Plain Packs: Tell Mps the Full Story SYMBOLS L Retailers Urged to Give Politicians Alternative to Health Budgens Lobby Arguments by Inviting Them Into Store

30.01.2015 CALLING TIME? What’s the future for high ABV beer? RETAILER DEBATE Page 24 »

Homemade profits ‘We make £15k a year from our own soup’ Page 22 »

NEWS l CONVENIENCE l PROFIT www.betterretailing.com l £2.20 Plain packs: Tell MPs the full story SYMBOLS l Retailers urged to give politicians alternative to health Budgens lobby arguments by inviting them into store. c-store lab l Gerry Sutcliffe MP says it’s not too late to help shape goes live debate ahead of vote due within weeks. Page 5 » Free coffee and renewed focus on WHOLESALING chilled and fresh to Booker’s test smaller format. £11m cash Page 6 » thank you SUPPLY CHAIN £190 saving for NFRN tells every customer. Page 4 » publishers: Show us NEWSSTAND you mean Bookazine business challenge National president Martyn Brown calls on table on industry to send Prove you can senior figures to handle pricepoint, delivery summit. says Future. Page 7 » Page 4 »

Vol 126 No 5 What tote box shortage? Menzies continues to baffle retailers with its tote box FOR TRADE USE ONLY Don’t get caught out allocations – using these 30 boxes to send out just 60 copies of French newspaper by ‘stealth charge’ 05 Charlie Hebdo to a single store, packed two per box. Jonathan Armstrong of Wind- phonebook listings. mill Drive Post Office in Bexhill, Sussex, was left scratching his head and shop assistant Jenny Smith (pictured) was unimpressed. Letters page 16 » Page 17 » Retail Newsagent 30 January 2015 3

Last August, I attended a retail crime debate in Kent involving a group of retailers, police and crime commissioner Anne Barnes and two pro- spective parliamentary candidates. I asked one candidate about their position on plain packaging when, given his proximity to a number of ports, the evidence suggested it would grow the illicit trade, benefit criminals and risk the livelihoods of RETAIL NEWSAGENT NEWS ● CONVENIENCE ● PROFIT legitimate traders in the area. He replied that he wanted young people to stop smoking, he believed Labour made tobacco plain packaging would achieve this, but that it would also have some negative consequences for retailers. a political issue I was reminded of his answer this week when public health minister and pushed the Jane Ellison surprised us all by announcing that the government would government to act vote on plain packs before the general election in May. under fear that it Given that it hasn’t yet published the results of its public consultation would be accused of or assessed the impact of the display ban or TPD, it leaves me with little doubt that it is about election politics. Labour made tobacco a political being in the pockets issue and pushed the government to act under fear that it would be ac- of big business cused of being in the pockets of big business. Pro- and anti-tobacco lobbyists will never agree on the true impact of plain packaging on illicit sales in Australia. But for the government to be playing politics with your livelihood with even the slightest doubt about the harmful consequences is wrong. That is why it is crucial that you use the timing of the announcement to your advantage. Your MP will be working hard to get votes over the CHRIS GAMM coming months. Invite them to your store, tell them about the impact Editor plain packaging would have on your business and show them every- @ChrisGammRN thing you are already doing to be a responsible retailer.

22 NEXT WEEK CONTENTS 32 NEWS say on plain packaging 20 PRICEWATCH look at both sides of this 4 INDUSTRY NEWS Publishers and will Comic Relief UK chewing gum heated debate urged to attend delivery branding drive sales? prices; RN’s profile 26 BIG NIGHT IN Date night times summit 16 LETTERS of PayPal necessities in 6 BUSINESS NEWS Second ‘lab Goat out of here says co-founder Peter RN’s guide, store’ for Budgens goes North Yorkshire retailer; Thiel from taking it big on fresh and local Charlie Hebdo’s no-show 22 RETAILER PROFILE easy to cooking STAYING SAFE 17 YOUR ISSUE 7 NEWSTRADE Bookazines Police promise Personal service from scratch Industry experts’ advice more patrols for crime- bonanaza from Future? and playing 30 HOUSEHOLD on protecting your busi- 8 PRODUCTS Three new hit store; BT reverses the an active part CLEANING The charges ness from retail crime flavours aimed at kids in the local 26 spring cleaning from Robinsons 18 COLUMNIST Tips on community is what it’s essentials that customers maintaining your 12 REGIONAL Call for clarity all about for Rajwinder will want to buy in your leasehold property 23 on high ABV ‘bans’ and Bhupinder Kaur store 14 NFRN DISTRICT COUNCIL from Barry Frost 19 INDUSTRY PROFILE Western and Devon & FEATURES THIS WEEK Cornwall DC Alex Afek, right, 24 NEWS FEATURE IN MAGAZINES MARKETING CAMPAIGNS COMMENT & managing director of flexible unsecured Is it time to 34 ROUND-UP Brighton’s How you can make the ANALYSIS financing firm stop selling indie-mag specialist most of supplier and 15 YOUR STOCK, YOUR SAY How Got Capital super-strength 35 FOR YOUR SHELVES Beauty wholesaler activity you plan to have your UK beers? We supplement for Instyle RELAXED NIGHTS IN ARE MORE SPONTANEOUS AND CAN BE SERVICED BY A QUICK TOP-UP SHOP – MONDELEZ’S SUSAN NASH ON WHY GETTING READY FOR VALENTINE’S DAY IS VITAL. Page 26 » 6 30 January 2015 Retail Newsagent

Follow Retail Newsagent on Twitter @RetailNewsagent for expert advice BUSINESS to help you grow your sales Bestway ‘Key priorities’ delivering for Landmark hopeful for Landmark Wholesale is 5%. This led to an overall September that keeping to- is producing results, month claiming another set of im- 10% increase in depot sales bacco prices low had helped after month. By ensur- butchery pressive results with double compared to October 2013, drive retailer footfall to the ing Landmark delivers digit sales growth through while like-for-like sales wholesaler. competitive pricing, great its depots last month. from May to December also Speaking about the promotions and successful successes The company said grew 10.5%, according to recent results, Mr Williams new product development, Bestway is introducing cigarette sales rose 14% in Landmark. said: “This is terrific news we are also seeing excellent new butchery lines to its December, while licensed Managing director and highlights how our performances right across own label Best-in range sales were also up by nearly Martin Williams told RN in focus on our key priorities the group.” as part of wider plans to grow chilled food sales for independents. Revamped store has more fresh and local products Changes ‘well-received’ in first store The 15-strong range includes chicken, pork, lamb and beef products, with RRPs ranging from £1.39 to £5.49. Pricemarked packs Budgens’ unveils second are also available, with the range ofering retail margins of around 30%, according to the firm. ‘lab store’ in concept test Steve Carter, chilled by Steven Lambert category controller at Bestway, said: “Two out Budgens is pressing ahead of every three baskets in with its retail development convenience now contains plans following the ofcial chilled products and retail- opening of its second ‘lab ers need to be ofering solu- store’ this month. tions that satisfy consum- The company unveiled ers now and for the next 24 its revamped Budgens of hours. Byfleet in Surrey last Satur- “Getting behind fresh day, which will be used as a pizza, butchery, vegetables test bed for the chain’s new and salads for tonight are convenience store concept. just examples of how con- The revamped business venience is changing and now boasts a wider range retailers have to be ready to of fresh, artisan and locally meet these changes.” sourced products, along with an increased number of Budgens’ ‘Discover the Taste’ premium own label manager Dan Rapson third lab store in Crouch tion in conjunction with lines. said: “I’m delighted with End in March. mobile phone operator O2. Other additions include a our new store. We’ve had Mike Baker, Budgens Shoppers signed up to bakery area, free wi-fi and a a great response so far director, said: “It’s great the O2 Moments scheme ‘free cofee’ scheme, where and we were really lucky to see the new concept could claim a free 165g bag shoppers can claim a free to have Anjum Anand in being adapted to a smaller of Walkers Deli Market hot drink if they spend £10 store on Saturday to help us format store, the changes Chips from Budgens stores I offer or more in store. mark the occasion.” in Broadstone have been this month. TV chef Anjum Anand It follows on from the really well-received with Budgens marketing deli-style was also on hand to greet launch of Budgens super- sales revenue up 25% and director Anna Burleigh said customers, and sent 2,000 market concept store in I’m confident we’ll get a 2,500 Deli Chips packs have ingredients of her spice kits to local Broadstone, Dorset, which similar reaction here.” already been given away, for sauces, residents in a doorstop has seen a 60% uplift in Meanwhile, Budgens with 7,000 O2 members delivery promotion. sales since being refitted. announced a positive re- saving the ofer for redemp- such as Budgens of Byfleet store Budgens plans to open a sponse to a product promotion. premium red and Palmer & Harvey Moto-rs into 90th year white wine Palmer & Harvey has an- and frozen goods to 41 90th year by continuing first choice distribution vinegars nounced the renewal of its Moto service areas until to build on our successful partner for businesses of contract with motorway December 2017. distribution partnership all sizes. This reach was William Henry service operator Moto. Jez Pegg, sales and mar- with Moto. a significant factor in our Simply Fresh, Shropshire The new deal will see keting director at Palmer “Our national depot being selected to continue the wholesaler continuing & Harvey, said: “We are infrastructure and 1,500 supplying this key ac- Page 26 » to supply ambient, chilled delighted to begin our strong fleet makes us the count.” Retail Newsagent 30 January 2015 » 7 UK CHEWING GUM PRICES Pages 20-21 NEWSTRADE

‘Refresh’ for premium cover price titles Streamlined technology portfolio In brief Videogames special Future lines up bookazine The latest issue of GamesMaster delivers the biggest feature in its 22-year history, in the bonanza for independents form of a 30-page look at the most exciting by Nicola Stewart has to be right – these things “The technology sector “Whether a novice or videogames arriving need a full-facing cover, so is very cluttered at the expert, there will be a series throughout 2015. Future has announced a retailers have to have the moment and we felt our for all users in our core Encompassing PS4, refresh of its technology boo- space to display them prop- bookazines were getting markets to ensure they Xbox One, PC, Wii U and kazines and says it is open erly. They won’t sell unless lost in there,” said Mr get the most from their more, it’s packed with to working with indepen- they stand out a little bit.” McEvoy. tech.” exclusive interviews, dents interested in stocking The publisher has “We think this branding The plan was to release hands-on impressions, them. streamlined and refocused will make them standout one bookazine under each and all the latest infor- But retail director Joe its technology portfolio, a bit more in the market- series every couple of mation. From big-budget McEvoy said the publisher introducing four clearly place.” months, with print runs titles to one-man indie had to be sure retailers defined series for diferent Future technology of about 10,000, said Mr projects, this is an issue could accommodate pre- user types – Made Simple, group editor-in-chief Paul McEvoy. to appeal to everyone mium cover prices. Handbook, Guru Guide and Newman added: “These Future was looking at with an interesting in “We’d be happy to work Technology Tips Guide. new series ofer the perfect how it could expand further gaming, and will serve with independents on these Each series will have a extension to what Future’s into the independent chan- as a one-stop buyers’ but the price points have to consistent design, with core brands such as Tech nel and was working with guide for 2015. On sale be right for them,” he said. titles ranging in price from Radar, T3 and Linux Format Seymour to identify oppor- now, it is priced at £4.99. “The promotion side also £9.99 to £12.99. ofer. tunities, he added. New Economist ed The Economist has an- Shailene speaks The next issue nounced Zanny Minton of science fiction title SFX leads of Beddoes as its new with Insurgent, the sequel to the editor – the first time first hit movie based on Veronica a woman will take the Roth’s bestselling Divergent book helm. She takes over series. Star Shailene Woodley from John Mickle- speaks exclusively to SFX about her thwait, editor for the experiences making the movie. On past nine years. sale from 4 February, the issue also Ms Beddoes is cur- celebrates 10 years since the all- rently the newspaper’s conquering Doctor Who returned business afairs editor, to TV, with an in-depth retrospec- overseeing business, tive feature, while a competition finance, economics, ofers readers the chance to win science and technology (and forge) their very own Game Of coverage. She takes up Thrones-style sword. This comple- her appointment on ments the usual news, features 2 February. and reviews on the most exciting sci-fi and fantasy of today. Priced at Sporting memories £4.99, retailers should display this A regional daily has title alongside film titles such as launched a weekly sport Starburst or Empire. archives supplement as part of a major upgrade to its Saturday edition. The Grimsby Tele- Pocket-money prices for return of Zomlings graph has introduced Magic Box is kicking of Magic Box launching in February order and reorder.” the Sporting Bygones the 2015 collectables season UK director to coincide Zomlings toys are priced supplement, meaning with the launch of a third Ben Harper with the at 50p, £1 and £2 and Mr the newspaper now con- series of the popular Zom- said: “Zom- launch of Harper said the aim was tains more than twice lings toys. lings has series three. to deliver a compelling the number of pages Zomlings first launched been one “In addition product at pocket-money in its Saturday edition in February 2014 and are of the top to this, we prices. than it did less than two now one of the best-selling 10 most work closely “We believe that this years ago. collectables in the UK. heavily TV with the whole- gives us a real USP and It comes after the The new series goes on advertised salers to ensure allows the product to have Telegraph began print- sale on 13 February and is to kids toys that Zomlings genuine impulse purchase ing a weekend guide be supported by an exten- in the last is well stocked potential as well as longev- each Saturday to bolster sive television advertising 12 months and we have and available for ity as kids build up their its Saturday page count. campaign. a brand new campaign independent retailers to collection.” MDLZ090115 Flavourism [RN Strip].pdf 1 12/01/2015 17:16

