Imperial Tobacco has committed to a substantial increase in its level of furniture investment to support retailers ahead of the full tobacco display restrictions, which come into force on April 6th 2015.
The additional investment, from the UK’s largest tobacco manufacturer means that the installation of the compliancy solution, for 17,000 multiple outlets and independent stores across the UK, will begin in January 2015.
Martin Goodall, Head of Sales at Imperial Tobacco said that the additional investment for its ‘best in class’ solution means all Imperial Tobacco units will now be installed in two stages. Its team of installers will visit retailers from September to begin the installation of the door frames. The doors themselves will then be installed during a second visit as close to the April 6th 2015 implementation date as possible.
“Imperial Tobacco has been working resolutely with the trade over the last twelve months,” he said. “Behind all of our activity has been the belief that, while the physical barriers will go up on April 6th 2015 mental barriers will be removed if retailers follow our guidance and aspire towards best practice on ranging, merchandising and availability.”
Goodall continued: “In the last six months leading up to the implementation of full display restrictions, we will continue to support retailers to ensure they are fully compliant with the new regulations and understand the penalties for failure to comply.”
