The findings have prompted calls from the Post Office and postmasters for targeted support, with hundreds of branches set to become liable for business rates for the first time.

Changes to the system mean 600 additional Post Office branches across the UK will pay business rates in 2026-27. The current framework replaced the previous Retail, Hospitality and Leisure relief scheme, which capped bills at £110,000 per business.

According to the research, smaller rural branches have been hit hardest, with some seeing their rates bills increase four-fold since 2023-24.

The average Post Office branch is expected to pay £3,700 in business rates this year. One in four branches will pay more than £5,000, while almost one in 10 faces a bill exceeding £10,000. 

Across the network, Post Office branches are forecast to pay £43m in business rates in 2026-27, representing a near-200% increase compared with previous years.
The research also found Post Office branches will pay a higher proportion of their gross value added in business rates than the wider retail sector, at 10% compared with less than 5%.

The Post Office said smaller and rural branches are particularly vulnerable because they are less likely to be profitable and can be pushed into higher liabilities by relatively small changes in their rateable value.

EXCLUSIVE: Post Office pilots ‘community hub’ concept in major branch shake-up

Rising rates burden

Paul Patel, postmaster at Dibden Purlieu Post Office in Hampshire, said his business rates bill had risen by more than £2,000.

“Last year I paid £5,089 in business rates,” he said. “This year, that has risen to £7,154, a substantial increase that feels disproportionate to the size and turnover of my branch. At the same time, my rateable value has gone up by over £1,000, adding further pressure.

“These rising costs come on top of increased tax and National Insurance contributions linked to the higher minimum wage. Altogether, it means my outgoings are rising by thousands of pounds a year.”

Neil Brocklehurst, chief executive of the Post Office, said there was a “structural unfairness” in how the “tax burden” falls across the Post Office network.
“In reality, most Post Offices are small businesses run independently by postmasters yet are being taxed as if they were large retailers,” he said.

“As we set out in our Green Paper response to the government earlier this year, the unique social contribution that Post Offices deliver in communities should be recognised and protected, and we know the government recognises this value too. We hope the government’s upcoming High Streets Strategy will go some way towards levelling the playing field for vital small businesses like Post Offices. Business rates relief is one feasible yet hugely impactful way to do this.”

Read more: EXCLUSIVE: Post Office pilots ‘community hub’ concept in major branch shake-up

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Experts have warned that storing disposable vapes for extended periods could create a potentially life-threatening fire risk.

The research found the ban triggered significant stockpiling behaviour, with up to 70% of respondents saying they bought and stored disposable vapes before it took effect.

Of those surveyed, 20% stockpiled a month’s supply, 26% stockpiled three months’ supply and 14% stockpiled six months’ supply.

Only 10% of respondents said they recycled any disposable vapes left over after the ban.

Despite the ban, waste professionals say discarded devices remain a £1bn-a-year problem, according to a recent report in The Guardian.

Most disposable vape users have switched to reusables, study finds

Professor Emeritus Paul Christensen, an expert in lithium-ion battery safety at Newcastle University, urged vape users to consider how they reduce risks from stockpiled devices.

“Just because the batteries are small, don’t think there isn’t a risk,” he said. “It is the total amount of energy in those vape batteries that is a fire risk. If you must keep them, store them separately in very small batches and away from anything that can catch fire.”

Marina Murphy, senior director of scientific affairs at Haypp, said it was “concerning” that one in 10 vapers surveyed still had stockpiled devices.

She said the findings highlighted the “ongoing need” for clear consumer education around product safety and served as a reminder that blanket bans can have unintended consequences.

“In May, Argentina ended its long-running ban on alternative nicotine products having found it had not curtailed use but had fuelled a black market for unregulated products,” she said. 

“Prohibition does not work. We urge anyone still purchasing disposable vapes to find a legal alternative that works for them, shop with responsible retailers, and to always recycle their devices safely and correctly.”

Read more: Most disposable vape users have switched to reusables, study finds

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Oldham Council said it carried out the operation following concerns from residents over “products with a strong chemical smell and concerns they did not look or feel like genuine brands.”

The local authority said many toys discovered breached UK laws as they failed to include safety information or the details of a manufacturer or importer. More than 1,100 toys were seized and will be destroyed.

The announcement sparked fears from people that had purchased similar items from local shops. “We bought one from a shop and it smelt really bad of petrol and was full of bubbles, we threw it away,” said one Oldham resident.

Aberdeen Council carried out similar inspections in the same week, also seizing non-compliant stock from local shops following customer complaints. Images shared by the department showed products Better Retailing has seen for sale in many other independent retailers throughout the UK.

One of those visited was Chris Cobb’s Cults Stores in Aberdeen, which passed its trading standards inspection with flying colours. “We have had a visit and all the stock we sell completely conforms to the standards required,” the shop reassured customers.

EXCLUSIVE: Retailers pull viral ‘squishy dumpling’ toys due to safety concerns 

Retailers also expressed concerns as to whether they stock they had purchased is legally compliant. A retailer in nearby Trafford in Greater Manchester wrote: “We all know these squishy toys are selling very well, but trading standards says this is illegal, does anyone know.. which are legal and which are illegal?”

Experts have advised retailers to only buy from reputable wholesalers, and to check that stock contains clear safety warnings and instructions, UKCA or CE marking, labelling in clear English and the details of a UK-based manufacturer or importer on the packaging.

Examples seen by Better Retailing on-sale in UK shops include squish toys with packaging claiming they contain sharp objects – a clear breach of legal standards for children’s toys.

Read more Industry news

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Future, the UK’s biggest magazine publisher, has agreed to take part in this year’s October campaign following negotiations with organiser the Fed. Customers that take out deliveries or shop-save subscriptions of selected Future magazines will receive the first three issues for free – funded by the publisher. 

The six participating titles include some of the biggest-selling brands on retailers’ shelves – Woman & Home, Woman’s Weekly, Country Life, Woman’s Own, What’s on TV and Golf Monthly. 

What is HND Month?

Now in its fourth year, HND Month provides shop owners and HND agents that register to take part with the opportunity to win prizes worth thousands of pounds. 

These retailers also receive posters and leaflets advertising newspaper subscriptions and deliveries. Newspaper publishers also provide exclusive discounts for customers that take out print subscriptions, bagging the average participating site an estimated £1,000 per year in revenue. Around 1,000 sites take part in HND Month each year. 

Future’s arrival in HND Month marks the Fed’s first success in getting magazine publishers to back deliveries and shop saves through stores, rather than magazines’ standard approach of postal delivery subscriptions, which can cannibalise newsstand sales. 

HND Month to return for 2026 with new organiser the Fed promising new opportunities for shops

Describing HND orders as “the closest thing shop owners have to a guaranteed sale”, Fed news category manager Andrew Williamson told Better Retailing that Future’s involvement in HND Month represents “a huge opportunity” for stores to retain and win more magazine customers. 

Urging stores to sign up to HND Month and back Future’s commitment, Williamson added: “I see this as a very strong starting point for more magazine titles to offer subscription offers or savings to customers to be fulfilled via retail, which can only be of benefit for anyone selling magazines and offering a delivery service. It is also the first step towards the Fed’s ultimate vision for HND Month to become a wider celebration of printed products each October.” 

All newsagents, including those not providing delivery services, can take part for free, with registration open until 1 July at hndmonth.co.uk. All entrants will join a £250 prize draw. 

Read more news and advice about the newspaper and magazines category and click here for the latest ABC circulation figures

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The news publishing giant announced on 5 June that it is axing its copy allocation team, which manages the number of copies each store receives each morning.

News UK said precision copy allocation is “increasingly important.”

The move follows supermarkets ceasing to pay news publishers based on returned copies at the start of 2026. Instead, major supermarkets now pay based on their sales levels through tills. Experts told Better Retailing the change was likely to cost publishers significant sums as shrink in stores is no longer just covered by the supermarket. Multiple sources claimed News UK was the news publisher most resistant to the change.

Explaining its new partnership with the magazine distributor, News UK claimed Frontline’s capabilities in supply management would “reduce unsold copies, address ongoing shrink challenges for retailers, and ensure that our titles are distributed more efficiently and sustainably.”

Reach announces printer closures and plans to outsource work to News UK and Daily Mail Group

News UK director of retail and wholesale Tracey Hart explained: “Over recent months, we have worked closely with Frontline to understand their systems, capabilities, and approach. Through this process, it became clear that their expertise – particularly in data-led allocation and integration of EPOS insights – will strengthen our ability to respond to the evolving needs of the market.

“I want to personally acknowledge the contribution of our internal copy allocation team, whose work over many years has played an important role in supporting our publishing success.”

Frontline Group chief executive Frank Straetmans added: “For over a decade, we have developed data-led allocation capabilities that match real-time sales patterns at store level with precise supply volumes. Applying this approach to newspapers marks a significant milestone for our business and, we believe, for the wider industry.”

The impact on stores

While it’s not known when responsibility for managing allocations switched from News UK to Frontline, Better Retailing understands a recent review of store allocations of The Sun was undertaken and at least one store has reported challenges as a result.

Subhash Varambhia of Snutch News, Leicester told Better Retailing: “For the last four weeks, supply of The Sun has been cut back. I usually get 11 copies on weekdays and 14 on a Saturday. However, this has been slashed to just nine. To cover home newspaper delivery and normal sale in the shop, I’ve had to go out and source extra copies to meet demand.  I have tried to adjust supply via [my news wholesaler]. However, the figures have been changed the following week, reverting back to the cutback levels. I have tried to find out who is responsible for tampering with our figures.”

Responding to the News UK’s statement, Fed news and operations director Brian Murphy told Better Retailing: “I will need to be confident that their systems fully understand customer movement and sale by day , along with how changes at the weekend and bank holiday are fully managed.  Home newspaper delivery sales must be easily identifiable and are of high importance as these also see movement,  particular when things like packing errors , missed delivery times and real time rerunning and availability or not can and will always impact sales ” 

Read more news and advice about the newspaper and magazines category and click here for the latest ABC circulation figures

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Plus Marketing recently expanded its range after experiencing the same supply challenges as independent retailers.

Director Faisal Azam told Better Retailing the range can help retailers cater to those who might otherwise be put off by the premium-priced English cards. 

