Minimum alcohol pricing‘likely by next spring’ in Scotland

Minimum alcohol pricing is likely to be law in Scotland by April next year, following the victory by the Scottish National Party (SNP) in elections north of the border earlier this month (May), reports today’s Independent Retail News.

The SNP failed to introduce minimum pricing last year because as a minority government it could not get the support of the other parties in the Scottish parliament.

But the party now has a majority and it pledged to introduce minimum pricing in its election manifesto as a“priority” in its first legislative programme of the new parliament.

Pundits expect the Scottish government to opt for a minimum price of 45p per unit of alcohol. An industry observer said it would be fairly simple for the government to re-introduce last year’s defeated minimum price plans.

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Grocers’ Federation said: “As they have got a majority in parliament they can do as they like. They have run the research and the legislation was written. It isn’t a big challenge to get it up and running again.”

The independent retail trade is fairly ambivalent about the proposals. Minimum pricing could make it easier for retailers to compete on price with the major supermarkets, but it could also limit their own scope for price promotions. There are also fears minimum pricing could fuel the illicit trade and increase cross-border and internet trading.

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The Co-op opens its third food store in London

The opening of the new£600,000 Co-operative Food outlet in Store Street, London, is the third Co-operative Food store to open in the capital within as many months. 

It follows the opening of The Co-operative Food’s flagship Strand store in February, and the opening of another convenience store in Wembley in March.

The Strand store opening in London WC2 was a major milestone as it gave the consumer-owned retailer a food store in every UK postal area, and signalled The Co-operative’s intent to deliver on its ambitious expansion plans for the next three years, with a renewed focus on stores in city centre locations, including the capital. 

The Co-operative Food plans to open more than 300 food outlets over the next three years, creating around 7,000 jobs, including around 50 stores within the first 12 months.  

So far nine new stores have opened, and a further 21 contracts exchanged– with new stores planned for Edinburgh, Glasgow, Southampton, Liverpool, Manchester and Swansea, as well as other locations in the coming months. 

Andrew Coles, national acquisitions manager, for The Co-operative Food, said:“These are exciting times for The Co-operative Food, which is looking to expand the estate following the integration of the Somerfield estate. 

“As a result, the property team is communicating with the retail marketplace more than ever before and recently held an event in Mayfair for agents, landlords and developers, with further events of this kind planned later in the year.”

Source: The Co-op

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Vote for your female retailer of the year

Entries for the Specsavers everywoman in Retail Awards are open until Monday 23 May for the 2011, aimed to highlight inspirational role models and their accomplishments within retail.

With retailers in the UK feeling the squeeze (March 2011 sales fell 1.9% -this represents the worst figures recorded since 1996– BRC), it’s never been more important to show support for women in this sector. From florists to pharmacists, boutiques to butchers, department stores to local stores, to those who do it all for free in the thousands of charity shops nationwide.

Maxine Benson, co-founder and director of everywoman, said:“We are looking to give recognition to the talented women in retail whose success will inspire and motivate the next generation.”

Dame Mary Perkins, founder of Specsavers, said:“There are some excellent opportunities for women in the retail industry. Although there are not as many women in senior positions as there should be, there are many good prospects. At Specsavers, many of our stores are owned by female opticians who recognise the importance of excellent customer service and high retail standards.”

The NatWest everywoman Awards are open to any female business owner. Winners will be announced at a ceremony at The Savoy on 14 September 2011.

To nominate a colleague, co-worker or friend that you think would fit the billvisit:http://www.everywoman.com/ewawards/nomination

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Oddbins to sale 29 of its stores with Christie + Co

A second wave of closed Oddbins stores are to be marketed for sale by Christie + Co on the instructions of Lee Manning and Matthew Smith (Deloitte LLP), joint administrators of Oddbins Limited and Oddbins Properties Limited.

This latest tranche will feature 29 stores, located across the UK.

Steve Rodell, head of retail at Christie + Co, said:“Once again we will be conducting a short, focused marketing campaign for these 29 stores, aiming at operators and individuals who have an interest in the sector. Nine of the second-wave stores are located in and around the Greater London area and should provoke strong interest.”

Best and final offers for these 29 stores are being sought by 5pm on Friday 27 May 2011.

Offers made for stores in the first wave of 55 are being considered by the joint administrators.

Interested parties can find more information about the latest 29 stores offered for sale by visitingwww.christie.com/oddbins

Source:Oddbins

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NIIRTA back Mary Portas’ appointment on future of high streets | TalkingRetail.com

The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association(NIIRTA) has welcomed the announcement that TV retail guru Mary Portas is to carry out a UK government-backed review aimed at halting the“decline of the high street”.

Portas will look at the problem of empty shops and how to prevent the growth of“clone towns” dominated by chain stores.

Portas is due to present her findings in the autumn and NIIRTA has called upon the new Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland to invite her to Northern Ireland as part of her inquiry.

NIIRTA chief executive, Glyn Roberts, said:“Local shops and high streets in Northern Ireland matter to consumers who use the health of the high street as a barometer for the economy as a whole. Healthy, diverse high streets mean confident consumers and vibrant local shopping holds the key to economic growth and job creation. We welcome this independent review and urge her to address the tough questions about how to put high streets at the heart of recovery.

“We would urge our new DSD Minister Nelson McCausland, who has responsibility for town centres to invite Ms Portas to visit Northern Ireland to meet with him and local stakeholders as part of her enquiry.

“We will be urging the Government not to shy away from the controversial issues and to put in place a strategy that will robustly promote the high street at a crucial time”

“We need robust decisions on planning rules that are explicitly ‘town centre first’ preventing harmful out of town development, we need an approach to business rates that encourages retailers to invest in high streets and neighbourhood centres and we must promote diversity so that consumers have real choice now and in the long term.”

Source:NIIRTA

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Asda cuts fuel prices | TalkingRetail.com

Asda has given drivers a welcome boost by slashing the price of fuel, with 4p per litre off the price of diesel and up to 1p off unleaded.

Starting today (10 May) drivers filling up at Asda will not pay more than 135.7p per litre for diesel and 134.7p per litre for unleaded at any of its 187 filling stations. 

Andy Peake, Asda’s petrol director said: “Once again Asda has led the way in saving drivers money. Unlike some retailers, our price cuts are across the board. That’s why no-one will pay more than 135.7ppl for diesel and 134.7ppl for unleaded when filling up at any one of our 180 forecourts nationwide.

“As world oil prices have fallen over recent days, we’ve moved quickly to pass those savings on, knocking up to 4ppl off diesel and penny off unleaded.”

Although fuel prices fluctuate, Asda’s aim remains the same. It always wants to be the first retailer in each part of the country to drop prices and the last to put them up. And when it does drop prices, it drops them everywhere, setting a maximum national price cap for its customer, which means they all benefit from its low prices,regardless of where they live.

Asda’s preference would be that everyone charged a national price for fuel, that way drivers would be treated as equals. As it stands though, most of its rivals hide behind local pricing policies, which take advantage of drivers unlucky enough not to have an Asda nearby. 

