up to 40% margin.
For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘Unisnacks’
BAD WEEK
Similarly, Nishi Patel, of Londis Bexley Park in Dartford, Kent, has also seen a surge in demand from customers for the compliant products. He added: “It reminds you of the gummy burgers, which were really popular during the 2000s.”
Wholesaler Bobby’s
con�irmed to Retail Express it will also be making a compliant chocolate chicken drumstick product available to independent stores from mid-April, and stressed it has conducted all the necessary checks to ensure the product is UKcompliant.
Have you prepared for changes to Statutory Sick Pay?
“I’VE been doing some initial research into changes to Statutory Sick Pay, among other major changes in the Employment Rights Act. There are a lot of changes that will need to be looked at, but one of the concerns among retailers is the potential for abuse from certain sta members. I do trust my sta . I’ll be keeping an eye out on advice from the convenience trade bodies and trade press.”
Grewal, Premier Crabbs Cross, Redditch, Worcs
“HOW can stores plan for the changes to sick pay? You expect everyone to pitch in, but for those that don’t have a team – with just one or two members of sta –what do they do? These stores are already struggling; what will this do to their nances and their health? Having a HR company to ensure compliance and leave you free to run the store and manage the team better will be important.”
JUST EAT: The UK’s competitions watchdog is cracking down on allegedly misleading online reviews on the platform. It is examining whether the provider “inflated certain restaurants and grocers’ start ratings”, warning this would harm the business of other stores on the platform, if true. Just Eat said it is working with the Competition and Markets Authority’s investigation to ensure reviews are “clear, transparent and easy to use”.
VAPE RECYCLING: Pressure is growing on retailers to comply with mandatory rules to act as a vape recycling point, after new research by sustainability group Material Focus revealed 6.3 million vapes are still being incorrectly disposed of each week. One senior industry source claimed to Retail Express that independent retailers were among the least compliant with the regulations.
Atul Sodha, Londis Hare eld, Uxbridge, west London
ALEX YAU
Atul Sodha
The legal Cluck-o-late product in store
Worldpay outages hit store sales
RETAILERS partnered with Worldpay lost thousands of pounds in sales and faced anger from customers following two service outages in March.
The disruption to the card machine provider’s services on 14 March and 24 March, with the latter lasting around four hours, was con�irmed by several store owners to
Retail Express. Although a large number of Nisa and Costcutter stores were affected, not every site was impacted. The issues have since been resolved.
“It was absolute carnage in the shop because customers couldn’t use card payments,” one affected retailer told Retail Express. “That’s how most of my customers pay now. I’d say I have lost a couple of thousand pounds
in payments.
“I had asked customers using debit cards to use my post of�ice to withdraw cash, but those with credit cards couldn’t do that,” the affected retailer continued.
“As an alternative, I quickly downloaded SumUp, but this impacted my bottom line due to extra charges. There were also longer queues in the shop and some customers were expressing an-
ger towards my staff.”
Another retailer added: “Card services were down longer than what was acceptable. Customers were angry because they had to queue up and it wasn’t the fault of any retailer. The worry is whether this will be reputation damage for stores.”
Worldpay failed to respond as Retail Express went to print.
Nisa delivery charge
CO-OP Wholesale has not ruled out the re-introduction of a delivery charge to Nisa and independent retailers amid the con�lict in Iran.
Speaking during a call about Co-op’s unaudited yearly �inancials last month, Co-op Wholesale managing director Katie Secretan said: “Of course we can’t predict what fuel price movements will be in the future, but we will continue to keep our proposition really simple.”
MR MOTIVATOR CAMPAIGN
MR Motivator is encouraging more people to visit their local convenience store as part of a wellness campaign with AF Blakemore and Spar. Speaking to Retail Express, the TV tness personality said: “Improving well-being doesn’t have to be complicated. Convenience stores are at the heart of their communities and it only takes a simple walk to these shops.”
DRS regulation change
PROPOSED amendments to permitted development legislation would allow reverse vending machines to be installed in and around shops without full planning permission.
The rule for the upcoming Deposit Return Scheme set to be introduced in October 2027 covers machines inside stores, in the immediate outside vicinity and any required canopies or enclosures.
ALEX YAU
SCAN
PRODUCTS
Echo Falls is giving Blue
SHYAMA LAXMAN
ECHO Falls has expanded its Fruit Fusion roster with the introduction of the Blue Raspberry �lavour.
Blue Raspberry has an ABV of 9% and retails at £6. It is available via wholesalers such as Booker and Parfetts, as well as local cash and carries as a three-month exclusive, followed by a wider rollout from June onwards.
Nielsen �igures reveal that Echo Falls Fruit Fusion is the UK’s bestselling fruit fusion brand, worth £36m in retail sales value. Retailers can avail support in the form of PoS materials including pallet wraps, FSDUs and sampling to build awareness.
Natalie Lightfoot, of Londis Solo Convenience in Glasgow, sold 138 units within 24 hours of introducing the new �lavour in her store. Lightfoot said: “A blue food or drink seems to have this fascination… as the �irst blue wine, the novelty factor sparks interest.
“Feedback so far has led to repeat purchase. The price point is realistic as well. Folks are more conscious now and drinking lower ABV, and that’s why Echo Falls Fruit Fusions have always done well.”
Pineapple-Kiwi joins Rekorderlig roster
MOLSON Coors Beverage Company has expanded its Rekorderlig range with the introduction of a Pineapple-Kiwi �lavour.
Pineapple-Kiwi, which has an ABV of 3.4%, is available in 500ml bottles and 500ml cans. The new �lavour joins Rekorderlig’s existing �lavours, which include Strawberry-Lime, Wild Berries, Mango-Raspberry, Peach-Raspberry, and Passionfruit, as well as an alcohol-free Strawberry-Lime variant. The brand is also launching
a 500ml single-can format for its top-selling variant, Strawberry-Lime.
Peperami teams up with Doritos
PEPERAMI has joined forces with Doritos to launch a limited-edition BBQ Sweet Tang variety.
