In February, BAT UK and Retail Express publisher, Newtrade Media, held a networking roundtable to explore the challenges and opportunities in tobacco and alternative nicotine products. The event brought together leading retailers to discuss the best practices for stocking and promoting these products, as well as ways to incentivize staff and improve training resources.
Working together
Communication is key when it comes to understanding what products to stock. Retailers like Atul Sodha of Londis Harefield in Uxbridge, emphasize that suppliers like BAT UK should educate retailers on the category to make it easier to relay to customers. Sales data and supplier assistance also help determine the alternative nicotine range. Andrew Cruden from Market Square News in Northampton said that regular rep visits should focus on feedback to improve store perception.
According to Brad Rogers, Field Sales Operations Manager, BAT UK, educating retailers on alternative nicotine products is a must. Retailers should focus on visibility, a clean display, strong pricing, and competitiveness in the local area. BAT UK sales representatives also offer solutions like merchandising advice, PoS materials, promotions, and discounts.
Loyalty schemes
Incentives are a key factor in creating successful loyalty schemes for retailers. Suppliers should highlight why retailers are being rewarded, like selling a certain product. Sue Nithyanandan of Costcutter Epsom in Surrey suggested having a list of core products that sales reps can use to add points to a card. Suppliers should also make retailers aware of product rewards to help drive sales. BAT UK’s Rewards Program is a one-stop solution for retailers to access category education and rewards for completing specific tasks.
Staff incentives
Creating an online portal for staff training, cash prizes, vouchers, or days out, motivates staff and shows that they are valued by suppliers. Incentivizing and helping staff become brand ambassadors is also a win-win for both retailers and suppliers. Building relationships between suppliers and staff by understanding their interests and personalizing incentives can be achieved by improving resources to train teams.
##Conclusion
The networking roundtable in partnership with BAT UK provided valuable insights on how to work together to improve sales of alternative nicotine products. By educating retailers on these products, creating successful loyalty schemes and incentivizing staff, retailers can see a rise in sales and customer satisfaction.
FAQs
What is BAT UK?
BAT UK is a leading supplier of tobacco and alternative nicotine products.What were the key takeaways from the networking roundtable?
The key takeaways were the importance of communication, data, and feedback, creating successful loyalty schemes and incentivizing staff.How can suppliers help retailers with merchandising?
Suppliers like BAT UK offer solutions like merchandising advice, PoS materials, promotions, and discounts.How can staff become brand ambassadors?
Incentivizing and helping staff become brand ambassadors is a win-win for both retailers and suppliers.What is the BAT UK Rewards Program?
BAT UK’s Rewards Program is a one-stop solution for retailers to access category education and rewards for completing specific tasks.
