Store Excel

November Planning

Bonfire night and Diwali should light up sales in November

Posted 14/10/2020 in: General, Discover and Learn

October Planning

Halloween and the lead up to Bonfire Night and Diwali offer good trading opportunities.

Posted 10/09/2020 in: General, Discover and Learn

September Planning

September can be a tricky month to judge for retailers. The weather can still be warm and mild or it can cool rapidly and usher in the autumn

Posted 19/08/2020 in: General, Discover and Learn

Make Your Store the Hub of Your Local Community

With all major UK banks closing branches across the country on an alarming scale, there is a window of opportunity now for convenience stores to step into their shoes and offer services to their local community.

Posted 21/07/2020 in: General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

Face Coverings to be Mandatory

Face Coverings to be mandatory. Store Excel partners with Urban Daze to offer high quality, reusable face masks.

Posted 14/07/2020 in: News, Discover and Learn

Planning Ahead for August

Warm weather & public holidays should help to drive sales in August

Posted 09/07/2020 in: General, Discover and Learn

Grocery Sales Increase Significantly

Since lockdown in March many thousands of consumers have returned to grocery purchases and familiar grocery brands.

Posted 16/06/2020 in: News, General, Discover and Learn

July Planning

Warmer, sunnier weather will offer outdoor activity trading oportunities.

Posted 08/06/2020 in: General, Discover and Learn

Looking Forward to May

May day, Ramadan and Spring Bank Holiday events will help boost sales in May

Posted 24/04/2020 in: General, Discover and Learn

April Planning

Covid-10 to one side April offers Easter and Ramadan trading opportunities

Posted 27/03/2020 in: General, Discover and Learn

Planning Ahead for March

St Patrick's Day and Mother's Day stand out as sales opportunities in March

Posted 11/02/2020 in: General, Discover and Learn

Key Trading Dates for 2020

These key dating dates will help you plan for the trading opportunities ahead

Posted 29/01/2020 in: General, Discover and Learn

HEETS Opportunity

IQOS & HEETS are heat not burn technology. Sales are growing strongly.

Posted 26/01/2020 in: General, Discover and Learn

February Trading Tips

February trading opportunities: Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year & Pancake Day

Posted 26/01/2020 in: General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

January Planning

Plan for cold weather sales mix in January. Chinese New Year offers good opportunities

Posted 31/12/2019 in: General, Discover and Learn

Fresh & Frozen Christmas Opportunities

As we are fast approaching Christmas and New Year, the forward planning focuses more to the fresh & frozen ranges. Big sales opportunities in these categories.

Posted 13/12/2019 in: General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

Alcohol Drives Christmas Sales

Some brilliant alcohol sales drivers for Christmas

Posted 06/12/2019 in: General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

Christmas Grocery: Hidden Gems

There are many hidden sales gems in the Grocery department that offer good profit opportunities at low risk. Be prepared for sales increases across these products.

Posted 26/11/2019 in: General, Discover and Learn

Christmas Impulse Opportunities

Confectionery, crisps, nuts and snacks offer brilliant sales opportunities

Posted 22/11/2019 in: Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

The season to share with KETTLE® Chips….

Make sure that you're maximising the Christmas sharing opportunity with KETTLE chips

Posted 19/11/2019 in: New Product Lines, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

Non Food Profit Opportunities

Autumn and Christmas offer superb low risk profit opportunities.

Posted 13/11/2019 in: General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

Own Label Products Growing in Importance

The UK is the world’s largest single market for own label at 46% of total sales. Is the own label offfering from wholesalers up to standard?

Posted 30/10/2019 in: News, New Retail Trends, Discover and Learn

November Trading Checklist

Bonfire night and Rugby World Cup Final offer good trading opportunities

Posted 08/10/2019 in: General, Discover and Learn

Very Competitive HR & Employment Package

Exclusive! Fully loaded, exclusive package HR and employement package at a ridiculously discounted price.