It’s available in three formats – 5x20g (£3), 10x10g (£3) and 28g single (£1.30).
The launch comes amid growing demand for protein snacks, with the meat snacks category doubling in value
over the past �ive years to be worth more than £335m.
Within this, Peperami has grown more than 7% in the past year, reaching one in �ive households. The limitededition �lavour is expected to attract young adult shoppers.
CAPRI-SUN has introduced a new 20-pouch ‘Party Pack’, geared towards the kids’ juice category. They are available to convenience retailers and via wholesale in Orange Core, Tropical Core, Orange Zero & Jungle Zero �lavours. Each pouch in the Party Pack has a name �ield on the front so children can personalise their pouch. Other features
SUNTORY Beverage & Food GB&I is permanently reintroducing Lucozade Energy Grafruitti, following consumer demand.
consumer quotes to tease the return of the variant in content across social media, OOH, in-store, as well as through in�luencer activity.
Lucozade Energy Grafruitti is available in a zero-sugar variant, in 500ml plain (RRP £1.75) and price-marked packs (£1.50), and a 900ml bottle (£2).
According to Nielsen �igures, Lucozade accounts for 8% of the total soft drinks category growth in 2025, growing at 3.1% in value and 3.3% in volume in the energy category.
The launch is supported by a £2.3m campaign, ‘Back for the Believers’, which uses
include multiple colourful characters and 14 interactive games on the back of the packs, including Noughts & Crosses and I-Spy.
RRP: £6
PERFETTI Van Melle has expanded its Mentos roster with a new variant called Sour Tones.
Mentos Sour Tones comprise �lavours of Strawberry, Orange and Apple.
in the past 12 months. Sour Tones comes in a 37.5g roll (RRP 75p) and 120g sharing bag (PMP £1.25).
The range is available via wholesalers including Dhamecha, Spar, Parfetts, United Wholesale Scotland, Filshill and United Wholesale Grocers.
BROOKLYN Brewery has launched a trio of limitededition craft beers.
According to data from Circana, Mentos is worth £48m and has grown by 10% in value and 12% in volume
Brooklyn Brewery’s limited-edition lines
throughout 2026 in 440ml cans retailing between £3.25 and £4.25.
The range includes Bel Air Sour (5% ABV), Fonio Rising Double Pilsner (6.4% ABV) and Black Chocolate Stout (8.4%), available
SWIZZELS has expanded its roster of price-marked pack (PMP) confectioneries with the addition of Squashies Drumstick Cherry Cola. Squashies Cherry Cola is available in 120g bags in
£1.15 PMP. It joins the current Squashies PMP range, which includes Squashies Original, Sour Cherry & Apple, Bubblegum, Strawberry & Cream and Rhubarb & Custard.
PRODUCTS
New Tennent’s is Tops notch
SHYAMA LAXMAN
SCOTTISH lager brand Tennent’s is set to launch a limited-edition citrus�lavoured brew called Tennent’s Tops.
It has an ABV of 3.4% and is available to convenience
retailers in 4x440ml packs retailing at £4.50. Tennent’s Tops is the second recent release from the brand and follows its Bavarian Pilsner, which launched in October 2025. The launch will be supported with a digital marketing and PR campaign as well
El ar launches
as in-store activity. The brand has also launched a Tennent’s Lager 18x330ml pack retailing at £15.44. Store manager Harshita Jand, at Girish’s @ Barmulloch in north-east Glasgow, said the brand generated a cumulative £1,735 in
average monthly sales across single can, four-pack and 12pack formats.
CARLSBERG Britvic has introduced Greek style beer Mythos to the UK market.
JoinOne15K pod kit
ELFBAR has bolstered its presence in the high-puffcount segment with the launch of the JoinOne15K Classic pod kit.
The kit includes a 2ml pre�illed pod and a 10ml re�ill container with 20mg (2%) nicotine strength e-liquid.
Other features include a dual-battery system and a magnetic snap-on battery for extended use.
The device’s 1,000mAh battery can fully recharge in just 36 minutes. It is available in 15 �lavours,
retailing at £12.99, while the pre�illed pod has an RRP of £7.99.
Make some music with JD & Coke
Mythos is available now via Booker, before rolling out across the wider grocery, convenience and impulse channels in September this year. The beer has an ABV of 4.6% and comes in a variety of formats including 660ml bottle (RRP: £2.75), 4x440ml cans (RRP: £6) and 10x440ml cans (RRP: £13).
The launch aims to plug the gap in the world beer
CCEP, the exclusive alcohol ready-to-drink partner of Wembley Stadium, has launched the �irst-ever onpack promotion across its Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola ready-to-drink (RTD) range.
Kettle Chips x Women’s T20 Cup
KETTLE Chips has been announced as the of�icial partner of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, happening across England and Wales from 12 June to 5 July.
The brand seeks to champion a more inclusive environment within cricket, using its platform to help lower the barriers to entry. The partnership also entails a series of activations to build momentum and support young adult cricket players and fans, including limited-edition packs inspired by the games across 13 variants as well as grassroots infrastructure support.
Running until 29 June, the promotion invites consumers to scan QR codes across the full Jack Daniel’s & CocaCola RTD range, including Original, Zero Sugar and Cherry variants, as well as new multipack formats, for a chance to win live music experiences. Prizes include tickets to see some of the
biggest artists performing at Wembley Stadium this year, plus £400 towards travel and expenses.
Mini
Cheddars
and Jacob’s expansion
PLADIS has added new lines to its Mini Cheddars and Jacob’s Crinklys portfolio.
The baked Mini Cheddars Cheeselets are available in Intensely Cheesy and Intensely Cheese & Onion varieties. Meanwhile, Jacob’s Crinklys Big comes in three �lavours: Cheese & Onion, Salt & Vin-
egar and Prawn Cocktail. The new lines are available in 150g sharing bags at an RRP of £2 and in price-marked packs (PMP) of £1.25.
HERBAL tea brand Pukka Herbs is expanding its range with the launch of Night Time Apple Chai and Citrus Yerba Mate & Green Tea varieties.