Retailers inflating prices on new Pokémon cards amidst shortages and claims of ‘unfair’ treatment

“We’ve had to diversify, and customers are really taking them on board,” he said. “The lower price points of the Asian cards allow retailers to offer consumers more choice. We had one customer who put in an initial order of £200, but a subsequent order grew to £1,000.” 

The retailer view

Rakesh Bhimjiyani, of Costcutter Hampstead in north-west London, began stocking Japanese and Korean Pokémon cards in April. “It’s still early days, but they’ve got customers talking,” he told Better Retailing. 

Plus Marketing also stocks English Pokémon cards. Despite their higher price, Azam said some customers will be happy to pay the premium because of the fanfare. 

“Retailers can typically make between 25% and 30% margin, depending on how they price the cards,” he added. 

Formed in 2005, Plus Marketing has been distributing and wholesaling in-demand collectables, trading cards, football merchandise, giftware, and novelty items to retailers. The company’s product ranges are selected to keep up with trends.

Read more trading card product news and category advice

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The survey of 6,000 UK adults, published one year after the ban came into force, found that 72% of former disposable users now use reusable devices, with around 80% regularly purchasing refill products.

The findings suggest the category has largely transitioned towards reusable vaping, creating ongoing demand for pods and refill products rather than one-off device purchases. Nearly half (48%) of current daily vapers now use pod systems, with most purchasing replacement pods or refills rather than new kits.

However, the research also highlighted continued concerns around illicit vaping products. One in four current vapers said they had knowingly purchased illicit products, most commonly from retail stores (16%), followed by market or street sellers (11%), online sources (7%) and friends (4%).

The study found that fruit and fruit-inspired flavours remain the most popular among vapers, with many respondents saying flavour variety plays an important role in helping them reduce or stop smoking.

Most vapers said they were aware that used pods should be recycled, although a minority continue to dispose of them in general waste.

Among current smokers, a little more than half said they had tried vaping as a way to quit. However, a similar proportion still believe vaping is as harmful as, or more harmful than, smoking.

‘Misconceptions act as barrier’

Eve Peters, director of government affairs at Elfbar UK, said misconceptions about vaping continued to act as a “barrier” to smokers switching away from cigarettes.

“One year on from the single-use vapes ban, the transition to reusable vapes has embedded, with refills being purchased and devices reused as intended,” she said.

“However, disruption to established product categories can have unintended consequences, including relapse for some smokers.”

Peters added that the proportion of adult smokers who believe vaping is equally or more harmful than smoking remains “worryingly high”.

Read more: Tobacco and Vapes Act changes to be phased in, retailers told

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The national wholesaler said the acquisition forms part of its “continued strategic growth plans and further strengthens its regional footprint, delivered wholesale capability and support for independent retailers, convenience customers and on-trade operators across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.”

Bestway assured customers “it is very much business as usual,” with Dee Bee’s existing team and service remaining uninterrupted. Existing Dee Bee Wholesale customers will gain access to Bestway’s pricing, promotions and product range.

Dee Bee already operates two depots in Grimsby and Hull, as well as the Today’s symbol group.

Dawood Pervez, Managing Director of Bestway Wholesale, said: “Dee Bee is a long-established family business with more than 65 years of customer service heritage, loyal customer base and detailed regional knowledge across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

“This reflects our continued confidence in the future of independent wholesale and retail”.

Nick Ramsden, managing director of Dee Bee Wholesale, added: “This marks an important milestone for Dee Bee Wholesale and the next stage in the business’s journey.

“Bestway Wholesale is a business with significant scale, ambition and a strong commitment to supporting independent retailers and customers. I am confident that becoming part of the Bestway Wholesale network will create new opportunities for the business and bring long-term benefits for customers, colleagues and suppliers alike.”

The Dee Bee deal marks the latest major acquisition for Bestway, following Costcutter in 2020.

Read more Industry news

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The collaboration will allow participating Scoot retailers to offer scratchcards alongside everyday purchases, with deliveries reaching customers in as little as 30 minutes.

Allwyn said the move would help retailers to generate additional revenue while giving players greater flexibility in how they purchase scratchcards.

Participating stores will receive guidance on signing up to and operating the service, including safe delivery processes for handling age-restricted sales. Retailers will also be required to complete relevant training through the National Lottery Retailer Training Centre to ensure compliance with responsible retailing standards.

The partnership follows Allwyn’s 2024 agreement with Snappy Shopper, which allowed National Lottery scratchcards to be sold online for home delivery.

Previously, only major supermarkets had been allowed to offer scratchcards for home delivery due to strict age-verification and responsible retailing requirements set by the Gambling Commission.

‘Will unlock additional revenue’

Alison Acquaye-Acford, retail revenue and customer director at Allwyn, said the partnership would unlock new revenue opportunities for retailers.

“Shopping habits are changing fast, and convenience is now a key consideration for our players,” she said. “Our collaboration with Scoot is a real win for players, who can now have their favourite scratchcard games delivered right to their door.”

Damian Sanderson, Booker’s head of home delivery, described the launch as a “significant step forward” for Scoot and its retail partners, while helping independent stores unlock additional sales. 

He added: “At Booker, we’re focused on helping retailers evolve alongside changing shopper habits, and this partnership reflects the growing demand for fast, flexible access to everyday essentials and services.

“We’re proud to be working with Allwyn on such an exciting launch and look forward to seeing the partnership grow.”

Read more: National Lottery retailers receive exclusive Scratch-Coins to mark 30 years

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Proposals include a right to guaranteed hours based on the hours worked by a qualifying employee during a reference period, reasonable notice of shifts and shift changes, and compensation for shifts that are cancelled, curtailed or moved at short notice.

The measures have not yet come into force. Following the consultation, which closes on 25 August, the government will develop its final policy position.

Responding to the consultation, the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) warned that the proposals risk adding “further cost and complexity” at a time when retailers are already facing significant pressure from higher employment costs and increased regulation.

Figures from the ACS Colleague Survey show that one in three convenience store workers has been in their role for more than 10 years, 96% are employed on permanent contracts and more than three-quarters report never having had a shift cancelled.

“It is important that any new rights do not inadvertently reduce flexible employment opportunities for both employers and employees, or add unnecessary costs to hiring in an already tight labour market,” said ACS chief executive Ed Woodall.

Read more: Fed urges clarity for retailers on Employment Rights Act

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Birmingham-based wholesaler Good One Deals is launching the scheme using gantries it estimates are worth around £1,700, while giving retailers greater flexibility over which products they stock and display.

The company said the approach removes the need for the strict planogram requirements typically associated with vape gantries.

Marc Hall, key account manager at Good One Deals, told Better Retailing the business had identified what it described as a “massive flaw” in the industry’s one-size-fits-all approach.

He said: “You can have two retail shops next door to each other and they simply don’t sell the same products… as long as they’re buying from us, they can put what they want on the units.”

Hall added that the model differs from traditional vape gantry agreements, where retailers are often required to stock specified product lines in return for fixtures.

He said that similar gantry models had previously delivered sales increases of up to 40%, and said he expected stronger results because the new approach would “play to the store’s strengths”. “There are companies out there that give these units out free of charge,” he added, “but they’ve got their own agenda to sell the products they put on the units.”

Insight: A next-gen gantry for next-gen sales 

Under the agreement, retailers taking longer-term contracts – such as three-year deals – receive the gantry free of charge if they meet a monthly spend threshold across the supplier’s wider wholesale range.

Hall said the rollout had been delayed after units failed to arrive at the wholesaler’s warehouse, meaning retailers already working with the business will receive the first available gantries.

Strong displays key to vape growth

Vas Vekaria of Kegs and Blades told Better Retailing vape gantries remain important for visibility. “If you’re not displaying them, no one’s going to buy them,” he said.

Vekaria added supplier support is important when products fail to perform in store. “We had some lines that haven’t sold a single unit, but he’s taken it all back. It’s good having a nice relationship with a local supplier.”

Sasi Patel of MJ’s Premier added that strong vape displays can have a significant impact on category performance. “If your display is compelling and full, then your sales will naturally grow. It’s not because we put more stock in, it’s because we displayed it right and we created the whole category.”

Patel also highlighted the commercial importance of display space within the category “They’re all fighting for the limited amount of space you’ve got, and I’m fighting for the maximum amount of margin.”

Read more: BAT unveils a new gantry to drive next-gen nicotine sales

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Manual return points – stores where customers return empty single-use drink containers over the counter – will receive 3p per container.

Automatic return points – where shoppers use an automated reverse vending machine – will operate on a tiered structure, with Tier 1 set at 5p per container for up to 225,000 in-scope returns annually, and Tier 2 set at 1.3p per container for annual in-scope returns above that threshold.

The scheme will operate on a tiered basis across manual and automatic return points, covering both low and high-volume operators.

The return handling fee (RHF) will be reviewed early in 2027 before the scheme goes live, and then reviewed annually using data collected during operation. This will include information from producers and retailers to ensure assumptions and inputs are refined over time.

Russell Davies, chief executive of Exchange For Change, said the RHF reflects the “complexities” of the UK retail landscape and “ensures” the scheme remains in balance.

“The UK’s retail landscape is unique in the world, spanning large supermarket chains,” he said. “Medium-sized franchises and a very high ratio of small and independent convenience stores compared to other nations.

“This means the network of return points across the UK will be extensive, and the nature of collections will range from small convenience stores manually collecting and returning a small number of containers, through to large multinational supermarket chains operating multiple reverse vending machines that collect several thousand containers each week at every store.”

ACS: Some stores could be ‘net losers’

Modelling by the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), developed in consultation with the convenience sector, suggests that the fixed cost of providing a reverse vending machine (RVM) in store is likely to exceed £10,000 a year.

This means retailers would need to process at least 4,000 containers a week, or 208,000 a year, to break even.

However, ACS warned that, due to variations in return rates on a store-by-store basis, some outlets will fall below this threshold. It said stores handling between 2,000 and 4,000 containers a week are likely to lose money annually as a result of the scheme.

Ed Woodall, chief executive of the ACS, said the handling fees will mean some neighbourhood convenience stores will be “net losers” under DRS or will be forced to run “burdensome” manual return points.

“Convenience retailers want to be part of the scheme and providing those services in their community,” he said. “But they should not be financially punished for doing so. We hope that Exchange for Change will continue to look closely at the handling fees to optimise the network of return points for customers and all convenience retailers.”

Exchange for Change has recommended that businesses receiving more than 2,000 containers a week opt for an RVM, due to the practical difficulties of manual handling at higher volumes.