Source: Asda

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Waitrose reports‘strong’ Royal Wedding sales | TalkingRetail.com

Waitrose has reported an‘outstanding’ week of sales, following a flurry of festivities across the country before the royal wedding.

With the vast majority of shops closed for trade on Easter Sunday, the most accurate comparison is the week following Easter last year, compared to which the total branch sales for the supermarket were up by 23.1%, and 34.5% on the equivalent week two years ago.

Waitrose also saw the busiest Thursday ever (28 April), outside the Christmas and New Year period.

The strong performance finished off a healthy first quarter for Waitrose. Total provisional Waitrose sales for the three months ending 30 April 2011“significantly outperformed” the market, at 8.7% higher than last year.

On a like-for-like basis our total branch sales (excluding petrol) were up by 4.7%. Compared to two years ago, total provisional Waitrose sales for the quarter were 22.3% higher.

Last week’s sales patterns were reflective of the celebratory and patriotic mood across much of the country. The Heston From Waitrose Royal Trifle, created especially for the big day, was in demand and prompted many others to create their own version, with trifle sponges 370% up on last year.

Other traditional British foods that saw strong sales included strawberry sales (51% up on last year), clotted cream sales (70% higher), and cheesecake sales (62% higher).

Source: Waitrose

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Waitrose opens largest Scottish store | TalkingRetail.com

Waitrose has just opened its fourth and largest Scottish store and announced plans for a fifth shop in Scotland, in Helensburgh.

The 25,000 sq ft Newton Mearns store represents an expansion by the retailer in Scotland and is part of an ambitious UK-wide growth strategy by the employee-owned supermarket.

The planned new store in Helensburgh– if planning permission is secured– will be the retailer’s first outside the central belt cities. Waitrose will be consulting with local people over the coming weeks and will lodge a planning application later this year.

In a first for Waitrose in Scotland, the Newton Mearns store will offer toys, electrical goods and fashion accessories from its sister company John Lewis, alongside its extensive food ranges.

The store is also championing local and regional suppliers, including several new producers who are supplying Waitrose for the first time.

These include the family-run company Just Add Chilli, plus Mathiesons Foods, We Hae Meats, Argyll Smokery, Belhaven Fruit Farm, Thistly Cross Cider and Claire Macdonald Foods.

Alison Neilson, deputy manager for Waitrose Newton Mearns, said:“Waitrose prides itself on getting to know the communities it operates within and building firm relationship with residents and surrounding businesses alike.

“We want to make sure our customers enjoy the best of local produce that our Scottish suppliers have to offer and we are always keen to hear from new suppliers to add to that offering.”

Source: Waitrose

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Haldanes issue proceedings against the Co-op | TalkingRetail.com

Haldanes Stores Limited and Ruston Retail Limited have issued proceedings in the High Court against the Co-operative Group Limited from which Haldanes acquired 26 stores in late 2009, early 2010.

The acquisition of the 26 stores by Haldanes arose as a consequence of concerns by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) that the Co-op’s take-over of Somerfields would result in a substantial lessening of competition in certain areas to the detriment of consumers. To allay these concerns, the Co-op undertook in 2009 to divest itself of a number of stores including the 26 stores acquired by Haldanes.

Haldanes alleges that the Co-op has“materially breached key terms of the agreements” it and the Co-op entered into and under which it acquired the 26 stores, and also that the Co-op’s actions amount to“breaches of undertakings” the Co-op gave to the OFT. Haldanes alleges that these breaches have severely damaged the business it acquired from the Co-op, not only causing it significant financial loss, but also causing harm to consumers.

Arthur Harris, CEO of Haldanes Stores Ltd and Ruston Retail Ltd, said:“If we had been made fully aware of the true trading picture from the outset, we would not have done the deal with the Co-op.

“We have been trying to set up a meeting with the Co-op since mid September 2010 to discuss the issues and seek a resolution but have been consistently ignored or refused by Co-op’s senior management. As such, we have been left with no option but to issue legal proceedings.

“Over the last four months I, through another of my companies, have had to invest £2m into Haldanes to ensure the business could continue and staff be paid. 600 jobs are at stake here, all ex-Co-op employees.

“My frustrations, and this action, are borne out of the fact that I simply want to meet with senior representatives from the Co-op, understand each other and work out a way to do business on a level playing field. Is that too much to ask?”

Source: Haldanes Stores Limited/Ruston Retail Limited

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Dragon’s Den star James Caan backs Get Britain Trading | TalkingRetail.com

Dragons Den’s James Caan is backing a new campaign aimed at boosting the fortunes of small businesses across the UK.

The entrepreneur has pledged his support forGet Britain Trading–a campaign which was recently launched by the Forum of Private Business to highlight the huge contribution smaller businesses make to the economy.

The Forum, which is a not-for-profit support organisation for smaller firms, is also using Get Britain Trading to call on the government to tackle persistent problems affecting small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) including late payment, access to finance and excessive red tape.

Additionally, Get Britain Trading aims to spread positivity and business confidence in order to help pull the UK out of the economic doldrums– and this is what prolific investor and serial entrepreneur Caan says secured his backing for the campaign.

Caan said:“Sustainable economic recovery in the UK can ultimately be achieved by boosting and supporting our small and medium-sized businesses.

“Those businesses that have survived the recession have proven their strength and durability and I believe that with the right support, many of them could be very successful indeed.

“I have seen a great deal of businesses recently that have made cuts to survive the recession and have now stagnated in their growth. It is the responsibility of the government and also the larger business community to support these businesses to help them return to growth andGet Britain Trading.”

Caan, who regularly invests, advises and helps to grow SMEs, said:“I hope that Get Britain Trading will continue to raise awareness of the issues that small firms face and that the government will take further action to enable small businesses to grow for the benefit of Britain’s economy. 

“The entrepreneurial spirit in Britain has never been more alive than now. Despite having to struggle through the recent recession, we British remain innovative, commercially minded and motivated to be successful. Small businesses who have survived the hardships of the recession with their businesses intact will not only have learned priceless lessons about the true nature of their business but have also proven their underlying viability.

“The challenge that many of them now face is no longer survival, but growth.”

Source:The Forum of Private Business

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Sainsbury’s reports ‘good performance’ with total sales up 7.1% | TalkingRetail.com

Sainsbury’s has revealed itsconvenience stores are now a£1bn business, following good sales and profit performance for 52 weeks to 19 March 2011.  

Total sales (including VAT) were up 7.1% to£22.9bn, with total sales (including VAT, ex fuel) up 4.9% with like-for-like sales (including VAT, ex fuel) up 2.3%.

The supermarket outperformed the market in a“challenging environment”, increasing market share, with weekly customer transactions now 21 million, up one million on last year, and over 6,000 jobs created through store investment.

Sainsbury’s has also opened six new food colleges to train over 10,000 colleagues each year, plus it had a successful re-launch of its £1bn ‘Taste the Difference’ brand.

Justin King, chief executive, said:“Sainsbury’s has continued to perform well. Customer numbers are at an all-time high of 21 million transactions every week, which is up one million on last year, a clear indication of our growing universal customer appeal across all channels.

