Wholesaler and symbol store operator United Wholesale (Scotland) has invested £35,000 in setting up Scotland’s first ever ‘model’ convenience store.
The 600 sq ft ‘mock up shop’, located at the wholesaler’s depot at Queenslie, is designed to inspire and motivate fully independent retailers, those considering joining the symbol group, and those already under the Day-Today banner.
The Day-Today store, built on the principle of a showhome, gives retailers examples of best practice in terms of overall store design, equipment used, and merchandising techniques.
It demonstrates what Day-Today considers to be the best examples of shelving, lighting, flooring, refrigeration and epos, and there are also suggestions for additional siting units, food to go areas, hot food units, in store bakery and bake off.
Shopfitters Vertex have kitted the store out with all the latest equipment, designed to motivate retailers, providing them with ideas about how they can develop their stores, and reminding them of the standards expected by the symbol group.
The Day-Today team is also planning to host workshops in store for groups of between 15 and 20 retailers, to brainstorm different ideas and provide information and advice.
Day-Today symbol group controller Naeem Khaliq said the team had identified a gap in the market for a ‘real life’, interactive example of a shop, which will help answer commonly asked questions.
He said: “There’s a lot of conflicting information out there for retailers in terms of how they should merchandise products, and what types of equipment they should use.
“The model store we have created makes it clear what we think the best approach is. Retailers can visit the store and have a good look around at all the different elements. They don’t have to be Day-Today retailers to visit – it’s about providing retailers with ideas and inspiration.
“The ideas and inspiration they will get from the store will help them to go on to strengthen and develop their businesses, and we hope that it will attract independent retailers who are considering making the move to a fascia group. Retailers are welcome to come in and talk to our advisors, who will provide them with advice and guidance on how they can develop their stores and make a plan for the future.”