ACS has also urged Exchange for Change to increase the handling fee each year to keep pace with rising employment costs linked to scheme logistics in store.

Concerns over costs

Hetal Patel, national president of the Fed, said the organisation would have preferred higher rates and stressed that DRS must be cost neutral, adding that the Fed has called for a handling fee that helps shops cover their costs.

He added: “Whilst we have some concern about the direct and indirect costs associated with DRS, such as capital, labour, maintenance and opportunity costs in terms of lost floor space, we will continue to work with Exchange for Change to ensure DRS works for small shops.

“We await final details on key aspects like grants for those hosting RVMs, which we have backed, as well as criteria around exemptions.”

Patel added that there remains “a lot to do” for all stakeholders in retail and elsewhere ahead of the launch in autumn 2027.

Pete Cheema, Scottish Grocers’ Federation chief executive, said he was concerned that the handling fee would not fully cover the cost of running a reverse vending machine (RVM) for some convenience stores.

“The intention of DRS is to be cost neutral for retailers taking part in the scheme,” he said. “Retailers should be able to fully understand the costs involved and the expected returns, so that they can make an informed decision for their business.

“DRS will soon become an essential service for the communities we serve, and it’s vital that the handling fee is fair, so that our members have the opportunity to take part without having to add yet another cost burden to their business.”

Cheema added that Exchange for Change must revise the fee and account for the full costs of staffing, cleaning, servicing and loss of premium floor space for all retailers to ensure they are getting a “fair settlement”.

Read more: Exchange for Change confirms flat 20p deposit for DRS

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In a message sent to partnered stores, seen by Better Retailing, Co-op Wholesale said: “As our promotions have evolved to make them easier to execute, we’re introducing automatic allocations to help you make the most of every opportunity

“These will be split across licensed and non-licensed ranges [and] provide the stock you need to build impactful gondola ends and in-store displays

“This approach is designed to take the guesswork out of ordering and ensure you’re always ready to execute high-impact promotions. We strongly encourage you to follow the recommended merchandising guidelines and planograms to unlock the full value of these allocations.

However, the decision was cricitised by store owners, who claimed they would be forced to stock products which don’t end up selling to customers.

One Nisa retailer, who asked not to be named, told Better Retailing: “For most retailers, I question the use of gondola promotional ends unless you store size is above a certain square footage.

New Nisa fascia attracting strong retailer interest

“I don’t believe it’s an effective sales method in this day and age. It’s quite old fashioned. I’m skeptical as allocations are typically used for supplier purposes rather than the retailer first. Allocations for 90% of the time end up being a nuisance.”

Another added: “It’s stupid. We know what we sell and open our doors to make money.”

Some retailers were more positive, however. One store owner said: “I have looked at the lines they are sending, which are mainly crisps and soft drinks. I would say they’re okay for most retailers, but we run our own promotions and not all the Nisa ones. In this instance we have decided to opt out.”

The response form Co-op

A Co-op Wholesale spokesperson said: “Our promotional allocation programme has been designed to help retailers make the most of our strongest promotional activity by improving availability on key deals, simplifying execution in-store and reducing the risk of missing out on best-selling promotional lines.

“We’re using our data and insights to consistently support retailers benefit from stronger promotions.

“The programme was introduced on an opt-in/out basis, giving retailers the choice to participate, and allocations are focused on a cross-section of headline deals across key categories, supported by POS and leaflet activity to help drive shopper engagement.

“We recognise that no two stores are the same and retailers retain the flexibility to manage their ranges and promotional activity in a way that best suits their individual store, customer base and available space.”

Read more symbol group news

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The bursaries can be used to help cover tuition fees and other study-related costs, including equipment, travel, accommodation and course materials – with applications open now until 1 September 2026.

The scheme is open to students whose parent or spouse has worked in the convenience, grocery or pharmacy trades for at least five years.

Professor Anna Vignoles, director of the LTCT, said many eligible families miss out because they assume they will not qualify for support or feel uncomfortable applying.

“This is not about asking employers to fund, assess or administer applications,” she said. “It is about helping to pass on an opportunity that could make a real difference to someone’s future.

“Many students are balancing education with shift work, family responsibilities, caring commitments and the increasing financial pressures facing households across the UK. LTCT’s bursaries are intended to ease that strain, helping students focus on learning and progress in their chosen careers without unnecessary financial pressure.”

Read more: GroceryAid reopens £1m School Essentials Grant

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The meeting took place just days after the Crime and Policing Act became law. The Fed has welcomed measures within the legislation aimed at tackling retail crime, including a new standalone offence of assaulting a retail worker and the removal of the previous £200 threshold that often saw lower-value thefts treated less seriously.

Fed member Nilesh Patel also discussed wider opportunities and challenges facing small shops with the Ilford North MP, including DRS, which is due to launch in October 2027. Under the scheme, shoppers will pay a refundable 20p deposit on eligible plastic bottles and metal cans to encourage recycling.

Patel said: “It was good to discuss some of the issues around theft, as well as feedback on business rates. I also explained how important DRS will be after it is launched next year and what the Fed is doing to boost awareness of it.”

Read more: Welsh shopkeepers call for clearer roadmap on deposit return scheme

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The Guardian’s head of supply chain, Roger Clapham – who is also responsible for co-ordinating different news publishers’ delivery needs – told RN: “Supply levels will be increased where appropriate to meet potential demand and additional sales should be achieved across the sector.”

The challenge

Despite the sales opportunity for retailers, publishers said the tournament would also create challenges because of late-night and early-morning kick-offs in UK time.

“Many games are not well timed to suit the daily newspaper production schedules,” admitted Clapham.

This means retailers should prepare for late deliveries and, in some cases, editions that may not include final results.

In England and Wales, late print runs have already been announced for editions on 18, 24 and 28 June. In Scotland, editions on 20 and 25 June will also be affected by cut-off time extensions. Depending on how England and Scotland’s football fortunes, further extensions beyond the group stage could also be announced.

The opportunities

Reach told RN that a World Cup wallchart will run in the Daily Star on Friday 29 May, followed by Saturday editions of the Daily Mirror, Daily Express and Daily Record on 30 May, and the Sunday Mail on 31 May.

Stores will also get another opportunity to drive additional sales before the tournament begins, with free Panini World Cup sticker packs being given away across those titles over the 6-7 June weekend.

DMG Media told RN that an A2 double-sided glossy World Cup wallchart will be included in the Daily Mail on Saturday 6 June. Meanwhile, the i paper is planning a double-sided fold-out World Cup wallchart in its Friday 5 June edition.

The Guardian told RN that it will also give away a wallchart on Saturday 30 May, alongside a team guide supplement in the following Saturday edition on 6 June.

According to the publisher, the 40-page guide will feature every group, stadium and expert insight from journalists covering the tournament, and is intended to act as a collectible throughout the competition.

Advice for stores

Brian Murphy, news and operations director at The Fed, urged retailers to focus on availability and in-store positioning as consumer shopping habits shift during the tournament.

“Availability is key as consumer shopping habits shift in the build-up to and during the World Cup, much like they do around bank holidays,” he said.

Murphy added that retailers should expect more purchases to be made later in the day, with shoppers looking for trusted editorial opinion and match insight ahead of games.

He also encouraged stores to position newspapers prominently to attract both regular readers and casual football fans.

“The World Cup attracts lapsed and new football followers, and they will be keen to build their knowledge,” he said. “Having newspapers in key positions can only increase basket spend.”

Murphy suggested stores could also create dedicated World Cup-themed display areas to encourage repeat visits throughout the tournament.

“Having a World Cup-themed zone will get traffic, and newspapers play a key part in helping to drive regular visits,” he added.

He also recommended retailers engage customers through sweepstakes or simple in-store competitions during the tournament to strengthen community relationships.

Read more news and advice about the newspaper and magazines category and click here for the latest ABC circulation figures

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Chief revenue officer Dominic Grounsell told Better Retailing that the concept could become one of the organisation’s most significant innovations in recent history.

“It’s not a simple thing to do but, if we get it right, it’s possibly the most interesting innovation we’ll have done in many, many years,” he said.

The model will see Post Office branches offer dedicated space for approved third-party partners to meet customers face-to-face, using the retailer network as a trusted high street base.

“The way I look at it is for businesses that don’t have a face-to-face outlet, or any opportunity really to connect with either new or existing customers, we can leverage our retail estates to provide them access by creating these spaces,” Grounsell said.

“The conversations we’re having with a number of really exciting brands are: ‘We’ve got the space, you’ve got the customers, let’s bring them together.’”

The proposition is designed to help postmasters better monetise underused retail space, while simultaneously driving footfall and new revenue opportunities.

Grounsell compared the concept to existing banking hubs, where multiple banks share facilities across different days of the week, but said Post Office Plus would operate on a much broader scale.

“If you think about the example we have with banking hubs already, where you have the rooms and the banks share the space with a different bank every day – it’s simply that concept, but on a much wider network and wider proposition,” he said.

Post Office implements remuneration increases

Trials will test demand before wider rollout

Potential partners could include financial services firms, energy providers, travel companies and advisers, with brands able to use the spaces either for sales activity or customer support.

“It’s all about flexibility,” Grounsell explained. “If you think about the number of brands that already do pop-up locations in shopping centres, supermarket foyers or, God forbid, high streets which can often be subject to the weather, we can offer those brands a premium space to meet their customers and have a conversation.”

The pilots will test demand across different branch layouts and geographic locations before any wider rollout.

“This year it’s all about test and learn, validate the proposition, validate the format, validate the commercial model, and make sure that we can deliver the proposition with a good degree of operational efficiency,” Grounsell said.

“The positive thing for me, especially coming into the organisation, is as we’ve been talking to third-party businesses, the amount of energy and enthusiasm and desire for it has been huge.”

He added that some businesses were already discussing taking “multiple days of exclusivity” within branches.

“If businesses think they can put their staff into our stores and provide a service to customers five days a week, that’s absolutely amazing for us,” he said.

“You can tailor the brands that we partner with based on local need, and it can go in lots of different directions.”

Grounsell said success would ultimately be measured both by customer engagement and by the commercial outcomes delivered for postmasters.

“My aim is to use that as a jumping off point to build a bigger and bigger stable of potential partners to work with in the future,” he said.