Night Time Apple Chai builds on a trending pro�ile among Gen Z and millennials, while Citrus Yerba Mate & Green Tea is a source of energy with green tea currently in 17.3% growth.
Both varieties are available to independent retailers via Amazon at an RRP £4.99.
segment, which is currently dominated by
and
according
Pukka introduces organic blends
MARS Wrigley has expanded its Extra Plus range with the launch of three new gum �lavours. Extra Plus Chill in Watermelon �lavour is currently available via Booker. This variant retails at 80p for a pack with seven pieces and is expected to offer retailers 40.1% pro�it-on-return.
The other �lavours include Extra Plus Deep Clean in Spearmint �lavour and Ex-
tra Plus Hydro in Peppermint �lavour. All three variants are sugar-free.
Spanish-
Italian-style lagers,
to Nielsen �igures.
With Cadbury, the wins are big
SHYAMA LAXMAN
CADBURY is back with its ‘Big Win-Win’ promotion for shoppers and independent retailers.
The promotion invites winning shoppers to nominate their favourite convenience store for a cash prize that they and the store can receive. Shoppers simply need to purchase any participating Cadbury Singles or Duo product, enter their details via the competition website, along with the pack’s barcode and batch code.
A lucky winner will be asked to nominate their favourite local store.
A total of £100,000-worth of cash prizes can be claimed. Retailers can win £50,000-worth
of prizes across 100 opportunities: 25 x £1,000, 25 x £500 and 50 x £250.
The promotion runs until August on both price-marked packs (PMP) and non-PMP
formats of lines including Cadbury Twirl, Cadbury Dairy Milk and Cadbury Wispa. Retailers can get campaign-speci�ic PoS from Mondelez representatives.
Coke Zero Ca eine Zero Sugar returns
CCEP has brought back CocaCola Zero Caffeine Zero Sugar to UK shelves, replete with a refreshed black and gold pack design.
Coca-Cola Zero Caffeine Zero Sugar has also partnered with the soon-to-launch 007
First Light video game, developed by IO Interactive, with the can featuring in the game.
Fans can also scan QR codes on limited-edition packs to win prizes, including custom 007 consoles and in-game content.
Pringles teams up with Burger King
GINSTERS has partnered with Hot Sauce brand Frank’s RedHot to launch a limitededition Buffalo Chicken pocket variant, available at One Stop and Co-op wholesale.
According to Green Shoots research, 54% of savoury pastry purchase decisions are made in store, making it an even more impulsive category than confectionery at 49%. Mintel �igures indicate Ginsters Pockets have recruited 810,000 new shoppers to the category.
The new limited-edition variant is set to drive incremental growth for the category among under-35s, the UK’s most proli�ic snackers, according to Kantar.
PRINGLES has joined forces with Burger King to launch two limitededition �lavours. The brand says Pringles Burger King Bacon Double Cheese XL and Pringles Burger King Chicken Royale will be available from now until September. However, listings in a leading wholesaler’s brochure, seen by Retail Express, hint at a May launch into the channel. The 165g tubes come in a case size of six. Retailing at £2, the price-marked packs are expected to offer retailers 21.5% pro�it-on-return.
New
MOLSON Coors Beverage Company has launched Madrí Excepcional 0.0% in 4x440ml can format, available now to convenience retailers.
The new format aims to offer shoppers a convenient, accessible pack size, helping retailers tap into the growing low- and no-alcohol lager opportunity across a broader range of occasions. IWSR �ig-
ures indicate that premium brands now account for twothirds of all no- and low-alcohol lager volumes. Moreover, Madrí Excepcional 0.0% has generated more than £2m in retail sales in under a year, according to Circana data. The data further reveals that alcohol-free 4x440ml can formats are also in growth by 5.6% year on year.
Windmill Organics unveils new range Schweppes taps into Cherry craze
ORGANIC food supplier
Windmill Organics has expanded the roster of its Profusion, Bion and Raw Vibrant Living brands.
The HFSS-compliant Profusion Protein Puffs are available now at an RRP of £1.99, in Paprika & Himalayan Salt and Lemon & Black Pepper �lavours. Meanwhile, Biona Passion Fruit & Lemon kom-
bucha is available in a 330ml bottle with a £3.39 RRP, whereas two �lavours of Raw Vibrant Living drinks – Peach and Apple & Blackberry –are available in 250ml cans retailing at £2.39.
Hajoori adds new so drinks lines
INDIAN soft drinks brand
Hajoori has introduced six new variants across its Sosyo, Kashmira and Lemee lines, available via Empire Bespoke Foods.
Sosyo Lychee, Mango and Lemon retail at £1 per 330ml bottle. Kashmira Masala Jeera and Lemee Lemon & Lime are available in 250ml cans
CCEP has launched a Schweppes variant called Cherry Pepper Soda, available now to convenience retailers.
It comes in 150ml cans in a 12-can multipack format, retailing at £6.30. Nielsen �igures reveal that Schweppes – the secondlargest mixer brand – is worth almost £84m in value sales. The new �lavour taps into the growing popularity of cherry�lavoured soft drinks, cur-
rently growing at more than 200% in value year on year, according to Nielsen.
New Twister will leave you cooold
at an RRP of £1. The brand has also introduced a new carbonated drink to the UK market called Opener, available in two Indian �lavours: Nimbu (Lemon & Lime) and Ginger, retailing at £1.49 per bottle.
Diet Coke partners with the Devil
DIET Coke has joined forces with The Devil Wears Prada, as the second instalment of the iconic �ilm lands in cinemas on 1 May.
The campaign will help retailers capitalise on the buzz around the �ilm, with activations ranging from special packaging to a bespoke ad set in the �ilm’s Runway of�ices. Shoppers can also participate in a promotion to win a trip to New York City, alongside hundreds of daily prizes including cinema tickets and The Devil Wears Prada 2 x Diet Coke merchandise.
THE Magnum Ice Cream Company has launched Twister Frrreeze, available in a four-pack at an RRP of £2.75.