Posted 08/10/2019 in: News, New Product Lines, Discover and Learn

First Waste: Save Money

Save real money on waste costs with 1st Waste

Posted 17/09/2019 in: General, Discover and Learn

October Planning

Rugby World Cup, Diwali & Halloween offer some great trading opportunities.

Posted 05/09/2019 in: News, Discover and Learn

Social Media and Small Independent Stores

Nick Shanagher outlines why social media will be important to your retail business

Posted 01/09/2019 in: General, Discover and Learn

September Planning

The Rugby World Cup starts on 20th September offering brillliant trading opportunities.

Posted 14/08/2019 in: General, Discover and Learn

Rapid Growth of Coconut Water

Coconut water is currently the fastest growing soft drink in the UK

Posted 12/08/2019 in: New Retail Trends, Discover and Learn

Stores Enjoy Boom in Plant-Based Milks

Store Excel latest news digest

Posted 30/07/2019 in: News, Discover and Learn

August Planning

August presents some excellent summer trading opportunities. Especially if the weather is good!

Posted 16/07/2019 in: General, Discover and Learn

Soya Milk on trend.

Soya milk is on a continuous growth curve in the UK.

Posted 11/07/2019 in: New Retail Trends, Discover and Learn

Will AI solve this problem or make it worse?

This story of soup offers a warning about the dangers of AI and the digital supply chain we are headed towards.

Posted 04/07/2019 in: General, Discover and Learn

Stop Store Theft - Install Facewatch

Install Facewatch. It’s proven to reduce store theft using the latest facial recognition technology.

Posted 26/06/2019 in: News, New Product Lines, Discover and Learn, Featured Suppliers

Profit in Your Pocket: Exclusive Rebate Scheme

The new rebate scheme for independent retailers. Start making money from the first purchase

Posted 25/06/2019 in: News, General, Discover and Learn

Planning ahead for July

The Cricket World Cup and Wimbledon will help to drive sales in July.

Posted 13/06/2019 in: General, Discover and Learn

June Forward Planning

The Cricket World Cup and Eid Mubarak offer some tasty trading opportunities ahead in June.

Posted 09/05/2019 in: General, Discover and Learn

How to get more value for your time

Time is a scarce resource. Nick Shanagher retail coach emphasises the importance of the best use of time in retail.

Posted 08/05/2019 in: General, Discover and Learn

Save Time & Money with 1st Waste

With over 19 years’ experience servicing national contracts, 1st Waste are best positioned to manage the Store Excel members waste contracts and save you money

Posted 01/05/2019 in: New Product Lines, General, Discover and Learn, Featured Suppliers

Search & Social Media Important for all Retailers

Retail owners need to put search and social media at the heart of their plans now if they want to engage their customers and potential customers in the future.

Posted 17/04/2019 in: New Retail Trends, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

Forward Planning for May

Four brilliant trading events ahead in May

Posted 08/04/2019 in: General, Discover and Learn

Continuous focus on footfall is vital for retailers

Every retailer needs to focus on footfall, which is a technical term for the number of people that visit your store.

Posted 02/04/2019 in: General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

Looking Ahead to April

Warmer weather, Mother's Day & Easter all promise great sales

Posted 07/03/2019 in: General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

March Planning Ahead

Warmer and lighter days plus three key events will make March a good trading month.

Posted 10/02/2019 in: General, Discover and Learn

Business Cash Advance by Liberis

From now on your card machine can help you generate additional funding for your business.

Posted 08/02/2019 in: News, New Product Lines, General, Discover and Learn, Featured Suppliers

February Trading

Three excellent trading opportunities ahead through February and into early March.

Posted 27/01/2019 in: General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

Convenience Sector Continues to Thrive

An update of the convenience store sector by Neil Brension of Jellybean Creative

Posted 12/01/2019 in: General, Discover and Learn

Key Trading Dates for 2019

Sports festivals offer some great trading opportunities for the year ahead

Posted 03/01/2019 in: General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

January Planning

Sales slow in January but there are good opportunities to be exploited.