See 5 June’s RN for a full exclusive interview with Dominic Grounsell

Read more Post Office news

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Elaine Hayes, of Bùth a’ Bhaile on the island of Tiree, has been experiencing issues since February. “Not a day goes by where we’ve not had an issue or cancellation and it’s been three months of constant stress,” she told Better Retailing. 

“I’ve not looked at the level of sales decline to avoid more anxiety. There have been issues where CalMac stopped delivery lorries getting on its ferries to allow more cars to board. 

“We went from getting frozen, grocery and ambient deliveries at least three times a week to our shelves looking pretty empty. When a delayed delivery comes, we’re losing two or three days of shelf life. 

Retailers brace for delayed inflation hit as Iran war pushes up prices

“The tourist trade has also been impacted. We’re an island of 700 people, but thousands of tourists often come between April and November.” 

A long term disruption

One senior source working with independent shops in affected areas told Better Retailing the disruption had been ongoing for the past 18 months. They said: “The ferries deliver the bulk of stock to independent retailers. Quite often, services are cancelled for several days or many weeks on end, sometimes last-minute, too. The only other supply they can rely on is from products produced locally. 

“The fleet is old and tired, and requires additional service and maintenance. It’s causing absolute chaos. 

“The new ferries that were meant to come online have been delayed and the the whole thing has been a shambles from day one. 

“It’s also affecting tourist footfall. Nobody is going onto the ferries and people are no longer planning their holidays. Visitor numbers will be down and it also impacts the day-to-day life of residents.” 

CalMac chief executive Duncan Mackison told STV News last month the firm’s issues had been down to lack of investment over previous years. He added: “I think it’s clearly understood that everything that’s been taking place ultimately is a function of some of our vessels being too old and needing to be replaced. 

“And I think the system that replaces the vessels now understands that that needs to happen on a regular basis. As long as we get those vessels, and we’ve got a good number coming up, then we should be OK in the future. 

“I think what’s transpiring now is what happens when these things are left for a long period of time.” 

Read more politics news and articles for retailers

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This year, the home delivery firm has seen prominent partners including Kegs N Blades in Bolton, MJ’s Premier in Royton, Smiley’s One Stop Shop in Blackpool and Ashington Convenience in Northumberland leave the service. 

Better Retailing understands some of the issues experienced by retailers – separate from those who left the platform – included hours spent manually updating product pricing and minimal customer uptake of the service. 

One former Flash Delivery partner, who asked not to be named, told Better Retailing: “We ended up giving too many products away too cheaply and were losing about 15% margin per order at times. The service wasn’t really sustainable for us in the end. 

“There were a few issues that weren’t being sorted out by Flash Delivery.” 

EXCLUSIVE: Flash Delivery closes in on 400 store milestone

Another store owner added: “We had Flash Delivery live for three months, but no customers ended up using it, despite us paying money to get on the service.” 

What has been the response from Flash?

Responding to the concerns, founder Leon Whittaker told Better Retailing the home delivery company had launched several new developments aimed at improving the service and boosting sales for retailers. 

“We’ve recently integrated AI into our price catalogues, which update automatically unless retailers want to have their own prices,” he said. “In other instances, retailers can enter the item name or take a photo, and AI will automatically add it to the system. 

“On promotions, we don’t push retailers to do 1p or 99p deals because retailers will lose customers as soon as those deals are pulled. We look at it more through loyalty. Customers can get memberships, like Tesco Clubcard, and retailers can select which deals they want [to offer]. To get those prices, customers need to be members.” 

Whittaker added that the firm also offers online videos and tools to help retailers develop the service and grow sales. He said: “Retailers do have to work with us a little bit to make it work.” 

Commenting on the service, Kuldesh Johal, of Dixon Lane Premier in Leeds, told Better Retailing: “We’ve been with Flash for about a year and a half and it is moving forward. It’s nowhere near where I want it to be, as everyone is spending less, but we are getting new customers on the app all the time. 

“Home delivery is a tough market currently, but it’s nothing to do with the platform. The support from Flash is good.” 

Read more news and articles on grocery home delivery services

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Each retailer has been given 500 coins to hand out on a first-come, first-served basis with any National Lottery scratchcard purchase, including the new £2 £300,000 Birthday scratchcard.

Players purchasing the Birthday scratchcard have more than a one in 3.33 chance of winning a prize, including a top prize of £300,000.

The commemorative coin was created in collaboration with artist and illustrator Hattie Stewart as part of the anniversary celebrations.

Nathalie Fullerton, of Go Local, Dumbarton Road, Glasgow, which was selected as one of the gold standard retailers to receive the coins, told Better Retailing that customers had responded positively to the promotion.

“Customers have been really positive about it and very excited about getting the coins as well, with some even travelling to collect them,” she said.

“Being selected as a ‘gold standard’ retailer by Allwyn is validation that we’re doing something right. To be chosen as the only store in Scotland is very humbling.”

Karl Southworth, head of field sales at Allwyn, said the campaign aimed to reward standout retail partners while helping generate additional excitement and footfall in stores.

“As we celebrate 30 years of National Lottery Scratchcards, we wanted to create a fun, engaging moment that not only rewards our standout retail partners but also helps generate excitement and drive footfall,” he said.

“These ‘Scratch-Coins’ are a brilliant way to recognise a small group of our ‘gold standard’ retailers, who consistently go above and beyond in bringing The National Lottery to life in their local communities.”

Which stores have received National Lottery Scratch-Coins?

• Go Local – 380 Dumbarton Road, Glasgow
• Costcutter – 96-98 Bristol Street, Birmingham
• Houghton & Wyton Community Shop – The Green, Houghton
• New Southgate Food Centre – 137-141 High Road, London
• Victoria Wine & Spiritz – 213-215 Scraptoft Lane, Leicester
• Your Store – 11 Burwash Road, Brighton & Hove
• Nisa Sevenways – 218 Derbyshire Lane West, Manchester
• S and M Stores – 141 Southbank Road, Coventry
• NASDA Stores – 9 The Street, Rayne, Braintree
• Jules Convenience (Premier) – 83-85 Haybridge Road, Telford

Read more: EXCLUSIVE: Allwyn confident of Lotto changes amid some stores’ concerns

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The affected stores were acquired as part of the supermarket’s takeover of McColl’s in 2022, with Morrisons saying many had been loss-making for several years.

The retailer said the situation had worsened following increases to employer National Insurance contributions and the National Living Wage, with some convenience store colleagues now at risk of redundancy.

A Morrisons spokesperson said the supermarket had completed a review of its convenience estate and was proposing to take the “tough but necessary decision” to close a number of stores over the coming months.

Despite the closures, Morrisons said it remained committed to expanding its convenience presence and had a “robust plan” for growth in 2026.

The retailer added it continued to see opportunities to open hundreds more franchise convenience stores in the years ahead.

The announcement follows wider restructuring measures at Morrisons, including proposed cuts to head office roles announced earlier this year. Staff entered consultation over potential redundancies on 13 April as part of the programme.

Read more Morrisons news

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The concerns were raised during a meeting between members of the Fed and Conservative Senedd member for Ceredigion Preseli Paul Davies at the Malones’ shop in Tenby on 22 May.

Vince and Fiona Malone used the meeting to highlight key priorities from the Fed’s manifesto ahead of the election, including rising operating costs, retail crime and uncertainty surrounding the rollout of DRS in Wales.

Wales is planning to introduce its own deposit return scheme but has yet to appoint a deposit management organisation (DMO), which would oversee the system’s operation. The proposed Welsh scheme could also include glass, unlike schemes planned elsewhere in the UK.

The Malones said retailers needed greater certainty over how the scheme would operate and warned it must not place additional financial burdens on small shops.

Vince Malone said it was important a DMO was appointed promptly to establish a clear roadmap for the scheme’s introduction.

“This approach should align with the rest of the UK for cohesion and sustainability, and the system must at least be cost-neutral for retailers,” he said.

“That is in everyone’s interests, as we can only achieve strong recycling return rates when small shops are fully participating.”

The pair also called for further discussion around business rates, arguing the system should better reflect the social value provided by small shops and post offices within local communities.

Concerns around retail crime were also raised, with the retailers highlighting the need for greater intervention and visibility from neighbourhood policing teams.

Read more deposit return scheme (DRS) news and advice

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The store opened in the Hungarian capital on 21 May, offering more than 4,000 products “tailored to local customer needs,” Tesco own-label products and food to go, such as hot dogs, wraps and paninis.

Tesco said the store at 93 Hegedűs Gyula Street would be served by its own delivery network, and future partners would have “no connection fee.”

Szatmáry Márkék, the franchise owner, had previously operated another franchise at the site. They said: “I am proud to have signed the first domestic franchise agreement with Premier. I believe that everything is in place for joint success and growth.

“The brand with a fresh, youthful image provides us with a stable technological, logistical and professional background that we can safely build on in our everyday lives. All of this is accompanied by an open, kind and helpful partnership approach from the headquarters, which my team and I represent to our customers.”

Zsolt Pálinkás, CEO of Tesco-Global Zrt, said this first franchise store would pave the way for further additions. He added: “The Premier brand is one of the largest food retail franchise networks in the UK, with nearly 5,000 stores. Building on this experience and the proven operating principles in Csepel, we have now opened our first store operated by an external partner, which is also the first such unit of the Premier chain outside the UK.

“The new convenience store, specifically tailored to local needs, uniquely combines global professional knowledge, experience and service background with local ownership knowledge and attention. In the longer term, we would like to involve additional partners and further test the model in a scalable way, thus laying the foundation for future expansion decisions”

Last October, the first company owned Premier opened in Csepel, a district of Budapest. 

Read more Booker Wholesale news

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Recent messages from the grocery delivery platform to stores, seen by Better Retailing, describe “Pickup” as: “A new way customers can order from your business.”  Once a customer places an order, it’s picked by the store team as standard but collected by the customer, not a driver.

The service allows the customer to avoid delivery fees and drops the commission paid by the retailer from around 25% on delivered orders to just 10% for Pickup orders.

EXCLUSIVE: Deliveroo to change price messaging due to new law made to stop ‘sneaky hidden fees’

Deliveroo said providing Pickup will give stores “more visibility” – meaning more customers seeing the retailer’s offer, plus “higher conversion”  – meaning more shoppers viewing the retailers’ page placing orders.

Advice for retailers

Retailers were urged to take steps to prepare for the new service going live before 5 June. For instance, existing delivery prices will be applied to pickup orders unless retailers prepare their pickup menu.  Stores were also advised to use signage to “create a clearly visible collection point for customers,” and to make sure store teams are ready.

