1. Stores & Formats

Smoke signals | In focus: Smoking and smoking alternatives

Written by Posted on Less than 0 min read

Tobacco and vapes account for 22% of sales in c-stores, so it’s vital to get the category right – and with constantly changing legislation, keeping up with the law is as important as keeping up with trends. Overall, the tobacco category is worth £14bn each…

This story continues at Smoke signals | In focus: Smoking and smoking alternatives

Or just read more coverage at Talking Retail

View Original Article
Post Views: 189
Member since
Established in 2007, TalkingRetail.com brings you the latest news, analysis and information across the UK convenience and independent grocery retail sectors. Sister publication Independent Retail News is a monthly magazine for owners of independent convenience stores. Originally launched as Independent Grocer in 1981, the magazine changed its name to Independent Retail News in 1995. It provides must-have information that helps in the day-to-day running of stores and keeps readers up-to-date with the latest news and product information. The publications are brought to you by Metropolis Business Media, which also runs a number of leading annual awards events including The Retail Industry Awards, The Quality Food Awards and The Quality Drinks Awards. These prestigious ceremonies recognize the top performers across both the independent and multiple sectors, and are judged by a highly respected and influential group of independent top industry judges. https://www.talkingretail.com/
Do you like Talking Retail's articles? Follow on social!

More from Talking Retail

  1. Trends & External Forces

Convenience retail impacted as spending cools with the weather

Total Till sales growth at UK supermarkets slowed (+3.7%) in the last four weeks ending 9 August 2025. This is down from +5.8% recorded in July, according to new data released today by NielsenIQ (NIQ). NIQ data suggests that following the early summer heatwaves at… This story continues at Convenience retail impacted as spending cools […]
< 1 min read
0
  1. Associates & Employees

SGF report reveals impact of crime on convenience retailers and staff

Figures published in the SGF Crime Report & Safer Business Guide 2024/25, today (13 Mar), reveal the escalation in retail crime in recent years is only getting worse, while the sector continues to call for urgent action from government. Findings gathered from convenience retailers all… This story continues at SGF report reveals impact of crime […]
< 1 min read
0
  1. Shopper & Customer

Abbot Ale announces giveaways for relaxing at home

Abbot Ale has launched the chance for consumers to win 100s of prizes that aim to enhance moments of relaxation at home when they buy selected can packs of the premium ale. Customers who purchase either a four or 10 can pack from their local… This story continues at Abbot Ale announces giveaways for relaxing […]
< 1 min read
0
  1. Trends & External Forces

Standalone offence for assaulting a shopworker debate begins

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has welcomed amendments to the Criminal Justice Bill that would make assaulting a shopworker a more serious offence. The Report Stage debate on the Criminal Justice Bill, which begins today (15 May), is set to include a series of… This story continues at Standalone offence for assaulting a shopworker […]
< 1 min read
0
  1. Trends & External Forces

Food prices likely to rise by more than 4% in 2025, says BRC

Food prices are not “going anywhere but up” in 2025, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has warned. In a statement released yesterday, the BRC said higher wages and increased national insurance for employers were among the factors that will affect food prices. Recently, food inflation… This story continues at Food prices likely to rise by […]
< 1 min read
0
  1. Trends & External Forces

Sainsbury’s reports strong Christmas for its premium own-brand

Sainsbury’s increased sales in the six weeks to 4 January by 3.8% compared with the year before, the retailer announced in a trading statement today. Chief executive Simon Roberts said he was particularly pleased with the performance of the supermarket’s Taste the Difference range. He… This story continues at Sainsbury’s reports strong Christmas for its […]
< 1 min read
0
  1. Acquisitions, Divestitures & Mergers

Central Co-op and Midcounties discuss potential landmark merger

The UK’s two largest independent retail co-operatives – The Midcounties Co-operative and Central Co-op – have announced that they are in advanced discussions about a merger. Both Societies have a long history of co-operation and have been in discussion for many months about how they can benefit their members… This story continues at Central Co-op and Midcounties discuss potential […]
< 1 min read
0
  1. Holiday & Events

Coca-Cola brings back ‘The World Needs More Santas Christmas’ ads

Coca-Cola has announced the return of its ‘World Needs More Santas’ on the runup to Christmas. The advert aims to remind everyone that one act of Christmas kindness can bring out the ‘inner Santa’ in each of us, supported by video-on-demand, cinema, and out-of-home advertising.… This story continues at Coca-Cola brings back ‘The World Needs […]
< 1 min read
0
  1. Trends & External Forces