8 30 January 2015 Retail Newsagent

PRODUCTS A variety Launch aims to win over youngsters ‘Something new in squash category’ of ways to increase Britvic’s new range of your sales flavours is kids’ stuff

by Ed Chadwick core Robinsons 1l bottles. catch their eyes on-shelf but The launch into wholesale more importantly taste great. Britvic hopes to increase its ap- and grocery this month will be “As with Robinsons Squash’d, peal to children with the launch backed by marketing designed which has been a great success, of three squash ﬂavours this to raise awareness with parents we’re evolving the Robinsons month. through digital and social range to reﬂect the changing The Robinsons Kids range media tools, as well as in-store desires and consumption habits consists of products developed with PoS. of UK consumers. with children in mind – Tropical Robinsons brand director “We’re really excited to Twister, Tofee Apple Tangle and kids and family Helen Gorman launch a squash range designed Apple Berry Blitzer. said: “Our research revealed just for kids and are very much The range will be available in that kids are looking for some- looking forward to seeing how 1l single-concentrate packs with thing new in the squash cat- children will react to the new an RRP of £1.59 in line with the egory – products that not only range.”

Hunks out Diet Coke is ditching the ‘hunks’ for its latest TV marketing campaign, which will urge its female target audience to ‘regret nothing’. The initiative, which launched last Friday, is being further supported with posters, social media activity and ON TV PoS material for retailers. from February Hot products for your shopping list

Robinsons has launched a kids squash range with three flavours – Tropical Twister, Toffee Apple Tangle and Apple Berry Blitzer Innovating and investing to help you drive your sales... MDLZ090115 Flavourism [RN Strip].pdf 2 12/01/2015 17:16

Retail Newsagent 30 January 2015 » 9 ALL SET FOR THE SPRING CLEAN? Pages 30-31

Launch aims to win over youngsters ‘Something new in squash category’ Major media coming to encourage customers to explore the range

Eye of the tiger bread Hollywood megastar Sylvester Stallone swapped the sun-drenched streets of Los Angeles for the more humble surroundings of Bolton as part of his latest role as spokesman for Warburtons bread. The unlikely partnership will see the Rocky and Rambo actor star in TV ads alongside bakery boss Jonathan Warburton, which will air later this year.

Natural American’s expansion plans Loyalty scheme to build on growth Indies to help spread the word on Santa Fe by Steven Lambert of Natural American Spirit roll build business partnerships your own (RYO) lines, with with our customers to grow the Tobacco manufacturer Santa year-on-year sales up 40.8% brand and to spread the word Fe UK is targeting independent in symbol stores and 47.7% in about our additive-free tobacco.” retailers to help grow distribu- independents. At the same time, Santa tion and sales of its Natural Alan Graham, general Fe has unveiled an updated American Spirit products. manager at Santa Fe UK, said look for both Natural Ameri- The company said it will the company is now looking to can Spirit rolling tobacco and grow awareness of the brand secure a 1% share of the total cigarettes. outside of its London heartland rolling tobacco market. RYO lines will adopt a new by providing support to 200 lo- He added: “Independent blue colour scheme, while all cal stores from 10 major cities. retailers will factor into a lot of products will now feature a The loyalty scheme will be our plans on Natural American red sun logo to give the range a used to build on strong growth Spirit this year. We want to consistent look. It’s getting Flamin’ Hot for Walkers Max PepsiCo is spicing up sales of siCo extended its impulse-led Matt Goddard, field sales its Walkers Max crisps range snacks range with 39p price- director at PepsiCo, said: with the launch of a Flamin’ marked Monster Munch Roast “Single serve snacks currently Hot flavour exclusive to inde- Beef and Pickled Onion packs. account for one third of the pendents. Walkers Max Flamin’ Hot crisps, snacks and nuts sales in Make sure The new line will join exist- also becomes the third product impulse and at Walkers we’re ing variants Cheese & Onion to be made available only committed to developing in- you’re fully and Paprika, and will be avail- through independents this novative products and flavours stocked! able in a three case stacker month, following the launch to add excitement and further featuring all three flavours. of Kinder Bueno Dark and Lu- sales for retailers whilst driv- It comes weeks after Pep- cozade Energy Grafruitti. ing category growth.” Hot products for your shopping list Free The Joy! Flamin’ Hot is the lat- Indies are being targeted with the Nation’s Favourite* est addition to PepsiCo’s to help spread the word on Walkers Max range Natural American Spirit For the latest category advice visit deliciousdisplay.co.uk

*Source Nielsen 01/11/14 10 30 January 2015 Retail Newsagent

PRODUCTS Brewer focuses on British flavours Category up 30% year-on-year Orchard Fruits cider ‘exciting’ for Carling by Ed Chadwick Bahlsen’s ninja dog Diamond Molson Coors will capitalise on the growth of flavoured returns Mist adds ciders with the launch of an Bahlsen is following up its Orchard Fruits variant of its £4m 2014 advertising spend flavours Carling Cider. with a huge new TV cam- E-cigarette firm Diamond The new line comes in paign to support its Pick Up! Mist is expanding its range 500ml bottles at 4% ABV and biscuit range. of e-liquids with new fla- will be supported alongside Running until the end of vours in a bid to stand out in the existing Carling British February, TV viewers will the crowded vaping sector. Cider portfolio with a £5.4m see the brand’s Ninja Chi- The company has un- advertising campaign huahua character return to veiled three additional vari- including TV, outdoor and screens. ants this month – Toonz, digital. Bahlsen trade marketing a mixture of berry and The launch comes nearly manager Julien Lacrampe menthol flavours, menthol- a year since the launch said: “Within the first year flavoured Cool Mint, and of the brand’s first range of launch, Pick Up! has spicy Dragon Mist. extension, Carling Cider already delivered more than All will be available in- Cherry, unveiled last March. lager and fruit juice aimed we’re launching Carling £2.61m in sales and with 0mg, 6mg, 12mg, 18mg and It also marks the latest at drinkers looking to mod- British Cider Orchard Fruits. the expansion of the Pick 24mg nicotine strengths, innovation from the brewer erate their alcohol intake. “We believe that the reci- Up! family we are expecting and will join Diamond since Carling Fruit Coolers, Carling brand director pe for success for the Carling to see sales rise significantly Mist’s existing 55-strong a low ABV combination of Jim Shearer said: “Cider is British Cider portfolio is rec- to £5m in the very near product range. an exciting category ognisably British flavours future.” and continues to that are simply described attract more and and distinct in their more consumers with flavour.” the fruit cider category registering 30% year- on-year growth. In response to this demand,

For great category advice and to find out more about the campaign visit Retail Newsagent 30 January 2015 » 11 MAKE MORE OF THEIR NIGHTS IN Pages 26-28

PG Tips set to add more herbal and fruit teas PG Tips is building on a positive shopper response to its green, herbal and fruit teas with the launch of new lines next month. Four variants – Vibrant Blackcurrant, Crisp Mint, Zesty Lemon & Ginger and Delicious Cranberry & Apple – have been unveiled by brand owner Unilever. The manufacturer said its original fruit, herbal and green tea lines, launched last February, It’s playtime Biscuit brand Oreo is showing its fun side in a new animated TV ad hitting screens this week. The have helped grow the ‘Play With Oreo’ push, which also include social media activity and PoS material, will promote the product’s market, with half of ‘twist, lick, dunk’ message and forms part of a £1.5m investment from Mondelez. shoppers buying the range being new to the category. Lola Danlos, PG Tips Rowntree’s Randoms £500 cash prize promo brand manager, said: “By Shoppers will have the Randoms and Randoms will be used to support the be placed outside indepen- launching new flavours chance to claim an instant Tandems. In addition, scheme, including digital dent stores to encourage into our portfolio we aim win cash prize of £500 in a brand owner Nestlé is also and outdoor advertising, impulse purchases, accord- to build on the growth new competition running launching an impulse bag while 3,750 posters will also ing to Nestlé. we’ve seen in 2014 and on Rowntree’s Randoms of Randoms Tandems attract even more new confectionery. for a limited consumers to the category The promotion will period (RRP with relevant flavour encourage consumers to 51p). ORDER IT profiles to find a ‘Bangers and Mash’ A £1m drive sweet in bags of media incre- campaign mental sales.”

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1 Euromonitor 2013 2 +21.8%, Nielsen YTD 01.11.14 3 Kantar YTD 09.11.14 £ £ 12 30 January 2015 Retail Newsagent

Follow Retail Newsagent on Twitter @RetailNewsagent for expert advice REGIONAL to help you grow your sales Scots say Clampdown on pubs to c-stores The Department for Com- department said it planned most community benefit”. is important that com- business munities and Local Govern- to push forward secondary This means retailers munities have the right to ment plans to safeguard legislation so that “in Eng- hoping to convert pubs designate assets of commu- still fine local pubs by changing the land the listing of a pub as that are listed as an ACV nity value but this should rules around “change of an Asset of Community to convenience stores will not act as block to new use” rights. Value (ACV) will trigger have to submit a full plan- developments. The flex- in ‘dark’ However, the Association a removal of the national ning application instead of ibility that exists in the use Scottish retailers reported of Convenience Stores (ACS) permitted development going through the permit- class system is important that it was ‘business as has urged MPs to support rights for the change of use ted development rights for to meet changing needs usual’ despite going dark the development of new or demolition of those pubs change of use. of consumers and ensure months before a total convenience stores. that communities have ASC chief executive that properties do not stay tobacco display ban is In a statement, the identified as providing the James Lowman said: “It empty for long periods.” enforced. Edinburgh retailer Abdul Qadar said JTI had Government watchdog urged to provide clarity Retailers at risk of breaking law warns NFRN fitted a covered gantry to one of his shops in the last fortnight. Legislation in Scotland means that retailers will Call for advice on voluntary only be able to open a small section of gantry at one time. Mr Qadar said: “It looks ‘bans’ on high ABV alcohol a bit drab having a grey screen next to all the by Ed Chadwick town in the country where Both have now called about these schemes, but do branded products but so retailers were urged to for the Competition and not know where they stand far, there has been no ef- Calls have been renewed for agree to the withdrawal Markets Authority (CMA) to when it comes to competi- fect on sales. the government’s competi- from sale of beer and cider rule whether the schemes tion law issues.” “My staf have been well tion watchdog to provide in excess of 6.5%. were legal. Mr Grifths said he was trained and know where clear advice to retailers on Similar Reducing the NFRN chief executive concerned that retailers had all the products are so laws surrounding volun- Strength initiatives now Paul Baxter said: “While no access to information. there won’t be an impact tary ‘bans’ on high ABV exist in as many as 30 our members are stuck The CMA took over on serve time.” alcohol. towns and cities. in a legal trap, the CMA responsibility for prevent- A meeting held at The NFRN said it was has been supporting local ing and reducing anti- Westminster by All Party concerned that some mem- authorities, leaving many competitive activities in the RN reader poll Parliamentary Beer Group bers had been subjected retailers unsure of their UK from the Ofce of Fair (APPBG) last week heard to heavy-handed tactics position. Trading in April 2014. Last week we asked: that independents could be by local authorities, while “We want the CMA to A CMA spokesman said Would sales be affected unwittingly breaking the APPBG chairman Andrew do more to provide advice it was aware of concerns if The Sun permanently law by signing local author- Grifths MP warned that and support to independent and would consider any dropped topless models ity charters. some stores could be break- retailers on this issue as it is infringements of competi- from Page 3? Ipswich was the first ing competition laws. clear that many are unsure tion laws.