“We have added gross space of 1.5 million sq ft to our store estate, creating over 6,000 new jobs with Sainsbury’s. Strong sales growth, combined with productivity savings and tight control on operating costs, have helped to deliver good profit growth. Our colleagues continue to deliver great service, exceeding our stretching customer service targets, and we are delighted to be paying our colleagues a bonus of around £60m.

“We expect the economic environment to remain uncertain over the coming year. We remain confident that our strategy, alongside continued strong operational performance, will enable the business to make further good progress.”

Source: Sainsbury’s

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Slow growth expected this year and next, says CBI | TalkingRetail.com

The UK economy will continue to make headway in 2011, but growth will be patchy and slow, according to the CBI’s latest economic forecast, published today.

Despite a squeeze on household income and public spending cuts, the UK’s leading business group expects this year’s GDP growth rate to be 1.7%, marginally lower than the previous forecast of 1.8%. Growth of 2.2% is expected in 2012, down slightly from February’s forecast of 2.3%.

Stronger net exports are expected to make an important contribution to the UK economy both this year and next. Export growth of 8.6% in 2011 and 7.6% in 2012 is expected to outpace the rise in imports over the period, resulting in a net positive impact on GDP.

Business investment is also expected to help drive economic growth. Survey evidence shows historically strong investment intentions, with growth of 8.8% in 2011 and 8.7% in 2012 forecast.

John Cridland, CBI director general, said:“Although there are a number of risks to the UK’s economic outlook, we continue to expect that the recovery will make further headway this year and next, but the pace will be sluggish.

“The economy is battling headwinds of squeezed household budgets, weak wage growth, high inflation, and necessary public spending cuts. Concerns also remain over the volatility of oil prices and the impact of the earthquake in Japan on UK supply chains.

“But there are some brighter spots in the forecast. Global economic conditions remain upbeat and we expect to see a stronger performance by UK exporters. Business investment will also make a firm contribution to growth in 2011 and 2012. But the rebalancing of the economy is going to take time to feed through, and domestically it may not feel like much of a recovery for some time yet.”

Quarter-on-quarter growth rebounded at a modest rate of 0.5% in the first quarter of this year, following a decline of 0.5% in the final quarter of last year. The CBI’s forecast for the remainder of 2011 is broadly unchanged, with steady but modest growth of 0.6% expected over each of the three remaining quarters.

Inflation is anticipated to be higher throughout this year and into early 2012 than previously forecast, largely due to the effect of higher commodity prices, oil in particular. But as the impact of the VAT rise falls away, inflation is expected to fall back closer to the Bank of England’s 2% target rate next year.

Nevertheless, with inflation expectations edging upwards, the Bank is expected to begin the process of normalising monetary policy later this year. Modest interest rate rises are likely from Q3 2011 through to mid-2012, followed by a slightly faster monetary stimulus withdrawal over the second half of 2012. This would take the Bank rate up to 2.5% by Q4 2012.

Unemployment is expected to peak in Q4 2011, at 2.62 million. And while it will remain stubbornly high next year, it will fall back to 2.52 million by Q4 2012.

Source: CBI

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Last call for Retail Industry Awards | TalkingRetail.com

Store owners are being urged to send in their entries for this year’s Retail Industry Awards with the closing dates fast approaching.

Stores that want to enter the prestigious Independent Retailer of the Year category have just one more week to submit their completed forms before the closing date on 13 May. Those wishing to enter other retailer categories have until 27 May to get their entries in.

The awards, run by Independent Retail News and sister website TalkingRetail.com, remain the only accolades of their kind to recognise success across the whole spectrum of the UK grocery sector, from the smallest independent retailers to the largest supermarket groups.

“The Retail Industry Awards continue to raise their profile year on year and now enjoy greater recognition than ever before – both within the trade and amongst consumers,” said awards boss Helen Lyons. “Last year saw the winners using their logos more extensively than ever, in newspaper andmagazine adverts, on television and in online and in-store marketing. We’re really proud of the importance the industry now places on winning these awards.”

This year’s ceremony and gala dinner takes place on 22 September at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel in London.

Categories open to independents include: Symbol/Fascia Group, Independent Retailer, Forecourt Retailer, Community Retailer, Most Sustainable Retailer, Drinks Retailer, Most Improved Store, Independent Newsagent, Store Manager, and Fresh Produce Retailer.

For further information or additional entry forms, call Rebecca Robertson on 020 8253 8707 or seewww.retailindustryawards.com.

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Extension to Sunday trading hours is‘unlikely’ | TalkingRetail.com

Any extension of Sunday trading hours for the major supermarkets in England and Wales is“extremely unlikely”, Independent Retail News has been told by “retail sector champion” Kevin Hawkins.

Hawkins, a former director general of the British Retail Consortium, has been given the task by the government of evaluating the consumer and trade responses to proposals for the retail sector in its Red Tape Challenge.

The government included Sunday trading in the public consultation along with the red tape surrounding weights and measures, age-restricted goods, consumer protection and other issues.

Hawkins said there was“no pressure” from the supermarkets to extend Sunday trading times beyond the six hours currently allowed in the 1994 law for stores of more than 3,000sq ft. “They have all lived with it very well. What we have got is a workable compromise,” said Hawkins. “Most people seem to be satisfiedwith it most of the time.”

He said the current economic situation made it unlikely the major multiples would want to spread their Sunday takings more thinly over a longer period with the associated extra labour costs.

Almost 2,500 responses were made about Sunday trading on the Red Tape Challenge website, with the overwhelming majority of people opposed to any liberalisation of the law.

What could come out of the consultation period, which ended yesterday (Thursday), is a simplification of the“complex range” of regulation on age-restricted goods.

The Red Tape Challenge also asked for views on the use of metric and imperial measures and even regulations affecting the marketing of eggs to allow small retailers to sell more locally-sourced produce.

Almost 10,000 people have responded to the suggestions and Hawkins will now assess the responses and make recommendations to the government.“We can reduce the overall stock of regulation partly by getting rid of legislation that is not relevant and partly by simplifying it to make it easier to understand and comply with,” he said.

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Post-it creates cheeky royal message | TalkingRetail.com

OgilvyAction, the brand activation arm of the Ogilvy Group, has created a tactical Royal wedding-themed outdoor campaign for 3M’s Post-it Super Sticky Notes.

Campaign creative shows a giant Post-it Super Sticky Note with the names of the Royal couple hand-written with a heart, accompanied by the words‘May you stick together forever. Congratulations’– a light hearted connection between the product and the Royal wedding. The product strap-line is‘Holds Stronger and Longer’.

The campaign goes live on Sunday 24th April for 2 weeks and appears in high-visibility sites across London. Locations include a 48 sheet outside Fulham Broadway station and a 48 sheet on the New Kings Road. These sites have been chosen due to the traffic and footfall numbers expected in the locations.
Source: Post-it

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Marks& Spencer announces board changes | TalkingRetail.com

Marks& Spencer (M&S) has announced some changes to its board membership.

Louise Patten has served as a non-executive director since 2006 and is reaching the end of her second three-year term on the board. As a result, she has decided not to seek re-election this year and will step down from the board following the M&S annual general meeting on 13 July.