The new variant leaves a lingering cooling sensation long after the ice cream is �inished. The launch comes with an on-pack promotion
– in partnership with Disney – that runs from now until July. Shoppers can scan the on-pack QR code to win a trip to the newly opened World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris.
Badger expands bottled ale range
BADGER Brewery is adding Iron Hart Pale Ale to its premium bottled ale (PBA) range.
Iron Hart retails at £2.35, and at 5.2% ABV, it taps into consumers’ increasing preference for PBAs with a higher ABV, while staying within the pale ale taste and cues expected by drinkers.
Iron Hart is available via Amazon with other listings to follow.
RETAILER
OPINION
for the chance to be featured
NATIONAL LOTTERY: How have sales been in your store?
“I DON’T think we’ve moved forward in terms of where we want to be. People are playing it less. Scratchcards are popular, but no more so now than they were before. Commission wasn’t groundbreaking to start with, and declining sales mean there isn’t that much going into your pocket.”
Ken Singh, BB Nevison Superstore, Pontefract
“WE’VE been pretty consistent. We’re lucky we do sell a lot of scratchcards. We sell them online through Snappy Shopper. I’ve not noticed any difference. Because of the big events with the EuroMillions rolling over, we still see peaks and troughs with people buying more on a super draw.”
Lightfoot, Londis Solo Convenience, Glasgow
There isn’t much going into your pocket
COSTS: What are you doing to reduce overheads?
“I’VE relaunched my Londis – and careful planning and 10 years of experience has helped keep the refit costs under control. By ordering the equipment before the floor plan was finalised, I gave the relaunch date a buffer from the unreliable lead times on chillers and other equipment.”
Sudesh Patel, Londis Woodmansterne, Surrey
“I’VE decided to install solar panels on the roof of the shop. I’ve spent £10,500 on the equipment for a saving of £100 a week. The costs will be recouped in around two years. It’s something retailers might want to look at, especially as the Iran conflict may have an impact on utility costs.”
PROTEIN: Have you added any new additions to your range?
“WE began working with Unnu to get Applied Nutrition products into our new shop. It’s supplying protein bars and supplements, and they seem to be doing well. It’s a great opportunity as customers are looking to support their healthier lifestyles.”
“I PARTNERED with Palse Snacks for a free-standing display unit. It’s great to be trying something different with a protein display. Indications show that it is working and the stand helps focus customer interest. Thank you to the suppliers for their support.”
Customers are supporting their healthier lifestyle I will recoup my costs in around
Vas Vekaria, Kegs N Blades, Bolton
Neil Godhania, Nisa Heacham, Kings Lynn
Kevin Polley, Kash Retail, Bedale
SERVICES: How are you standing out to your customers?
“I’VE installed launderette machines outside the store, supplied by Photo-Me. But it’s not just about the commission, it’s about the custom that it brings and the dwell time for the washers and dryers to work. Maybe we get a bit out of that, which we can’t see, but I’m sure they do come in.”
Andrew Newton, Nisa Local Halesowen, West Midlands
“I OFFER printing services, which are used by 10-to-15 customers a day, at 50p for black-and-white prints and 60p for colour. The monthly takings can be between £300 and £675. I’ve used social media to promote this and footfall has definitely increased.”
A YOUNG adult came into the shop, became verbally abusive to us and customers, before smashing our door by repeatedly slamming it into shop equipment. When threatening to call the police to get them to leave, they repeatedly said, ‘You’ll get the police to deal with it? The police deal with f**k all.’ We did call the police and
I followed him into a local pub. I spent 30 minutes on the phone to the police trying to get their attention while the guy sat inside. The result? The police never came to help us. This will cost us more than £500 to replace.
A frustrating part about this is that the police are proving this criminal’s claim to be correct.
COMMUNITY RETAILER OF THE WEEK
Bisi Osundeko, Go Local Junction Lane, St Helens
‘It’s important to be a role model’
“I WELCOMED England footballer Georgia Stanway to discuss the importance of being role models in our respective elds. If you look at our sta , 90% are female, in a way you would expect more women in charge. You feel like you have to prove yourself all the time. Initiatives like Women in Convenience o er so much peer-to-peer support. You go to these events and see other women running shops, you think, ‘Wow, I’m not alone!’ and it’s very encouraging. And people there will always be able to relate and o er solidarity and advice, which is important.”
I think it’s time to make an of�icial complaint. The police are failing in their duty to protect us. At what point are there �inancial consequences for this?
Ravi Raveendran, Colombo Food & Wine, Hounslow
Chief inspector Barinder Gill, who leads policing in the Hounslow area, said:
“The Met is focused on targeting repeat offenders who cause real fear for retail workers and harm communities.
“We are investigating reports of criminal damage at a shop in Kingsley Road, Hounslow, at around 8.40pm on Friday, 20 March. Of�icers are working to identify the offender and no arrests have been made at this time.”
PRIYESH VEKARIA
One Stop Carlton Convenience, Salford
Don’t go chasing trends
RIGHT now, we are facing lots of challenges, from legislative changes around tobacco and vapes to everyone feeling the need to budget more and more. So, we’ve been concentrating on controlling the controllables and nding ways to give our customers and ourselves more.
One of two leading retailers shares his thoughts on the challenges in retail
As an industry, we’ve always chased percentage margins of 30-40%, but I think the industry standard nowadays is actually closer to 25% once you account for wastage, shrinkage, cleared goods and the like. So, rather than focusing on reaching a 40% gross margin, why not operate on an optimised model that allows you to make a real margin of 26%?
We buy lines with a strong promotional mechanic, we get rebates through the suppliers and we o er deals to customers so we don’t have to worry about wastage. That means the margin is the true margin.
We need to commercialise the cost-of-living crisis and be savage at all levels. Budgets are tighter across the board, so ask yourself how you can make things more e cient for people. If I’m eating a packet of crisps every day, why would I buy a single packet each day from a store, when I can buy a multipack? So, why don’t we lean into that and sell them.
