Chaired by Stefan Appleby, head of retail engagement at Newtrade Media, the panel included James Lowman, chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores, Fiona Malone, director of Tenby Stores & Post Office, and Aman Uppal, franchise partner of One Stop Mount Nod.

Delivery services are becoming increasingly vital for independent retailers, according to a panel discussion at the International Food Event (IFE) on 19 March.

Appleby presented the findings of Newtrade Media’s sentiment tracker, which surveyed 200 retailers just before Christmas, asking their opinions on the state of the market.

“We asked retailers how sales across loads of categories are down or the same. It’s almost 50%. I think 50% of stores across the country said alcohol sales were down, which reflects the market,” he said.

“But it was interesting looking at Scotland, where alcohol sales were broadly down for all stores, but every single store that offered delivery, they said their alcohol sales were up because they don’t want to carry home a 24 pack, but they can get it on delivery.”

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Malone shared insights into her business, Tenby Stores, which serves a population of about 5,000 in winter, rising to 60,000 in summer. She explained that offering delivery services allowed her to manage the additional demand during peak periods.

“We also do a home delivery option using Snappy Shopper,” she said. “Therefore, we sell all of our products across the store to customers who can’t actually reach us. So, for all of the campsites, if you’re in a tent, we can come to you. We can deliver, and we’re trying to offer that service.”

Lowman highlighted how some retailers are capitalising on times when larger supermarkets are closed, especially on Sundays.

He added: “I talk to retailers doing delivery saying we sell loads of stuff for kids, school lunches on Sunday night on delivery, because supermarkets are shut so people realise, they haven’t got stuff there.

“It needs to be there ready in the morning, the most convenient option, too much going on in the house. Can’t get out to do it, so you want to get all delivered.”

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