Sir David Michels, who as chairman of the Nomination and Governance Committee led the search for a new chairman, chief executive and chief finance officer during 2010, has also decided to step down from the board following the end of his second three-year term in February 2012. David will remain as deputy chairman and senior independent director until then.

M&S has started the process of identifying new non-executive directors for appointment to its board.

Robert Swannell, M&S chairman, said:“On behalf of the M&S board, I would like to thank Louise for her significant contribution to the board over the last five years, during which time she has played an important role on each of our board committees.

“I would also like to thank David for his contribution to the board, particularly for leading the Nomination and Governance Committee during the past year to ensure a smooth succession. I am delighted that David will continue in his role as deputy chairman and senior independent director until next year.

“The appointment of new non-executive directors with an appropriate mix of experience will further strengthen and support the company’s plans“.

Source: Marks& Spencer

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The Co-op joins with 02 and Coca-Cola for mobile marketing campaign | TalkingRetail.com

The Co-operative Group is linking with O2 and Coca-Cola to become one of the first UK supermarkets to take advantage of“mobile proximity marketing”.

From today (4 May) until 14 June 2011, customers within 0.5 miles of a Co-operative food store will receive a text message offering them a free 500ml bottle of Dr Pepper at their nearest Co-operative store.

The initiative is being supported by O2 Media, which is providing the database of 16 to 34-year-olds who have chosen to receive location-based marketing messages. O2 customers can sign up to be part of the scheme by visitinghttp://www.o2more.co.uk/

To facilitate the scheme, virtual perimeters or“geo-fences” have been set up around Co-operative food stores and the service is triggered by the customer’s proximity to one of these stores. Eligible customers in these areas will receive an SMS/MMS text message with the offer and the address of the nearest store.

The Co-operative Group has already announced that it will become the first major UK food retailer to introduce contactless payments, which will be trialled in 150 Co-operative food stores from September, following a link up with Barclaycard.

Sean Toal, commercial director for The Co-operative Food, said:“The Co-operative is keen to make use of cutting-edge technologies, and mobile proximity marketing means we can target customers with specific offers and engage with them directly. 

“The Co-operative has almost 3,000 stores nationwide, many of which are at the heart of local communities and on high streets, which makes this initiative and technology ideal for us as a community retailer.” 

Source: The Co-operative Group

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Tesco hosts Scotland’s biggest food and drink event | TalkingRetail.com

Scotland’s free consumer food and drink event, ‘Enjoy the Taste of Scotland’, hosted and organised by Tesco, returns to Glasgow’s George Square on 28 and 29 May, following last year’s road show tour.

Enjoy the Taste of Scotland is an annual celebration of locally sourced food and drink, which brings together over 100 suppliers to showcase and raise awareness of the breadth and diversity of local produce available in Scotland.

This year’s event, sponsored by Quality Meat Scotland and Robert Wiseman Dairies, expects to attract 20,000 visitors to its George Square venue.

Angus Bell, senior local buying manger for Tesco in Scotland, said:“Enjoy the Taste of Scotland celebrates the very best of Scottish fare from our many local food and drink producers.

“Visitors will be able to find out more about the diverse range of products from Scotland, and have a great day out at the same time. We work with over 150 Scottish producers and are committed to getting even closer to local suppliers across Scotland– this event is testament to that.”

Visitors to the event will be able to take a culinary tour through a series of regional marquees, browsing delicious food stalls representing the best of Scottish produce, meeting enthusiastic producers, company owners and sampling local food and drink from all over Scotland.

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Sainsbury’s launches its first Local store in Cambridge | TalkingRetail.com

 

Sainsbury’s has opened its first Local store in Cambridge, with Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) set to benefit from its arrival.

The charity for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals has been selected as the St Andrews Street store’s local charity partner for the next year.

ACT has already received a£1,000 donation from the store’s construction team, Base Build Services, to buy toys and therapeutic play puppets through which children can learn about their illness and the treatment they will need.

Sainsbury’s store manager Joe Kelly, said: “What better way to mark our intention to make a difference in the community than with our first local charity partner cutting the ribbon? We’re delighted to welcome them and our new customers to our store, which will have some 40 new recruits on hand to welcome them. We’re looking forward to becoming a real part of the community.”

The 2,800 sq ft store will stock a range of fresh and convenience foods perfect to top up the weekly shop, and also boasts a bakery, cookware, fresh flowers and newspapers.

Source: Sainsbury’s

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ACS calls for more on Illegal Tobacco Trade in Northern Ireland | TalkingRetail.com

The Northern Ireland Assembly‘must put tackling the illicit trade as its top priority’ in the Tackling Tobacco Strategy, according to the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS).

In a detailed response to the consultation ACS sets out four policy proposals changes that would make a difference.

They are:

• More cross-department working at a national policy level, to ensure the Department of Health and the Home Office has joint responsibilities in tackling the illicit trade.
• Trading Standards officers to have more ownership of inland enforcement, as they are the organisation with the strongest relationships with retailers and so are best placed to identify problems.
• Tougher penalties available for those caught selling illicit product, to ensure they act as a sufficient deterrent.
• A review of the amount of tobacco that can be brought into the UK from the EU as it currently undermines government taxation policy.

ACS chief executive, James Lowman, said:“It is clear that smokers of all ages and from all social backgrounds regularly access illicit tobacco. The illicit tobacco trade is a problem that will not be solved by a quick fix, but one that requires significant consideration and investment.  If Government are serious about tackling smokingrates this must be addressed.

“The illegal trade impacts on legitimate retailers and it is therefore an issue that the industry wants to work in partnership with Government on. We hope the Northern Irish administration consider our proposals and agree to work in Northern Ireland and in Westminster to ensure they are implemented.”

Source:Association of Convenience Stores (ACS)

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East of England Co-op rolls out‘sourced locally’ branding on food and drink | TalkingRetail.com

The East of England Co-operative’s local sourcing initiative is putting more local products on its supermarket and food store shelves than ever before.

The society is working with the region’s finest producers large and small to source quality products from across East Anglia and the range and demand from customers is growing all the time.

To celebrate the contribution local sourcing partners make to the Society, special Accreditation Plaques were handed out at a Breakfast Briefing at Wherstead Park.

The event also unveiled the society’s new ‘Sourced Locally’ branding that will be rolled out to East of England Co-operative supermarket and food stores across the region, bringing all local sourcing under one banner. 

Local producers will continue to use their own packaging, clearly stating the product’s provenance, and customers will be able to easily identify local products thanks to new hanging boards, and labeling on shelves and in chilled and frozen sections.

Kevin Warden, local sourcing manager, said:  “When we say local, we mean local!  We put products into the store closest to the producer and this is often just a few miles, or in some cases a few yards, from our stores and where possible no more than a 30 mile radius.

“When fresh produce is available it can be picked, packed and in the customer’s shopping basket within a few hours.

“Our new ‘Sourced Locally’ branding will bring greater emphasis to our support for the region’s producers and highlight the wide range of products we have in store.”