“I’LL be running the London Marathon this year in honour of our former assistant manager, Timothy Forde, who died in 2024 a er a tragic battle with cancer. I’ve got a corporate spot through Spar because Marie Curie is their charity, but a few weeks ago I threw my dad under the bus and he’s taken an injured runner’s place. He’s done it the last two years and wasn’t planning to this time – but I think he had a bit of FOMO. Together we’re are aiming to raise £5,000 for Marie Curie, supporting its work with people and families facing terminal illness.” COMMUNITY RETAILER
Once you’ve identi ed those, it’s about consumer engagement and taking them on that journey. We’re not here to provide a perceived value. We’re here to provide actual value, so we need to make that connection clear. We have price-marked packs (PMP) in our store, but many customers will go around the corner to a competitor that is renowned for PMPs. But that shop is selling smaller packets, so if they shopped with us, customers might pay a bit more, but they’ll get more in volume. I’ll be selling a 900ml Lucozade for the same price as a price-marked 500ml bottle because I’m happy to lose the margin on a few products to get customers in, so I can chase the higher basket spend around the rest of the store. Focus on getting that core range right and then bring in some funkiness, but don’t become sidetracked by chasing trends.
Chloe Taylor-Green, Spar Western Downs, Sta ord
GLOBAL DOMINATION
TAMARA BIRCH explores the global confectionery, snacks and so drinks pro t opportunity
WHICH COUNTRIES HAVE THE MOST POPULAR PRODUCTS?
FOR years, global confectionery has been dominated by US lines. However, with rising import pricing and tari s, retailers are looking elsewhere.
“With US lines, pricing is very volatile, and we couldn’t guarantee availability, so we’ve steered away from that, but we do a big range of Asian and eastern European snacks, crisps and confectionery,” explains Jeet Bansi, of Meon
Vale Londis in Stratford-uponAvon, Warwickshire.
He has focused on nding a group of suppliers to serve his customers, and says Ginni’s has been a strong brand for his store, stocking corn nuts, for example. He also stocks Polish lines, such as Kubuś drinks, to cater for his Polish demographic. Meanwhile, Kalpesh Pau, of Kal’s Budgens in She eld,
South Yorkshire, echoes the demand for Asian snacks and drinks, adding that his customers are switching from US lines to Japanese or Korean options.
“We’ve recently given onemetre bays to these lines to increase our range,” he says.
“It’s de nitely something we’re investing more in and we get good pro ts, too, as customers are willing to pay
more for these products.”
Bansi says the key is understanding your demographics and their missions, as they can vary greatly, but they are strong opportunities to drive sales.
“Some will buy them for the familiarity of the culture, while others will be curious to try something new or relive their holiday or travels,” Bansi says.
TOP PRODUCTS
Some global brands to consider
Cluck-o-late chocolate chicken drumstick
The Cluck-o-late chocolate chicken drumstick is a novelty shaped classic fried chicken drumstick made from Belgian chocolate, lled with cream and covered in caramel biscuit. It’s going viral on social media and is ideal for a treat, Easter baskets or customers looking for quirky, unusual confectionery.
Kubuś Juice Drinks
STOCK UP NOW WITH PEPSI MAX Tropical
From Poland, Kubuś’ range includes carrot-based fruit juices and smoothies, often blended with fruits such as apples, bananas and strawberries. Some variants contain vitamins A, C and E, and are available in a variety of sizes.
Ginni’s nuts, snacks and sweets
Ginni’s is based in London and specialises in a wide range of nuts, snacks and sweets across the globe, including Indian-inspired flavours. Some of its products include Beer Nuts spanning Traditional, Honey Mustard and non-alcoholic options, as well as Chilli & Lemon Toasted Corn and Bombay Mix.
HANDLING PRICING STRUCTURES WITH GLOBAL PRODUCTS
WITH imported products, there’s an assumption that they will be more expensive, which can have a negative impact on interest and sales, so Bansi says the key to avoiding this is raising awareness with your customers.
“If you stock brands that are also available in the UK, like Monster, then naturally they will be more expensive, and if a customer isn’t aware that it’s an import, they might question it,” he says.
price, but it will likely go a long way to educating them.
Instead, Bansi recommends changing your marketing strategy to educate your customers on your international soft drinks range. For example, if you stock Japanese Fanta, create your own signage to highlight that it’s an import. You don’t need to mention the
Bansi will also adjust his pricing according to what he buys his stock for at the time.
“Eastern European lines and some other global locations have volatile pricing, but we balance that with our margin,” he says. “If it goes up, we adjust our price – and vice versa – but we are quite lucky with
Dhan Amin, 34 One Stop shops nationwide
our suppliers.”
When it comes to pricing your international snacks range or confectionery and soft drinks, Nishi Patel, of Londis Bexley Park in Dartford, Kent, aims for 35-40% margin on these lines.
“It’s all about balance, and as long as we achieve more than a 35% margin, it works out for everyone,” he says.
“CUSTOMERS are adventurous and well-travelled, so any goods and drinks sold globally they nd on TikTok will more than likely be a fast seller.
“American drinks perform well in store, and we stock Gatorade for £3 each, but we also stock Asian drinks.
“A Red Bull from Thailand is selling particularly well, and we sell around four-to- ve cases a week, so around 100-120 cans a week.
“We generate around 40-50% margin on any international line, so it’s a lucrative area to invest in – and for us, if we don’t stock them, we will lose that customer.”
CATEGORY ADVICE GLOBAL PRODUCTS
GETTING
SOCIAL media plays a huge role in how successful an international line is, and Pau regularly checks TikTok to nd new products.
“We also ask our customers on social media whether they’ve seen something new,” he says. “We then nd the product or get in touch with our wholesaler to see if we can stock them. We also use local suppliers where we can, too.”
Bansi has a similar strategy, but says you have to make sure you’re early in stocking the product or range to capitalise on sales.
“If it’s popular on social media, get it in, but be careful on your stock levels, as you don’t want to be left with dead stock when the initial craze dies down,” he says. Therefore, Bansi recommends looking at your pricing
TRANSFERABLE TRENDS
MONITORING trends is a strong way to determine what to stock, and many trends that you can see happening throughout categories can be applied to imported varieties within those categories.
