Striving to create even better stores
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Scottish Grocer editor Matthew Lynas invites retailers to make use of the insights in this year’s Convenience Guide
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BY anyone’s measure, it is an exciting time in convenience retailing.
Last year’s flurry of board-room dealings brought about changes still to be fully understood and many retailers now find themselves facing a whole new set of prospects for the future.
Undoubtedly there are plenty of challenges on the horizon, with everything from Brexit to obesity-focused legislation holding the potential to make life difficult for the convenience sector, but there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic too.
Independent retailing has undergone some fairly remarkable changes since Scottish Grocer first introduced its annual Convenience Guide in 2015.
Since then many stores have jumped into food to go with both feet, while others have embraced new technology, making use of data to better tailor their offer.
It’s encouraging to see, and testament to an aspirational attitude that can be found in stores across Scotland.
To assist retailers in their pursuit of success, this fourth edition of the Convenience Guide covers a lot of ground, with something for just about everyone.
Things kick off with a look to the future of ATMs and the potential improvements technological advances in this area could offer stores.
There’s expert advice from commercial property experts for retailers who may be looking to buy or sell a store, as well as some expert licensing guidance that’s well worth a read for anyone selling alcohol.
Forecourt retailers are not to be left out, with tips on keeping sites protected as well as a look at some exciting innovation that could improve the shopping experience for fuel customers.
Our contributing experts also weigh in on EPOS and some of the latest kit on offer at the till, as well as food to go, with solutions for stores at different stages of development in this area.
Section two of the Convenience Guide covers category management, an area of retailing that can be make or break when it comes to basket spend.
Leading brands have weighed in with category management advice, providing retailers with their most up to date strategies for boosting sales.
Categories covered in this year’s guide are: ale, biscuits, bread and bakery, chilled foods, crisps, dairy drinks, frozen desserts, microwave snacks, RTDs, tea, and tobacco.
Among the companies taking part in this year’s category management guide are Marstons, Pladis, Warburtons, Addo Food Group, Seabrook, Muller, Coppenrath & Wiese, Kepak, Global Brands, Tetley, and Imperial Tobacco.
The third section of 2018’s Convenience Guide is about as relevant as it could ever be, as leading fascia and franchise operators provide an overview of their offer to independent stores.
With so many changes in suppliers and company ownership last year, there can’t be a better time to take a look at just what symbol groups and franchise providers can do for you.
This year’s fascia and franchise section of the guide includes contributions from Family Shopper, United Wholesale Scotland (UWS), Bestway, Nisa, Post Office, One Stop, and Costcutter.