Ken Green, Ken Green Fish from Clacton, said:  “I am delighted to work with our local co-operative, which plays such a valuable role in our communities and supports the local economy through its local sourcing initiative.

“The support I have received from the society means I have been able to employ new staff, and this in turn has helped me to obtain a grant for new equipment to help my business continue to grow.” 

Robert Strathern, Fairfields Farm, who grows potatoes in both Essex and Suffolk said:  “In 2009 we started supplying just three East of England Co-op stores, now we supply our potatoes and crisps direct to stores across the whole of Suffolk and Essex.

“We are really pleased that our relationship with the East of England Co-op has proved so successful, and this has helped us to take on five new staff.  It has proved very beneficial to our business as a whole, and secured jobs at a tough economic time.”

Mark Bloss, from Hollybush Farm Produce, Buxall near Stowmarket, Suffolk, said:“We are delighted to supply the East of England Co-operative, who share our values of great quality local food.  The society has become one of our biggest customers, which speaks volumes about the relationship we have with them.”

Royston Owen, of Royston’s Traditional Bakery in Long Stratton, Norfolk, said:   “The support of the East of England Co-operative is invaluable to my business and it’s a fantastic organisation to deal with.   They listen to what I say and take on board my ideas about which of my products will sell best in particular stores.  It’s a team effort and we work together to achieve the best outcome for all of us; my bakery, the society, and our customers.

“We started supplying one of the society’s stores in Long Stratton with bread and cakes and now supply several other Co-op food stores in the area.   

“The Co-op puts products into the stores that are closest to the producer and at just 192 steps my bakery can’t be much closer to the Long Stratton supermarket!” 

The society began its local sourcing initiative in 2007 with just a few suppliers. The number of suppliers and sales of their products and has grown year-on-year and this progress is expected to continue.

There are currently 95 local producers accredited by the society with more interested in linking up with their local co-operative.  

To support its local producers the society has drawn up a pledge to emphasize its commitment to local sourcing:

• To work with local producers to provide quality products and save food miles.

• To provide members and customers with more choice by putting more local products on our shelves than ever before.

• To trade fairly and honestly with local producers.

• To generate sustainable revenue for local producers and the society.

• To fully vet suppliers to ensure that they meet the society’s food safety criteria.

Source: East of England Co-operative Society

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Mace convenience stores in north-east England go patriotic for royal wedding | TalkingRetail.com

Mace convenience stores across the north-east of England are gearing up for festivities across the royal wedding and bank holiday weekend with fancy-dress and fundraising fun days. 

Participating stores, run by Mace retailer, Darren MacDonald, will be decked out in patriotic British colours, giving away free balloons and crowns, and playing party music. Store staff will don fancy-dress outfits, with costumes ranging from royalty to vicars and brides.

Additionally, Parkhead Service Station, New Coundon, and Red Tiles Service Station, Witton Gilbert, will both be raffling hampers for charity.

Alongside these activities, stores will be helping to keep Britain celebrating by staying open throughout the bank holiday and offering promotions on party essentials such as beer, wine, crisps, nuts, biscuits and sweets. They will also be setting up barbecue party displays and promotions to help customers take advantage of the spring weather.

Darren MacDonald, group operations director of Bishop Retail and of nine Mace stores across the north-east of England, said:“The royal wedding is important to our customers so it is important to us. We wanted to do something fun to mark the day and create excitement in our stores.

“We’re holding ‘fun days’ for both the customers and ourselves so that everyone can relax and enjoy what is the most exciting event for a generation.”

Mace stores up and down the country will be getting into the patriotic spirit with a range of royal wedding and British-themed activity. Mace shopkeepers will also be handing out free crowns and balloons to their customers.

Source: Mace

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Appleby Westward launches new website for Spar retailers | TalkingRetail.com

Appleby Westward, the regional distribution company for Spar in the south-west of England, has launched a new website featuring online tools for the company’s retailers, including the ability to download promotional material, planograms and a magazine-style bulletin.

Future development of the website will allow customers to track the location of the vehicle delivering orders for their stores.

Jonathan Burrows, the systems analyst at Appleby Westward largely responsible for the new website development, said:“Our new website has an edgy and modern design which sets out to present a clear corporate identity of the Appleby Westward Group.

“The internet is becoming more and more a part of our lives, no more so than in business and it was necessary to develop a new site that was fast, easy to navigate and have the potential for many enhancements in the future.

“We are committed to helping our retailers run their businesses effectively, and we are planning to develop the website with some other major enhancements which we will be announcing in due course,” he said.

New technologies such as Google Maps Street View have been incorporated on the site, and bulletins, newsletters and magazines are also now available through easy-to-read flip-page formats.

In addition, most information can now be placed on the website by the department responsible for generating it, rather than having to wait for a web developer to do it for them.

To visit the new website, go towww.swspar.com

Source: Appleby Westward

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Today’s and Nisa ‘set to part company by early next year’ | TalkingRetail.com

The Today’s Group will split from Nisa by January next year if its wholesaler members give the go-ahead to proposals to turn it into a standalone business. A consultation process kicked off at the group’s Stoneleigh trade show earlier this month (April), reports the latest edition of Independent Retail News.

Nisa-Today’s chief executive Neil Turton told Independent Retail News a decision was likely by the summer. “It’s looking like a popular idea,” he said. “But there’s a lot of work still to be done; it’s not a done deal. If we do de-merge, it will be January next year.”

He said the idea to split the company had come from some of its major wholesale members, who felt the group was“very retail-centric and didn’t focus on Today’s issues as much as it ought.”

It was likely the Today’s Group would become a member company of Nisa, he added, with its own board of directors that could give 100% focus to wholesale issues.

Mark Pullen, non-executive chairman of Nisa-Today’s, said: “The plan at the moment is there will be a formal vote, but it’s very early days. I suspect what’s going to happen is it will become fairly obvious there’s one direction of travel. It wouldn’t have got this far if it didn’t seem the pressure was there to do it.”

Turton also revealed Nisa would be embarking on two new bursts of TV advertising for its Nisa Local stores later this year, following the success of its first-ever TV campaign at the start of 2011.

Symbol group director John Heagney said there would probably be a four-week campaign starting in late summer, followed by a six-week burst launching just after Christmas.

The symbol group has now reached 790 stores, with 500 under its new Store of the Future Format. Turnover through Nisa Central Distribution is about£400m a year. Heagney said the group aimed to get to 1,050 stores by March 2013.

The Today’s Group is also growing its symbol offering – under the Today’s Local, Today’s Extra, Today’s Express and Today’s Local Drinks fascias – which is available to cash and carry customers of 17 of its leading wholesale members. It now has 235 stores, having added 45 over the past 12 months.
The Today’s retail club has grown too, from just under 1,000 members to more than 1,200 in the first three months of 2011.

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Saracens rugby team go nuts for Dormen | Industry News | TalkingRetail.com

The Aviva Premiership rugby side, Saracens, has unveiled its secret weapon in keeping its team fully energised this season.

Saracens’ nutritionist, Kate Baker, has teamed up with Dormen nuts to create the unique ‘Saracens Nut Mix’, a healthy blend of Californian almonds, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts and pecans which will form an important part of the team’s training diet.