For example, soft drinks are being driven by flavour, including cherry, vanilla, lemon and lime variants, according to Kate Abbotson, senior external communications manager at Coca-Cola Europaci c Partners, and that as we enter summer, this will only grow.
market isn’t short of. For example, Fanta White Peach, which is a popular line in Japan and South Korea. Patel has jumped on the flavour trend by stocking packaged tea, and plans to expand the service in the summer.
“As temperatures rise, so does consumer demand for refreshing beverages, with families and friends gathering for picnics and barbecues,” she says. “And this seasonal shift presents a prime moment for retailers to maximise sales by stocking the right mix of products that meet evolving shopper needs.”
“In Japan, it’s popular in stores to o er sealed iced cups for customers to make the drink in store, and if we can nd a supplier, we plan to do the same,” he says. “This helps us o er an on-the-go solution, and the margins will be good as you’re selling ice cups in addition to the packaged tea.”
This is further backed by Barnaby Mallinson, managing director of James White Drinks, who says shoppers are looking for bold flavours –something the international
Moving into snacking, 53% of shoppers are seeking onthe-go snacking solutions and are replacing meals with flexible eating occasions, Susan Nash, trade communications manager at Mondelez International, says.
“There’s been a shift towards spontaneous eating occasions,” she says. “As traditional meal structures evolve, convenient formats are well placed to meet this demand.”
structure to ride the hype, especially if you have stock left over in month two and beyond.
“After the initial hype, you need to make a judgement call,” he says. “If a product is losing steam and sales are slowly declining, is it worth reducing the price, so you can move onto the next trending product?”
Monitoring your sales through your EPoS data is vital
here, as is your buying strategy. If it’s a new product, consider buying a small amount rst, monitor its success and market it heavily. From here, check ongoing stock levels in case you need to top up. Also, consider how long you’ve stocked the product. Most retailers will stock a product for eight weeks before delisting, but your sales data will tell you if you need to move on sooner.
Nishi Patel, Londis Bexley Park, Dartford, Kent
“WE are transitioning into global goods to help o set margins from price-marked packs, and while I have a wide range of suppliers, I nd my products on an app called Joybuy. It’s free to download and it o ers thousands of Asian products. It’s a little pricier than you might expect, but the margin you’ll get by selling the product is strong.”
How to
How to find profitable products
How to buy a convenience store
How to list your business on Google
How to attract customers to your store
How to write a stand-out job advert x
UPDATING YOUR STORE
CHARLES WHITTING nds out about the in-store services that are driving customer footfall, and the equipment saving retailers time and keeping their teams safe
TECHNOLOGY FOR SECURITY
WITH crime continuing to be a major problem for independent retailers, many have turned to technology to help curb it. They nd the initial investment is returned by the subsequent drop in shrinkage.
CCTV cameras provide you with a clear view of everything that’s going on in the store –making the number and positioning of them absolutely
critical – but there are now further steps retailers can take.
“We went live with Retail AI at Christmas, and it seems to be pretty good,” says Peter Patel, from Bargain Booze Purfleet in Essex. “It’s not just the AI on the cameras, it’s the radio as well. It lets you make adverts that go out on the speakers which are more local to your store.”
However, it is important for retailers to understand the potential problems with AI technology in their stores.
A report from headset manufacturer VoCoVo found that 52% of UK shoppers specically oppose AI-enabled CCTV, even when used to protect retail workers, while 53% are concerned about how their data is stored and shared.
INVESTMENTS TO HELP YOU SAVE TIME
AS well as security technology, there are innovations designed to save you and your team time. Whether this allows retailers to cut sta hours and costs or to put members of sta to better use, some of these technologies can have a major impact on a store’s bottom line.
“We’ve used electronic shelf-edge labels (ESLs) for many years,” says Patel. “It’s hard to convince people be-
cause of the price, and it is hard to work out exactly what your cost savings are. But for me, it’s not just saving sta time, it’s reducing errors. When we had paper labels, they went missing and sometimes the prices were wrong.
“With ESLs, we never have problems with price disputes at the till, and it’s so quick to put in a promotional price change now. You can’t put a price on that.”
Patel also uses S4labour to run his sta rotas to save time, and is able to remotely monitor his fridges with EnviroGuardian.
“We have online training systems for the sta – not just things like Challenge 25, but GDPR, and health and safety,” he says. “Every time someone starts, they go through the process and they automatically issue refresher courses as well.”
VIEW
Ricardo Amorim, chief revenue o cer, Stuart SUPPLIER
“RETAILERS should assess how easily the solution ts into daily operations. If implementation requires major disruption or excessive sta training, it may struggle to deliver long-term value. Flexibility is also critical. Solutions that scale with demand allow retailers to grow sustainably.
“Retailers should understand exactly what they are paying for and what commercial upli the technology is designed to deliver.
“It’s important to focus on three areas: commercial return, operational t and compliance.
“Retailers should ask: ‘Will this increase footfall or basket size? Does it integrate smoothly into my store routines? And does it protect my reputation and licence?’
“The right partner will o er transparent pricing, clear onboarding support and a model that allows retailers to scale as demand grows.”
IN-STORE SERVICES FOR YOUR STORE
OFFERING in-store services can generate extra income for a store, but they are also critically important for driving additional footfall, especially for customers who otherwise might not have visited the shop or even known about its existence.
PayPoint and ATM terminals can be large footfall drivers in this regard, even as we become an increasingly cashless society, but the most talked-about service of current times is parcel collection and drop-o .
Other options include dry cleaning drop-o s, key cutting services and even mobile phone repair. Do your research on the local area to nd out what services might be missing or needed by people and you may nd a footfall-driving
niche that doesn’t take up much space, but still generates strong footfall. The right service can extend your customer base a decent distance beyond your normal reach, especially if you highlight these services online for Google searches.
PARCEL SERVICES
PARTNERING with the various parcel companies provides retailers with a commission, whether it’s parcel services done at the counter or via external lockers.
