Retailers hit the capital for Bestway`s Awards Night... - Best-one

INSIDE
Retailers hit the capital for
Bestway’s Awards Night...
Girl Power!
An empty C-store was too
much temptation for
entrepreneurs Angie Stevenson
and Sharon Butler. We follow
their first steps in the retail
industry
Best-One
ventures East
Best-One BDE Claire Pniok
makes in-roads into
unchartered territory with the
first ever Best-One launched
in Essex
Best-One retailer Lisa Jones
receives the Community Award
from Alistair McGowan and
Zameer Choudrey
Best-One retailers
start dating our
suppliers.
How the very first Best-One
Speed dating session between
retailers and suppliers proved
to be a huge success for all
involved.
Bestway’s Retailer Development Awards for 2008 was a huge
success again this year as nearly 400 guests from all over England,
Scotland and Wales attended the glittering event at London’s
Grosvenor House on 9th October. See centre pages for details
...and when it comes to the crunch Best-in own label is a real winner.
As the effects of the credit
crunch bites, research is
revealing how consumers
are changing their
shopping habits, creating
new opportunities for
local retailers. James Hall
explains how:
“As the research figures come in
we are seeing a dramatic shift in
shoppers buying behaviour.
Consumers are shopping locally to
save on fuel costs, and no longer
driving distances to the multiples
for a big spend. Instead they are
more likely to buy just what they
need on a day-to-day basis.
Obviously this gives the local
convenience store the advantage.
In addition we are seeing own
brands taking a bigger share of the
market, as shoppers are becoming
more cost-conscious. Have a look at
the current crop of TV ads from the
multiples, pushing their own brands
and you’ll see what I mean. With
the Best-in own label range at their
disposal our retailers now have the
ideal opportunity to capitalise on
these current market trends.
Best-in has developed in leaps and
bounds since it was established
twelve years ago. Quality has been
given priority over everything and
the portfolio of some 500 different
products, ranging from baked beans
to bathroom tissue has been given
a whole new look. The range is
renowned for its price marked
packaging, which promotes strong
consumer confidence.
Look at the major brand sellers in
the shop and stock the equivalent
Best-in own label product alongside
it, on the same shelf if possible.
Retailers will find that they can
make around 20 percent on the
leading brand and by offering the
Best-in similar product you could
double that margin, and that is just
for starters.”
James Hall
Business Development Controller
There are seven members of staff
altogether and the girls are there
most of the day, while running
their other businesses too. “You
can’t start a business without
putting in the hours,” says Angie.
“We’ve doubled the opening hours
of the previous owners. They
didn’t open at all on Saturdays and
Sundays and at other times they
just closed whenever they felt like
it! We know you can’t just stand
behind the counter and take
money.”
GIRL POWER!
When Angie Stevenson and Sharon Butler saw that
their local convenience store in Newquay was lying
empty, they decided it was an opportunity too good to
be missed. The store had been closed for nine months
and was left idle, waiting for someone to come in and
make it a success once more. Cue Sharon and Angie.
The girls discovered there was a
demand for a convenience store in
the area. In fact, while they were
renovating the store and preparing
for the grand opening, they were
inundated with queries about
when they were opening. And on
the night of the opening 8 weeks
ago there were more than 40
people queuing outside the door.
So far their first retail venture has
been a success, averaging £9,000
in sales a week. But Angie is quick
to add: “Once word gets out about
the store being open, we hope
that we’ll do even better. In the
run up to opening, we distributed
leaflets and that really got
people’s attention.”
The girls are very appreciative of
their wholesaler Bestway’s help
and recommend it highly.
They are also full of praise for the
shop fitters who were able to get
the store ready for stock so
quickly.
And it sounds like they had their
work cut out. “The store was in a
terrible state when the girls first
took it over” says Ron Wootton,
Best-One business development
executive for the Cornwall area.
“The interior had to be completely
renovated and all fixtures
replaced.
So far it has been mostly smooth
sailing for the girls with the only
setback being re-applying for an
alcohol licence. “The previous
owner of the store decided to
cancel the licence and when we
opened we had to re-apply. This
takes 28 days to come through
and until it does we can operate
only on a temporary licence, which
means we can sell alcohol only on
a four days on and one day off
basis, which has affected our
business.”
The store is the first Best-One in
Cornwall and the girls are
delighted with the support that
they have been given from their
symbol group. “Whatever we’ve
wanted, Bestway has delivered.
