SnapShop Blog
|
|
Hot Topic |
| |
Posted At: 05 February 2010 16:44 PM
Related Categories: Retailers, Social Commentary |
| |
You know, I can’t even remember how I stumbled upon this gem of a blog topic yesterday; I must have read something throughout the day that lead me down the long dark path into researching…self heating food products
Stick with me here.
You must remember those little coffee cans you used to be able to get at the supermarket – you pop a button in the bottom, give it a shake and hey presto you’ve got third degree burns and lovely nice hot coffee…? Yes, well, you can get food that does that now you know. Whole meals, in fact!
Actually, it seems like there is a whole sector out there based on the innovation, production and retailing of self-heating products, and its not a new thing. Self-heating food was first produced for mountaineers and explorers in the 1900s, and they even appeared in the rations available in the Second World War! Fascinating.
And it’s not just cans. Oh no. One particular company that I came across in my research has to get special kudos, for they have invented…wait for it… self-heating cups, fondue kits, ‘containers’, business lunch (??!) and 3 course meals. Bargan Innovation Production Group, if you’re interested. I wish we could post pictures on the SnapShop blog, because the picture of their self-heating 3 course meal is amazing.
As far as I could see, these meals were not in stock at any of the outdoor retailers on the high street, which is just barmy. Surely this sort of stuff would be great for the novice/lazy camper or unfussy festival goer? Blacks, Millets, Go Outdoors (they have pouches, but not the self-heating container bit I got with mine); none of them had what I was looking for. I’m sort of convinced that offering these a bit cheaper/as part of a festival/summer camping kit would be a great hit. Ok, so this is mainly my desperate attempt at linking this topic to retailing, but you know, its products like this that get peoples attention. I’d never heard of such a thing until stumbling upon it, and I’m sure the majority of non-hardcore-outdoor-types will feel the same – “I don’t know why, but I want some!” – so why aren’t they in stores? A bit of innovation might shake this sector up – especially when we all know you can get a tent just as good from Wilkinsons and Tesco, these days.
Finally, if you’re interested, a review of the products that I tested…
I ordered sausage and beans in a can from Hotcan and an All Day Breakfast pouch from Autochef.
The Hotcan was definitely the easiest of the two products to use, the cheapest (by 1p – both cost around £4), and the contents were edible. The method for activating the magic chemicals inside involves sticking a metal spike (included) into some holes and standing well back. It kind of sounded like the can might explode – some bubbling and hissing with rising steam was observed – but all was well! The contents didn’t get hot enough for me personally, but it was plenty hot enough to give you a nice hot meal in an emergency. All in all, 4/5 for the Hotcan I think.
The Autochef breakfast was a bit too fiddly for me to recommend in an emergency. The food itself comes in one pack, while the separate heating pack has to be activated with water (provided). You put the food in the hot pack and voilla! Although, be warned, the pack gets very hot and is not protected by cushioning as the can – actually, it got so hot I moved it out of the carboard box I’d stood it in into the metal sink, concerned that I may set the office on fire! Not only that, but leaning over to smell it (not sure why!) resulted in a nose scolded by the steam for intrigued JC, who also burnt her finger on it! I’d not be confident using this in a tent, or anywhere remotely flammable, although I’m sure it wouldn’t be on sale if such things could occur. The contents – pretty much the same as the beans and sausage, with the addition of some tofu-esque omelette and tasteless bacon bits. Alright, but you’d be better off with the straight sausage/beans combo. 3/5 for Autochef.
Bit of a random blog, I give you, and really only loosely related to retail, but interesting all the same, I hope!
Next mission; to find somewhere that still sells self-heating coffee/tea!
PS: One of our Directors did suggest he’d take 3 week old dead squirrel over our offerings, but frankly, that’s just a negative attitude!
|
|
|
|
FSP Director stands for BCSC Advisory Board |
| |
Posted At: 18 January 2010 11:55 AM
Related Categories: FSP News |
| |
FSP would like to announce that Director Ken Gunn is standing for election to the Advisory Board of the BCSC. This Board supports the Executive Board in determining BCSC's strategy and in adopting a BCSC position on any particular issue.
Following the BCSC Advisory Board Call for Nominations, a ballot is now required. BCSC members can vote for Ken by clicking this link.
Geoff Nicholson, Managing Director at FSP said "Ken has our full support and will be a huge asset to the Advisory Board should the members chose to vote for him"
To find out more about Ken, see his nomination biography, visit our website biography or call him at FSP on 01494 474740. The deadline for voting is 5.00pm on 20 January 2010, with results to be announced at the AGM on 27 January 2010. We thank you for your support.
|
|
|
|
Snow...bloggan! |
| |
Posted At: 08 January 2010 17:14 PM
Related Categories: Social Commentary |
| |
Unless you’ve been under a rock for the past week or so (or somewhere other than the UK, maybe), you can’t have failed to notice that we are currently in the grip of something. Something we still get quite excited about, as it’s a rarity for us Brits. That something is snow. We do get a few flurries every now and then, but at the moment we are under inches. There is a fantastic photograph of the UK from space out there on the ‘net, and if you choose to go and find it, you’ll see to what extent we’ve been affected this deluge.
