HEADLINES THIS WEEK:

– TODAY’S GROUP LAUDS ‘PLAN FOR PROFIT’ DIGITAL SERVICE
– GEARING UP FOR BRITISH FOOD FORTNIGHT
– PARFETTS’ ANFIELD BRANCH SURPASSES SALES EXPECTATIONS

TODAY’S GROUP LAUDS ‘PLAN FOR PROFIT’ DIGITAL SERVICE

Retail director of Today’s Group John Kinney has revealed his delight at the amount of interest shown in the group’s ‘Plan for Profit’ digital guide to core ranging.

Since its launch last year, there have been more than 21,000 visitors to the site, with 30% accessing the tool via a mobile phone or tablet.

Over 14,000 retailers have used the website to download information, with planograms alone receiving more than 10,000 hits.

Other popular features include a PoS printer, a find-your-local-depot page, core ranging advice, profit-on-return calculator and new product launches.

Some 20% of retailers have accessed the site using their mobile phone, while 10% visited it via a tablet. The site is also averaging 200 hits a month more than a year ago.

Kinney said: “Businesses are increasingly seeing digital as an opportunity to drive growth and independent retailers are no exception.

“We are giving retailers the tools they need to grow, in a way that’s profitable and easy, whether it’s via a desktop computer, tablet or mobile phone.”

The ‘Plan for Profit’ guide is also available as a printed booklet. This year, for the first time, the tobacco section was incorporated into the main book.

Tel: Today’s Group (0844) 877 1432.

GEARING UP FOR BRITISH FOOD FORTNIGHT

Brakes has urged caterers to capitalise on British Food Fortnight (20 September – 5 October) by introducing British-themed menus and promotions.

Product marketing manager Petra Zargarani said that planning to add a few more classic dishes to the menu or introducing a full British offer or specials board could enable some caterers to stand out from the opposition.

She added: “We can help by providing menu ideas, recipes and even British themed point of sale.

“Importantly, the Food Fortnight also gives caterers the opportunity to gauge customer feedback to the introduction of more British dishes and ingredients on the menu on a more permanent basis.”

Brakes has over 2,600 British own-brand lines.

Tel: Brakes Group (01233) 206000.

PARFETTS’ ANFIELD BRANCH SURPASSES SALES EXPECTATIONS

The recently refurbished 40,000 sq ft Parfetts Cash and Carry depot at Anfield, Liverpool, is achieving sales 10% higher than previously.

As reported (Cash and Carry Management: June), this branch and the other Merseyside one – the 105,000 sq ft cash and carry at Aintree – are the first in the six-strong chain to be refurbished and include other refinements.

Now those at Somercotes (117,000 sq ft), Sheffield (75,000 sq ft), Stockport (200,000 sq ft) and Halifax (50,000 sq ft) are receiving similar treatment.

Improvements include branded tower ends, vinyl and back-lit drop banners, vinyl backboards and video screen walls.

The Landmark Wholesale member generates more than 7,000 customer visits a week to its six branches, resulting in annual sales of over £300m.

Commenting on the corporate programme, trading director Greg Suszczenia said that while the project began with just depot branding partnerships, “the wider refurbishment success at Aintree has made us re-assess the whole group as it fits perfectly with our strategy for the branches to be seen as more than cash and carries, but as retail hubs with a far greater range of services for the independent retailer”.

A major aspect of the business is the Go Local, Go Local Extra and Go Local Plus retail initiatives, currently attracting more than 1,000 members.

Parfetts is also committed to expanding its catering business this year and developing its click & collect operation.

Tel: Parfetts Cash and Carry 0161-429 0429.