A distributor of high-margin general merchandise is looking to add more traditional convenience stores to its customer base, as it has spotted an opportunity outside of forecourts. 

Fast Trak has predominantly worked with petrol-station retailers since 2004, counting Bestway, Booker, Nisa, Costcutter and Tesco among its partnered businesses. 

However, the company’s managing director, Asif Ayub, told Better Retailing it is to begin recruiting non-forecourt retailers. 

He said: “We haven’t made the leap just yet, but it’s something we will do in time. We want to ensure we get the product range right first for any prospective customers. That’s important for us. 

“There’s so much opportunity for non-food in convenience stores. The reason why we want to do this now is because these shops have so much space in them now and those who include general merchandising alongside food can have a point of difference.” 

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Fast Trak’s available range includes vapes, phone chargers, sunglasses, sat navs, personal protective equipment, pet accessories and clothing on a sale-or-return basis. 

It runs regular promotions on products and also works with Booker and Bestway through its central billing systems. 

Explaining why retailers should stock these products, Ayub said they can get higher margins than traditional food products. 

The average forecourt site has made £6,000-to-£24,000 in annual sales from the Fast Trak range. 

“We are launching more products as we start getting into non-forecourt retail,” Ayub said. 

“We’re about to release Marvel Avengers-themed caps. We also sell thermal blankets at £14.99. We choose products that have mass appeal, and the largest potential to generate sales.” 

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Pricing for other products is £12 for iPhone charging cables, £3 for dog toys, £19 for smart watches, £8 for LED lights and £4 for stainless steel travel mugs. 

The company also offers free point of sale for each promotion, replenishment of stock within 24 hours and bespoke merchandising for stores. 

Describing the importance of offering this personal service, Ayub told Better Retailing: “I’ve been into some forecourt sites from some well-known chains where the merchandising has looked really bad. 

“Each retailer is unique and manages their store in their own way. We don’t like planograms because they can be badly done and don’t take into consideration the requirements of each store. We don’t like this templated approach.” 

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