“Our gures show that more than half (52%) of locker users’ visits to retail locations are to use a parcel locker, and for those whose preferred parcel locker location is a convenience store, 65% of visits are prompted by the presence of the locker,” says Paul Selvey, network director at InPost UK.
“Not only are the lockers pulling shoppers to a store, but they’re also driving repeat visits, with 68% visiting a store more often because of the lockers.”
Although many retailers believe that very few customers are actually spending in store, it still serves as a way to show o the shop to new people. So, while they might not buy something as they’re dropping o a parcel, they may come back another time to pick up something they’ve seen on your shelves.
“Parcels are flying for us,” says Arneet Thakker, from Londis Woking Wines in Surrey. “We’ve had to organise the parcels by surname rather than parcel partner because we have so many. The customers appreciate it, and we’ve de nitely seen an increase in footfall with it.”
EPOS SYSTEMS
PERHAPS one of the most important pieces of technology that a store needs is a good EPoS system.
The advances within these systems mean that it is no longer just a till. It can give retailers in-depth insights into what is happening in the shop far beyond what they can see with their own eyes.
Additionally, some EPoS systems can also streamline your ordering processes, making sure you are getting deliveries of the products you need and which are selling quickly without the need for a lengthy stocktake.
“When integrated with stock management and supplier ordering, it reduces manual errors, prevents missed sales and improves cash-flow visibility,” says Paul Vezelis, CEO and co-founder of Traxlo.
“Secondly, real-time inventory tracking is critical. Shrinkage, incorrect deliveries and stock-outs directly impact margin in convenience retail, where basket sizes are small and product availability is everything.
“Finally, simple analytics tools that translate sales data into actionable insights allow retailers to understand peak times, top-selling lines and underperforming products. Without this visibility, technology investments elsewhere rarely deliver full value.”
Before deciding on an EPoS system, it is important to talk to other retailers about their experiences with various companies and also to understand yourself both what your needs are from EPoS and how comfortable you feel using the technology.
SOME of the technological advances and services available to retailers can seem like considerable investments, so it is always important to work out the potential returns – and the timeline for those returns – you should expect before diving in. With many of these technologies, those returns will be hard to exactly quan-
SUPPLIER VIEW
Rob
Smith, technology o cer, East of England Co-op
“CONVENIENCE stores shouldn’t be focused on what technologies they use in store, but how they’re rolled out. Well-designed technology that’s easy to use should make colleagues’ and customers’ lives easier. For example, self-checkout technology can be frustrating for all involved if the interface isn’t intuitive –and it can discourage customers from future use – but if the hardware is dependable and adaptable, then everyone wins.
“Forming and nurturing a strong relationship with your vendor is the best advice I can o er. If you commit to a plan, provide opportunities for publicity, as well as mutual solution development, then it will provide you with the best chance of success.
“[Training sessions] have been an invaluable tool for upskilling and training our colleagues when new technologies are introduced. We have also had success with drop-in sessions, lunch and learns, and AI-powered educational courses. It can be bene cial for retailers to invest in in-depth solutions that allow colleagues to gain certi cation as a long-term investment.”
tify – whether it’s increased sta e ciency, reduced theft or increased customer footfall.
“Retailers should start by asking whether the service meets the needs of their speci c customer base and the needs of their business of being always on,” says Matthew Thomas, managing director UK and Ireland for Transaction
Network Services (TNS).
“First de ning the success metrics and targets, then all use cases, before issuing any tender. Typically, TNS supports in these processes through discovery and design workshops to de ne the in-store target state across all services, site types, payment methods, types and channels.”
A REMEDY FOR SUMMER SALES
ANGELA YOUNGMAN nds out how retailers can build the right range of remedies for summer and present them in the most pro table way
THE SUMMER OPPORTUNITY
SUMMER holidays, outdoor living and high pollen levels create a demand for seasonal remedies available at short notice. With the number of high street pharmacies declining and di culties in getting appointments at GP surgeries, consumers are looking at other ways of buying basic items. For convenience stores, this is good news. Sunscreen, bite and sting cream, travel sickness and anti-allergy products are in high demand throughout summer alongside the perennial demand for basic remedies such as painkillers, indigestion tablets and sore throat lozenges.
Elizabeth Hughes-Gapper,
WHAT CUSTOMERS WANT
PEOPLE who are purchasing summer remedies want fast, easily accessible solutions. Instantly recognisable brands are good because customers know they are e ective and reliable, especially if travelling or on holiday, when forgetting sunscreen or allergy remedies is common.
“Shoppers are seeking smaller pack sizes, easy-to-use sprays and products they can carry,” says Rachel Realf, Ol-
Jakemans senior brand manager, says: “Consumer habits are shifting, with more people taking a self-care approach to minor ailments. According to the 2025 PAGB Self-Care Census, 83% of UK adults now manage minor ailments without seeing a GP, and many are researching symptoms online before heading in store.”
bas’ brand manager. Sugar-free items such as throat lozenges are also growing in demand. Jakemans’ Hughes-Gapper says 72% of UK consumers are actively seeking to limit their sugar intake.
CREATING A SUITABLE RANGE
PRIORITY should be given to products which address seasonal issues, such as hay fever remedies, nasal sprays, eye drops and sunscreens, along with painkillers, indigestion remedies and throat pastilles, for which demand is constant.
“Sunscreen is the standout category, with sales up 22.7% year on year” says Alex Lawrence, senior strategic insight
director at Circana. Many people are increasingly using sunscreens on a daily basis throughout the summer, no matter how cloudy. There is growing awareness of the risks of sunburn and high UV light, allied to the potential damage to skin. Wearing sunscreen is an obvious solution.
Big brands such as Garnier Ambre Solaire and Nivea prom-
inently placed on the shelves will encourage purchases. Sunscreens possessing high levels of SPF provide the greatest allround sun protection from UVA and UVB rays, which is why demand is greatest for high 30-50 SPF and very high (50+).