The exclusive 18-month partnership will be supported by a PR and online marketing campaign to drive sales and consumer engagement of Dormen nuts.

Kate Baker, Saracens Sports Scientist, says:‘Nuts are an important part of the daily nutritional support at the training ground, providing a great source of healthy fats, minerals and vitamins which are key in preparing for optimal performance. Dormen has provided a blend of nuts containing key nutrients which not only aid repair and recovery,  but assist players in coping with the physiological and metabolic demands of training.

‘They are an ideal food for players  to snack on between sessions; functional, convenient and above all else, the boys love them!’

David Collard, Managing Director of The Dormen Food Company, says:‘Supporting Saracens as an official supplier is a real accolade for Dormen. The premium snack market can be crowded but unlike crisps, we can rightfully claim a ‘healthier’ territory with our baked ranges providing us with the perfect opportunity to join forces with this fantastic club.

‘After months of research we arrived at a blend that was in perfect balance for the team. We involved the team very early in our discussions to ensure they were happy with the blend.’

Source: Dormen

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Longer Sunday trading hours‘opposed by public’ | TalkingRetail.com

The vast majority of people remain opposed to any relaxation of Sunday trading laws to allow the big supermarkets to operate longer opening hours.

The government is currently seeking the views of the public and businesses on the future of Sunday trading laws and the restrictions on Easter Sunday and Christmas Day trading as part of its Red Tape Challenge initiative.

A consumer poll in April 2010 commissioned by the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) revealed three-quarters (76%) of people supported existing laws introduced in 1994 that limited trading by stores over 3,000sq ft to six hours on Sundays. Only 5% of people favoured longer opening times on Sundays.

Under current laws, larger retailers are also blocked from opening at all on Easter Sunday or Christmas Day.

Comments on thewww.redtapechallenge.cabinetoffice.gov.ukwebsite from more than 1,700 people showed an overwhelming percentage of the public either wanted the Sunday trading laws to stay as they were or for them to become even more restrictive,.

Asda tried to revive the campaign to change Sunday trading laws in 2007, but other supermarket rivals, most notably Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Marks& Spencer, were reluctant to back such a bid.

The Red Tape Challenge also looks at the bureaucracy involved in a number of other retail issues, including the complex rules on age-restricted goods, health and safety and waste regulations. The government is looking at areas of red tape that could be amended, abolished or remain in place.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said local shops were“crippled by the time and money required to comply with bad regulation” and he welcomed the opportunity to comment on red tape regulations. “We will be encouraging our members to have their say across all the regulations being considered,” he said.

Comments can be made on the government website (see web address above) until 5 May.

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Scotmid Co-op reports solid performance but‘challenging year’ awaits in-store | TalkingRetail.com

Scotmid– the largest independent Scottish co-operative– has posted a“solid” set of results in the year ended 29 January 2011 with operating profits of £9.1m, despite “substantial challenges”.

Top line turnover grew by£24m to £378m, helped by £16m of additional turnover from the acquisition of Botterills Convenience Stores. The bottom line surplus after tax was £9.6m, a record result for the Society, benefitting from the one-off profit from the sale of its Leith superstore. Additionally the Society’s assetbase has increased by £10m to £100m.

John Brodie, chief executive of Scotmid, said:“A change in economic conditions was experienced in our final quarter and although less of an issue than the general economy the prolonged period of adverse winter weather was also a factor that impacted on all the Society’s trading businesses. I have, however, to pay credit to our staff many ofwhom had to battle through horrendous conditions to help ensure that our stores were kept open.

“All our divisions showed progress with the exception of Semichem which was the main reason for the reduction in the Society’s surplus. Semichem was hit particularly hard by the economic downturn in Northern Ireland; a reduction in cross border trading and the rise in VAT.

“Food convenience retail delivered solid profit growth and property also made progress despite the ongoing difficulties facing the general property market. The funeral business had an exceptional year with significant increases in the number of funerals arranged and funeral bonds written.

“It has been a year of change for the Society in many respects. Externally the change was felt in the form of a significant downturn in the economy in the markets we trade. Internally we have managed significant strategic change through the disposal of our largest food store in Leith and the acquisition of 51 Botterills Convenience Stores.

“We continue to grow our new fine fragrance brand The Fragrance House which now has five stores in Scotland attracting customers looking for a broader selection of fine fragrances.

“During the last 12 months, further progress has been made implementing the democratic changes arising from the constitutional review. The regional committees are now fully established and a new membership strategy is nearing completion.

Source: Scotmid

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Nisa’s Andrew J Mouse shortlisted for sales director award | TalkingRetail.com

Nisa’s group sales director, Andrew J Mouse, has been shortlisted for the Sales Director of the Year award at the Institute of Sales& Marketing Management British Excellence in sales and marketing awards.

The awards received a high volume of entries and the winner of the award will be announced at a ceremony held at Lancaster London, Hyde Park on Thursday 26 May.

Mouse has recently“crafted and implemented” a brand new trade marketing campaign working with marketing agency Mercieca, which features trade adverts, direct mail and a brand new microsite. He also oversees Nisa’s recruitment strategy, welcoming 193 new members and a total of 445 new stores to the group in 2010, and leading a sales team of 30.

Mouse said:“It is a great honour to be shortlisted for these prestigious awards and I am looking forward to the awards ceremony in May. Everyone at Nisa works extremely hard to ensure the best possible service is provided to its members and we are constantly looking to welcome new members into the group.”

Source: Nisa’s

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Tesco acquire stake in movie service blinkbox | TalkingRetail.com

Tesco has announced that it has acquired a majority stake in video-on-demand pioneer blinkbox. The acquisition positions the supermarket for the next stage in the internet-driven revolution in home entertainment.

blinkbox is the UK’s leading movie streaming service, offering thousands of titles streamed on the internet to two million users each month. Their catalogue of more than 9,000 titles is available to rent or buy, alongside a host of free-to-view movies, TV shows and trailers, on PC, Mac, PS3 console, tablet devices and internet-enabled connected TVs.

Tesco has bought an 80% stake in blinkbox from Eden Ventures and Nordic Venture Partners.

Richard Brasher, Tesco UK CEO said,“Whether customers want to own the DVD, download a digital movie, stream a rental or all three, Tesco is committed to giving customers choice. We want to allow them to decide how they access entertainment content and on which devices, whether it’s on PC, TV or tablet.

“The acquisition of blinkbox, together with a range of other services currently in development, means we can link physical purchase of a product to the building of digital collections in a new and seamless way. Working with the blinkbox team and our content partners, we will bring these compellingpropositions to life for our customers.”

blinkbox CEO Michael Comish, said:“We are pleased that our partnership with Tesco allows us to bring the best in entertainment from our library of over 9,000 titles to even more people across the UK. It’s a hugely exciting time, looking at how accessible entertainment is becoming for consumers. This partnership represents another step forward, bringing the leading movie streaming service together with the UK’s biggest retailer.”