It’s caused forced days off for workers and school children, staff shortages across the country, including within the emergency services…which have been stretched, due to people slipping on the ice. Shelters for the homeless and the stranded have been opened, and councils across the land have come under the collective public wrath for being tight with the grit. Yes, the snow has been the only news worth reporting since it began on Tuesday, and predictions are that it will be around for some time to come.
But could this actually be a GOOD thing for retailers?
On the negative side, retailers face the same difficulties as everyone else; Sainsbury’s and Tesco have all issued statements claiming that people who do not show up to work because of the snow will not get paid, and keeping deliveries running in this cold weather must be a challenge.
On the positive side, however, we must remember that people are intensely paranoid. Though the snow is not blocking access to doors and windows (in most parts!) we do insist on using the term ‘snowed in’ which only serves to compound our theory that we must…fill our cupboards!
There have been pictures of empty supermarket shelves in the pages of my local newspaper this week, and I’ve witnessed people battling through with their shopping trolleys to get their supplies.
Sainsbury's have said that sales of flasks and travel mugs were up more than 160% on this time last year, while sales of tinned items, hot cereals and candles and matches were also expected to increase.
Online shopping levels are also expected to rise as people are stuck at home and are simply getting bored, and retailers of sledges, rock salt and shovels are all rubbing their hands with glee.
For those unfortunate who do not sell useful goods, though, all is not lost. One comment I found on the Internet suggested this down time has provided a great opportunity to do routine cleaning and maintenance undisturbed.
So whatever situation you find yourself in, remember there is a silver lining! Or should that be a ‘white’ lining…? Sorry!
|
|
|
|
Christmas Sales Report |
| |
Posted At: 08 January 2010 11:58 AM
Related Categories: Retail Statistics, Retailers |
| |
The first round-up of our reported Christmas Sales was issued today, showing positive increases across all sectors for which results have been issued.
The clear leader this year as well as last, was clothing and footwear. Supergroup, parent of ‘now’ brands Superdry and Cult Clothing, have reported the best results so far, at almost a 30% LfL increase.
Online also performed well, with Dominos, M&S, Ocado and Shop Direct Group (operators of woolworths.co.uk) all reporting over 15% total sales change for the Christmas period.
To view the SnapShop Christmas Sales Report, click on the Newsletters tab from the menu bar logged when logged into SnapShop, or sign up to SnapShop FreeZone to get access to this report, and the next 3 updates.
|
|
|
|
2009 Review |
| |
Posted At: 04 January 2010 16:44 PM
Related Categories: Administrations, Future of Retailing, General, Retail, Retailers, Social Commentary |
| |
If you’re anything like me, you’ll be thoroughly confused as to how it can be January 2010 already. 2009 seems to have gone by in a blur of drama and change for the retail world, as the industry struggled to stay afloat in the difficult market conditions.
January was perhaps the most traumatic month, as the final Woolworths store closed and SnapShop record 20 – yes 20 – retailers falling into Administration!
On the flip side of that of course are new market entrants, which also saw a decline in 2009. Falling from 110 in 2008 to 79 between January and December 2009, they struggled to offset the losses felt on the high street.
Interestingly, some retailers who may have been destined to die managed to breathe new life into their lungs by persuading landlords to agree to a CVA. Focus, Blacks and Flannels all took advantage of this rarely-used opportunity.
Though many property developments slowed down as redundancies in the sector increased in abundance, Aberdeen’s Union Square, Bath’s SouthGate scheme and the St David’s 2 shopping centres in Cardiff all opened successfully and continue to trade well.
And finally, towards the end of the year, we though Christmas was doomed as a veil of white snow fell across the country, creating panic and pandemonium amongst the hundreds of men who had left their Christmas shopping till the last minute – again! John Lewis was on hand, however, to provide a bed for those stranded at their High Wycombe store when the blizzards hit – aaaw!
It may not have been the best year, and it may not yet turn out to be the worst, but those who got through it are likely hoping for some reprieve in 2010, so here's hopping they get it!