Yes 36% No 64%

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION: Will the Post Office’s partnership with major banks to offer over the counter withdrawals and deposits help to safeguard the future of the network? Burns Night party More than 230 wholesale workers, suppliers and guests descended on The Grand Hotel in Brigh- Have your vote now at ton last Saturday to take part in Palmer & Harvey’s Burns Night celebrations. The black-tie event included a tradition- betterRetailing.com al haggis dinner and a performance by the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, and helped raise more than £80,000 for retail charity GroceryAid. Martyn Ward, managing director at Palmer and Harvey (pictured above right), said: “It is fantastic to know that our fundraising eforts with GroceryAid have been able to help former and current industry colleagues. I personally look forward to Burns Night every year and this year’s event has deﬁnitely been one to remember.” Retail Newsagent 30 January 2015 » 13 NEW STOCK FOR YOUR SHELVES Pages 32-33 REGIONAL

Charge increases would be ‘unacceptable and intolerable’ Call for ‘period of stability’ In brief ‘Onesie’ yob jailed NFRN reads riot act to NI A knife-wielding robber who threatened Devon newsagents while dressed in a leopard wholesaler over carriage print ‘onesie’ has been by Nicola Stewart 2013 and still applied today. He was paying about £120 “The problem is, we jailed. “We explained how our in carriage charges a week are always going to have Drug addict Matthew The NFRN has told News- members now require a pe- and said cuts to terms and two wholesalers so we are West used the bizarre pread that any increase to riod of stability with neither cover price increases on always going to be paying disguise and a mask to carriage charges in North- unnecessary nor unreal- The Irish News, Belfast Tele- twice as much as everyone steal from a shop worker ern Ireland would be “unac- istic increases in carriage graph and News Letter had else,” he said. at PA & DJ Drummond ceptable and intolerable”. charges. escalated the problem. Mr Baxter agreed that and attempt to rob Senior NFRN manage- “Newspread has to recog- He said: “What we have this issue was “unlikely another member of ment met with the whole- nise that any such increases to factor in, along with to be addressed until staf at Muldowney saler in Belfast last week would be unacceptable and increased carriage charges, government intervention Newsagents, Plymouth to discuss carriage charges intolerable given that fuel is that three of the national takes place”. “However,” he Crown Court heard. He retailers have labelled as prices are so low and the papers in Northern Ireland said, “for the interim we also admitted to stealing “unsustainable”. volumes delivered continue have also reduced their discussed ways in which £440 from Morley Ser- Chief executive Paul to decline.” margins.” we could work more closely vice Station. West was Baxter said: “We left the Seamus McFadden, of John McDowell, of together on clear sales op- given a six year prison wholesaler in no doubt that McFaddens in County McIntyre’s in County Lon- portunities for non-news sentence. Getaway our members in Northern Tyrone, said newsagents in donderry, said the NFRN products and consumables. driver Cody Ware was Ireland still require rec- Northern Ireland had been meeting with Newspread “I am hopeful of a better jailed for five years. ompense for the excessive left with “very little margin was a positive step but he working relationship with Robber behind bars surcharge first applied in or potential to survive”. could see no easy solution. Newspread into the future.” A robber from a gang who carried out a violent attack on a post- New paper’s mistress before stealing £33,000 from her busi- sales steady ness is now behind bars. Scottish retailers say sales of Daniel Quinn formed the country’s first pro-inde- part of the group who pendence newspaper have pushed and kicked steadied after an initial Saima Iqbal as she flurry of interest. was cashing up at the The National launched on Rishton Post Ofce in a trial basis on 24 November Blackburn. Quinn was and was picked up as a per- sentenced to 56 months manent title after selling in prison following out of an initial 60,000 print a hearing at Burnley run. Sharon Sisman, of C & Crown Court. Two other M Sisman in Stirlingshire, suspects have been said: “I have regulars who arrested and released on buy it every day but there police bail. are not many impulse sales. The people who buy it obvi- Happy return Shoppers young and old came out in droves to celebrate the ofcial ‘Hoodie’ locked up ously really like it.” reopening of the Premier Waltham Chase Convenience Store in Hampshire, which A convenience store The Herald & Times has undergone a major refit. Owners Adrian and Jenny Segovia have quadrupled owner in Nottingham Group said it would not re- their floor space to make room for more groceries and newspapers, and have also was threatened with a lease sales figures until the incorporated a new open plan post ofce allowing them to ofer relevant services knife shortly after plac- paper had been audited. for an extra 47 hours a week. ing a ban on ‘hoodies’ in his business. The owner of the Fed goes to Holyrood to lobby Scots parliament Londis in Bulwell had asked a group of hooded The NFRN will hold a planning and regulation of the Irish parliament last tions Adrian Roper said: men to leave his shop reception for members of alcohol and tobacco. December. “The Scottish reception is when one of the gang the Scottish Parliament at The federation will also The reception will be being held for the first time produced the weapon. Holyrood next month. launch a policy document hosted by Annabel Goldie in a few years to help build Nottingham Crown Members north of the in the same month, mir- MSP, who will be joined by on the work we have done at Court heard how Kieran border will use the event roring the Public Afairs members of the parliament Westminster. Dawson threatened the on 18 February to raise the Agenda it launched in and leading figures from “The event will be a use- shopkeeper and his dog federation’s profile and Westminster last year. Scottish politics. ful opportunity to raise a before leaving. He was highlight a number of trade A similar event was held The NFRN’s head of pub- range of issues which afect jailed for 12 months. issues including crime, in Dublin for members of lic afairs and communica- our members.” 14 30 January 2105 Retail Newsagent

YOUR NFRN DISTRICT COUNCIL REPORT WESTERN AND DEVON REGION & CORNWALL 19.01.2015 Nick Constable reports from the NFRN Western and Devon & Cornwall district council meeting

240 miles per day, said late equipment is threatening few seconds. deliveries or re-runs from Western Daily Press sales But Ray Monelle said wholesalers often meant in Devon and Cornwall, that by paying for their no deliveries to customers. retailers were told. own tobacco cabinets, “We can’t wait,” he Honiton newsagent retailers can “sell” com- said. “People want their Duncan Finlayson said panies prime slots in newspaper first thing in the WDP, which mainly exchange for vouchers or the morning. serves the Bristol area, free stock. Martin Ballinger “Is it time to put pres- Last January came of-stone after its “They are efectively sure on editors to stick stablemate the Western giving incentives to hold Print over digital rigorously to of-stone I lost 10 Morning News – which their products,” said Mr times? Does the circula- people to has its heartland further Monelle, whose own over- publishers urged tion department need to west. head gantry cost £1,400. Publishers are being urged have a bigger say?” digital. This “It is well worth con- to mount a print fightback Ray Monelle said it was sidering this before you amid claims that the boom crucial for publishers to January, I’ve accept any free ofer.” in digital news has stalled. understand how badly late lost no one. The call from Western deliveries hit their profits. Re-runs ‘quietly district president Martin “I’m sure they often In fact, I Ballinger comes ahead of don’t even know that forgotten’ an NFRN open forum next re-runs have occurred,” have picked A pledge by Smiths to month at which publish- he said. drop re-runs at three hubs ers and wholesalers will up HND sales south of the M4 has been debate the way forward for Indies will gain Martin Ballinger Duncan Finlayson “quietly forgotten”, retail- print titles. Mr Finlayson warned ers heard. from Tesco woes NFRN Western district Mr Ballinger, who has president that regular printing Western North presi- about 2,000 HND custom- Newsagents should look problems were having a dent Derek Cook said ers in Gloucester, told forward to a more hopeful drastic efect on WDP sales the wholesaler’s Swindon members: “Last January 2015 thanks to Tesco’s towards the edge of its house had previously I lost 10 people to digital. woes and a dive in the circulation area. agreed to meet newsa- This January, I’ve lost no price of diesel, Martin “The number of copies gents at agreed rendezvous one. In fact, I have picked Ballinger told the meeting. they’re losing through points in Chippenham, up HND sales. He said the supermar- print breakdowns is a real Marlborough and “I’m hoping that every- ket’s decision to close 43 problem,” he said. Devizes. one who wants a tablet for stores – mostly from the “Often the paper is late But recent late deliver- digital news now has one Tesco Express brand – was and sometimes we don’t ies of the Guardian and and a recovery can begin. the result of a failed expan- see it at all. Financial Times had high- “But publishers need to sion plan which had hit “Sales are being hit and lighted a breakdown in the jump on this and divert independent retailers hard. my fear is that one day arrangement. some of their digital bud- “I’d like to wish mem- we’ll look and find the “These hubs need to be gets back to print.” bers in those areas good WDP isn’t being printed reinstated very quickly,” National councillor Ray luck as they seek to win any longer.” said Mr Cook. “No newsa- Monelle added: “This is back that business,” he gent is going to drive out one reason why the NFRN said. Free gantries to Swindon at 9am. Papers has organised a forum. “Meanwhile, we should left there won’t be going “The response so far all be looking forward to may not pay off anywhere.” from publishers and a reduction in carriage Independent retailers pre- wholesalers has been charges. There has been a paring to “go dark” in the Sponsorship for excellent.” 27% fall in the price of die- run-up to April’s tobacco sel these last few months.” display ban can unlock awards draw Latest news bad Ray Monelle said the new business, the meeting Organisers of the NFRN’s federation had already was told. Southern Region awards news for sales approached Menzies and Tobacco companies have have been given £100 Editors keen to run late- Smiths asking what plans been ofering newsagents sponsorship by the joint breaking stories should they had to pass on fuel free gantries in exchange district council. be forced to answer for cost reductions to newsa- for the right to place The money will help sales dips caused by titles gents. brands in prominent dis- finance a prize draw at the coming of-stone late, play slots. event – due to be held in members were told. Print problems Their logic is that when- Caversham on 8 May as North Devon newsa- ever the gantry is opened, a way of showcasing the gent Roy Crawford, whose threaten future smokers will see familiar region’s best independent rural HND rounds total Unreliable printing packaging – if only for a retailers. Retail Newsagent 30 January 2015 15 OPINION Your say Your say

How will you be making your voice heard in I think there’s an opportunity to change the minds of MPs. It’s the fight against plain packaging for tobacco? election year and retailers need to make them realise that we RETAIL NEWSAGENT I will be writing to my MP and this sort of thing without any will be watching how they vote. NEWS ● CONVENIENCE ● PROFIT asking her to come down to the success. Abdul Qadar, Sighthill Convenience Store, 11 Angel Gate, City Road, London EC1V 2SD store so I can discuss the efect Jon Dudley, Tel 020 7689 0600 Fax 020 7689 0700 Edinburgh plain packs would have. My MP Boyatt News, email [email protected] Eastleigh, is Penny Mordaunt, the high Annual Subscription Hampshire UK 1 year £144 Europe £289 streets minister, so the policy 2 years £227 Rest of world £339 should be something she wants The NFRN is holding 3 years £319 to discuss with independent a parliamentary To subscribe contact 01737 457236 retailers. I think it’s important reception in Febru- Editor Director of Sales we explain to our representa- ary at Holyrood for Chris Gamm Mike Baillie tives that we are already doing members of the 020 7689 3378 020 7689 3367 a lot of work to make sure that Scottish Parlia- Associate Editor Account Managers we sell tobacco responsibly. ment and we Chris Rolfe Liz Dale Pradip Amin, will certainly be 020 7689 3362 020 7689 3363 Birds Newsmarket, Content Editor – Will Hoad Portsmouth, making a lot of News 020 7689 3370 Hampshire noise about it Ed Chadwick Dwain Nicely then. Scotland News020 7689 body 3386 020 7689 3372 I responded to the consulta- has said it will act Reporter LettersAccount name, Executive tion, which seems to have independently as Steven Lambert lettersMarta Dziokaddress 020 7689 3357 020 7689 3354 been ignored, so it seems as it has on the dis- Reporter Sales Support though we’re banging our play ban require- Nicola Stewart Executive heads against a brick wall on ments and they 020 7689 3358 Chris Chandler this I fear that government has must recognise Content Editor – 020 7689 3382 made its mind up and will force that we have Features Marketing Manager Tom Gockelen-Kozlowski Lauren McKinnon plain packs through. It sounds already had 020 7689 3361 020 7689 3351 defeatist, but I think a lot of enough draco- Feature Writer Marketing Executive retailers have become quite nian legislation Nadia Alexandrou Tom Mulready battle-weary from fighting imposed on us. 020 7689 3350 020 7689 3352 Production Editor Marketing Assistant YourDarren Rackham stock Emma Wilson 020 7689 3373 020 7689 3384 Design & Production Managing Director Your stock Executive Nick Shanagher Hannah Plowman 07966 530 001 020 7689 3380 How will on-pack Comic Relief branding and of the product, they might make that purchase donations help to drive sales of associated knowing they are going to be products? contributing towards a good cause. If it is promoted well and people pared to make that purchase. Mohammed Issa 1st Stop 2 Shop, Email: fi[email protected] are aware of the promotion, Otherwise, if they come in and Dundee, If you do not receive your copy of RN customers might come in pre- see the promotion on the front Scotland please contact Chris Chandler: 020 7689 3382 or [email protected] Honestly, I don’t think it does Printed by Southernprint, Poole, on 80gsm Galerie Fine Gloss paper help. Customers are too price Distributor Seymour Distribution, 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT orientated now. I think people Audit Bureau of Circulations like going out and getting red July 2013 to June 2014 average net circulation per issue 13,626 noses and things but when they are looking at a product on the Winner of the 2009 ACE gold award for circulation excellence by a smaller magazine shelf, they will still go for the one next to it that is £1. Susan Connolly Spar Pewsey, Retail Newsagent is published by Newtrade Publishing Limited, which is wholly owned by Wiltshire NFRN Holdings Ltd, which is wholly owned by the Benefits Fund of the National Federation of Retail Newsagents. Retail Newsagent is editorially independent of the NFRN and opinions, comments and reviews I don’t find that it helps. I included are not necessarily those of the Federation and no warranty for goods or services described is implied. haven’t noticed that my cus- Reproduction or transmission in part or whole of any item from Retail Newsagent may only be undertaken with the prior tomers will buy something written agreement of the Editor. Contributions are welcomed and are included in part or whole specifically because it is linked at the sole discretion of the Editor. to a charity. Newtrade Publishing accepts no responsibility for submitted John Gnanaseelan material. Every possible care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information. North Parade Convenience Store, For trade use only Aberystwyth, West Wales 16 30 January 2015 Retail Newsagent