Source: Tesco

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Consumers‘deserve to know where their food comes from’, says NFU | TalkingRetail.com

As the European Parliament moves closer to introducing mandatory rules for country of origin labelling, National Farmers’ Union (NFU) believes consumers deserve to know where their food comes from.

The Committee for Environment, Public Health and Food Safety voted to push forward with plans to label all meat, poultry, dairy products, fresh fruit and vegetables with country of origin. Members also backed country of origin labelling for meat, poultry and fish when used as an ingredients in processed foods.

NFU deputy president Meurig Raymond said clearer labelling would help consumers to choose food produced to higher standards. He said:“Shopping trends tell us consumers want to support British produce but under current labelling laws there is no requirement to state the country of origin.

“It’s crazy that you can buy a chicken sandwich processed in Britain and labelled as British even if the chicken has come from Thailand.

“We believe that clear and accurate labelling will allow consumers to make an informed choice and support high welfare and environmental standards. People buying meat and poultry products want to know where the animal was reared so they know exactly what they are eating.”

This week’s Environment Committee vote forms part of the parliament’s second reading on the Food Information to Consumers legislation after MEPs failed to reach an agreement with the Member State Ministers in the first reading.

Raymond said the NFU Brussels office would now lobby all MEPs to support the rules when the vote comes before full parliament in July. He said:“We have been lobbying on this issue for years and there is now light at the end of the tunnel. But given some influential UK MEPs did not support today’s country of origin vote it is clear we still have some work to do before July.”

All MEPs will vote on the country of origin laws in a plenary vote July.

Source: NFU

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Christie + Co to market 55 closed Oddbins outlets— TalkingRetail.com

Fifty-five closed off-licence stores in the Oddbins estate are being marketed for sale by Christie + Co on the instructions of Lee Manning and Matthew Smith (Deloitte LLP), joint administrators of Oddbins Limited and Oddbins Properties Limited.

Christie + Co is to conduct a marketing campaign for the 55 stores across England, Scotland and Wales, with‘best and final’ offer bids to be submitted no later than 5pm on Monday 2 May 2011.

Steve Rodell, head of retail at Christie + Co, said:“We will be conducting a short, focused campaign aimed at individuals and operators with an interest in this sector. These off-licences offer both independent and multiple operators an excellent opportunity to acquire stores of varying size in prominent locations across the country.”

Interested parties can find more information about the 55 stores offered for sale by visitingwww.christie.com/oddbins

Source:Christie + Co

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Jme; Jamie Oliver’s food collection proves a hit | Industry News | TalkingRetail.com

The new Jme range, created exclusively for the independent food sector in collaboration with Jamie Oliver, has proven a hit with delis, farm shops and garden centres throughout the country and is set for an exciting launch this April.

Distributed exclusively through Andover-based Pride of Place, the new Jme range was unveiled at the Farm Shop& Deli Show last month and has received an incredible response from trade customers.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the initial feedback we have had to Jme,” said Simon Hurley from Pride of Place.  “Orders have already been confirmed with some of the industry’s top retailers such as Windsor Farm Shop, Lewis and Cooper, Blacker Hall Farm, Van Hage Garden Centres, Gog MaGogand Hollies, among others, and we are set to really hit the ground running when the range launches in store this week.”

The Jme collection is a collaboration between the team at Jamie Oliver and a hand-picked group of award-winning food producers, including Ess Foods, Olives Et Al, Cocoa Loco and Steenbergs.

With input from Jamie and his team of food experts, there are more than 50 products available in the range, created specifically with independent retailers in mind.  From handmade Fairtrade chocolate bars to dressings in vibrant flavour combinations and store cupboard essentials such as Real Tomato Ketchup, Jme covers everything from everyday essentials to gorgeous gifts.

Simon continued:“Early indications show that Jme will be a real pull for customers and we are hoping that it will introduce a new audience to the independent food sector.

A stockists list will be featured on the Jamie Oliver website to make sure that consumers can easily find retailers in their area and a comprehensive consumer marketing and PR campaign is in place to support them.”

Source: Pride of Place

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Majority of retailers have‘no mobile shopping strategy’ | Industry News | TalkingRetail.com

Kony, the leading mobile application provider, has announced the results of a study into the driving factors behind current mobile trends, which analysed UK consumer and business attitudes towards mobile shopping and the impact that mobile is having on traditional shopping methods.

The research, conducted by Vanson Bourne, revealed that 42% of retailers believe mobile commerce is already affecting shopping behaviour at physical retail locations, while a 89% believe mobile will be as popular as e-commerce. However, despite this, less than one in five retailers surveyed reported having a mobile strategy fully in place, and almost a third have no plans to implement one at all.

David Eads, head of product marketing at Kony, said:“The aim of this study was to assess the preparedness of UK retailers for mobile in relation to consumer expectations and demands.

“The results show a significant discrepancy between retailers’ anticipations of the impact of mobile and the strategies that they currently have in place to facilitate this demand. It is clear that mobile is already affecting shopping habits and has the potential to overtake e-commerce in the next few years.”

The shift towards mobile is happening in diverse ways and across a number of different channels, with retailers currently placing different emphasis on each area– 45% of retailers identified native mobile applications as the most critical mobile commerce channel to their business, while 40% believe mobile web is more important. 

SMS is clearly waning with just 10% naming it most important. On average, retailers expect to spend 21% of their budget on the development and implementation of a mobile strategy, but notably 10% are already investing between 40 to 50% of their budget into mobile.

The research also demonstrated how the rapid fragmentation of the mobile market is leading to increasingly varied consumer preferences and demands. The consumers surveyed expressed a clear preference for mobile during the decision making process, with 60% claiming to use mobile internet to make decisions in a store or while shopping online.

Similarly, 40% use mobile applications to make shopping decisions and 37% use a mixture of the two. While 74% of retailers have a presence on the iPhone, 58% of consumers prefer to shop and browse on other platforms, meaning that by developing for just the iPhone, retailers are ignoring a significant portion of their customer base.

Eads, said:“The discrepancy between what retailers know they should do and what they are actually doing demonstrates how difficult it is to deliver mobile applications across the wide variety of phones, tablets, and browsers.

“Companies need a partner to manage the mobile chaos so they can focus on growing their business. Retailers are limiting themselves by only serving customers in a few channels. If retailers don’t serve their customers, they will go somewhere else. The data clearly shows some retailers are investing significantly in this channel to win those customers. They will attract those customers. The only way to leapfrog the competition and ensure the success of any mobile strategy is to provide customers with a comprehensive offering with those must-have mobile features and functions.”

Source: Kony

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Welsh retail manifesto sets out plan for growth and jobs | Industry News | TalkingRetail.com

Politicians vying to form the next Welsh government are being urged to limit regulation for retailers and offer practical support to town centres as part of a plan which will enable the retail sector to make the best possible contribution to the future economic success of Wales.

TheManifesto for Welsh Retail 2011being launched by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) sets out a framework which will help the retail sector to grow, attract investment and create jobs, to the benefit of the country.

Retail generates 10% of the Gross Domestic Product of Wales, compared with 7% for the UK as a whole, and employs nearly 140,000 people. Retail is the largest private sector employer and one of few sectors to have increased its workforce in the past few years, although a recent slowdown in sales shows the sector may still have difficult times ahead. 