Also in 2009…
- Co-Op completed its £1.5bn acquisition of Somerfield
- Primark was hit with more controversy over questionable ethics at some of its suppliers
- JJB Sports and Chris Ronnie got into a right old spat, ending with his suspension and a subsequent investigation into his dismissal
- Iceland’s economic crisis threw Baugur into turmoil – it eventually put its stakes in House of Fraser, Hamleys, Aurum and Iceland into Administration in February
- HMV ventured into new things, opening a cinema above one store, Orange concessions on the high street and taking stakes in various music venues
- New Look relocated their head office from Dorset to London
- Jimmy Choo collaborated with H&M
- Best Buy ramped up its UK entrance plans
- And importantly, M&S won its £3.5m teacake tax battle, to determine that teacakes were in fact cake and not chocolate-covered biscuits as they had been taxed for
|
|
|
|
FSP Christmas Office Opening |
| |
Posted At: 23 December 2009 10:00 AM
Related Categories: General |
| |
Please note that the FSP and SnapShop office opening times during the Christmas period are as follows;
Wednesday 23rd December - Open as normal
Thursday 24th December - Closed from 12:30
Friday 25th December - Closed
Monday 28th December - Closed
Tuesday 29th December - Closed
Wednesday 30th December - Closed
Thursday 31st December - Closed
Friday 1st January 2010 - Closed
Monday 4th January 2010 - Open as normal
|
|
|
|
Puuuurfect |
| |
Posted At: 07 December 2009 00:45 AM
Related Categories: Social Commentary |
| |
On Our Travels...
A while ago, there were reports that Middlesbrough was the worst place to live in the UK. Having been there a number of times, I couldn't really see why the town had been singled out for this award. Today, I read something that proves what ever else you say about Middlesbrough, its people have a sense of humour....
Apparently B&Q are currently selling a leopard skin print wall paper, and the top selling store is - you guessed it - the Middlesbrough branch!
Bet Lynch, eat your heart out.
|
|
|
|
Old News |
| |
Posted At: 30 November 2009 17:18 PM
Related Categories: Retailers, Social Commentary |
| |
B&Q can teach us all a thing or two. I’m not talking in terms of sales performance – indeed, they were 4.5% down in the last set of results. No, I mean when it comes to employee relations.
A few weeks ago, B&Q celebrated the birthday of its eldest employee – Mr Sydney Prior, 95. He began working for the retailer at the tender age of 76, and works as a store greeter at their store in New Malden.
In fact, over a quarter of B&Q’s store employees are over 50; I don’t know of any other retailer who can boast statistics like that, do you? It’s an especially surprising thing to hear when you have the ‘hip’ Abercrombie & Fitch’s of the world worrying about employee image so much, and one that I highly commend.
Other B&Q staff incentives include featuring them in their advertisements for the last 12 years; launching a staff bonus scheme; and dishing out some Kingfisher shares.
Its nice to see a retailer realising the important of staff incentive and motivation for a change - and choosing to make head office staff redundant over shop floor workers – though unfortunate for the unlucky 40 or so who lost their jobs – is a refreshing response to the challenges of this tough market.
Well done B&Q – an encouragingly realistic view of the world at last.
|
|
|
|
Borders UK collapses into administration |
| |
Posted At: 27 November 2009 00:17 AM
Related Categories: Administrations |
| |
As predicted by the SnapShop Blog last week, Retail Week has today reported that book chain Borders UK has appointed MCR as administrator. The collapse affects some 1,150 employees.
Borders has been teetering on the brink of collapse since last week when sale talks with potential buyer WH Smith broke down.
Previously part of US Borders Group Inc, Borders is a books retailer with over 40 stores in the UK.
It was acquired by Risk Capital Partners, a Private Equity company, in September 2007, but was then put up for sale in June 2009. In July of the same year, a Management Buyout with backing from Valco Capital Partners was completed.
It is positioned in the Middle sector of the books market and operates out-of-town/non-high street formats as well as traditional high street stores.
|
|
|
|
Burning His Boxers |
| |
Posted At: 11 November 2009 16:14 PM
Related Categories: Social Commentary |
| |
Now, I wouldn’t want to establish this blog as misandrist – which I think I am in danger of doing if I post another blog ranting about men – but spare a little thought won’t you? We women put up with much stupidity, laziness and occasionally ignorance from our other halves on a daily basis, whereas we ourselves are, of course, practically perfect in every way…
Case in point, a story in this weeks’ Drapers magazine states; “[a] survey showed that men relied on their mothers to select underwear throughout their childhood and teenage years and then tended to be independent in their choice between the age of 19 and 36. This 17-year interlude was followed by a lifetime of neglect, as men relied on women to select and purchase underwear.”
Why!? Because we “enjoy” it? The same way that we “enjoy” doing the ironing? Oh no, this one boils down to one thing: lazy, lazy laziness!
Basically, what this research is saying is that men would happily strut around wearing the same pants that they bought when they were 19 (or 36), should someone not come along and take on the massive responsibility of, you know, dressing him! It’s a mother-son relationship isn’t it; the only other person a woman buys y-fronts for is her child, for Pete’s sake! (I bet Pete doesn’t buy his own either). I wonder how long it will be before men get us to give them a quick shave while they’re snoozing in front of the Sunday TV, too?! Forget about burning your bra’s, burn his bloody boxers if you really want some freedom!
Debenhams surveyed 1,000 men about their underwear buying habits during September and October. When asked “do you have any other questions” most replied “it’s our anniversary next week and I want to get her something…what size are you? She looks about your size…”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|