The opinions on this page do not necessarily represent those of the editor email [email protected] Letters may be altered by the editor

tel 020 7689 0600 RETAIL NEWSAGENT for reasons of clarity or of length

#TOP TWEETS SOME KIDS ARE JUST TROUBLE...

The problem of a goat visiting your Who’s saying what in the shop (Extra Extra!, RN 16 January) retailing world this week? is not as rare as RN readers might think. @SparKilk One Sunday morning, as I was It’s not Easter yet but having my breakfast, one of the still time to enjoy paperboys barged in gesticulating Cadbury’s Mini Eggs for wildly that there was a goat in the only £1. shop. I didn’t believe him – they are always playing pranks on me – and @BetterBuyLocal I sent him away. When we’re finished However, he came back and said shop fitting @Ly- it was eating the crisps (Seabrook meRegisPO we’ll have a massive 15m of greeting of course). cards + stationery + This spurred me into action @PostOfce + Bureau de and sure enough, there was a goat Change! in the shop destroying the crisp fixture. I got some Menzies string, @SimplyFreshE2 looped it round the goat’s neck and Looking for beef or led it out of the shop, tying it to chicken for #roast? the gate. We’ve got it covered! I then called the local police #bethnalgreen Winner station but as I did this, there was of independent retail a terrible noise. awards 2014! The goat was trying to escape. Unfortunately, the string was now so tight the goat was choking to @Thorncombe_Shop death. OK, today’s secret pass phrase for a free cofee I managed to cut the string and or tea is “Greece is the the goat ran of, around the corner word the word that you and into a pub car park. heard”. I followed but could not find it anywhere. Subsequently, neither running. goat had made himself at home by could the police. This time I used one of my dogs digging a large hole in my friend’s @SalthousePO Later that morning, I was leads and tied the goat to a garden drive and slumping into it. We’re only top branch in returning to the shop with my two gate. Unable to find its owner, the our area! Thanks to dogs. I informed the householder, who RSPCA informed me the goat was @AnsdellPost for letting A jogger approached me, fol- I knew, and said the goat would be finally placed in an animal sanctu- me know. Good excuse lowed by a jogging goat. collected shortly. ary and was doing very well. for a drink! #proud I stopped the jogger and asked This time I rang the RSPCA Mike Brown him if he realised he was being which agreed to pick it up. Browns Newsagents, Stokesley, followed by a goat. Unfortunately, nobody arrived North Yorkshire @newswatts He shrugged and carried on until 4pm and by this time the Magiki Puppies? We have some! #Rossendale

Not boxing clever for Charlie Hebdo delivery @tearesnews After taking 32 orders this morning (23 January). of boxes in their already “Our packing system had Charlie Hebdo… We from our customers last However, these papers full vans? incorrect measurements of have a few copies of the week for the Charlie Hebdo were packaged two to I just hope that a charge this publication causing this special edition on sale now – first come, first paper, we were obviously a tote box meaning we of £12.50 for each box is not small quantity of titles to served. extremely annoyed when received an extra 30 tote going to be levied against be packed in multiple tote we didn’t receive one copy. boxes this morning. my Menzies bill tomor- boxes. After placating these This raises a great deal row as I certainly cannot “While the error was picked customers and telling them of questions and com- aford it. up after the first few runs, @EDiamond136 that we never received any ments. Jonathan Armstrong Mr Armstrong was one of our Two days ago a lady won copies, we were met with How inefcient is Windmill Drive Post Office, customers whose supplies £1000 on a scratchcard. Bexhill-on-Sea a great deal of disbelief and this? Where are we sup- had already been packed Today, the same lady comments implying that posed to store these boxes A Menzies spokesman and we apologise for the won £100 on another we had kept all of the cop- today? responds: “Unfortunately, inconvenience caused. scratchcard. Both sold ies for ourselves. What about the poor we experienced a technical “We did however distribute here at Diamonds. :-) We were relieved delivery drivers who issue with this title which extra copies of Charlie Hebdo therefore to receive the 60 have to cope with these afected a small number of where requested, which should Follow Retail Newsagent copies that we had ordered totally ridiculous amounts customers. help toward extra sales.” on Twitter @RetailNewsagent Retail Newsagent 30 January 2015 17 YOUR

email [email protected] ISSUE tel 020 7689 3375

MORE POLICE PATROLS FOR CRIME-HIT STORE Last week’s RN reported how Sudesh Patel was at his wit’s end after a string of break-ins left his business on the brink. At least £20,000 of stock has been taken from his store in the past year in three burglar– ies and daily instances of shop– lifting. He has caught brazen thieves loading up to £100 of chocolate and luxury ice cream into their pockets before walking out, safe in the knowledge that they won’t be prosecuted in the unlikely event that the police turn up and catch them. We’re pleased to report that Mr Patel has made some progress with the police, who have promised to increase patrols, even if they have hit a dead end in their Police have promised to increase patrols hunt for the burglars. around Sudesh Patel’s crime-afflicted store But he says that Islington Council could – and should – windows and helping themselves in the area that have had internal store has sufered from crime for be doing more to protect the to large amounts of stock. shutters ﬁtted and I am looking many years, and yet there is only business from the crime wave. “I’m told that we can’t have into whether this sets a precedent one camera on the store. It doesn’t He has been told that he can’t shutters because it’s out of for me.” seem enough.” ﬁt shutters to the outside of the keeping with the area,” says Mr Mr Patel is also concerned that A spokesman for Islington property, leaving it vulnerable Patel. the area immediately around the Council said: “Shutters to the sort of smash-and-grab “I know they don’t look great, store is lacking in coverage by themselves lead to darker streets raiders who have struck three but it’s the only thing I can think CCTV cameras, despite historic and can contribute to a less safe- times. of that will stop this sort of break- issues with crime. feeling atmosphere by creating On each occasion they have in from happening again. He adds: “The Packington areas where people can lurk at entered by smashing plate glass “There are some other buildings Estate which is at the back of the night.” BT reverses the charges after ‘stealth’ listing

Back in June last year, RN ran a Kamal told me out approach to avoid the signifi- story on retailers accusing BT of Thaker, it would cant risk with an opt-in approach passing through a stealth charge owner of reverse that the customer misses a letter that would cost the independent Stop Shop the leaving no option, but to wait a full sector an estimated £6m. News in charg- year to get their entry into the next The issue involved retailers be- Edgware, es.” phone book, possibly resulting in ing included in the classified sec- Middle- How- business losses. tion of the BT phone book, which sex, was ever, Mr “Our opt out policy will be would cost business customers surprised RN, 20 June 2014 Thaker applied in a reasonable manner an extra £30.72 a quarter on top of to find says he with opt outs accepted after the their regular bill. a ‘classified paid line entry’ fee on fears other retailers who fail to four-week period outlined in the BT told RN it had written to his latest BT bill. check their bills thoroughly will letter prior to the publication of the retailers about the charge, noting He said: “It showed that I had not be so lucky. Phone Book so no business will lose that any business not wishing to been charged £10.24 plus VAT in “It’s pretty concerning for the out. We also plan to issue refunds be included needed to opt out over December, as well as an additional trade, and I think BT has been when required post publication the phone or online. cost of £30.72 for the first quarter of pretty underhand in all of this.” where customers decide they do However, half a year on, one the year. A BT spokesman confirmed not want the listing and it will be independent says a lack of notifica- “I had received no correspon- Mr Thaker will be reimbursed in removed from future editions. tion from BT has led to him being dence from BT about this so I line with its policy, adding: “Businesses will continue to unnecessarily charged by the called them immediately. After “BT has written to all afected receive a free listing in the A-Z sec- company. talking with someone there, BT customers. We have taken an opt tion of the Phone Book.” 18 30 January 2015 Retail Newsagent BARRY

email [email protected] tel 020 7689 0600 FROST fax 020 7689 0700 Keeping on top of things Maintaining your leasehold property with regular inspections and small but frequent repairs will help you to avoid a hefty bill

often get asked by my expected to maintain the building landlord chooses to bring in a sur- clients to assist them with as if it was their own at all times veyor to inspect the property, this identifying which parts of and I always advise any retailers I cost is normally passed on to the I their leasehold property speak to that they do just that. tenant and it can be expensive de- they are responsible for maintain- Most leases will identify in pending on the size and age of the ing themselves and when they general terms the maintenance property. The surveyor will prepare should carry out any work they items that need carrying out regu- a ‘schedule of dilapidations’ which are obliged to undertake under the larly. For example, there is nearly identifies exactly what work the terms of their lease. always an obligation that the It is a very tenant is expected to carry out and It’s a very important issue interior of a property is repainted good idea will also give an approximate cost. and I have dealt with several every three years. If the tenant is vacating the cases recently where tenants Other repairing obligations to carry out premises at the end of the lease have neglected the maintenance are not outlined specifically as it the schedule will be more detailed obligations in their lease and have would make the lease too long. a regular and exhaustive. One of my clients therefore faced a very big bill at Common sense must be used and received a dilapidations survey re- the end of it. it is a very good idea to carry out a inspection of cently that identified work that the Looking after a commercial regular inspection of the property landlord required costing £48,000 building can be expensive and, to identify any potential problems the property plus VAT. generally, the older it gets the before they escalate. If you are not In these cases it is a good idea to more attention it will need. Leases confident in doing this, it is a good to identify employ your own surveyors and will always define your repair ob- idea to get a reputable builder to do get them to act in negotiations for ligations and it is very important it for you. any potential you. It is possible to negotiate this to know and understand what Landlords will always have the figure down but you can still end these are when buying a business right to inspect the property at problems up having to find a sizeable sum of or opening a new shop. any time to ensure that all is well money to put the building back the The repair obligations for the and that it is being maintained. before they way the landlord wants it. majority of news and convenience However, most landlords do this So what can you do to prevent retailers will either be internal when a lease is coming up for escalate yourself falling into this situation? or full repairs. For internally renewal and many will do this Carrying out a regular inspec- repairing leases the tenant is informally without involving a tion of the property is essential. responsible for the internal part of chartered surveyor. Where the Preventative maintenance is vital the building only, with the excep- if bigger, more costly problems are tion being the entire shop front. to be avoided later on. It is also very For shop premises, this is always important to pay attention to areas made the responsibility of the that are not always visible like gut- tenant, including the insurance of Key points to consider ters or things that may be hidden any plate glass. *+ Make sure you read and understand the repair obligations of behind chillers or in a store room. For fully repairing leases, the your lease. If you spend a little each year tenant is responsible for the main- + Inspect your shop premises regularly or get a professional to maintaining your shop you have tenance of the whole building. do this. a better chance of avoiding a large This includes all of the internal + Carry out regular preventative maintenance. bill later on. ● space and any second floor ac- + Ensure that any minor issues are dealt with immediately. commodation such as flats. It also + Establish an annual budgetfor maintenance. Barry Frost is managing director of includes the roof, drains, outside + Treat your leasehold shop like it is your own property . finance and property consultancy areas and so on. The tenant is service Commercial Plus Retail Newsagent 30 January 2015 19