Ron has been amazing, he’s taken
calls from us 24/7 and phones us
everyday to make sure we’re doing
ok,” says Sharon.
The duo are keen to offer as many
services as the can for their
customers and have installed
PayPoint and hot food to go, while
the lottery will be coming soon.
They have also opted for an epos
system with 2 tills and a back
office system which allows them
to order stock and check weekly,
daily and hourly takings.
“The shop is something of a local
point within the town and it was
sorely missed by residents when it
closed,” says Sharon. “The support
they’ve shown us is unbelievable,
we’ve had flowers, cards and even
our first Christmas present from a
customer. ”To help cultivate a
strong customer relationship, they
are introducing free local deliveries
in the coming months, especially
to help out their elderly customers.
There’s no doubt that the store’s
key location and a savvy pricing
policy have enabled them to get
the business off to an excellent
start. Says Angie “We’ve been
charging to suit the area. At one
end of the road there are
expensive houses while at the
other there are council houses.
We’ve had to set our prices to suit
both ends of the market and it’s
worked well so far.
Sharon and Angie will be getting
involved in the community further,
as they are Best-One ambassadors
for Cornwall so will be helping with
charity drives for Barnado’s and
Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Although the girls have already
been nominated for a Best-One
award in the stores category, they
don’t intend to rest on their
laurels. They are constantly
looking to better their first store.
“Moving into retail was a big step
for us,” adds Angie, “We had both
been in business before, but not
together, and not in this area. It’s
worked well so far and we hope
the business will grow.”
Article courtesy of
Convenience Store Magazine
Left to right; Nilu, Claire, the Mayor and Pathik
officially declare the store open!
Pathik and Nilu make it a first for
Best-One in Essex
Pathik and Nilu Pandya have launched the very
first Best-One store in Essex, paving the way for
the group in the area.
The couple originally ran a forecourt operation, but spotted
a gap in the market for a local convenience store, and an
available empty unit in Clacton-On-Sea provided the perfect
opportunity. Pathik and Nilu are well-known in the
community and have decided to run the store themselves,
providing the personal touch for their customers.
The launch day itself was a fantastic success with a visit
from the local Mayor who cut the ribbon, cracked open the
bubbly and declared the business open, whilst the launch is
a real coup for Best-One BDE Claire Pniok who has only
been with the company a few months.
According to Claire, “It’s never easy to persuade retailers to
change to a group they’re not used to seeing, so it’s really
exciting for me to break the Best-One symbol group into
virgin territory. Now that the Best-One fascia is out there it
will attract more interest and is, in itself, a great
advertisement for the group. Hopefully this will be the first
of many in Essex.”
...And the winners are....
It was a fantastic night for Best-One retailers at the Bestway Retail Development Awards 2008
(full details on following pages) And especially so for these special retailers who scooped the Best-One
awards. We’ve uncovered a few facts about our winners to find out what makes them tick!
Steven Robinson
National Retailer Runner up of the year
Store name: Hillside Food and Wine.
Address: 211 – 213 Amesbury Avenue, Streatham, South, London. SW1 3BJ
Shopkeeper’s name: Steven Robinson
Telephone: 0208 6713355 / 07956 817681
l
Bulent Demirci
Best-One National Retailer of the year
l
Store name: Best-One Charminster
Address: 376 Charminster Road, Charminster, Bournemouth.
Dorset. BH8 9QS Telephone: 07859 912454
Shopkeeper’s name: Mr Bulent Demirci
l Mr Demirci started in the retail business in March 2006 in a
small shop across the road from where he is now. The shop was
empty and he fitted it out himself with the little money that he
had because he wanted to keep as much as possible for stock.
l The first week he took less than £1000, but before he moved
across the road to his new shop he was taking £10,000. He felt
he had outgrown the shop so when the lease came up on a larger
unit across the road he took the opportunity.
l The new shop was a gym. Uno did the shop fit and Best-One
did all the merchandising and ordering for the new shop, moving
stock from the old shop to the new one in cages in the pouring
rain!
l Mr Demirci has always been loyal to Best-One even though
friends have told him that he should shop in cash & carrys in
London. His turnover is now £16,000 a week and rising.