Shops have until 2 June to opt-out on Deliveroo’s Hub Settings to avoid the service going live on 5 June. From 2-4 June, stores will be unable to edit their pickup settings.

Read more Deliveroo news

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The left-wing news website’s first print edition only arrived at certain independent stores supplied by InPost Distribution. Better Retailing understands that Smiths News “had discussions” with The Canary but failed to reach an agreement in time for launch. Sources told Better Retailing that Smiths News is likely to begin wholesaling the title soon.

Press Gazette had reported that 20,000 copies were sent to 6,500 newsagents across England and Wales on 26 May, with the print run to grow by 5,000 copies when 1,500 extra outlets begin receiving copies on around the 9 June.

Running Monday to Friday only, editions are priced at £1.20, making it the joint-second- lowest price national on newsstands – equal with The Sun, and 10p more than the i newspaper.

A “brief for retailers” sent to stores by InPost Distribution, seen by Better Retailing, revealed The Canary also has the best retailer terms of any national daily title, with stockists making 25% margin on each copy sold – significantly above the below 20% rates offered by many rivals.

EXCLUSIVE: Newspaper price rises set to boost stores’ 2026 profits 

According to InPost’s messages, The Canary’s 32-page editions will feature original reporting and content from its website spanning politics, guest contributors, TV, sports, fashion, puzzles and more.

The briefing also quoted Canary chief executive Steve Topple as stating The Canary will become a “fully-fledged newspaper operation” if the launch goes well, and that: “The company’s internal projections forecast a top-end final circulation of up to 100,000 daily.”

Where would The Canary’s circulation rank compared to other newspapers?

This top forecast would put The UK’s youngest newspaper above the Daily Express, Daily Star and the i newspaper on weekday sales.

Announcing the launch, a statement by the Canary said: “By having the Canary next to the Sun, the Mirror, and the Daily Mail, we can give more people the chance to actually read the news – not propaganda.”

Speaking to Better Retailing, Fed news and operations director Brian Murphy welcomed the Canary’s investment in newsstands, stating it highlighted: “The continued power of print” in shops.

Highlighting the new title’s industry-leading terms for stores, Murphy added: “irrespective of your political persuasion at least they’ve listened and further recognised the need to do something different by having the Canary singing at 25% margin.”

The Canary’s arrival in stores marks the first new daily paper since Reach (then Trinity Mirror) launched the New Day in 2016 with a target of hitting 200,000 copies distributed per day. It failed to maintain this volume and ceased publication two months later.

Read more news and advice about the newspaper and magazines category and click here for the latest ABC circulation figures

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Ministers plan to introduce a free digital identity system through the gov.uk app. Designed to help people “prove who they are”, it is expected to support age verification and employment checks, potentially simplifying processes around age-restricted sales and right-to-work checks for retailers. 

The ACS welcomed the plans, with chief executive Ed Woodall saying: “The convenience sector has a long track record of leading on age-restricted sales policies, and we will continue to work closely with the government on the implementation of digital ID acceptance in stores.” 

Six things convenience retailers need to know from the King’s Speech

The King’s Speech also included measures relevant to retailers around retail crime, energy costs and trade, including police reform, stronger EU ties and action on late payments to small businesses. 

Energy drinks ban

However, the speech did not include long-awaited plans to ban the sale of energy drinks to under-16s. The policy featured in the previous King’s Speech and had been expected this parliamentary term. 

A government spokesperson told Better Retailing it was considering the results of a consultation into the ban and will “set out next steps in due course”. 

The government used the King’s Speech to set out its legislative agenda against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, geopolitical instability, dwindling confidence in prime minister Keir Starmer, and pressure on household finances.

Shops set to be allowed to accept digital ID for alcohol sales

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InPost’s newly published results for the first three months of 2026 show there are more than 14,623 InPost parcel units deployed around the UK – 4,560 more than at the same point in 2025 – representing a 45% increase. 

While the number of stores providing InPost parcels over the counter (mostly through PayPoint’s Collect+ network) also increased year on year from 2,796 to 4,049 in March, the latest count also reveals the extent of sweeping cuts made by InPost in January. 

In the first weeks of 2026, PayPoint gave some retailers less than a week’s notice that InPost services were to be removed. 

Some shop owners said they stood to lose £11,000 in annual commission because of the decision, based on their current parcel volumes. 

InPost previously said it was redesigning its network, and experts told Better Retailing that further changes to its network for over-the-counter parcel services are likely as it expands its parcel locker estate. Last week, InPost told investors it intends to deploy 5,000 more locker units around the UK by the end of 2026. 

EXCLUSIVE: InPost explains shift towards parcel lockers 

Despite its UK and Ireland revenues more than doubling year on year, InPost swung from profit to loss in these markets, which it attributed to ongoing costs from its April 2025 takeover of Yodel. 

InPost Newstrade 

Across the first three months of 2026, InPost’s UK revenues from wholesaling newspapers and magazines totalled approximately £42.7m, meaning newstrade accounts for 22% of its UK income. 

Asked by Better Retailing to explain how its newstrade performance had changed, InPost UK chief executive Martin Rouse refused to disclose figures, but said “it continues to perform in line with industry performance, and we continue to invest”. 

Asked whether its efforts to consolidate Yodel, Menzies Distribution and InPost’s assets into one network would affect newstrade customers, Rouse responded: “There’s no impact of the restructuring on newstrade customers. We continue to ensure there’s top-level quality service.” 

The chief executive suggested its marriage of parcel and newstrade services was mutually beneficial for customers in both sectors, adding: “We continue to take lessons and learnings from the network for newstrade and apply it to our parcel network. We are really pleased that business continues to stay solid. We are investing in automation, and this is an important part of how we continue to invest in the newstrade sector.” 

Read more news and advice about the newspaper and magazines category and click here for the latest ABC circulation figures

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The additions include Harlow and Epping service stations, which joined following the Prax insolvency after Jet temporarily supplied the sites during disruption affecting Harvest and Total Energies dealers.

Jet forecourt in Edinburgh reopens after major store revamp

Bourne Bridge Service Station in Ipswich also joined the network from Harvest and has since doubled the size of its Shop&Go store.

Jet said it added 19 sites in 2025 and retained 30 dealers. The network now totals 336 sites.

Veluppillai Sivarajah, director at D Cannon Limited, which operates Bourne Bridge Service Station, said: “Moving to Jet gave us an opportunity to improve the shop and create a better overall offer for our customers.”

Read more: Jet forecourt in Edinburgh reopens after major store revamp

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Now in its sixth year, the non-repayable grant, funded by The Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust, offers £150 per school-age child, for up to three children per household, towards essentials such as uniforms, school shoes, PE kits, stationery and backpacks.

Applications open at 9am on 2 June 2026 and close at 5pm on 4 June 2026. GroceryAid has called on retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, suppliers and the wider industry to inform teams in-store, depots and head offices to ensure eligible colleagues do not miss out.

The grant is open to those working across the UK grocery industry, including supermarkets, wholesalers, manufacturers, suppliers, convenience stores, independent retailers and forecourts. Successful applicants will be selected at random from those meeting the eligibility criteria.

GroceryAid launches refreshed brand to boost worker support

Kieran Hemsworth, chief executive of GroceryAid, said many grocery colleagues feel the strain of the expense involved over the back-to-school period.

“Thanks to the continued support of The Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust,” he said. “We’re able to put £1m directly into the hands of those who need it most, giving children across our industry a confident start to the new school year.

“The application window is short, so we’re asking colleagues across the sector to help us reach as many eligible families as possible. Share the details with your teams, put posters up in your stores and depots, and encourage anyone who might qualify to prepare their application ahead of 2 June.”

Hemsworth added that wider support is also available for families, including family counselling and counselling for children and young people, which is free and confidential.

Last year, GroceryAid provided more than £4.6m in financial grants to grocery workers across the industry.

Read more: More than half of grocery workers avoid asking for financial help, research shows

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Founder and managing director Romesh Perera told Better Retailing the updates are expected to be available from September. He claimed MSP is one of the first grocery EPoS firms to include paperless receipts to help retailers cut wastage. 

The updates also include artificial intelligence features designed to help retailers clamp down on shoplifting and spot potential sales trends earlier. 

This includes specialised CCTV at semi-manual tills, which can detect when a shopper has not scanned all the items they have taken. 

Henderson installs EPoS in 1,000 stores

Perera added: “We have a hybrid version of our EPoS, so if you want to change it to a normal checkout, you can switch to cashier mode. The shop owner and staff will be notified on the till or through an associated device if the system detects a potential shoplifter. 

“We are moving to AI to help prevent crime and make retailers more efficient. AI can help retailers spot potential sales patterns, and we’ll use data from the supplier to help with this. Let’s say Coca-Cola has launched a product with ranges on promotion. We’ll look at the trend of new products coming in under the Coke umbrella or the category overall. 

“If there’s been a previous trend where sales have increased, the till system will suggest how much stock the retailer should order. Getting orders right at the start of the promotional period is hard because independent retailers won’t necessarily have the data to help.” 

Further updates to the system

Another update includes MSP working with tech firm Vusion on the rollout of electronic shelf-edge labels. Ramesh Shingadia, of Budgens Caterways & Post Office in Horsham, is one of the first retailers to benefit from this partnership. 

Shingadia said: “We are already seeing clear benefits through real-time pricing, improved accuracy for customers and a meaningful reduction in manual workload across the store. We are learning as we go, but the direction is clear. Our goal is to build a more efficient and modern store for both our customers and our team.” 

MSP is currently partnered with 900 retailers predominantly across Bestway, Morrisons Daily and unaffiliated sites. 

EPoS provider MHouse unveils rebrand and innovations

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The move will see Iceland’s product range rolled out more widely in Spar stores, strengthening the retailer’s frozen food proposition and increasing access to branded and own-label lines.

Three of Spar UK’s wholesalers and distributors are behind the collaboration: CJ Lang & Son (Scotland), James Hall & Co Ltd (North of England) and AF Blakemore & Son Ltd (South East, Midlands and Wales).

Currently, 320 Spar stores across England, Scotland and Wales stock hundreds of Iceland frozen products, with the potential for that number to rise to almost 2,000 over the coming months.