Interview by Tom Gockelen-Kozlowski email [email protected] tel 020 7689 3361 Got Capital UK

Access to finance has become harder in recent years as banks’ lending to businesses has declined dramatically. Got Capital UK takes a more positive approach, basing its lending on a company’s future turnover rather than its collateral

RETAIL NEWSAGENT How is the financing come to us. Our investment is based sector changing for independent on turnover and we advertise that retailers? we provide loans from £1,000 to ALEX AFEK Until a few years ago, if you £100,000. wanted credit you had to go to the bank or to friends and family – there RN These retailers are more likely weren’t a lot of options available. to be offered funding from banks, In recent years, banks have turned so what is the advantage of seeking of the tap to credit for many small funding from Got Capital? businesses and an industry of alter- AA Firstly, many retailers know that RN How do Got Capital’s rates natives has emerged to fill the void. the smallest mark on your credit compare to those offered by banks? history can shut of all of your AA As with credit card or overdraft RN What is Got Capital’s alternative options. There are people who are rates compared to mortgages, our model? struggling to work with banks, even model is not the cheapest option but AA Our model is unsecured financing if their turnover and profitability is it is quick, reliable and flexible. based on a store’s future turnover, really high. We think of You’ll be taking on a relationship rather than collateral such as a Secondly, the banks will often try with someone who is interested property’s value. This is already very to tie you down, giving you £10,000 ourselves in your business and who’ll want popular in the US. but leaving you stuck with the loan as investors to partner with you long term, The UK industry has grown rapid- for up to five years with no other op- through the good times and the ly in the past two years, with many tions to seek credit during that time. in the not so good. companies coming from the US. If your fridge breaks down or you This comes with a price but it have an opportunity to bulk buy businesses provides a great alternative. RN How does your way of working stock, the banks won’t help you. we lend to differ from the banks? RN Are independent retailers more AA It’s very diferent from the big confident about using alternative banks, where all the work is done financing models today? from an ofce. Company CV AA Definitely. More store owners We try to meet all the businesses ** are looking to expand and they’re we work with. We believe that the ** increasingly savvy in exploring Company Got Capital UK personal relationships you can build, Managing director Alex Afek their options for financing. the trust and understanding, are Company profile Got Capital If you look at the older generations really important and something you offers unsecured financing, they were often happy with one shop can never do remotely. with greater flexibility than and weren’t interested in expanding. We think of ourselves as investors traditional banking allows, That’s changing. in the businesses we lend to. to convenience stores, ho- RN What are your plans for 2015? tels and restaurants nation - RN How do retailers typically use AA wide which want to expand and improve. First established in We are looking to expand to a few your finance? the USA, the company is now one of many aiming to ease the more ofces in the north of England AA We prefer to work with businesses drought in financing since the credit crunch. and Wales so that our specialists can that are growing, rather than those Latest news This year the company plans to open offices get out and visit more retailers. who need money to stay afloat. around the country to help its employees develop face-to- We’re also looking at partnering So expansion, refurbishment face relationships. with other companies to ofer a wid- and planned improvements before er range of products, but eventually joining a symbol group or franchise we want to be a one-stop shop for all are common reasons why retailers ** ** small businesses’ financing. 20 30 January 2015 Retail Newsagent CHEWING GUM by Nadia Alexandrou email [email protected] PRICEWATCH tel 020 7689 3350 BEST-SELLING CHEWING GUM PRICES AROUND THE UK PRODUCT RRP AVERAGE RETAILER RETAILER RETAILER RETAILER RETAILER Chewing gum

1 2 3 4 5 Wrigley’s Extra Sugar pricing strategies Free Peppermint 40p 50p 41p 45p 57p 40p 42p 14g Wrigley’s Extra Sugar RETAILER Free Spearmint 40p 50p 39p 45p 57p 40p 42p 14g 1 Wrigley’s Extra 49p 54p 49p 50p 57p 49p 52p NAME SAM CUPID White Bubblemint STORE Ormsgill Convenience Store 38g LOCATION Barrow-in-Furness, Wrigley’s Airwaves Cumbria Sugar Free Menthol 45p 53p 51p 50p 60p 45p 49p SIZE 1,700sq ft & Eucalyptus 14g TYPE council estate Wrigley’s Extra Ice We stick to Best-one’s RRPs. Peppermint 49p 54p 49p 50p 60p 49p 52p We’re fairly new to the symbol 14g group, which we joined after being unafliated this August. Wrigley’s Extra My store’s performing miles Strawberry Sugar Free 40p 50p 41p 45p 57p 40p 42p 10pcs better now, as we underwent a complete shop overhaul when Wrigley’s Extra Sugar 99p £1.03 89p – £1.19 £1.00 £1.05 we joined. I also like how the Free Peppermint pricing system is managed. We Handy Box 25s merchandise gum on two small Wrigley’s Extra Ice 49p 53p 49p 50p 60p 49p 52p stands that are located one by Citrus each till. They all sell pretty 38g equally, except we had to delist the large packs as they weren’t Wrigley’s Orbit 72p 77p 72p 85p 69p 72p – Complete Spearmint selling at all. I imagine they’d Sugar Free do much better in forecourts where customers buy them for Wrigley’s 39p 47p 39p 39p 45p 39p 39p Juicy Fruit long car journeys. 18g Wrigley’s 5 Turbulence 59p 63p 59p 59p 70p 60p 69p Sugar Free Gum RETAILER 7s Wrigley’s 39p 44p 39p 39p 46p 39p 40p Hubba Bubba Apple 2 35g NAME BHAVESH PAREKH STORE Kwiksave LOCATION Bolton, Lancashire SIZE 2,900sq ft WRIGLEY’S EXTRA SUGAR FREE COOL BREEZE Price distribution % TYPE high Street We usually stick to the RRPs 45% set by Costcutter, but like most 11% of independents corner shops we’ll round up for 40% sell this product at or certain lines by a few pence. below the 40p RRP It’s such a small impulse 35% item that customers are 30% not really afected by a small price lift – and con- 25% sidering nearby stores sell some brands for 60p which 20% we sell at 50p, we’re quite 15% competitive. Unfortunately, you also have to take 10% into account that some kids steal from you. We 5% merchandise all gum 0% by the till on racks that were custom-made when we

51p 41p 42p 43p 45p 47p 52p 53p 55p 56p 40p 44p 46p 48p 49p 50p 54p reﬁtted our store. All gum sells -40p +56p fairly consistently, there are no outstanding favourites. Average selling prices and best-selling products rankings are sourced by EDFM Ltd from EPoS data from over 2,000 independent retailers throughout the UK. The prices given on this page are the prices at point of purchase. RRPs are sourced from Booker and are correct at time of going to print. Retail Newsagent 30 January 2015 21

RETAILER RETAILER 3 4 THE NAME SALEEM SADIQ NAME BALVIR SINGH ATWAL STORE Spar STORE Atwal News ENTREPRENEURS LOCATION Renfrew, Glasgow LOCATION Hatton, Derbyshire SIZE 4,000sq ft SIZE 800sq ft The world’s best business brains and TYPE neighbourhood TYPE village what you can learn from them We go above the RRP, which We mostly stick to the RRP or has always been the case for go a few pence above. We’re a both confectionery and chew- village community so we try to ing gum as we make more keep prices reasonable across money on these two categories the whole store. We also have because they are impulse buys. a Co-op and a Nisa not too far We fit into Spar’s neighbour- away so we need to keep our hood format, which I think prices competitive. I’ve been is the second cheapest price running this shop for 27 years bracket out of the four formats now, and I’ve noticed that which also include forecourts, people are becoming less loyal Eurospar and Express. Our gum and more influenced by price is accessible at all our tills. We – which I believe is driven by originally had our own stands, discounters such as Aldi and but then Wrigley ofered us Lidl. We have all of our gum by nicer counter stands, so we the till, which was merchan- took them. Wrigley’s Extra is dised by Wrigley. the most popular. PETER THIEL the time of the acquisition, Route to the top he started Clarium Capital An investing genius, Peter Management. His company Thiel is most prominently invested in many success- known for co-founding ful startups like Friendster, PayPal, the electronic pay- LinkedIn (founded by his ment site and being the first friend Ried Hofman), angel investor in Facebook. Rapleaf, Geni.com, Yelp. A loner of sorts, Peter was a Inc, Palantir and Votizen, maths genius and a national among others. level chess player in his RETAILER home country, Germany. In 1996, he founded Thiel Key achievements Capital Management, a l Sits on the steering com- 5 multi strategy fund, which mittee of the mysterious NAME ANISH KESHWARA was a pre-cursor to his next Bilderberg Group – the elite STORE Nisa Local venture, PayPal. He co- band of the rich and power- LOCATION Whittlesey, founded PayPal, with some ful from politics, industry Cambridgeshire of his like-minded friends and business that convenes SIZE 2,500sq ft and took the company pub- each year to discuss nobody- TYPE residential lic in 2002. A year later he knows-quite-what. Nisa’s head ofce controls our sold the company to eBay for l Having a net-worth of prices, which we tweak only $1.5bn and turned towards $2.2bn, and counting slightly to adjust margins. All his most successful career l Wrote the widely ac- our gum is merchandised next until now – investing. claimed book: Zero to One: to our three tills on counter With a 3.7% stake in PayPal Notes on Startups, or How to top units provided by Wrig- which earned him $55m at Build the Future. ley. All of Wrigley’s items sell really well, as they dominate the category. The Extras are Lessons for your store particularly popular. This is a sector dominated by impulse, 1 Feed off people who inspire you and as it’s probably one of the – whether that’s through a book or least price-sensitive categories aspiring friends, as did Thiel. in store there’s no need to do 2 Put your imagination back into work promotions. Our big packs are – Thiel is known for thinking far outside probably the slowest sellers, the box, and having the imagination of but their cost price makes up a small child (mixed with genius). for that. 3 Play chess – or something similar. These strategic games reportedly help how you approach your business. 22 30 January 2015 Retail Newsagent

ommunity has been at the heart of likely to pick up a basket and add a few Rajwinder Kaur’s retailing philoso- impulse purchases, says Rajwinder. phy ever since she and her husband She adds that social media has also CBhupinder took over a run-down of- become an increasingly important tool for licence and convenience store in Kilbirnie the business, allowing them to build better 15 years ago. relationships with their customers. Hats off Everything about their Lifestyle Express “We have a Facebook account where we Newhouse Mini Market business has been put up the latest deals and pick up sugges- geared towards providing the best shopping tions from shoppers. We had one person experience for local customers, whether it’s who asked whether we could get gloves and ofering wholesome homemade meals for scarfs in over winter, which we did, and workers or introducing items specially re- they were really popular.” to great quested by shoppers on the store’s Facebook This dedication to go the extra mile page. for shoppers is evident around the shop, “We’re on first name terms with all of our especially in the excellent customer service customers,” says Rajwinder. “They’re the provided by the couple’s seven members of most important part of retailing and we do staf, who ofer to accompany elderly shop- our best to give them what they want.” pers and find products for them. service The couple have made gradual but With competition from a Tesco and a significant improvements to their business Co-op, adding a personal touch has also over the years, starting with the acquisi- endeared Rajwinder and Bhupinder to the tion of the post ofce business that used to local populace. The personal touch sets trade next door to them. Knocking through Rajwinder says: “We do our own home- Rajwinder and Bhupinder Kaur’s the wall into the adjacent building allowed made soups, which are really popular them to grow floor space from 1,000sq ft because we have a lot of factory workers store apart from their ‘big name’ to 1,500sq ft, and formed part of a refit that in the area. We charge £1.40 for soup and a transformed the business in 2012. roll and we must go through about 30 a day. neighbours. Steven Lambert “We went really big when we reopened,” And we have homemade curries, which are finds out how being at the heart says Rajwinder. “We had fun days, rafes popular with people picking up something and even had the Scottish Cup displayed in for dinner. of the local community has the shop. It helped get our name out there.” “We also have lots of requests to make helped the couple to build a The Post Ofce remains a large draw for up hampers for shoppers, whether it’s for residents, and moving the fortress to the Valentine’s, Easter or other occasions, and loyal customer base back of the business means people are more we’re more than happy to do this.” Retail Newsagent 30 January 2015 » 23 THIS WEEK IN MAGAZINES “We saw one shop in an RN retailer Pages 34-37 profile that had saved losing lottery tickets from shoppers and had entered them into their own draw to win prizes. We’re now considering doing something similar for our customers.” Rajwinder Kaur, Lifestyle Express Newhouse Mini Market, Kilbirnie

Relocating the post office fortress to the back of the store led to an increase in impulse sales; homemade soups are popular with local workers

