While independent retailers are still dealing with the effects of the coronavirus outbreak, Nisa has revealed that it is stepping in to ensure they are ready to capitalise on future events that remain important sales drivers.
The convenience group highlighted that whilst ‘normal’ business is unlikely to return any time soon, key dates in the retail calendar will still be significant for shoppers.
Plans for Halloween and Christmas have already been shared with Nisa’s retailers. These events could prove to be of extra importance for c-stores given that people have been using their local shops more frequently during the lockdown.
Nigel Ashton, business manager for grocery, non-food and soft drinks at Nisa, said: “We believe Halloween, which is on a Saturday this year, and Christmas, which falls on a Friday, will hold particularly significant importance as consumers look for some of life’s little luxuries to indulge in after missing out on many other occasions earlier in the year due to the pandemic.
“It is anticipated that there will be more eating occasions at home, with less eating out to celebrate, providing an increased opportunity for sales across key categories for retailers.”
The presell event for Christmas and Halloween went live for Nisa partners this month, enabling them to plan for these occasions. Nisa stated that it will be supporting its retailers, sharing insights on changing shopper habits, and helping them to plan their requirements for later in the year.
“We believe Nisa partners have a really comprehensive seasonal offer that should respond to the changing shopper habits and ensure they are able to stock their stores with everything their customers want and need to make the most of the big celebrations this year,” added Ashton.