Iceland’s exclusive brands, including Slimming World, Harry Ramsden’s, TGI Fridays and Myprotein, will be available in Spar stores alongside Iceland own-label products and Greggs-branded items.

AF Blakemore teases Iceland rollout for independent Spar stores

‘Significant step forward’

Justin Addison, director of Iceland International & UK Partnerships at Iceland Foods, said the partnership would deliver increased value and quality for local communities in a way that is “fast, flexible and customer focused”.

CJ Antal-Smith, chief commercial officer at Blakemore, described the deal as a “significant step forward” for its frozen category.

“We know shoppers want quality, value and convenience without compromise, and this partnership delivers exactly that,” she said.

Andrew Hall, chairman and chief executive at James Hall & Co, said the company had already been trialling an Iceland-branded frozen food section in 50 of its company-owned Spar stores.

“The performance has been promising, with customers seeking out the breadth of products within Iceland’s range,” he said. “The rollout will now continue into more company-owned Spar stores.

“We also invited Iceland to our recent Spar Forward Tradeshow to open the offer to our Spar independent retailers. There was huge enthusiasm in the room for the brand, and we anticipate a strong take-up of Iceland’s offer with independents, which will accelerate availability in our Spar North of England region.”

Colin McLean, chief executive at CJ Lang & Son, added: “This partnership combines the convenience and reach of Spar Scotland with the strength of Iceland’s much-loved frozen products, making it easier than ever for shoppers to access family favourites closer to home.”

Read more: Iceland range boosts frozen sales at Spar 

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The report, covering the period until 24 January 2026, showed like-for-like sales declined by 5.4% while net debt rose to £36.1m.

Turnover also fell from £883.9m to £844.6m, while trading profit was down from £8.1m to £4.3m.

Central England Co-op said performance was impacted by the Co-operative Group cyber-attack, which affected food availability across parts of the network in 2025.

Southern Co-op expands rapid delivery to 140 stores with Snappy Shopper

In January, Central England Co-op, Chelmsford Star and Midcounties Co-operative merged to create OurCoop, now the UK’s largest independent co-operative society, serving more than one million members and 13,000 colleagues.

The year included market disruption linked to the cyber-attack, which affected supply across the wider co-operative network. With its own systems unaffected, Central England Co-op continued trading through the disruption.

Debbie Robinson, OurCoop chief executive officer, said: “2025 was the year three independent societies made a deliberate choice to stay independent and to do it together. Our Members voted for that future overwhelmingly and OurCoop now stands as the UK’s largest independent co-operative, with ambition to deliver more for our members and our communities.”

Read more: OurCoop saves 5.4 million food items via Olio partnership

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Reports published overnight by the BBC, The Guardian and others – first reported by the Financial Times – suggested ministers were exploring a deal with major retailers to cap the price of staple goods such as bread, milk and eggs. In exchange, the Treasury was reportedly considering easing packaging rules and delaying incoming regulations around healthy food.

However, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury Dan Tomlinson rejected the claims during an appearance on BBC Breakfast this morning.

“This rumoured story about caps on food prices – I can be really clear with you, this is not something that we are looking at,” he said.

Instead, the government announced plans to give “more powers and more teeth” to the Competition and Markets Authority to investigate and “name and shame” firms accused of price gouging in response to economic shocks.

Price caps ‘gimmicks’ at a time local shops need proper support

The reports nevertheless prompted a swift backlash from retail industry bodies, with concerns raised over the impact any form of price intervention could have on retailers already grappling with rising costs.

British Retail Consortium chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “The UK has the most affordable grocery prices in western Europe thanks to the fierce competition between supermarkets.

“Rather than introduce 1970s-style price controls and trying to force retailers to sell goods at a loss, the government must focus on how it will reduce the public policy costs which are pushing up food prices in the first place.”

The Fed‘s national president Hetal Patel said there were concerns over the multiple ways a price cap could distort trade for retailers – especially in the event of trade being channelled away from small shops to supermarkets where the caps could apply.

“The devil will be int he detail and it is hard to forecast what will happen if the governemt will seek to regular a commercial market – something which is highly unusual in the context of British commercial history,” he said.

“Instead of regulating prices, the Fed wants the government to focus on the core drivers of inflation which particularly link to energy but also tax pressures like higher National Insurance contributions which put pressure on the margins of our members businesses and force them to pass on costs to their shoppers.”

Association of Convenience Stores chief executive Ed Woodall warned local shops also needed greater support amid rising operating costs.

“Local shops are working hard to deliver everyday low prices at the same time as their operating costs and food inflation are rising,” he said.

“We need the government to set out a proper plan for supporting local shops on employment regulations, business rates relief and energy bills instead of short lived gimmicks on voluntary price caps.”

SNP’s price cap plan

The debate comes just weeks after the Scottish National Party (SNP) unveiled plans to cap the price of essential food items in large supermarkets as part of its manifesto for the Scottish parliament elections in May.

Under the proposals, the cap would apply to a single product line within each category rather than across an entire range, and would only affect larger supermarkets.

While local convenience stores would be excluded from the definition of “large supermarkets”, Scottish Grocers’ Federation previously warned the policy could still disadvantage independent retailers by altering shopping habits.

SGF head of policy Luke McGarty said at the time: “While the policy may be aimed at larger retailers, price caps on selected products will inevitably have knock-on effects for similar items sold in local stores.

“Capped prices in supermarkets could encourage customers to travel further to out-of-town locations for staple goods typically purchased locally, reducing sustainability and creating a competitive disadvantage for small local businesses.”

Read more supermarket news

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Messages from the news wholesaler sent to stores on 19 May, just three days before Pokémon Chaos Rising cards go on sale, said: “Due to continued exceptional demand from both consumers and retailers, we will be implementing a maximum allocation of 144 copies (eight boxes) per store for the initial distribution.”

One retailer claimed the eight-box limit is a 60% reduction on the 20 boxes they’d received from InPost Newstrade for previous Pokémon trading card launches.

InPost Newstrade added: “No additional stock is currently available beyond the initial allocation,” and said the eight-box cap is: “Intended to ensure a fair and balanced allocation across all retailers, including smaller stores.”

The strategy represents a marked difference to that seen by stores supplied by rival news wholesaler Smiths News. The wholesaler previously told Better Retailing that it bases Pokémon allocation on stores’ previous sales history, and that stores can contact it to enquire about being allocated stock early returned by other retailers.

Pokémon distribution strategy will “penalise” stores

Asim Iqbal, owner of Roslin Convenience Store and Post Office told Better Retailing that InPost’s strategy of equal blanket distribution will penalise stores that have worked hard to build a reputation in Pokémon and the wider collectables category. “My store has built our customer base for the last 18 months on these lines… Why is it fair or reasonable that a store which has previously never sold any collectible lines, can receive the exact same allocation as myself?”

As Pokémon celebrates its 30^th anniversary this year, demand is continuing to far outstrip supply, causing problems for stores, distributors and fans. Official UK distributor Asmodee recently threatened to cut off supply to stores caught selling Pokémon promotional items meant to be given away for free. Other specialist UK collectables stores have been burgled by thieves exploiting the high resale value of the cards. Staff at more general Pokémon stockists including supermarkets have reported abuse at the counter and stock disappearing before it reaches shelves. Even supermarkets like Morrisons have taken to premium-pricing packs to make the most of the limited stock it receives.

Read more collectables product news and category advice

The post InPost cuts Pokémon supplies per store due to “exceptional demand” appeared first on Better Retailing.

The initiative will target rogue barber shops, vape stores, mini-marts and sweet shops linked to organised crime, according to a government announcement, alongside coordinating action between enforcement agencies, government departments and Trading Standards. Over three years the crackdown on rogue high street businesses will aim to tackle money laundering, tax evasion and illegal working.

According to the government announcement, businesses linked with organised crime will face raids, closures and cash seizures.

The measures will increase enforcement activity on the ground, including £6m in additional Trading Standards funding to enable officers to investigate and act against rogue businesses, as well as enhance police resources in hotspot areas.

£20 million of funding will be spent towards an “enhanced law enforcement response”. This will, according to the government, include establishing a new multi-agency co-ordination cell based out of the National Crime Agency (NCA).

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has welcomed the strengthened enforcement.

Ed Woodall, ACS chief executive, said: “Local shops tell us that rogue traders on high streets are causing massive damage to their businesses and the wider community, so we strongly welcome this Government action to back responsible retailers and crack down on the organised crime gangs that are fuelling the illicit trade.”

Home secretary Shabana Mahmood said criminal gangs have exploited the high street to “launder their dirty money and undercut honest businesses”.

She added: “We are hitting back with a nationwide crackdown to shut these fronts down, seize dirty cash and drive organised crime off our high streets and put bosses behind bars.”

Read more: Retailers call for more action on illicit tobacco and vapes

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Promoted at the Bestway Retail Showcase in Coventry earlier this month, the range is designed to compliment its pastry-based snacks offer in stores, The Go Global branded food warmer units seen by Better Retailing focused on full-meal options such as Katsu Chicken Curry and Rice, pies with mashed potato, burritos, macaroni and cheese, chilli with rice and lasagne verdi.

While the Go Global brand is relatively new for convenience stores, Country Choice has been offering it to hospitality venues for years. A representative from the food-to-go brand told Better Retailing: “We looked at it for foodservice initially but saw there’s an opportunity in grab and go. It’s complimentary to our core bake and bite range. Unlike that core range, Go Global is component based, so it does require a team member to build it and there is more staff time required but it doesn’t take a chef and the equipment needed is the same as for the core range.”

The trade show in Coventry also saw Country Choice present its refreshed Swan Bakery range to stores. The supplier said this part-bake and ambient display range of pastries and breads received “particular interest” from retailers at the event.

Read more Country Choice news and articles

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A representative from the company told Better Retailing that its reps started offering the equipment to retailers this month. Stores are required to enter an 18 month  “contractual arrangement” which includes only using the chillers to range CCEP products such as its Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola, Bacardi and Coca-Cola and Absolut and Sprite variants.

The representative said there are “plenty” of the chillers to be given out to stores. Promotional material from CCEP said the 390mm-wide chillers “can deliver a 42% uplift in alcohol RTD volume” when placed at front of store (licensing conditions allowing).

Explaining the trend, CCEP highlighted the importance of alcohol RTDs being kept cool and prominently displayed. “78% of people who buy alcohol RTD products drink the product within two hours after purchase,” the supplier claimed.