“We had fun days, Add-on services have also been good footfall drivers for the store, including Pay- raffles and even Point, the Lottery and dry-cleaning, while a had the Scottish Rollover hot dog machine has proven to be a big draw with the lunchtime crowd. Cup displayed And with multiples on their doorstep, Ra- in the shop. It jwinder and Bhupinder also take full advan- helped get our tage of the range of value-for-money ofers coming from their wholesaler, Landmark. name out there” “We have our own £1 value zone in the shop, which is ﬁlled with good quality, afordable products,” says Rajwinder. “We used to have it in one part of the store but, when we realised our chilled sales weren’t so great, we moved the value lines next to it. Now we’ve got shoppers going to the section to pick up low price confectionery Visit my shop and snacks, and they are also picking up a sandwich and a drink while they’re there.” By placing their customers at the centre of every business decision, Rajwinder and Bhupinder have ensured that, 15 years after they ﬁrst opened their doors, they are the ones who are now the heart of their community. Rajwinder says: “It’s the customers that make us hungry to do more with the shop, and it makes us value the work we Lifestyle Express do. But you’ve got to keep on top of your Newhouse Mini Market game, otherwise you won’t get the results 4 Dalry Road, you’re looking for.” l Kilbirnie KA25 6HY Want to see more of Rajwinder’s store? 24 30 January 2015 Retail Newsagent ALCOHOL

Is it time to call time? ers and together we can consider super-strength alcohol and it’s legal whether we need to act further. I don’t see why we should have to Yet, if there was really an attempt take it of our shelves. to cut down on problem drinkers We’re in competition with many NO then there’d also need to be a clamp- other shops here and we can’t aford down on high-strength white cider to lose trade by stopping selling Raaj Chandarana which is what many alcoholics drink. products like this while our compe- Premier Tara’s News, High While we are lucky that we’ve tition continues to have it on their Wycombe managed to avoid issues with stock- shelves. It’s a really tough one. ing these products, if we suddenly Our We stock large cans of Skol, Ten- In the end, I’d rather make less developed a problem with street approach, nent’s Super and similar products, money than sell super-strength drinkers coming in I think it would and have many diferent types of beers to street drinkers. be better to put prices up rather than therefore, is people buying them, all the way up But what people forget, however, take what is a legitimate part of the to men in suits. We sell it respon- is that often there is a legitimate category of the shelves. not to delist sibly and, at the end of the day, it’s need for these products. People who It’s retailers in other parts of the products still a legal product. And wasn’t have a celebration or are going on a country, on council estates, who get Special Brew created speciﬁcally for night out – hardworking people – cheap alcohol from their wholesalers like Special Winston Churchill? will come and buy one can because who would really struggle if there Obviously, if these products are they know it will give them the nec- was a clampdown on these products. Brew but to banned and everyone has to take essary buzz. That could put a lot of them out of price them them of, we will follow the law. Our approach, therefore, is not to business. We’re also willing to work with delist products like Special Brew but higher to put manufacturers if they’re thinking to price them higher to put of street Kay Patel about introducing smaller cans drinkers. Global Food & Wines, off street to the trade, but we can’t just give Following the product bulletin London away business based on recom- from the Portman Group last week, If our competition drinkers mendations made by the Portman however, I will speak to other retail- is continuing to sell Group. Retail Newsagent 30 January 2015 25

After the Portman Group put a red alert on a raft of super-strength beers, is it time for the independent sector to call it a day stocking these products? RN spoke to two retailers on either side of the debate. Tom Gockelen-Kozlowski reports

products, they are also turning that these people bring. I stopped themselves into a shop that people selling everything, including White will want to visit and footfall will Diamond. rise. We’re now looking at getting rid YES Without an agreement locally for of Special Brew too, it’s the kind of all retailers to remove these products product that provided the huge hit Amit from shelves, I’m still stocking these people want. Patel them, but I’ve managed to deal with We had one persistent thief Belvedere Food & a lot of the social issues by putting who would come in when I wasn’t Wines, Kent While there up my prices. in the shop, pick up four cans of There’s a very strong may be an I also try to be a responsible Special Brew and whatever else case for super-strength beer to retailer by restricting sales to some they wanted and just walk out. It be removed from the market, as initial hit for customers and I find that if you ex- happened three times, even after long as it’s a level playing field retailers who plain to people that you think they he’d been prosecuted for it. It really and not just one or two shops are drinking too much, then some afected my staf. being told to remove it by police delist these go elsewhere but many actually ac- I’m not being a snob, but do I need or councils. products, they cept it. the problem? These customers come I have a friend who owns a store in and buy a can here and a can in Woolwich where there was a real are also turn- Dean there so, although they provide good problem with street drinkers. There’s ing themselves Holborn margins, I might put a double facing now a dispersal zone meaning peo- Holborn’s, Redhill, Surrey of a product in its place that a regular ple are instantly fined for drinking into a shop customer really wants and will add on the street and local retailers have About 10 years ago we to their full basket spend. agreed not to stock super-strength that people delisted extra strong cider because Even if this is a big part of your beers. It was a really efective way of will want I’d noticed that the problem people business, you never know who’ll dealing with this problem. who came to our store were pick- want to come in your shop and While there may be an initial to visit ing up the really cheap £3 bottles. spend more if you don’t attract these hit for retailers who delist these I thought, I don’t need the worry problem drinkers. l 26 30 January 2015 Retail Newsagent BNI: DATE NIGHT Your customers’ date nights in are a great way to drive sales in key categories such as confectionery and alcohol. Ahead of Valentine’s Day, Nadia Alexandrou asks what kind of dates your customers will be having and how you can meet their needs Show them you care

Can your customers’ quiet nights boost your sales?

The lazy night in ENGAGE YOUR Most couples have experienced this How you can cater for them ers to profit from higher margins. CUSTOMERS night, where a lack of planning and Indulgent chocolates, in particu- Merchandising confectionery and energy leaves them opting to simply lar, are a popular option for many snacks with drinks – whether that’s BY... decorating curl up in front of the TV with their couples around Valentine’s Day, and on a stand-alone display or a promo- the display with favourite programme and some national bestsellers such as Cadbury tional bay – can also tempt customers Valentine’s Day comfort food. These informal nights Milk Tray and Ferrero Rocher posi- into making incremental purchases. are a key opportunity for retailers, tion themselves as perfect accom- Industry data shows that over half of PoS material according to one senior industry paniments for couples’ quality time consumers look for drinks to accom- Themed PoS material figure. “Relaxed nights in are more together. Premium options such as pany the snacks they eat. is a good way to catch spontaneous, and can be serviced Lindt or specialist chocolate brands One sub-sector that continues to busy couples’ attention by a quick top-up shop,” says from wholesalers such as House of show growth is sharing bags of con- and encourage impulse Mondelez’s trade communication Sarunds also ofer something special fectionery, a trend one key supplier sales on their romantic- manager Susan Nash. with greater opportunities for retail- says should continue into 2015. yet-lazy nights in with “The bite-size category easy grab-and-go Big brands has grown by 22% food and drink. offer thanks to the ongo- romantic ing popularity of choices nights in,” says Mars’ Drinks advice retail excellence Reasonably director Tony Lorman. priced wines are a Commanding just perfect partner to under half of this market, lazy nights in. Mars has three of the top Seven Tenths five brands including Maltes- Red, RRP £5 ers, Minstrels and Revels. » 28 30 January 2015 Retail Newsagent BNI: DATE NIGHT

Great food, easily cooked The last-minute date With Britons living busier lives than and new packaging. A touch of ever before, quick-fix food options Yet, this is still date night, and sophistication from convenient locations are popu- many customers will also be at- can impress lar, with date nights being no excep- tracted by premium products that tion – even on Valentine’s Day “Most will impress their loved one. ENGAGE YOUR CUSTOMERS WITH... stores will have a steady stream of Premium brands Cook and Charlie a designated food to go area customers coming through the doors Bigham both reported significant on their way home having complete- growth last year despite the overall Make things easy for working to cater for these ly forgotten what day it was,” says decline in the frozen and chilled mar- customers with last-minute busy customers by launching Budge Brand’s CEO Budge Dhariwal. ket. Indeed, premium ready meals date plans by having the alcohol-free alternatives bucked the trend completely and solution to their needs in a for those who can’t risk a How you can cater for them enjoyed an 8% sales increase, demon- prominent position in store. sore head the morning after. Wholesalers and symbol groups are strating a renewed focus on quality Grouping the rest of your Halewood International’s increasingly catering for the needs of and value over price in this sector. Valentine’s Day items – January campaign to support shoppers who want to buy an easily- Harry and Jazz Goraya, meanwhile, including alcohol, boxed its alcohol-free wine Eisberg cooked meal for that night, with plan to go one step further in their chocolates, flowers and and Echo Falls’ launch of its bigger chilled ranges for retailers of Nisa Local in Kent, recognising the cards – around this own alcohol-free sparkling all kinds. potential that good quality conve- area can then drive range are just the latest This means that ofering your nient meals ofer stores like theirs. incremental sales. “This examples of this trend. busy daters good quality meal ideas Having already established their store provides a complete is possible even in the most price- as a destination for hungry lunchtime solution to shoppers’ Drinks advice Recognisable sensitive areas. Own label brands shoppers looking for freshly made needs all within a few mid-priced wines will stand from all the major groups are regu- sandwiches, they’re in process of feet of each other, a out to busy shoppers. larly adding to and improving their launching a range of evening meals true one-stop shop,” ready meal ranges, for example. Nisa including home-made curries. “In says Mr Dhariwal. Blossom Hill White Zinfandel recently expanded its Heritage range trials they’ve been received extremely The industry is also (av. price £6.24) to 21 meals, all with improved recipes well by customers,” Harry says.

Cooking from scratch together ENGAGE YOUR With expectations slightly higher spices, a lot of which you can’t CUSTOMERS WITH... around Valentine’s Day, anticipate find in supermarkets,” he says. As more of your loved-up customers well as herbs and spices, William a meal deal to plan an elaborate meals cooked ofers a wide variety of fresh meat As well as inspiring gourmet together from scratch. and fish including steak, salmon, cuisine, William encourages his crab and cod. “I also ofer deli-style less culinary-minded customers How you can cater for them ingredients for sauces, such as to cook meals that require less A good variety of fresh produce premium red and white vinegars, preparation and effort. His store is a key element to catering for which helps inspire my customers currently has a promotion that these shoppers’ needs. It’s easier to to do their entire grocery shop at offers all the ingredients needed get customers enthusiastic about my store.” for spaghetti bolognese, plus a red recreating a recipe if your range of Ofering value for money wine, for £10. This includes Dol- herbs, spices, vegetables and fresh remains key for most customers, mio sauce, Napolina pasta, steak meat is both well presented and however, and wholesalers’ in- mince and a bottle of Lindemans fully in stock. creased attention to core fruit and wine. Simply Fresh retailer William vegetable ranges, for example, has Henry in Shropshire entices his provided a significant shift in this Drinks advice A bottle of customers in this way with over sector. Customers will be drawn bubbly is the order of the 90 herbs and spices that he sources into this section and encouraged day but needn’t break the from a local supplier – The Shrop- to purchase. Spar’s ‘Fresh for less’ bank. shire Spice Company – including initiative, for example, provides safron and Madagascan vanilla shoppers with a minimum of five Premier Wine Estate’s pods. fresh products for £1 or less, show- Inspire extra sales Prosecco and Rose “I know people who come to ing that cooking from scratch can Prosecco, RRP £7.99 with recipe suggestions me from miles away to get these be for everyone. l 30 30 January 2015 Retail Newsagent HOUSEHOLD CLEANING As spring arrives, it’s time to focus on an easily overlooked area of your business: cleaning Stock smaller formats products, paper towels and toilet rolls. Spruce up 1Smaller pack sizes have clear benefits, your category management now with not only for shops with limited shelf space, but also for customers looking for Nadia Alexandrou’s 10 sales-boosting tips something to tide them over until their next big shop. Mark Smith, who runs Smiphee’s in Cornwall, also finds it essential to stock small formats for his mainly- elderly customer base. “My customers are far more likely to pick up a two-pack toilet roll than a 16-pack, especially my elderly shoppers who are not as physi- Time for the cally capable of carrying a big shop home,” he says. spring clean o one looks forward to shop- proportion of distress purchases – be ping for cleaning products that after the arrival of bathroom and paper towels, but as mildew or a late night wine the spring cleaning season spillage. Retailers and suppliers A great range can N arrives, your customers’ minds will nationwide are working hard inspire four turn towards clearing out the winter to harness the full potential customers build-up of clutter and mess. As well of this category, forming es- as catering to house-proud families sential best practice advice doing their annual tidies, this is and insights every retailer a category which attracts a large should follow.