Hay fever is another major summer problem, with more than 13 million su erers who need instant solutions. People
Drive strong remedy sales this summer
Take advantage of summer and travel needs –items that are needed in a hurry.
Displays linking product categories like sunscreens, basic remedies, allergy, bite and sting cream with travel necessities can encourage multiple purchases.
Create visibility so that new and regular customers know exactly where to nd them.
Stock travel packs and small packs that take up little store space, and are ideal for customers wanting on-the-go use.
tend to shop for relevant products when hay fever hits, as it can be hard to plan ahead. Pirilieve is the most common solution, although natural treatments like acupressure bands are gaining traction. Additional sales opportunities can be created by stocking items like throat pastilles, Optrex eye spray and nasal decongestants to help with symptoms.
SUPPLIER VIEW
Rachel Realf, brand manager, Olbas
“I WOULD recommend positioning summer remedies prominently to capture the attention of customers seeking allergy solutions. One way of doing this is to create eye-catching displays near the checkout area, featuring on-the-go solutions which can drive impulse purchases.
“Retailers can also create convenient bundles by pairing summer remedies and training their sta to provide informed recommendations, as 44% of summer remedy shoppers rely on advice from store sta when making purchasing decisions.
“Retailers should also remember potentially overlooked products with more than one bene t and smaller travel-sized packs. These are particularly appealing to consumers looking for convenience when they are on the move during summer activities.
“There is demand for remedies that use trusted and natural ingredients. By meeting these needs, retailers can ensure that their product ranges feel relevant and supportive of summer lifestyles.”
RETAILER VIEWS
Kay Patel, Best-one Wanstead, east London
“DISTRESS products always sell well. We buy our hay fever medicines in bulk from the wholesaler. There is a demand. People buy sunscreen because they forget it and suddenly want it. When my supplies run out, I will not be buying more in the future. Prices are going so high. Sunscreen has become very expensive.”
Dipesh Modha, Edgware Road Post O ce, north-west London
“WE promote it because it is important to make people aware that we sell these things; your health is important to us. We might make some comments about the need for products like hay fever tablets when serving customers. People are looking for travel-pack sizes –they want things now. Selling smaller packs also gives us better margins, too.”
Vidur Pandya, Kislingbury Village Store & Post O ce, Northamptonshire
“WE sell these products predominantly on the store shelves, and some over the counter. Medicines are impulse purchases. People need them urgently. We sell branded and value ranges.
“Three di erent types of hay fever products and a spray are sold during the summer. We do some dual sizes of sun screen – all are branded ranges that we sell on the shelves and over the counter.”
HOW TO BOOST YOUR SALES
“THE opportunity for convenience stories is in stocking the products shoppers need immediately and making them easy to nd. Strong visibility and seasonal displays can help retailers make the most of demand,” says Lawrence. Make sure products are
instantly visible, with promotional signage to catch customers’ attention. Shoppers in a hurry especially want instant solutions.
Introduce new products as early as possible in the season. This raises awareness that products are available in store
and are instantly available when needed. It also encourages trialling products and make repeat purchases. Adding innovative products can capture attention, especially if part of a wider promotional display. Hay-Band’s unusual nature can act as a commercial strength since it generates curiosity-driven purchases, has no side e ects, and is safe for both children and adults. Since it is also a natural alternative to antihistamines, it appeals to the trend for convenient natural, non-drowsy, immediate relief.
TOP TIPS
ADVICE
NEW SUCCESSFUL IDEAS
CHARLES WHITTING nds out the new ways retailers are driving sales in their stores
1
Kumar Patel, Patson Local, Bradford, West Yorkshire
“WE have a lot of European meats in our store, so we’ve started working with various catering �irms and supplying the food for their events. We offer things like bruschetta with toppings, and they are all used at events such as weddings.
“We’re now working with a couple of big caterers across the country. It makes things easier for them and means we get some big baskets out of it. Most of them were customers anyway – buying my world food for their own personal use – but we’ve established the business to such an extent now that we were asked if we could do it on a bigger scale.
“It’s one transaction that can bring in £700-£1,000 – especially as some of these events can cater for 300-400 people. It’s also a massive help for us in terms of turning stock around quickly. These are high-value products. As well as meats, we’re now offering cakes, bread-based products and even soft drinks.”
2
Gav Singh, Charlie’s Convenience, Worcester
3
Andy Campbell, Go Local Extra Hursthead Convenience, Cheadle Hulme, Greater Manchester
“ABOUTa year ago, we introduced Classic Cuisines. It’s a company based in Birmingham, and it sells really well-made ready meals. They’re all curries, but they’re not too spicy as a lot of people don’t like that. It has about seven or eight varieties on offer, and we stock all of them.
“They have a six-to-eight-day expiry, and they have a greater sense of authenticity to them, which really helps with boosting sales.
“We used to get Jack’s ready meals from Booker, but these new ones from Classic Cuisines perform much better. We have kept the Jack’s to cover other cuisines – so we’ve got chow mein and beef lasagna from them – but we’ve cut back on them massively because people want the varieties from Classic Cuisine. We don’t just get our curries from Jack’s anymore.”
“ENERGY drinks are not exactly a new category, but we’ve recently really leaned into them. I’m introducing a whole energy drinks section into the shop. I have a Monster fridge, and am getting a Red Bull fridge as well to really make it stand out.
“I’ve introduced the four new �lavours from Celsius, which have taken off very well. We’re multi-siting that around the store and putting up lots of PoS, which it has provided. We’re selling six-to-seven cases of those every week now. It’s all about getting support from the suppliers. The social media assets and PoS kits that the likes of Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I provide make a big difference in getting people’s attention.
“I’ve also introduced a vape stand from Phoenix 2 Retail, which has LED lights and all sorts of things. No one knows how the category will go this year, but since I installed the stand, I’ve seen a 40% increase in sales.”
In the next issue, the Retail Express team nds out how retailers are making in-store promotions work better for them. If you have any problems you’d like us to explore, please email
We’ve not introduced any new products recently, but what have other retailers been bringing in? – Catherine Johnson, Premier St Dogmaels, Pembrokeshire