The new branded chillers were first advertised to retailers at the Bestway Retailer Showcase in Coventry on 14 May.

Retailers can ask their CCEP rep to be host a chiller or fill out a survey by CCEP to apply to receive one of these units.

Read more Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) product news and articles

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The issue on the morning of 18 May meant some winners were given lower prize amounts than what was actually stated on their scratchcard. One affected retailer said: “The terminal stated a prize that didn’t match what was on the scratchcard and we couldn’t give them the amount.

EXCLUSIVE: Allwyn confident of Lotto changes amid some stores’ concerns

“We advised them that they would need to get in touch with Allwyn to resolve the issue. The customer was really frustrated and had left the shop in anger. I understand the frustration, but we only sell the products and aren’t Allwyn or the National Lottery.”

What did Allwyn tell retailers?

Official communication sent to retailers by Allwyn, seen by Better Retailing, confirmed the errors. It said: “We’re aware of an issue with some scratchcard prizes that we validated before 11.20am on 18 May. Unfortunately, for a limited number of scratchcard customers, the incorrect prize may have been shown on your in-store terminal and the win/validation receipt.”

The message stated the issue did not affect all retailers.

It continued: “The validation issue has now been fixed and you can continue to validate and pay prizes as normal. We’re sorry for any disruption this may have caused.”

Allwyn stated it would be in touch with retailers impacted by the issue and advised affected players to contact them directly, stating the name and address of the store they bought the scratchcard from, the name and address of where they validated the scratchcard and an image of the win receipt, if possible.

In a separate statement, an Allwyn spokesperson said: “For a limited number of players who took their Scratchcard in store for prize payment this morning (18 May) before 11.20am, the incorrect prize may have been shown on the lottery terminal and the win/validation receipt. This has now been fixed, and Scratchcard prizes are being paid as normal. We’re sorry for any disruption this may have caused and have a written to our retail partners with next steps. If a player thinks they have been affected, they should get in touch with us on 0333 234 50 50.”

Read more Allwyn News

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The deal, which has been rumoured for nearly a year, will see Midlands-based Blakemore gain the Spar retail and logistics assets from Southwest headquartered AWG.

Blakemore will add 71 company owned stores and 130 independent Spar retailers, while the majority of AWG staff will join Blakemore.

Blakemore reports first operating loss since 2022

Carol Welch, Blakemore chief executive, said: “This is a significant milestone for AF Blakemore and an important step in our long-term growth strategy.

“Expanding into the Southwest allows us to build the strength of the Spar brand investing into proposition and value across stores and retail partners supported with an improved supply chain network that delivers scale, service and efficiency.

“Our focus will be on investing in our customer experiences, supporting growth of our new independent retailers, and continuing to invest in and nurture our colleagues and local communities across the region”.

Read more AF Blakemore news

The post AF Blakemore to buy Appleby Westward appeared first on Better Retailing.

On 7 May, a Competition Appeal Tribunal case brought against PayPoint by rival payment services provider Global-365 found PayPoint’s previous contracts, which banned retailers and utility firms from working with rivals, unfairly harmed competition. 

These abusive contracts meant many utility customers had to top up only at PayPoint-partnered stores. 

Summarising evidence given by PayPoint founder Tim Watkin- Rees, the ruling said the footfall this generated was used to “justify” paying stores “a lower commission fee”.

EXCLUSIVE: PayPoint shifts focus to improving existing sites and adding new services

The case also heard claims PayPoint “repeatedly threatened” Post Office and Payzone with legal action when they worked with PayPoint-partnered stores. It was also claimed PayPoint “enforced” exclusivity clauses with partnered stores, requiring them to remove rival services.  The judgement made no ruling on these claims.

The findings only apply up until 2018, and PayPoint no longer uses exclusivity clauses in energy prepayment contracts. Retailers are now also free to use rival providers alongside PayPoint “without prejudice”. 

Describing its historic utility exclusivity clauses, PayPoint told Better Retailing: “It was on the basis that this would ensure higher transaction volumes for retailers so commission levels would be sustained at a high-value level.” 

Read more PayPoint news

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The Scottish National Party (SNP) won a fifth successive Scottish parliament election but fell short of securing an overall majority, while Plaid Cymru emerged as the largest party in Wales, setting it on a path to form a minority government.

Trade bodies have already begun outlining their priorities for ministers, with concerns raised over plans for supermarket price caps in Scotland and the rollout of the DRS in Wales.

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) said the election results in both countries would have “significant ramifications” for convenience retailers, particularly around manifesto commitments affecting vaping, business rates and DRS.

“The Scottish and Welsh elections will have significant ramifications for convenience store retailers, with manifesto commitments from the winning parties on a range of policies from the future of the deposit return scheme to further restrictions on the vaping category and an overhaul of the business rates system.

“With lots of new faces in both Holyrood and the Senedd, it has never been more important for retailers in Wales and Scotland to invite their representatives into store and explain the challenges facing their businesses.”

RN understand the trade body plans to write to ministers in both governments once appointments had been finalised to raise concerns with newly elected representatives.

Price cap concerns emerge in Scotland

One of the key concerns for Scottish retailers is the SNP’s proposed price cap on essential food items sold in large supermarkets. While convenience stores would not fall within the definition of “large supermarkets”, retailers fear the policy could still distort consumer behaviour by encouraging shoppers to travel to larger out-of-town stores for staple goods typically bought locally.

The Fed said it wanted the new governments to prioritise support for small shops, particularly around retail crime, Trading Standards enforcement and rising operating costs.
Fed national president Hetal Patel told RN that the organisation had called for the introduction of a £6,500 retail security grant to help independent retailers invest in crime prevention measures.

He said: “Now the elections are over, we want the new governments in Scotland and Wales to put small shops at the heart of their agendas.

“We also called for greater resourcing for local authority trading standards to reverse the alarming decline in services which is leading to increased rogue trading.”

Patel also raised concerns over the SNP’s supermarket pricing proposals, warning they could create “unnecessary complexity and uncertainty” despite not directly affecting independent retailers.

/a depo

Welsh retailers demand clarity on DRS

In Wales, the Fed reiterated calls for the DRS to align as closely as possible with the rest of the UK and warned against additional burdens for smaller retailers.

Welsh retailer Vince Malone said the incoming administration needed to move quickly on DRS, and actually listen to retailers on how new legislation will affect them day-to-day.
Malone, who owns a store in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, said: “DRS needs to be the top priority. We need a clear roadmap on that because October 2027 is much closer than it sounds and there’s still a lot to do to get that right.

“Crime, too. And that’s not just shoplifting but the abuse of retailers and their teams, and the growing concern of organised crime groups and their foothold in many communities up and down the UK.

“And we’ve got to make sure that there’s an avenue for growth. Next year I want to employ more people, which means I’ve got more people that are investing back into the community and paying their mortgages and buying stuff locally. To do that, I need to be able to grow.

“There’s so much negativity around inflation at the moment and we need a structured approach on that – I know that doesn’t sit with the Welsh government per se, but it’s about making sure we have that working relationship with Westminster as well.”

He also called on politicians to work more collaboratively following the election result and said retailers needed clearer support for growth.

“The Welsh government needs to engage with the retail sector,” he said. “We are the barometer of what goes on in the high street, up and down the country. There’s no one that knows more about the communities than the independent retailer in Wales.”

Read more deposit return scheme (DRS) news and advice

Cardiff retailer Mark Dudden also urged the new Welsh government to take a more collaborative approach with retailers on issues including DRS, business rates and anti-social behaviour.

Dudden, who owns Albany Post Office, said Plaid Cymru and Green Party representatives he had spoken to during the campaign appeared more willing to listen to retailers’ concerns.

He said: “The Green and Plaid candidates had their minds open and were prepared to listen to our concerns.

“So, for example, with the DRS, one of our concerns was about glass going into the machines. Labour wasn’t having any of that. They said it was happening regardless.

“These guys weren’t in power at the time of course and in six months it could all change, do you know what I mean? But at this moment, they totally listen to our concerns.

“I want the new Welsh government to listen to us on the DRS and all this extra legislation going on on top of us as well.”

Before the election, Senedd members voted in favour of regulations introducing a Welsh DRS from October 2027. The scheme will apply to drink containers between 150ml and three litres, including single-use bottles and cans made from plastic, steel, glass or aluminium.

Wales will become the only UK nation to include glass bottles within its DRS scheme.

However, the Senedd also rejected the only application to become the Welsh DRS administrator. The bid came from Exchange for Change, the deposit management organisation appointed to oversee the scheme in England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Scottish shops seek support over regulation

The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) meanwhile urged the SNP to use the election result as an opportunity to reconsider the impact of regulation and rising business costs on local retailers.

SGF chief executive Dr Pete Cheema said convenience stores remained “at the heart of communities across Scotland”, but warned retailers needed support rather than “more restrictions, higher taxes, and increasing regulation”.

He added: “Tackling retail crime and illicit trade remains our top priority. Continued funding for the Retail Crime Taskforce, alongside proper support for Trading Standards and the wider justice system, will be essential.”

Read more politics news and articles for retailers

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Booker launched Jack’s in 2024 with 500 branded products. At the time, Booker said: “All Jack’s products will be a minimum of 30% POR,” except for “produce, fresh meat and selected chilled lines”. 

Tesco optimistic about Booker despite muted growth

However, promotional material sent by Booker to stores earlier this year promised a minimum POR of 20%, rather than 30%. Subsequent analysis of Booker’s pricing by RN last week found 20 examples of price-marked Jack’s own-label products not covered by its exemptions that are below 30% POR, including sharing bag chocolates, garlic bread, ambient fruit juices, frozen meat, pet food, cakes and general merchandise items. 

Research

Better Retailing’s research followed a Premier shop owner claiming that they’d seen some Jack’s own-label lines dip below the 30% promise in the past 12 months. 

Booker declined to provide an official comment when approached by Better Retailing, but signposted to its website, which stated that “most” products carry a minimum 30% POR when sold at the recommended retail price. 

When asked about Booker’s approach to retail this year,, Tesco chief executive Ken Murphy had told Better Retailing: “What I’m looking for from Booker this year is for them to continue to provide great product at great value.” 

Read more Booker Wholesale news

The post Booker breaks promise relating to Jack’s profit margins  appeared first on Better Retailing.

Wholesaler AF Blakemore began rolling out the frozen supermarket’s range to its independent Spar stores last month, a year since trials began in company-owned stores. 