Posted 20/12/2018 in: General, Discover and Learn

60% POR Vape offer from Dinner Lady

January is all about “New Year - New You” and with that in-mind, many people will be looking to quit smoking.

Posted 13/12/2018 in: News, New Product Lines, Discover and Learn

Fresh & Frozen Christmas Opportunities

As we move closer to Christmas, fresh and frozen goods take on more importance

Posted 06/12/2018 in: General, Discover and Learn

Christmas Alcoholic Drinks Sales Drivers

Very important to alcohol right at Christmas. Here's a few tips.

Posted 27/11/2018 in: General, Discover and Learn

Big Grocery Christmas Sales Opportunities

Grocery offers some low risk high reward Christmas sales opportunities.

Posted 23/11/2018 in: General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

Confectionery and Snacks. Christmas Impulse Sales Drivers

Impulse categories are a great source of extra sales and profit at Christmas

Posted 22/11/2018 in: General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

Suresite partners with Bolt Learning to launch high-impact training

Forecourt expert Suresite has launched two new interactive online training courses, in partnership with training provider, Bolt Learning.

Posted 08/11/2018 in: News, General, Discover and Learn, Featured Suppliers

Non Food for Christmas Profit

There are some great low risk high profit earners for Christmas.

Posted 05/11/2018 in: General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

Store Excel Budget Bullets

The key October 2018 budget announcements directly affecting independent retailers.

Posted 30/10/2018 in: News, Discover and Learn

November Trading

Bonfire night and Diwali are the big trading opportunities

Posted 23/10/2018 in: General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

Convenience chain embraces new technology in a bid to go paperless

James Retail has implemented Bolt’s Electronic Signature tool and created a Policy Library for all their documents.

Posted 25/09/2018 in: News, General, Discover and Learn

Planning Ahead for October

Plan now for October. Halloween is the big one!

Posted 09/09/2018 in: General, Discover and Learn

Make time and space to care

Creating an environment that makes shopping more tolerable for those with disabilities can earn a retailer much goodwill.

Posted 14/08/2018 in: News, General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

September Planning

Plan for September now. Cooler weather and shorter days ahead. Or maybe still warm and mild!

Posted 09/08/2018 in: General, Discover and Learn

Card services review raises hopes

Payment Systems Regulator launches consultation which could ultimately lead to a more competitive market

Posted 30/07/2018 in: News, General, Legislation, Discover and Learn

Looking Ahead to August

August festivals and continuing brilliant weather offer some great trading opportunities.

Posted 16/07/2018 in: General, Discover and Learn

Dare to be different

Independents have a bright future and have little to fear from the Amazons and Ocados of this world as long as they focus on their individuality, convenience and authenticity.

Posted 16/07/2018 in: General, Range, New Retail Trends, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

Van vernacular – compliance and safety

Using a van for your business makes you a van operator - a status that comes with legal responsibilities that must be adhered to. The Freight Transport Association has combined with Store Excel to offer invaluable advice.

Posted 09/07/2018 in: News, General, Legislation, Discover and Learn

Cash machines cull gives c-store the edge

Banks cull of cash machines gives c-stores opportunity to fill the gap and potentially boost footfall and spend.

Posted 18/06/2018 in: News, General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

July Planning

The three W's should help to drive July sales: warm weather, World Cup & Wimbledon.

Posted 14/06/2018 in: General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

Boost Protein. An on-trend product for independents.

There is a huge market for people that are looking for simple ways to include more protein in their diets. Consumer demand is rapidly increasing.

Posted 17/05/2018 in: News, New Retail Trends, Discover and Learn

Planning Ahead for May

May offers some warmer weather and four exciting events. This combination should drive sales.

Posted 20/04/2018 in: General, Discover and Learn

Demystifying GDPR: Convenience Retailer Checklist

GDPR comes into force on 25th May. Don’t think a typical convenience store handles much data? You might need to think again.

Posted 19/04/2018 in: News, General, Legislation, Discover and Learn

Sugar Tax Now in Force

The government’s much-heralded Soft Drinks Industry Levy or SDIL for short is now underway.

