Discover and Learn

1. 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

2. 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

3. January Planning

   

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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. The season to share with KETTLE® Chips….

   

   KETTLE® Chips are the snack without compromise and great for sharing.

   Posted 26/11/2018 in: News, Discover and Learn

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. Store Excel Budget Bullets

    

    The key October 2018 budget announcements directly affecting independent retailers.

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

13. November Trading

    

    Bonfire night and Diwali are the big trading opportunities

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

14. 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

15. Planning Ahead for October

    

    Plan now for October. Halloween is the big one!

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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. Looking Ahead to August

    

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

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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

25. 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

26. 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

27. 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

28. 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

29. 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

30. 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

31. 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

32. 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

33. 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

34. 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

35. 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

36. 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

37. 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

38. 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

39. 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

40. 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

41. 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

42. 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

43. 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

44. 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

45. 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

46. 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

47. 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

48. 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

49. 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

50. 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

51. 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

52. 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

53. 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

54. 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

55. 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

56. 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

57. 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

58. 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

59. 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

60. 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

61. 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

62. 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

63. 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

64. Premium Crisps Deliver a Premium Performance for Retailers

    

    Premium crisps are gaining market share in the category. The good news is that they satisfy consumer trends and deliver healthy cash profits.

    Posted 01/09/2016 in: New Retail Trends, Discover and Learn

65. 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

66. 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