Your customers will be thinking about spring cleaning

Offer2 a range with £1 price Inspire3 your points or lower It doesn’t matter whether you’re customers to based in an afuent area or a council estate; £1 price points attract cus- spring clean tomers from every demographic. Mark Smith encourages his customers According to one retailer, as these to spend more through a promotion that are considered essential but less- ofers a range of ﬁve household and clean- than-glamorous purchases, many ing products for £5 including bin liners, consumers are willing to forgo big gloves, anti-bacterial sprays, dish cloths and brands in return for a keen price. dusters. “My customers ﬁnd it hard to say no County Antrim-based retailer to an ofer like this, and even more so when Eugene Diamond has a paper range the products included in the deal are pricemarked consisting of just a four-pack of for more than a pound, such as Happy Shopper Nicky toilet roll, and a Fiesta kitchen multipurpose cleaner pricemarked at £1.50,” he says. roll, both pricemarked at £1. He is Mark recommends other retailers give shoppers a enthusiastic about what these value nudge with their own clearly-displayed multibuy brands can add to a range. “They sell deals across items that customers are likely to need very fast, and ofer decent margins,” for a spring clean. he says. Retail Newsagent 30 January 2015 31

Have you got the products your customers Don’t4 need? confuse your Stock5 something for everyone While stores like Andy’s benefit from the no-frills essentials customers with approach to this category, others – particularly community-cen- tred shops with little competition – need to reflect the broader more of the same demands of their customer base. Customers driven to your store with “It’s crucial that we ofer the right range to get good sales,” an immediate need for cleaning prod- says Londis retailer Marc Jones, whose store is more than 10 ucts are likely to be time-pressed and miles from the nearest supermarket. It’s also useful to keep less willing to browse a cluttered aisle abreast of wider trends, for example, so-called ‘toilet and bleach of products that have essentially the products’ are the fastest-growing segment within household same purpose, says Andy Palmer. His cleaning, with Domestos bleach taking a 22.2% share of the More Yorkley Village Post Ofce in Glouc- bleach category, according to brand-owner Unilever. frangrances estershire recently reduced its range are growing to ofer just one value brand and one consumers’ known brand for every item, giving choice his range clarity. “There’s no point having the full range of Mr Muscle and Flash, because my customers are Offer6 different more likely to make a quick impulse purchase when a shelf is neat and spacious,” he says. fragrances Typically a big focus for laundry, new and exotic fragrance are now being used to drive sales of household products as suppliers respond to shoppers’ increasing fascination with new 7 smells. Procter & Gamble, for ex- Be there for Are you there when ample, is to launch a new spring col- your customers run out lection across its Febreze and Ambi your customers of bathroom essentials? Pur air fresheners ranges with three new scents including Freesia Bloom, at all hours Vanilla Flower and Lotus Verbena Discovering you’re out of loo roll at (from RRP £2.99). 10pm on a Sunday evening is a uni- “Launching new fragrances at key fying and frustrating experience. times of the year is a great way to Retailers’ longer opening hours can Look9 out for attract new shoppers to the category, help cement a store’s position as the and we encourage retailers to use the first port of call in these kinds of These products new scents to create in-store theatre minor emergency. Eugene was lucky category during spring,” says P&G’s home care enough to feel these benefits on a are a key dist- innovation brand manager Will Herbertson. grand scale when all supermarkets ress purchase in his area pulled back their hours. Product innovation is particularly He consequently experienced a huge and part of a important for the toilet paper and uplift in sales, and in particular kitchen roll sectors, according to To- household goods. £1.2bn market day’s Group trading controller Ash- leigh Ritchie. “It’s even more vital Go10 online to the convenience sector as these products are a key distress purchase and part of a £1.2bn market.” to get support Be prepared for the Kimberly-Clark has revealed plans to To brush up on merchandising 8 introduce new, smaller formats for advice, take a look at planograms specialist distress purchase its Andrex brand, both for retailers tailored to your store type, and to Carry your profits even further during these hours and customers, later this year. get ideas for staf training, look by stocking specialist niche products, such as a Home cleaning company Vileda, out for the growing number of mildew cleaner or even a mobile disinfectant. meanwhile, recently conducted suppliers producing online tools. Mark Smith stocks Astonish Mould & Mildew Re- a six month study showing “that For example, Unilever’s Partners- mover. “They’re not found on your typical planogram, consumers are constantly on the for Growth or P&G’s ShelfHelp but it’s one of the most popular cleaning products in lookout for products that make their websites. l my store,” he says. Do you have a range of specialist life easier,” says Vileda’s shopper products for all your customers’ cleaning needs? product manager Lindsey Taylor. Think you know everything about Conducting surveys is a quick and easy way to In response, the company has de- household cleaning? betterretailing. find out. veloped a series of new products for com/five-things-you-didnt-know- 2015 to cater to these findings. about-household-cleaning 32 30 January 2015 Retail Newsagent

RETAIL NEWSAGENT RECOMMENDS

Comic Relief Weetabix Warburtons’ hearty loaf Three, the magic number Weetabix has launched a limited Warburtons will be donating 5p from Sunmagic has launched a three-strong edition strawberry ﬂavour to help special packs to the British Heart Foun- range of children’s juice drinks which raise money for Comic Relief, with 5p dation as part of the baker’s two-year comply with new government healthy donated from the sale of every pack. partnership with the charity. eating guidelines. RRP £2 RRP various RRP 69p Outers 6 Outers various Outers 12 Contact 01536 721 405 Contact 0800 243684 Contact 020 7274 6090

One to pour over Monkey nose what’s best Pom-Bear plus one Premier Foods has launched a new PG Tips is producing special packaging Pom-Bear is adding a cheese ﬂavour range of Loyd Grossman Pour Over across its range to help raise money for to its multipacks and single bags sauces in four ﬂavours to help bolster Comic Relief. Packs will feature its Mon- from this month after research with the brand’s £54m market value. key character wearing a red nose. families. RRP £1.49 RRP various RRP various Outers not given Outers various Outers various Contact 01727 815850 Contact 01293 648 000 Contact 01207 291910 Retail Newsagent 30 January 2015 33

Marketing machine? See you in the paddock Sausage with a kick Kepak is hoping to double sales by Greenall’s Original Dry London Gin has Sausage brand Mattessons will investing millions in advertising signed a three-year sponsorship deal tell mums how they can spice up and a promotional partnership with which will see its name tied to the Chel- dinners with a new advertising the new Terminator Genisys ﬁlm. tenham Festival and the Grand National. campaign launching this month. RRP various RRP various RRP various Outers various Outers various Outers various Contact 01772 688300 Contact 01925 286400 Contact 01784 430777

Butterkist in loving mood Expect a sales Boost Go nuts for own label Butterkist will spend £2m on an adver- Boost’s new campaign will have Spar has refreshed the packaging tising campaign across terrestrial and the tagline ‘Bad Things Happen of its own label snack brands and Sky to raise the brand’s proﬁle ahead of When You’re Tired’ and is due to added unsalted mixed nuts and Valentine’s Day. feature on PoS and digitally. sweet chilli peanuts to the range. RRP various RRP various RRP various Outers various Outers various Outers various Contact 01253 603613 Contact 0113 240 3666 Contact 0208 426 3690 34 30 January 2015 Retail Newsagent

email [email protected] tel 020 7689 3358

Round up

NICOLA STEWART Magazines reporter A BRIGHTON BREEZY IDEA A few weeks ago I wrote about a first time retailer who opened a store in Brighton exclu- Shaun The Sheep’s flock... no-one sively selling independent magazines. Curios- pulls the wool over their eyes ity proved the better of me, so last week I paid a visit to the store in the trendy maze of streets known as North Laine. Fun on the farm Martin Skelton’s shop is surrounded by other independent oferings – cofee shops with clever names, vintage record stores, that kind of thing. It is the perfect location for a store CUSTOMERS WILL FLOCK that refuses to sell anything that can be found down the local Sainsbury’s or Tesco. On entering Magazine Brighton, it is TO BUY SHAUN SPECIAL immediately clear that this isn’t a typical newsagents, nor is it a book store. High-quality You’d be baa-rmy to miss out on this Titan one-shot, released to magazines, some with cover prices of £25 or coincide with the release of the superstar sheep’s new movie more, take pride of place, displayed on a 9m long stretch of wall. Most come directly from CELEBRATING THE RELEASE of the new distributors such as Comag, while others come Shaun the Sheep film, in cinemas on 6 direct from the publisher. February, comes this one-shot from Titan I was interested to see if customers would be Magazines. Totally… Shaun the Sheep The O happy to pay for the premium priced titles, or if N OT Movie Magazine follows Shaun, Bitzer, The E SH they would stick to the more afordable ones on Flock and other popular characters as they TOTALLY… SHAUN THE ofer. I was surprised to find that most spent race against time to save The Farmer in an SHEEP THE MOVIE at least £15 on one or two magazines, with one epic adventure. The title includes mazes, MAGAZINE customer shrugging and explaining she was wordsearches, jokes an exclusive look at the On sale 29 January “treating herself”. film and much more. It comes covermount- Frequency one-shot It was proof enough for me that there is Price £3.99 ed with a free catapult and cut-out targets, definitely a market for high-end independent Distributor Comag along with a project to make-your-own magazines – although location is an important Display with Beano, sheep ears. It also ofers readers a chance Simpsons factor. Brighton is a cultural hub, with an abun- to win a set of Shaun the Sheep The Movie dance of art and design schools and plenty of books. The launch is supported by online people working in the creative industries. and print advertising. Once again, an example of knowing an area and catering for it. TWO MUST-STOCK UK’S UK’S No 1 MAGAZINES top-selling Arrowwords prize magazine ON SALE 5 FEBRUARY magazine Retail Newsagent 30 January 2015 35

R E H EXTRA TIME AND BACKPASS LAUNC Retro football title Backpass has been relaunched On sale 31 January with a fresh look and feel, new writers and col- Frequency monthly umnists and a new name. Now called Extra Time Price £4.20 & Backpass, the magazine still caters for fans of Distributor Comag football in the 60s, 70s and 80s, but also includes Display with FourFourTwo, a new section on current football. The February When Saturday Comes issue includes features on two “wing wizards” including the cover star Gareth Bale and an eight- page special on Sir Stanley Matthews.

F R F T TOP MODEL EE GI On sale 30 January This issue of Top Model comes with a sheet of Frequency monthly free tattoos, all scented with the exclusive Top Price £2.99 Model perfume, My Dream from Candy. Inside, Distributor Comag it features ideas, designs and templates for DIY Display with Girl Talk Art, presents readers can make for their best friends, Pink, Go Girl along with horoscopes for 2015. The issue also takes a look back at the 2014 Top Model of the Year contest, along with the usual fashion news, com- ics, puzzles, quizzes and more. S U T P N PLEME Bestsellers INSTYLE On sale 29 January The March issue of InStyle comes with the annual Frequency monthly Photography & design Best Beauty Buys supplement, revealing 105 must- Price £3.99 Title On sale In have products as voted by 105 industry experts. Distributor Marketforce date stock Produced in association with John Lewis, the 52- Display with Marie Claire 1 Amateur Photographer 03.02 page booklet covers make-up, skincare, body care Digital Camera 30.01 and hair. Now in its 15th year, Best Beauty Buys 2 is a favourite among readers. The issue also ofers 3 Digital Photo 29.01 readers a chance to win £3,100 worth of products 4 N-Photo 12.02 featured in the supplement. 19.02 S 5 Practical Photography U T P N P E 6 PhotoPlus Canon Edition 03.02 AIRFIX MODEL WORLD LEM On sale 5 February 7 Leisure Painter 30.01 The upcoming issue of Airfix Model World Frequency monthly comes with a free supplement that looks at 8 Outdoor Photography 12.02 Price £4.30 9 Artists & Illustrators 30.01 aircrafts involved in the Battle of Britain. Focus- Distributor Seymour ing on model aircraft, Airfix Model World also Display with Air Modeller, 10 Artist 30.01 features cars, ships, sci-fi and space, armour and Model Aircraft figures. It includes the latest model news and 11 Digital SLR Photography 10.02 reviews, along with easy to follow step-by-step 12 Black + White Photography 19.02 tips and illustrations. 13 What Digital Camera 13.02 S PECI AL 14 Photography Masterclass 12.02 NYLON 30.01 On sale 6 February 15 Imagine FX This issue of Nylon features popular actress Anna Frequency monthly 16 Digital Photographer 12.02 Kendrick on the cover. Inside, the Pitch Perfect and Price £4.75 17 Net 19.02 Into the Woods star talks about her use of social Distributor Comag media, including the “racy” tweet she sent about Display with US 18 International Artist 03.02 actor Ryan Gosling, and her latest films. The issue editions of Vogue, Elle, 19 Web Designer 05.02 also includes 349 style tricks, a field guide to whisky Cosmopolitan and an article on US rock band Sleater-Kinney. 20 British Journal of Photography 04.02 Data supplied by Menzies Distribution