Posted 08/04/2018 in: News, General, Discover and Learn

Get into IQOS

IQOS is the new non-tobacco smoking experience that is taking the market by storm.

Posted 03/04/2018 in: News, New Product Lines, New Retail Trends, Discover and Learn

Online Training Benefits for Retailers from Bolt Learning

Bolt Learning works with leading convenience retailers, creating engaging, interactive and instantly accessible eLearning content.

Posted 27/03/2018 in: News, General, Discover and Learn

April Trading Ahead

In April the warmer weather should be upon us and the two bank holidays at begining and end of the month will help drive sales.

Posted 24/03/2018 in: General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

Food to Go: Quality Counts

According to the IGD (report 2018) the Food to Go market is set to grow by 6% per year to reach £23 billion by 2022. Consumers are discerning re quality & taste.

Posted 20/02/2018 in: General, New Retail Trends, Discover and Learn

Looking Ahead to March

March offers three big trading events and the promise of longer days and warmer weather. Great for sales!

Posted 09/02/2018 in: General, Discover and Learn

How to be Effective at Upselling

Upselling, or Active selling, can have a huge impact on many aspects of your business; from growing basket size, to driving up average trip spend. Purchasing can be increased by between 200% and 300%.

Posted 25/01/2018 in: New Product Lines, General, Discover and Learn

Forward Planning for February

In addition to improved light and the promise of spring ahead, February offers three great trading opportunities: Pancake day, Valentine’s Day & Chinese New Year.

Posted 22/01/2018 in: General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

Focus for Convenience Growth in 2018

We have experienced more change in the channel this year than any other in living memory. What will be the key drivers in 2018? Neil Brenson asks the questions and sets the agenda for 2018..

Posted 15/12/2017 in: News, New Retail Trends, Discover and Learn

How to Train More Motivated, Top Performing Retail Staff

Do you feel like your retail staff could do better at up selling and customer service? Would your store staff benefit from better training? Or more knowledge about your customers, products and promotions? Read on for top retail staff training tips.

Posted 15/12/2017 in: New Product Lines, General, Discover and Learn

Key Trading Dates for 2018

Store Excel month-by-month guides will continue to be published throughout the year. Here's a heads up on the key trading dates for 2018. NEW! Royal Wedding 19/05.

Posted 12/12/2017 in: General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

Planning for January

After Christmas, most consumers are feeling the pinch with many looking to lose weight and get back to “healthy.” It’s a bit of a back to “factory settings month.”

Posted 12/12/2017 in: General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

Fresh & Frozen Christmas Opportunities

As we are fast approaching Christmas and New Year, the forward planning focuses more to the fresh & frozen ranges.

Posted 11/12/2017 in: General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

Christmas Alcoholic Drinks Sales Drivers

Everyone is very much aware that alcoholic drinks drive sales at Christmas. The way the calendar is configured this year favours small stores.

Posted 01/12/2017 in: General, Discover and Learn

P&H Collapse: The Winners and Losers

The collapse of Palmer & Harvey yesterday has sent a shockwave through the convenience and wholesale channel.

Posted 30/11/2017 in: News, General, Discover and Learn

Grocery Christmas Sales Gems

Last minute purchases offer a great low risk sales opportunity in the grocery department.

Posted 26/11/2017 in: General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

Impulse Categories Drive Christmas Profits

Well selected and maintained impulse ranges will drive incremental additional profit throughout December.

Posted 25/11/2017 in: General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

Significant Gap in Training Identified for UK Convenience Staff

A recent survey from Bolt Learning, into the current state of training in UK symbol convenience, found that nearly a third of retailers find training a significant challenge within their business. Bolt Learning has the answer.

Posted 23/11/2017 in: General, Discover and Learn, Featured Suppliers

Christmas Non-Food for Profit

Small stores often overlook the sales and profit opportunities afforded by non-food. Christmas is the time to cash in on the additional cash profit that seasonally related non-food can deliver.