Lisa Jones
Community Award
Steven Robinson started as an independent retailer in a
50sqm shop with a turnover of £3.5 – 4K/week
He bought the shop next door and joined Best-One for
support and advice
l
He had a complete refurbishment by Uno to create a 100
sqm shop and included a new 7.5m fridge for chilled goods
and soft drinks
l
He installed new 3 phase electricity to cope with the new
refrigeration and replaced freezers to double door upright
freezers for a clearer display
l
He also installed point 4 epos system with in-store screens
for promotional adverts
l
He introduced Best-One leaflets, posters and promotions and
also increased his range by introducing Bake and Bite, ethnic
food including Polish and Jamaican, organic lines and
vegetarian lines
l
All the above has resulted in an increase in turnover of
460% in 12 months to £18.5K/week
l
Steven is also a pillar of the community, supporting his local
football team by purchasing a football kit for them, providing
assisted shopping and delivery for the elderly and disabled
plus a number of other things
Store name: Best-One Stop ‘n Shop
Address: Best One 38 Station Road, Sholing, Southampton. SO19 8HH
Shopkeeper’s name: Lisa Jones
Telephone: 07789 402105 / 02380 435252
l
Lisa, an ex-Dorothy Perkins store manager is raising funds
to help pay for a new scout hut which is used for the local
pre school facility and for other community activities.
l
Lisa has organised many fund raising events and activities
for her local scout group including a visit by the local fire
brigade
l
Lisa held a fun day in her shop with tea and biscuits where
more than 60 customers enjoyed a cup of tea and a biscuit
and had the chance to chat.
l
Robert Morris, a regular customer said, ‘This is a wonderful
idea. I use this shop everyday not only because it is local
but also because Lisa and her team must run the friendliest
shop in the country. The staff go out of their way to chat
and be friendly. There’s always a smile. Other shops which I
won’t name could learn a lot from Lisa’.
l
Lisa helps disabled and elderly customers with their
shopping including free delivery
Awards Night 2008
Alistair McGowan’s
riotous impersonations
eased the tension no
doubt felt by the
nominated retailers,
whilst later in the
evening the party went
into full swing as guests
let their hair down
following the formalities
of the awards
presentations.
went to Harinder Khela of
Khela Food and Wine,
Rotherham, Yorkshire who
took the top prize of
£10,000 and collected the
Bestway Trophy, certificate
and product credits.
The winner of the Northern
(Bestway) region was Harry
Haran of Fairways, Anfield,
Liverpool and the winner of
the Southern (Bestway)
region Daljit Athwal of
Shop Around The Clock,
Tenterden, Kent. Both
these winners received
£3,000 prizes and the
Bestway Trophy, certificate
and product credits.
Speaking at the awards
Bestway’s Group Chief
Executive Zameer Choudrey
said, “We honour our
champions, who relive day
in day out the David and
Goliath story. Bestway
strongly believes that a
vibrant independent sector
adds to the rich tapestry
and the quality of what is
life in Britain today.
Independents’ provide an
invaluable service
particularly to those who
are unable to travel to buy
their groceries such as
senior citizens and the
disabled.
Unfortunately, the
unchecked expansion of
multiples on the high street
is leading to the
destruction of market
towns all over the country.
The independent retail
sector has to compete
much harder than before
against the mighty buying
power and sometimes, less
than fair tactics of the
major multiples.
The runners up were; from
the Northern Region, Zahir
Rasul and Khalid Hussain of
Pak Supermarket,
Washerwood Heath,
Birmingham and the
Southern Region Hussain
Ordu of City Road
Supermarket, Hackney in
London. Both win £2,000
each.
Above : Bulent Demirci (top) and Steven Robinson (above) receive
their Best-One awards from Managing director of Bestway Cash &
Carry, Younus Sheikh.
All of you know – even more
than me – what the
pressure of that means but
in spite of the inhospitable
business climate you will
see, from the winners of
these awards, how success
is achieved and hard work
rewarded.
We are very proud to be
able to link up with all our
supplier friends in the
industry to make this one of
the most special and
important events of the
year.”
The top award and title of
National Retailer of the Year
There were two Best-One
symbol group awards; the
winner of the Best-One
trophy was Bulent Demirci
of Best-One Charminster,
Bournemouth who won
£3,000 and the Best-One
runner up Steven Robinson
of Best-One Hillside Food
and Wine of Streatham,
London who won £2,000.