The BRC is setting out a range of priorities for the next Assembly Government which include:-

-       champion the importance of the Welsh retail sector in creating employment opportunities

-       avoid increases in the overall burden of regulation

-       deliver a simple and consistently applied planning regime, with a presumption in favour of sustainable development

-       provide a range of affordable travel options to town centres

-       work with the sector to support locally sourced Welsh products for the Welsh market and beyond

Director general of the BRC, Stephen Robertson, said:“The numbers speak for themselves. Retail is the engine room of recovery and matters even more to the Welsh economy than to the UK as a whole. Given the right support, the retail sector will help Wales towards a secure and sustainable future.

“Retail is not a sector that looks for subsidies. It is naturally entrepreneurial. Even in these challenging times it is creating jobs and investing in growth. We simply ask that the next Welsh government works with us to provide the best conditions for success.

“We are now in a crucial period where policy-makers can do a lot to help or hinder the private sector’s ability to lead the recovery. By removing unnecessary obstacles and providing a business-friendly environment the new Welsh Assembly will help the retail sector to continue creating jobs and boosting regeneration, while competition within the sector keeps prices down for consumers.”

Source: BRC

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Mace helps retailers celebrate royal wedding | Independent News | TalkingRetail.com

Wholesaler Palmer and Harvey is helping its Mace retailers engage with local communities and increase profits over the royal wedding period with a bespoke marketing and PR guide.

Mace’s guide to the royal wedding includes promotional advice, recommended products to stock and detailed planograms for the upcoming celebrations.

Mace stores across the country can get into the patriotic spirit with union jack shelf barkers, and free children’s crowns and balloons to give away to their customers over the celebratory period.

The guide also includes ideas for a range of royal wedding and British-themed activity, from street parties to royal wedding competitions, such as best Kate and Will look-a-likes.

Additionally, the‘how to’ pack suggests how retailers can spread the word about their royal wedding celebrations with advice on how to engage the local press and template press releases. 

Julia Maunder, symbol brand manager at Mace, said:“This is one of the most prestigious events of the year, making it the ideal time for Mace retailers to engage with their local communities and introduce themselves to new customers.

“Not only can customers rely on their local Mace store for those last-minute party purchases, they can also get great deals everyday on a wide range of essential items.”

Mace stores will be open throughout the bank holiday period.

Source: Mace

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Retailers must look beyond just Facebook for social commerce, says nToklo | Industry News | TalkingRetail.com

Top retailers in the UK have on average 10 times more unique users on their websites in one month than they do on their main Facebook pages, according to nToklo.

The comparison made by social integration and recommendations engine, suggests that these retailers have a much larger captive audience on their own sites to draw on for brand loyalty than they are likely to garner through developing a store on Facebook.

 nToklo urges brands to take advantage of their large existing communities by adding social features to their existing sites, rather than just focusing on developing a Facebook store to “satisfy a social commerce proposition”. Social features will also help retailers to ‘get to know’ theirwebsite users and play a similar role to loyalty schemes in developing a clearer audience view for more targeted marketing.

 nToklo looked at the monthly website traffic of 10 top online retail sites from a UK and global audience and compared this with the number of global Facebook ‘likes’ (using this measure as a loyalty metric) on each brand’s main official page. 

The biggest difference came with Tesco and John Lewis which had 3.2 million and 1.5 million unique UK users respectively, compared with just over 61,000 and 31,000 Facebook fans. These statistics show that these retailers have a captive audience on their website of 52 and 48 times the size their corresponding Facebook page audiences.

Gareth Mee, CEO at nToklo said:“While Facebook ‘likes’ is certainly not the be-all and end-all when it comes to measuring a brands’ engagement on the social network, it does give a good indication of how much larger the captive audience top retails brands already have on their website is than the audience they are likelyto reach through a Facebook store, certainly in the short term. 

 “The message here is not ‘don’t try to sell on Facebook’, but retailers should be taking a multi-pronged approach to social commerce, adding social features to their own sites to drive engagement, sales and to get to know more of their users.”

 Source: nToklo

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Sainsbury’s cocktail bay creates 8% jump in sales | Industry News | TalkingRetail.com

Following the launch of Sainsbury’s new cocktail bay in stores nationwide earlier this month, new sales figures show shoppers have responded positively to the new layout, with an 8% increase in volume within the spirits category since the cocktail bay arrived in store on 6 March.

The new cocktail bay displays everything customers need to make impressive cocktails; spirits, liqueurs and syrups as well as new glasses, shakers and other mixology equipment. 

Justin James, category manager, of beers, wines and spirits, said:“Sales of cocktails in the on-trade have soared recently, so in recognition of this renewed consumer interest we have identified an opportunity to develop the market for cocktail-making at home by making it more accessible for our customers.

“We’re delighted with the response to the cocktail bay so far, the sales figures show that there is indeed a real appetite for cocktails at home, as customers enjoy easy access to all they need to get started.”

For additional guidance and inspiration, Sainsbury’s is also launching a new cocktail book, which includes 50 cocktail recipes, plus a guide to understanding the techniques and equipment used in cocktail-making.

Source: Sainsbury’s

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Warburtons–top dog this summer | Industry News | TalkingRetail.com

Leading UK baker launches hot dog rolls and burger buns. This spring  the UK’s no. 1 branded baker, Warburtons,  is set to launch new burger buns and hot dog rolls to enhance the quality of the Wrapped Rolls category and maximise key seasonal opportunities.

The new range– on shelf in April and backed by a strong in-store marketing campaign – will comprise:
•    Warburtons Hot Dog Rolls – uniquely sliced from the top, making them easier to hold and fill (6 per pack, with an RSP of £1.15)
•    Warburtons Seeded Burger Buns – great tasting and topped with sesame seeds (6 per pack, with an RSP of £1.15)
Richard Hayes, Marketing Director for Warburtons says,“The summer season always sees a peak in  outdoor eating occasions such as barbeques and picnics and with the royal wedding, a succession of bank holidays and a hot summer forecast , this is an ideal time to bring some new news to the Rolls market.

“Within the rolls sector, Warburtons is out performing the market*, so by launching two new high quality products under our trusted brand, we will drive growth in the category and increase sales opportunities.”

Packaging for both products will feature the new Warburtons branding, which has been refreshed to enhance consumer appeal and increase stand-out on shelf.  The packs also boast a subtle star design to hint at the products’ American inspiration, as it was famously US culture which popularised both the burger and‘top sliced’  hot dog.

The wrapped rolls category is currently worth£238.4 million and this launch is expected to increase sales in the category.  The new products will be widely available across the multiple and convenience sectors.  They will join the existing Warburtons rolls range, which includes 8 and 12 pack Sliced

White Rolls, 6 packs White Lunch Rolls, Wholemeal Lunch Rolls and Grains& Seeds Lunch Rolls, plus 3 pack White Soft Sandwich Rolls, Wholemeal Soft Sandwich and Seeded Soft Sandwich Rolls.

Source: Warburtons

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