Discover and Learn

1. Key Trading Events in 2021

   

   Plan ahead for the holidays, events & festivals that will help drive sales in 2021. 

   Posted 14/01/2021 in: General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

2. January Trading

   

   Opportunities in back to basics, Veganuary and OTC medicines.

   Posted 09/01/2021 in: General, Discover and Learn

3. Fresh & Frozen Christmas Planning

   

   Fresh & frozen ranges come into their own as we enter December. Loads of low risk profitable opportunities in these categories.

   Posted 02/12/2020 in: General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

4. Christmas Alcohol Massive This Year

   

   Christmas alcohol sales promise to be massive this year as consumers go for "in home" drinking.

   Posted 30/11/2020 in: General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

5. Vaping growth in Convenience

   

   Vape stores are closing. Consumers are turning more to convenience for their vape products

   Posted 25/11/2020 in: General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

6. Pet category in strong growth

   

   Pet ownership surges. Time to get the the pet category well ranged and stocked. 

   Posted 25/11/2020 in: General, Business Drivers, Discover and Learn

7. Christmas Grocery Gems

   

   There are many hidden gems in the grocery area for Christmas.

   Posted 25/11/2020 in: General, Discover and Learn

8. Impulse Categories for Christmas

   

   These impulse categories offer a great sales & profit opportunity

   Posted 17/11/2020 in: General, Discover and Learn

9. Christmas Non Food for Profit

   

   Christmas non-food offers a significant range of profitable added value goods for convenience stores. Now is the time to get the stock in.

   Posted 17/11/2020 in: General, Discover and Learn

10. November Planning

    

    Bonfire night and Diwali should light up sales in November

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. Planning Ahead for August

    

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

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

16. 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

17. July Planning

    

    Warmer, sunnier weather will offer outdoor activity trading oportunities.

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

18. 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

19. April Planning

    

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

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

20. 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

21. 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

22. HEETS Opportunity

    

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

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

23. 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

24. 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

25. 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

26. Alcohol Drives Christmas Sales

    

    Some brilliant alcohol sales drivers for Christmas

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

27. 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

28. Christmas Impulse Opportunities

    

    Confectionery, crisps, nuts and snacks offer brilliant sales opportunities

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

29. 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

30. Non Food Profit Opportunities

    

    Autumn and Christmas offer superb low risk profit opportunities.

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

31. 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

32. November Trading Checklist

    

    Bonfire night and Rugby World Cup Final offer good trading opportunities

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

33. 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

34. First Waste: Save Money

    

    Save real money on waste costs with 1st Waste

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

35. October Planning

    

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

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

36. 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

37. September Planning

    

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

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

38. 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

39. Stores Enjoy Boom in Plant-Based Milks

    

    Store Excel latest news digest

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

40. August Planning

    

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

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

41. 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

42. 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

43. 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

44. 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

45. 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

46. 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

47. 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

48. 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

49. 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

50. Forward Planning for May

    

    Four brilliant trading events ahead in May

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

51. 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

52. 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

53. 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

54. 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

55. February Trading

    

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

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

56. 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

57. 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

58. January Planning

    

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

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

59. 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

60. 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

61. 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

62. 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

63. 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

64. 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

65. 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

66. Store Excel Budget Bullets

    

    The key October 2018 budget announcements directly affecting independent retailers.

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

67. November Trading

    

    Bonfire night and Diwali are the big trading opportunities

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

68. 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

69. Planning Ahead for October

    

    Plan now for October. Halloween is the big one!

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

70. 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

71. 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

72. 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

73. Looking Ahead to August

    

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

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

74. 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

75. 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

76. 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

77. 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

78. 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

79. 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

80. 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

81. 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

82. 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

83. 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

84. 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

85. 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

86. 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

87. 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

88. 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

89. 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

90. 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

91. 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

92. 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

93. 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

94. 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

95. 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

96. 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

97. 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

98. 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

99. 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

100. 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

101. 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

102. 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

103. 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

104. 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

105. 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

106. 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

107. 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

108. 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

109. 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

110. 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

111. 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

112. 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

113. 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

114. 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

115. 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

116. 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

117. 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

118. 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

119. 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