They were presented with
Bestway’s Retailer Development Awards are always a red letter event for independent retailers
and this year was no exception as this glamorous annual event proved to be massively popular
once again at London’s Grosvenor House.
their prizes by Younus
Sheikh, managing director of
Bestway Cash and Carry
group.
The Community Award to
recognise the valuable work
done by the independents
for the general contribution
to the welfare of the local
community was won by Lisa
Jones of Best-One Stop ‘n
Shop, Sholing, Southampton
and she won £1,000 the
trophy and certificate. This
award was sponsored by
IRN magazine for the first
time.
The awards also recognised
top performing retailers who
excel in the way they
display and promote
products across the key
sectors including; soft
drinks, beer and cider, wines
and spirits, tobacco,
confectionery, crisps and
snacks, general grocery,
chilled and frozen goods,
household and health and
beauty. This year a new
category for water was
added, recognising the
impact of this product line.
Bestway’s Cash and Carry
group director of operations,
Arshad Chaudhary
presented the remaining
winners with their awards
of £1,000 each and a
certificate.
The full list of remaining category
winners is as follows:
Category/Sponsors
Winner / Store
Soft Drinks
Coca Cola,
GSK
Red Bull
Britvic
Steven James Farrington,
New Horizon Retailing Ltd.,
Worsley, Bolton
Beer & Cider
Interbrew
Coors
Scottish and Newcastle
Gaymer Cider
Jamil Akhtar,
Best-in Supermarket,
Egerton, Oldham
Wines & Spirits
Constellation Wines
Pernod Ricard
Ernest & Julio Galio
Diageo
Karsan Bhimji Patel,
Cheetam Wines, Manchester
Tobacco
Imperial Tobacco
Fareed Rashid,
All Seasons Food & Wine Store
Commercial Road, East London
Confectionery
Nestle Confectionery
Cadbury Trebor Bassett
Mohammed Kaliq,
Food Market, Medway Convenience Store,
Miles Platting, Manchester
Crisps and Snacks
KP McVities
Pepsico Walker
Minesh Patel,
Arthington Stores
Leeds
General Grocer
& Pet Food
Kellogg’s
Heinz
Kellogg’s
Mars/Masterfoods
Mr & Mrs Ranjit Singh
Gohlan News
Mountain Ash,
Cardiff
Household and
Health & Beauty
Kimberley Clark
Procter & Gamble
Aurang Zeb,
Zeb’s, Billesley,
Birmingham
Chilled and Frozen
Birds Eye
Eatwell
Muller
Ali Abbas,
Egerton Road South Post Office,
Manchester
Water
Nestlé Waters
Ishtiaq Kamran,
Raja Bros, Sparkhill, Birmingham
Best-One store owner Mr Thirumaaran from
Fleet in Hampshire was the proud winner
of Buxton Water’s Cricket Display
Competition which was advertised in the
last issue of Best-Talk. Cricket enthusiast
Maaran won a pair of tickets to the
Natwest series one day international
England v South Africa Match at Lords,
thanks to his creative display of Buxton
Water products.
According to Mr Thirumarran’s BDE Finola
Martin, the prize is well deserved too, as
Marran is always a regular supporter of any
promotional activities which are embarked
upon by the group. “I’m delighted that
Marran’s won” said Finola “but I’m not
surprised either because its obvious when
you visit his store that he understands the
value of
disciplined
merchandising.
He’s definitely
a worthy
winner!”
Maaran’s a winner at
Lord’s thanks to Buxton Water
AROUND THE STORES
Best-One Dunstable
Mr & Mrs Amin were in the
process of purchasing an
existing Premier Store,
when they contacted
Tony Harker who is one of
the Business Development
Executives for Best-One.
Mr Amin had recently sold a
Best-One Store in Bletchley
and so knew of all the
benefits in being a Best-One
Store. Tony Harker
contacted UNO the
preferred shop fitter for
Best-One and over a short
period of time the store was
completely refurbished,
floor, ceiling, Micro Lights,
automatic doors ,
refrigeration etc. The store
has now been open for 2
months and is on target to
reach the turnover Mr Amin
expected. As can be seen
from the pictures Mr Amin
keeps his new Best-One
store to a very high
standard and is constantly
looking at new ways to
develop his business. He
believes strongly in
advertising and promotions
and is currently distributing
some 5,000 Best-One
leaflets every month.
Best-One, Long Crendon
Mr Streethar recently decided to upgrade his local village
convenience store, and joined Best-One.
