Gaelle Walker
NewsConvenience retailers slam “harmful” plans to relax Sunday Trading
Relaxing Sunday Trading laws would issue a body-blow to the UK’s heroic convenience store industry, shifting trade away from the stores which gave their all to support local communities through the darkest days of the coronavirus crisis, retailers claim.
NewsPandemic to prompt new wave of innovative businesses models, says leading indie Eat17
The coronavirus crisis could prompt a new wave of “exciting food and drink concepts,” as independent entrepreneurs seek out new and innovative ways to merge foodservice and retail and meet consumer demand, Eat17 claims.
NewsAuthorities working “around the clock” to stem tide of fake masks and sanitisers
Trading Standards teams in and around London are working “around the clock” in a bid to prevent an influx of fake facemasks and potentially unsafe hand sanitisers hitting the capital’s streets, London Trading Standards (LTS) has revealed.
NewsRetailers warn of smokers using “dangerous” loopholes to beat menthol ban
Just two weeks after it was enforced, some adult smokers are actively looking for new and potentially dangerous loopholes around the ban on menthol and capsule cigarettes, retailers are warning.
NewsCoronavirus: Warning over fake facemasks and sanitisers
Retailers are being cautioned to stick to trusted sources of supply when purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as facemasks, gloves and sanitisers for staff and for sale to customers, to avoid falling foul of fake products.
NewsMillions of illicit cigarettes seized in joint agency raid
Eight million suspected illicit cigarettes, destined for sale in Northern Ireland and beyond, have been seized during a Joint Agency Task Force operation in Co Armagh.
NewsLocal store celebrates frontline heroes with Superhero Day
Local shoppers have shown their appreciation and support for the team at Bobby Singh’s BB Nevison Superstore & Post Office in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, after they held a “Superhero Day” to celebrate the frontline heroes of the coronavirus pandemic on Saturday 30 May.
NewsVape stores among those to re-open for business on 15 June when lockdown eases
Vape shops will be allowed to re-open for business on 15 June following three months of closure under the UK lockdown legislation.
NewsRetailers report “chaos” and “confusion” following menthol ban
Retailers are reporting widespread consumer confusion and frustration following the ban on menthol and capsule cigarettes on 20 May.
NewsCoronavirus: Manchester Spar retailer thanks customers for “lifeline” food donations
Independent Spar retailer MK Vaish is praising the generosity of his local customers following soaring food donations to a local homeless charity during lockdown.
NewsCoronavirus: Local Mayor rewards store’s heroic efforts
The heroic team behind Eldred Drive Stores (Premier) in Orpington, Kent, are still “reeling” after a special visit from the local Mayor and councillors to thank them for their incredible community efforts during the coronavirus outbreak.
NewsRetailers to receive £430m tax rebate following ATM ruling
The Supreme Court has confirmed that external ATMs will no longer be subject to a separate business rates assessment, after dismissing a Valuation Office Agency appeal.
NewsSale of menthol cigarettes is banned from today
The sale of menthol cigarettes (including capsule, dual and click products) is now banned after the legislation came into force across the UK and the EU this morning (20 May).
NewsRetailers report tobacco sales surge as lockdown hits illicit trade
Legitimate tobacco sales through convenience stores appear to have surged during the lockdown period which severed many of the links between illicit sellers and smokers.
NewsJust two days left for sale of non-Track and Trace-compliant tobacco packs
Retailers have just two days left to sell through any old, non-Track and Trace-compliant tobacco packs, before the new legislation is enforced on 20 May.
NewsViolent offences and threats to "cough on staff" surge in Central England Co-op stores
Incidents of verbal abuse and violent offences against convenience store workers, including threats to cough and spit on staff, have soared in Central England Co-op stores in the past four weeks.
NewsCostcutter Supermarkets Group expands virus support for retailers
Costcutter Supermarkets Group (CSG) has bolstered its range of coronavirus support materials and guidance for all retailers, to help them keep staff and shoppers safe in the continuing crisis.
NewsRetailers face challenges in last week of sale for menthol cigarettes
Under-pressure convenience retailers are attempting to prepare for one of the most significant changes to tobacco legislation to date, when the ban on menthol and capsule cigarettes is enforced next week.
NewsCoronavirus: Retailers praise new working relationships with foodservice providers
A growing number of retailers are reporting “positive” and “constructive” new working relationships with foodservice providers, as the coronavirus outbreak continues to hamper traditional supply routes.
NewsConvenience stores support ‘Stay at Home’ VE Day celebrations
Retailers across the country have helped their customers to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day on 8 May, supporting residents in their bids to hold ‘Stay at Home’ parties in accordance with social distancing rules.