Posted 12/11/2017 in: General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

Why Ordering By App is Taking Off

Many retailers are moving away from online ordering and shifting to ordering by App. What are the App advantages for retailers?

Posted 06/11/2017 in: News, General, Discover and Learn

Learn Convenience from Carrefour Express

Carrefour one of the biggest exponents of hypermarkets worldwide has adapted successfully and is now a leader in convenience retailing.

Posted 05/11/2017 in: General, New Retail Trends, Discover and Learn

November Trading Tips

Darker nights and cooler weather signals an increase in higher calorie meals and hot beverages. And of course Bonfire Night trading opportunities!

Posted 19/10/2017 in: General, Discover and Learn

Profit from Winter OTC Medicines & Remedies

Now is the time to capitalise from the opportunities OTC medicines offer. Sales increase from mid September

Posted 15/09/2017 in: Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

Plan ahead for October

October offers some great sales and traffic-building opportunities. Time to plan ahead.

Posted 15/09/2017 in: General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

Planning Ahead for September

September is a tricky month for retailers. There are no obvious sales events. For most people the holidays are over, it’s back to work and back to school. The weather can still be warm and mild or it can cool rapidly and usher in the autumn.

Posted 15/08/2017 in: General, Discover and Learn

Unfreeze the Potential of Frozen Foods

Frozen food offers retailers a great opportunity to drive customer visits and grow profitable sales at low risk. The category has the same benefits of fresh produce and without the risk of waste or the time spent to merchandise and maintain displays.

Posted 15/08/2017 in: General, Discover and Learn

August Sales Planning

August should be hot & sunny - plan accordingly. Bank holiday 28/08 and back to school will also drive sales.

Posted 23/07/2017 in: General, Discover and Learn

Food to Go Raises Store Perception

Securing a food standards agency hygiene endorsement can underpin store standards

Posted 16/07/2017 in: General, New Retail Trends, Discover and Learn

July Hot Weather Trading

July is all about being prepared for hot weather trading and outdoor events. Both at home and picnics.

Posted 27/06/2017 in: General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

May & June Trading Opportunities

Late May & June offer some excellent trading opportunities. Especially if the weather is kind. Plus three great sales events.

Posted 20/05/2017 in: News, General, Discover and Learn

Small Stores Must Plan Ahead for Declining Tobacco Sales

Tobacco sales are in an inexorable decline in the UK. The decline will continue and is likely to accelerate. This is an industry-wide threat and small stores must plan ahead for this to maintain customer visits, footfall and sales.

Posted 07/05/2017 in: General, New Retail Trends, Discover and Learn

Alcohol Wholesale Registration Scheme

AWRS comes into force for all sellers of controlled alcohol from 1st April. What does this mean for independent retailers selling alcohol?

Posted 26/03/2017 in: News, Legislation, Discover and Learn

Plan Ahead for Easter

Easter weekend is the big trading opportunity for small stores.

Posted 19/03/2017 in: News, General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

Planning Ahead for March

The days are getting longer. March offers two great trading opportunities: St Patrick's Day and Mother's Day

Posted 26/02/2017 in: General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

Tobacco Danger for Small Retailers

The removal of price marks from cigarette packs appears to be a profit opportunity for retailers. But this is a false expectation and there is danger ahead.

Posted 29/01/2017 in: General, Discover and Learn

OTC Medicines and Food Supplements a Massive Opportunity

OTC medicines and food supplements offer a massive opportunity for small stores right now. Their small size and high margins are perfect for convenience stores

Posted 25/01/2017 in: Range, Discover and Learn

Which Symbol to Choose?

Enhancing cash profit is a key consideration when selecting which symbol group to select.

Posted 02/09/2016 in: Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

Clear the Garden for Summer Growth

Intelligent range selection is vital to enable customers to select easily. Less is more and this in turn drives sales.

Posted 18/08/2016 in: Range, Discover and Learn

Fold-Away

A new supplier to the trade called Fold-Away products have produced a novel, on-trend, and very useful new line for convenience retailers.

Posted 05/04/2016 in: New Product Lines, Discover and Learn