BRAND NEW STICKER OUTOUT COLLECTION NOWNOW Starter Pack: £2.99 © Disney Sticker Packet: 50p www.paninigroup.com 36 30 January 2015 Retail Newsagent THIS WEEK IN MAGAZINES W SP L Industry With seven covers and sub-titled the “Movie Is- ECI A sue”, the February edition of W celebrates some On sale 3 February viewpoint of the best performances in ﬁlm in 2014/15. Cover Frequency monthly Bob Hughes stars include Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Price £4.95 Circulation manager, Knightly, Bradley Cooper, Emma Stone and Juli- Distributor Comag Country Publications anne Moore. Inside, Bradley Cooper talks about Display with US editions preparing for his role in Oscar-nominated ﬁlm of Cosmopolitan, Vogue, American Sniper, and stars in a nude photo shoot. Glamour

HELLO! FASHION ow can you introduce variety to S MONTHLY (HFM) PECI AL your magazine ofering? It is worth On sale 3 February considering delisting some of the HFM returns to monthly frequency after a Janu- Frequency monthly slower-selling national titles and ary/February double issue. At £1, HFM brings Price £1 replacing them with vibrant readers style tips, celebrity and catwalk looks, Distributor Hello!/ Hregional ones. Local newspapers are very beauty news and the latest high street buys. An Marketforce popular with customers in their core areas and attractive impulse buy, retailers are encouraged Display with Grazia, the same is true of regional magazines. There to display it prominently alongside Grazia and InStyle, Elle are six circulating in Yorkshire, of which two monthly fashion titles. are ours, and ﬁve in Cumbria, again two are ours. These titles can generate good sales when WONDERPEDIA displayed well. F The February editions of our titles went on R T This issue of Wonderpedia comes with a free Dis- EE GIF sale earlier this week, including our national, covery into Deep Space Cosmos DVD worth £15.99. On sale 29 January 87-year-old Oxfordshire-born title The Coun- The award-winning Channel 4 series charts the Frequency monthly tryman. This issue follows TV presenter Tony history of human space exploration and is narrat- Price £3.50 Francis as he explores the Chiltern village of 1 ed by Jon Snow. The special ofer will be promoted Distributor Frontline Turville, famous as the location for The Vicar of on social media and on the front cover, so retailers Display with How It Dibley and Midsomer Murders. 2 are advised to display the title at the front of the Works, Explore Our other titles on sale this week are The 3 newsstand. Wonderpedia is among the top four Dalesman, the best-selling regional magazine 4 science titles in the UK. in the UK, Yorkshire nostalgia magazine Down Your Way (DYW) and Cumbria Magazine. 5 We sometimes ﬁnd that display can be an R 6 HEAT & CLOSER E R E issue, as three of our titles are A5 size and DYW A F DER OF 7 The next issue of Heat comes in a multipack is only slightly bigger. The solution? Clear Per- with Closer, ofering readers more than £1 in On sale 3 February spex hook-over units, ofering full face display 8 savings. Retailers are advised that there will Frequency weekly while preserving other titles’ existing space. 9 be no standalone version of Heat, so the pack Price £1.99 I will do my utmost to assist any retailer to 10 should be displayed with Heat as the facing Distributor Frontline ensure our titles are displayed and promoted in cover. The issue is expected to have a 60% sales Display with OK, Grazia the best possible way. 11 increase compared to a normal issue and retail- While understanding the many wholesale 12 ers are asked to display it prominently. issues faced by retailers, I sometimes feel 13 that a simple, old-fashioned SoR box-out in Yorkshire and Cumbria might solve a lot of our

14 R E R availability issues. E A F 15 TOP SANTÉ DER OF The March/April edition of our bi-monthly This issue of Top Santé ofers every reader a free A4 title Lakeland Walker – the only outdoor 16 On sale 4 February pass to a British Military Fitness session. British title dedicated to this beautiful part of Britain – Frequency monthly 17 Military Fitness is the biggest provider of outdoor goes on sale on 8 March and I would encourage Price £3.20 18 ﬁtness classes in the UK, with more than 140 out- retailers to put in an order. Distributor Frontline door venues. The issue is expected to be a strong All our titles are available nationwide 19 Display with Natural seller and retailers are asked to display it promi- through wholesale. Problems obtaining them? Health Beauty, Health & 20 nently in the health and beauty section. Fitness Require a display unit? Don’t hesitate to contact me directly. YOUR INDUSTRY NEEDS YOU Publishers - if you care about the future of newspaper sales and have the power to make a difference, we need you to attend the NFRN’s publisher summit. • 6th February at 10:30am • Thistle City Barbican, EC1V 8DS NFRN national president • Contact Brian Murphy on 0207 077 8865 to conﬁrm your attendance Martyn Brown Retail Newsagent 30 January 2015 37

Partworks Collectables

Title No Pts £ Topps Panini Amercom Disney Frozen Merlin’s Animals One Direction Great British Locomotives 25 48 8.99 Activity Cards Official Starter £2.99 Starter £2.99 Amermedia Starter £4.99 Premier Stickers £0.50 Stickers £0.50 Cards £1.00 League 2015 Giant Warplanes 28 48 7.99 Starter £2.00 Military Vehicles 29 48 5.99 Cards £0.50 Big Hero 6 DeAgostini Disney Frozen Starter £2.99 Peppa Pig’s Build the Millennium Falcon 4 100 8.99 Fashion Pack Stickers £0.50 World Cake Decorating 150 180 2.99 Packets £1.00 Moshi Starter £3.99 Cake Decorating Relaunch 99 165 2.99 Monsters Mash Stickers £0.50 Official Star Wars Factfile 56 120 2.99 Up Party Something Sweet 55 90 2.99 Disney Frozen Starter £4.99 Sovereign of the Seas 126 135 5.99 Disney Enchanted Princess Cards £1.00 Moments Disney Eaglemoss Starter £4.99 Starter £2.99 Princess 3D Create & Print 2 90 6.99 Cards £0.75 Stickers £0.50 Palace Pets Batman Automobilia 55 80 9.99 Moshi Starter £2.99 DC Chess Collection 79 96 8.99 Monsters Stickers £0.50 Doctor Who 38 70 6.99 Poppet Knit & Stitch 107 176 5.00 Doctor Who Disney Planes Starter £2.99 Marvel Fact Files 98 100 2.99 Regeneration Starter £2.99 Stickers £0.50 Military Watches 25 80 9.99 Starter £2.99 Stickers £0.50 Teenage Star Trek Off. Starships Coll. 38 70 9.99 Stickers £0.50 Mutant Ninja Turtles Hachette Skylanders Hello Kitty is... Starter £4.99 Agatha Christie Collection 81 85 5.99 Cards £0.75 Trap Team Starter £2.99 Black Pearl 55 120 5.99 Starter £4.99 Build the Mallard 22 130 7.99 LEGO Chima Stickers £0.50 Cards £1.00 Build the U96 22 150 5.99 Starter £2.99 Classic Pocketwatches 64 80 8.99 Stickers £0.50 Judge Dredd Mega Collection 1 80 1.99 Liverpool FC UEFA Make & Bake w/Peppa Pig 50 50 4.99 Star Wars 2015 Champions Marvel’s Mightiest Heroes 29 60 9.99 Match Attax Rebels Starter £2.99 League My 3D Globe 4 100 5.99 Starter £2.99 Stickers £0.50 Adrenalyn XL Your Model Railway Village 62 120 8.99 2014/2015 Stickers £0.50 Starter £4.99 Starter £3.99 Cards £1.00 RBA Collectables Cards £1.00 Precious Rocks, Gems & Minerals 1 100 0.99 Manchester Real Life Bugs & Insects 19 85 5.99 Transformers United 2014- Match Attax Starter £4.99 2015 UEFA Cards £1.00 Collectables SPL 2014/15 Starter £2.99 Champions Starter £4.99 Stickers £0.50 League Magic Box Cards £1.00 Starter £2.99 Zomlings WWE Slam Stickers £0.50 Starter £2.99 Attax Rivals Toys from £0.50 Marvel Hero Starter £4.99

DeAgostini Attax Cards £1.00

Starter £4.99 Magiki Puppies Cards £1.00 Toys £2.50

DON’T MISS IN NEXT WEEK’S RETAIL NEWSAGENT ANISH PAREKH ON FINDING SUCCESS WITH LONDIS AND THE POST OFFICE

Plus, United Biscuits brand Jacob’s new pack design in the spotlight, and Nadia RETAIL NEWSAGENT Alexandrou shows why economy tobacco is driving category-wide innovation NEWS ● CONVENIENCE ● PROFIT 40 30 January 2015 Retail Newsagent

IN ASSOCIATION WITH email [email protected] tel 020 7689 3357 Extra Back in the day Forget Posh Spice, Holly’s Round up 100 more into Spicy Nik Naks Extra! YEARS AGO Po-faced fash- love for Pop 30 January 1915 ion designer Tarts and Nik Victoria Naks. AROUND WITH This week has seen the issue Beckham Victoria of a new Jewish newspaper, was shot in used the THE ROUNDSMAN the Daily World, a half-penny her Mayfair Vogue video journal devoted to Jewish boutique for as a chance to with Blanche Fairbrother interests. Though not a Zionist an interview show of her I consider myself to be very lucky with the organ, it is nationalistic and with couture flagship store, weather, up until writing this at least. Of course designed to interest Jews all bible Vogue. pointing out it may well yet take a downturn, but we have over the world. So when her favourite escaped the snow so far, although it has been comedian pieces as very frosty and the wind has had a bite to it that Holly Burns she struts any dog would be very proud of. wanted to through, as Mind you, there is one housing estate in 50 send up the well as debut- Woodseaves, known as Barn Common, that ing her new YEARS AGO oh-so-serious with the slightest hint of frost becomes lethal film, she chose to set it in her sunglasses range. for some reason. So I make sure I gave got my 30 January 1965 local c-store of course. Holly, meanwhile, chooses rubber shoe covers with spikes on. That way Churchill, Churchill and Perhaps it was a sly dig at a Gillette shaving foam as her when I deliver there, I stay vertical at all times. more Churchill! Publishers the model’s famously healthy ‘favourite item’ in the store It was the AGM for the Staford and Cannock have responded to the death diet, which eschews processed and showcases the shop’s lat- branch of the NFRN on Thursday, so of I went of “the greatest Englishman” treats and carbohydrates. est cheese oferings. clutching all forms that needed to be signed and with a mountain of in Certainly, there’s no such Mrs B proved she hadn’t sent back to HQ but there was a tiny fly in the memoriam literature. The concerns for Holly. Dressed got the hump with the You- ointment. first paper in the country to like the star, she outlines her Tube spoof by retweeting it. Mr Chahal, who was the president of the publish news of the death branch, has retired, so I was the only one there. was the Birmingham Sunday Two gentlemen who came from the federa- Mercury. Pig prizes are on the cards tion itself told me that nothing could be signed because there weren’t two people present. I Pork-loving punters will ecutive director of the New pointed out that from where I was sitting I get the chance to win pig Hampshire Lottery, said: could count three with them, but red tape with a new bacon-scented “The NH Lottery is focused came into play so 25 scratchcard. on developing fun ways to nothing was sorted. We can’t be flexible any- YEARS AGO Players of the instant win engage customers. more because of protocol, so that’s me finished game are sure to squeal with “The I Heart Bacon with being the branch secretary. 3 February 1990 delight if they turn rashers Scratch Ticket combines I am sitting writing this in a rather chilly of- Sales of the Independent into cash by revealing imag- two things people love: the fice at BJ Motor Services on Sunday, according to es of bacon strips under the chance to win cash and the waiting for my little car estimates from its rivals, layer of foil to win $1,000. wonderful, enticing smell of to be fitted with two were somewhere between Not only that, but the I bacon.” bottom arms on the front 700,000 and 750,000 for the Heart Bacon Scratch Ticket We reckon this would go wheels. The potholes first week – comfortably will also unveil the aroma down well in the UK and if and rough weather above its 500,000 target but of sizzling streaky when it is the current lottery operator have taken their toll. less than the 1.24 million scratched at by gamblers in isn’t interested, we might That’s another nervous print run. New Hampshire, USA. launch our own company – breakdown for the bank Charlie McIntyre, ex- called Hamelot of course. account.