One Spar retailer stocking the new Iceland-supplied range told Better Retailing: “I know of a site near me that’s had an 80% uplift in frozen sales. The challenge will be around storage space. We have a large walk-in freezer, so we can accommodate, but it may cause issues for others. It is a good range, though, because you have staples such as pizza and full meals, alongside those under the Greggs branding.” 

Better Retailing understands Spar retailers taking on Iceland food are required to replace their entire frozen range with the label, with exceptions given to products that don’t overlap, or special deals with local suppliers. Each product also comes in case sizes of 20. 

AF Blakemore teases Iceland rollout for independent Spar stores

Narinder Randhawa, of Great Haywood Spar in Stoke-on-Trent, is in the advanced stages of getting Iceland into his shop. He told Better Retailing: “You do have to ensure you’ve got the right space for Iceland, but why wouldn’t you get it in? It’s one of the most well-known supermarket frozen brands in the country, and the brand attracts customers.” 

A Blakemore spokesperson said: “Spar independent retailers who have introduced the new Iceland ranges into their stores are already seeing results, including increased basket spend, strong category growth and incremental cash margin. 

“Iceland is working exclusively with Spar and its independent retailers over the coming months to further optimise the range and logistics as they scale this exciting initiative across Spar stores. We are continuing to optimise the Spar frozen offer across our brand partners, exclusive brands and Iceland range, working closely with our independent retailers to deliver the best customer range and value for their customers. 

“Feedback from retailers has been overwhelmingly positive, with many seeing the commercial benefits quickly, while customers love the convenience of accessing trusted and exclusive Iceland products as part of their everyday convenience shop at Spar.” 

The opportunity around frozen

• Spar stores stocking Iceland have already seen a sales uplift, with one site reporting an 80% increase. 

• Some retailers stressed appropriate storage space was required for the frozen range. 

• Store owners have been urged not to ignore the value opportunity around frozen. 

Read more Spar news

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A PMI spokesperson confirmed to Better Retailing the company had begun working with retailers to remove advertising for its Iqos heated tobacco products under the new law. 

PMI added: “For retailers with an established direct partnership with us and who carry our heated tobacco consumables, we are proactively providing guidance and support to ensure any materials needing removal or updates are managed appropriately within their stores.” 

JTI UK also had a heated tobacco device – Ploom. However, when asked about its response to the new advertising restrictions, the tobacco giant revealed it quietly withdrew it from convenience stores last year.  Its UK communications manager Dale Stacey added: “JTI UK has not supplied Ploom devices or Evo sticks to the independent channel since October 2025. 

Tobacco and Vapes Act changes to be phased in, retailers told

“During this period of transition, we have worked closely with our retail partners to ensure products are either sold through or removed from store, and that point-of-sale materials are updated as required.” 

The retailer view

Multi-site retailer Neil Godhania told Beter Retailing he has Iqos advertising at two of his sites. “Removing advertising won’t necessarily have a massive impact, as the category has been in decline overall,” he said. “We do need more support from tobacco suppliers on improving sales of growing products such as nicotine pouches. These are becoming popular, but simply giving away free samples to customers won’t help.” 

The support comes as Action on Smoking and Health posted pictures of a Sainsbury’s store removing Iqos advertising following the implementation of the new restrictions. 

The health group said: “In recent years, some supermarkets have been displaying tobacco industry advertising, citing a perceived loophole in the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act. Because heated tobacco products weren’t on the market when the law was written, they argued these products fell outside existing restrictions. 

“The government was clear it did not agree with this interpretation and wrote to retailers to underline that these adverts were likely in breach of the law. But to remove any remaining ambiguity, the Tobacco and Vapes Act has now updated the legal definition of tobacco products. 

“That change took effect immediately at Royal Assent. The impact is already visible. Early signs suggest supermarkets are now complying, with in-store advertising removed.” 

Imperial and BAT confirmed they have never sold heated tobacco products in the UK. 

Read more tobacco product news and category advice

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One senior wholesale source told Better Retailing the incident meant the supplier had to cancel some orders into wholesale: “The fire happened two weeks ago and things are slowly coming back online. Orders had been written off for a week.”

A message from a wholesaler sent to retailers, seen by Better Retailing, said: “Following a fire last week, [Budweiser Brewing’s] ordering and supply management system was severely impacted.

“Although they have now moved to a manual operation, two days’ worth of orders and deliveries were unfortunately lost, which has affected deliveries to our depots.

Budweiser launches Modelo Especial into UK off-trade

“As a result, we are currently out of stock on some lines, with Stella 10 Pack being the most significantly impacted. We are expecting further deliveries from Budweiser this week, which should restore full stock availability across all depots.”

Better Retailing understands the issues had also affected some promotional World Cup lines.

A Budweiser Brewing Group spokesperson confirmed the fire to Better Retailing, adding: “Due to a fire incident at a third-party data center on 7 May, we faced issues with some of our IT systems, impacting some scheduling and deliveries.

“The issue has been resolved as we worked through the order backlog. No customers have been significantly affected.”

Read more alcohol product news and category advice

The post EXCLUSIVE: Fire “severely” disrupts Budweiser availability appeared first on Better Retailing.

While much of the speech focused on national security, reform of public services and energy, several announcements are likely to be of particular interest to convenience retailers – especially around retail crime, cost of living pressures, trade with the European Union and business regulation.

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has welcomed many of the bills in the King’s Speech, with chief executive Ed Woodall saying:  “Retail crime, the illicit trade and the cost of trading are three of the biggest issues facing local shops, so we welcome proposals set out today to make further progress on putting more police on the streets, protecting retailers from unfair energy contracts, and ensuring that payments are made to them on time.

“The convenience sector has a long track record of leading on age restricted sales policies, most recently through our Decline09 campaign to simplify the generational tobacco ban, and we will continue to work closely with the government on the implementation of digital ID acceptance in stores.”

1. The government says raising living standards is a priority

Opening the speech, the King warned of a “dangerous and volatile” world as he outlined the government’s plans to protect the UK’s “energy, defence and economic security”.

The speech also placed a strong emphasis on improving living standards and tackling cost of living pressures, with the King saying the government believes the UK’s economic security “depends on raising living standards at every part of the United Kingdom”.

Ministers also pledged to support measures designed to control living costs and use public investment to “shape markets and attract further private investment”.

Retailers will probably breathe a sigh of relief at this focus on household finances after several years of inflationary woes, rising supplier costs and squeezed consumer spending. Many retailers continue to face higher operational costs, including energy bills and wholesaler price increases, while shoppers remain cautious with spending.

Read more cost-of-living crisis news and advice for retailers

2. Closer EU ties could help ease trade pressures

The King also confirmed the government plans to strengthen economic ties with the European Union, describing improved trade relations as “vital”.

New legislation aimed at taking advantage of trade opportunities with the EU is expected ahead of an upcoming UK-EU summit later this year, with ministers also pledging support for British businesses through measures targeting late payments and unnecessary regulation.

The Small Business Protections (Late Payments) Bill will impose maximum payment terms of 60 days and mandatory interest for late payments at 8% above the Bank of England base rate, whereas the Competition Reform Bill will aim to improve the work of the Competition and Markets Authority so that market reviews can be conducted more quickly and in a more focused way.

This could be a real game-changer for convenience stores, many of which rely heavily on imported food and drink products that have faced additional costs and supply chain friction since Brexit.

Retailers and wholesalers will likely watch closely for any measures that could simplify trade processes, improve product availability or reduce administrative burdens.

3. Police reform could impact retail crime

The government also pledged legislation to reform policing and the criminal justice system as part of what it described as a wider “renewal of public services”.

It comes in the form of the Police Reform Bill, which will scrap Police and Crime Commissioners, aims to put more police on the street and will set up a new National Police Service for serious crime.

While further details are limited, convenience retailers will be hoping the plans translate into stronger action on shoplifting, organised retail crime and violence against shop workers.

Retail crime remains one of the sector’s biggest concerns, with retailers continuing to report rising levels of theft, abuse, intimidation and violence alongside frustration over police response times and low prosecution rates.

More police funding or anything that might actually get criminals prosecuted are therefore likely to be closely monitored across the sector.

It comes after the government passed the Crime and Policing Act which introduced new offences and tougher penalties for retail crime.

Read more retail crime news

4. New security measures may resonate with retailers affected by unrest

Moving on to national security, the King said ministers would introduce laws aimed at tackling threats from “foreign state entities and their proxies”, alongside measures designed to protect the public from “extreme violence”.

The government also confirmed plans to respond to the Southport attack in 2024 and strengthen the UK’s cyber-security defences.

While not directly linked to the retail sector, the proposals may still resonate with convenience retailers after many shops and local high streets were affected during unrest that followed the Southport attack, as well as previous periods of disorder including the London riots.

Independent retailers are often among the businesses most exposed during periods of civil unrest due to their location at the heart of local communities.

5. Digital ID plans could simplify employment checks

The King also confirmed the government will proceed with plans to introduce digital ID systems through the Digital Access to Services Bill, which is aimed at modernising interactions with public services.

The measures are expected to provide another way for employers to verify the credentials of new hires, while also supporting people who may not hold traditional forms of identification such as passports or driving licences.

Down the line, this might make life easier for store owners when it comes to recruitment and right-to-work checking processes, particularly for businesses operating with smaller teams and limited administrative resources.

However, further detail is still expected on how the system would work in practice.

6. Energy security and reform remain a major focus

Energy policy featured heavily throughout the speech, with the King describing energy security as closely linked to national security and economic stability.

The government confirmed plans for an Energy Independence Bill aimed at scaling up clean energy production, alongside separate legislation intended to support a “new era of British nuclear energy generation”. It will also give regulatory body Ofgem new powers to regulate energy brokers to stop unfair practices

For convenience retailers, who continue to face high refrigeration and operational energy costs, the long-term focus on energy reform and stability is likely to be significant.

Many retailers have struggled with volatile utility bills in recent years, making energy one of the sector’s biggest financial pressures. Businesses will hope the government’s proposals eventually help deliver greater stability and lower costs over the longer term.

While many of the measures outlined in the King’s Speech remain broad at this stage, the speech signals a government attempting to place economic stability, public safety and energy security at the centre of its agenda — all issues with direct implications for convenience retailers operating on tight margins.

Read more politics news and articles for retailers

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