Temperatures are set to soar from the beginning of June, with the majority of England being engulfed in a consistent low-20 hum and the Western areas having the privilege of the warmest days.
We’re all very excited for the sunny weeks ahead (the time of rocket lollies and infamous ‘picky-bits tea’), but as retailers, it’s important that we’re paying attention to how the shop is functioning in the midst of this torrid weather.
The core of a retailer’s role within the store is produce; whether it’s fresh or has a shelf life, it’s key for products to always be available and stored in the best possible way.
In order to do this, refrigeration devices must work and must always be kept on top of; extreme heat events may cause failures within appliances, spoiling the food inside if left for too long.
One way to combat this fear would be thorough, frequent fridge checks- it takes a couple minutes out of your day and could mean saving thousands worth of stock!
Since we’re on the topic of stock, we believe it’s important to know your community well enough to know what sort of products you need to be putting on your shelves.
For example, is your community one for street parties and BBQs whenever the sun peeks through? If so, placing an extra order on meats or simply moving the bags of charcoal closer to the front may be a smart move- not only does it make it more convenient for those who have already decided to have a barbeque, it may also sway a few minds, too!
After all, according to a facts sheet put together by NationalBBQWeek.co.uk, many consumers will now indulge in £40 worth of BBQ stuff for friends and family as opposed to £16 just a few years ago. Having a BBQ is now considered the cheaper yet more indulgent alternative to going to the pub or restaurant.
This is great news for retailers- as long as it’s on the shelf, there’s almost a striking guarantee it’ll sell during the warmer months!
Retailers can even look forward to fresh produce sales, such as vegetables and fruit; vegetables are by far the biggest risers, increasing to 45% from 20% in terms of being purchased for a BBQ.
Alternatively, is your community one for drinks outside or trips to BYOB beer gardens? Wonderful- keep those beers, lagers and wines neatly stacked and ready to grab, with workers behind the till fully revised on the appropriate age-checking procedure.
Nothing screams summer more than entering your local convenience store on a red-hot day, sunglasses pushed to the top of your head, thankful for the shade with just one thing on your mind- a bottle of something cold, alcoholic and refreshing.
Are your locals fans of drinks in the park accompanied by little, picky bits picnics? Great- ready-to-drink cans, ready-to-eat snack packs and ten packs of disposable paper plates would be a notable order to place.
These would also sell well with the barbeque side of the community- thank the tropical weather for providing us retailers with endless possibilities!
Shopworkers are also advised to stay vigilant during the heatwave, as underage customers may come in seeking to purchase alcohol and/or vape products.
Age-checking must be mandatory, done more often than not- it always pays off to be safe than sorry.
Other than that, all we can say overall is to enjoy the weather for what it is!
Keep those windows open (those doors too, if you can), let the breeze flow and the summer sales roll in. Happy Summer, everybody!
