After a build up that lasted years, the tobacco display ban for stores over 280sq m finally came into force at the end of April, but have smaller stores seen a sales uplift – and what has the change meant for larger format c-stores?
Chris McCallum
Spar retailer
We have a seen a small uplift in sales since the end of April. Granted the last week we were very busy, but there has certainly an increase in tobacco sales over the last month. I looked at the numbers out of curiosity and was pleased to see them up. It’s about getting those new customers into the habit of shopping local. I was hoping for a boost, to begin with at least, as people get used to the situation in supermarkets. I’ve not been in one to see it for myself yet – you don’t want to be caught by your customers in there!
Iain Wilson
Nisa retailer
Our shop has had to go dark, but we’ve not noticed a dip in sales. We’ve been measuring three different aspects. Along with sales, which are roughly flat, there’s the number of tobacco customers, which is down 3-4%, however the actual value per customer has increased. We think this is down to people shopping around for value when the products are visible, where as now they’re going for brands they know will be in stock. Customers haven’t said too much. We explained that we’ve had to comply by law.
Billy Kay
Spar retailers
It’s not making much of a difference so far. I don’t think it’s going to make a huge difference either. Supermarkets lost a bit of sales when buying 200s lost a bit of popularity. Our nearest Tesco now has a ‘Think 30’ policy for age-restricted products too. Since Price Marked Packs became more popular sales have gone up a little. So what will happen now? I expect the bigger stores might suffer a bit, but there’s a lot of smaller shops vying for that business, including the likes of Tesco Express and Sainsbury’s Local.
David Mitchell
KeyStore retailer
Over the last three weeks there has been a slight increase in sales. I can’t say for certain that it’s linked to the display ban – PMPs can boost sales too – but it’s maybe no coincidence that since the supermarkets put the ban in, we’ve had a lift. It was in the back of my mind that we’d see a wee boost. I’ve been into the big Tesco near us to have a nosy. A few of our customers have mentioned it, asking why we’re not covered up. Whether that means they’ll come back for their tobacco, I don’t know yet.