Dennis Williams, owner of Premier Broadway Convenience Store in Edinburgh, says retailers should make the most of the Big Night In occasion, if they want to drive footfall throughout the autumn season.

He says: “After a great summer with the weather, royal wedding and World Cup, we are back to normal in store and trying to maintain footfall with the kids back at school.

“At this time of year, I think its important for everyone in the industry to invest in areas like fresh and chilled and food to go. Most retailers have realised that standard grocery lines are in decline so they need to find new and different ways to compete.

“As such, it’s vital that we have a good big night in offering, with snacks and soft drinks for people to have in front of the telly. I don’t think we make enough of programmes like the X Factor and Strictly - when people are watching these shows then they want to spend more on food to have with their friends and family, especially when the weather gets cooler.”

Star performers: “Food to go is the stand-out area for us. Our deli counter has been great and really paid off in the way it brings people into the store. I think nowadays every retailer should try and have some kind of food to go element in their store.”

Successful NPD: “The new Walkers range has done very well. All the regional flavours seem to have captured people’s imagination.”

Walkers launched its regional flavours campaign in August, celebrating its more unusual flavours and the regions in which they are most popular.

The on-going campaign includes a TV advert and on-pack promotion, which offers shoppers the chance to win £5,000 every week.

Six flavours and six regions are included in the campaign including; Pickled Onion (Scotland), Tomato Ketchup (The North), Smoky Bacon (The Midlands), Worcester Sauce (South East), Marmite (South West) and Beef & Onion (Wales). The regional flavours are available in a 40g single serve format for the convenience channel (rrp 65p).