It was quite a challenge for Business Development
Executive Tony Harker to try and fit in everything to the
small but busy store. But with the help of Uno, a complete
refit was done and the stores turnover has increased by at
least 20%
Spot the award winner!
Our more eagle-eyed readers will have already spotted Steven Robinson (below) elsewhere in this
copy of Best-Talk. But can you spot the 8 differences between the pictures too?
Now it’s a brighter future for
Sunshine!
Three years ago this store was an off-licence
stocking only a few grocery lines. Vivien Huggins
and Ilhan Koca, the owners, have since built on
this and decided to join a symbol group.
Having spoken to various
other companies they decided
to go with Best-One as they
felt all their needs could be
met, and had their store
relaunched as Best-One on
3rd July by Madame Mayor of
Bourne, Shirley Cliffe
Since joining Best-One they
are really happy with the
results, and assistance from
the group, especially BDE
Christine Reast:
Suppliers and retailers hit it off on
their first date
The very first Best-One Speed dating session
between retailers and suppliers took place on
23rd October at the Hilton Hotel, just outside
Bristol, and proved to be a huge success for all
involved.
South West BDE Sheila Kelly
was the chief matchmaker,
organising the event, bringing
all parties together, and
ensuring the event went off
without a hitch.
According to Sheila, “The
format was very simple; each
supplier took a table and the
retailers moved around the
room, visiting each table for 15
minutes only, giving each
supplier a 15 minute
opportunity to “sell” their
product. It was particularly
beneficial to some of our new
suppliers, such as Cash Score
who provide ATM machines and
Choices video rental, who
relished the opportunity to
speak first hand to our
retailers. On the other hand our
retailers loved the fact that
they could find out what they
needed to know about the
products, and then move on,
without wasting valuable time
in conversations with pushy
salespeople. In fact the format
worked so well we will
definitely be doing this again.”
Plans are already in the
pipeline to organise more
speed dating sessions around
the UK with regional dates
pencilled in. Watch this space.
“It was the best thing that
could happen to our shop, we
are really impressed with the
service from Christine and
everyone involved" said
Vivien. “Having considered
and looked at other symbol
group options it was great to
join Best-One who supported
my needs from the offset.
When I rang Best-One Head
Office the response I got was
immediate, followed by
Christine Reast contacting me
the next day to explain the
terms and conditions with no
hidden costs, which
accommodated my needs. I
am very impressed with
Best-One. An excellent
service throughout by all!”
Madame Mayor of Bourne,
Shirley Cliffe added,
“By having a Best-One store
to support the local
community it is new and
exciting and meets customer
needs. Best-One is not known
within the East Anglian area
and we need a lot more.
Historically, this was a house
25 years ago, then went on
to become an off-licence.
Now, converted by the BestOne Business Development
Executive, it’s created a
completely new concept with
one-stop shopping making a
real difference to the area,
helping the local community
with their day-to-day
shopping needs.”
Launch day
The girls ready for action!
Before
STOP PRESS
The supplier speed dating line-up included; Allied Bakeries, Bonds
Confectionery, Card Connection, Cakes for the Connoisseur, Cash
Score, Choices UK, Concept Fire & Security, Country Choice, ITS
Scanning, Imperial Tobacco, Kerry Foods, Keypoint Loyalty Cards,
Pick Me Hair Care, Uno shopfitters, Western Union, and Wilton
Whole Foods.
After the refurb
BEST-ONE OFFERS WESTERN UNION MONEY TRANSFER SERVICE
The Best-One symbol group, part of the Bestway Group, has
extended its services to the 500 strong membership by
commencing this week the roll-out of the Western Union Money
Transfer service. Western Union, a world leader in global money
transfer offers customers of Best-One retailers across the country
the ability to transfer funds within minutes to over 365,000
agent locations in 200 countries.
James Hall, the business development controller of Best-One said,
“We are one of the first symbol groups to provide a money
transfer service. This is a valuable addition to the current services
we promote to our membership. Each member who signs up to
provide the service will make enhanced earnings through
commission from each of their customers’ transactions in addition
to attracting more footfall to their shop with the potential that
brings of more sales.”
Retailers can operate the service via any existing computer and
broadband service. If for any reason retailers do not have these
facilities, these can be provided
on a rental basis.
For further information on becoming a Western Union agent, contact your Best-One Business Development Executive