Conrad Davies, owner of Spar Y Maes in Pwllheli, North Wales, is prepared for a sales increase thanks to St David’s Day and the start of the holiday season, with local goods playing a key role.

He says: “As a Welsh store, we have been focusing on St David’s Day (March 1). We’ve ordered 400 bunches of daffodils to sell in the shop, and we’ve made a display with Welsh cakes and bara brith, and we’ve been organising in-store tastings for people to try the cakes with butter.

“Other Welsh products such as Penderyn whisky and local ales have also been part of the feature, with the gift packs going well.

“The beginning of March also marks the start of the holiday season with the local caravan parks and holiday homes opening for the summer, so we always start to see trade improve around this time.”

Star performers

“Fresh food and local products are what the store is really about. We have our own butchery above the store and fresh meat sales make up about 12% of the business.”

Successful NPD

“Lots of NPD is doing well at the moment, particularly Maltesers Mint Buttons. We have a stack display by the tills and have sold probably 20-30 cases in two weeks. Our main supplier Blakemore has an NPD programme which means we can get hold of new products like this early.”