Retailers urged to write to their MPs in new business rates campaign

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has launched a new campaign urging retailers to write to their local MP calling for action on business rates in the Autumn Budget. Ahead of the Budget, ACS is calling on the government to: Set new RHL multipliers 20p… This story continues at Retailers urged to write to their […]
< 1 min read
0
  1. Merchandising

CTSI warns public about nicotine pouches being sold to children

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) is warning the public about nicotine pouches that are being promoted more prominently in shops and pose a worrying child appeal with their flavours and eye-catching packaging, mimicking that of sweets. Nicotine pouches are small pouches similar in shape… This story continues at CTSI warns public about nicotine pouches […]
< 1 min read
0
  1. Channel: Delivery

Booker’s Scoot platform partners with Just Eat

Booker has announced the national rollout of a new last-mile delivery partnership between Scoot and Just Eat. The new service will give Booker’s symbol retailers – including Premier, Budgens, Landis and Family Shopper- the option to offer fast, reliable grocery delivery without needing to manage… This story continues at Booker’s Scoot platform partners with Just […]
< 1 min read
0
  1. Holiday & Events

Quarter of a million retail jobs lost in five years, report shows

According to the latest report by the ONS there were 2.88m jobs in retail in December 2024. This is traditionally the high point of the year, with retailers employing more people during the key Christmas quarter. The four-quarter average was 2.84m jobs, 70,000 fewer than… This story continues at Quarter of a million retail jobs […]
< 1 min read
0
  1. Trends & External Forces

SGF urges government action following release of shoplifting figures in Scotland

The Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF) has responded to the Records Crime in Scotland 2023-24 report in which it’s revealed that shoplifting in Scotland has risen by 41% over the past decade. Added to concerns over wider retail crime, the shoplifting figures further highlight a huge… This story continues at SGF urges government action following release […]
< 1 min read
0
  1. Channel: Convenience

BP predicts sales of over 1.6 million hot drinks and 750k baked goods this Christmas

As the nation prepares to travel to friends and family for Christmas, BP is getting ready for the seasonal surge as thousands stop off to fuel up, charge their electric vehicles or stock up on food, drink and last-minute gifts. BP will be open late… This story continues at BP predicts sales of over 1.6 […]
< 1 min read
0
  1. Trends & External Forces

Legislation overload | Viewpoint: Jonathan James

With a new government in place, we will now begin to see their various promises made ahead of the election start to play out. As I write this, there is widespread speculation of a smoking ban in public places such as pub gardens, which seems… This story continues at Legislation overload | Viewpoint: Jonathan James […]
< 1 min read
0
  1. International

Spar supports over 65 local causes through 2025 Community Cashback campaign

Spar’s annual Community Cashback campaign has again provided direct funding to grassroots organisations across the UK, with more than 65 charities and local groups sharing a £100,000 grant fund. Now in its fourth year, the campaign continues to grow in both reach and impact. This… This story continues at Spar supports over 65 local causes […]
< 1 min read
0
  1. Data & Insights

Take part in our survey for the chance to win Amazon vouchers

Here at Independent Retail News and Talking Retail, we are dedicated to delivering top-notch information and advice to assist you in understanding the market and growing your business. In order to continue improving and tailoring our content to your needs, we kindly ask for your… This story continues at Take part in our survey for […]
< 1 min read
0
  1. International

Majority of SMEs believe the UK high street will be obsolete in ten years

In an annual report published by small business insurance provider Simply Business,  63% of small business owners believe the high street as we know it will be obsolete in the next 10 years. Surveying over 2,000 small businesses, the annual SME Insights Report unveils the… This story continues at Majority of SMEs believe the UK […]
< 1 min read
0
  1. Trends & External Forces

Scott Bayliss head of sales at Weetabix to take on wholesale and convenience

Weetabix has added the responsibility of wholesale and convenience to Scott Bayliss, head of sales for Weetabix. Bayliss takes on the channel after joining Weetabix in 2019 initially as head of sales for grocery multiples, high street discounters and online. He brings with him over… This story continues at Scott Bayliss head of sales at […]
< 1 min read
0
  1. Media & Marketing

Unhealthy food ad regulation progresses

Children will no longer be exposed to TV adverts for unhealthy food products as new law set out today (3 December) confirms the final details of advertising restrictions. Ads on television will only be allowed past the 9pm watershed from October 2025 as part of… This story continues at Unhealthy food ad regulation progresses Or […]
< 1 min read
0
Next