kwiksave Returns to the High Street
11/05/2012
The famous kwiksave name returned to the high street today with the opening of the first all-new convenience format store in Little Lever, Bolton.
Now owned by Costcutter Supermarkets Group, the kwiksave brand has evolved into a market-leading convenience offer and is part of the company’s three fascia convenience strategy. The new stripped back convenience format presents a quality retail environment for customers, whilst offering low prices and great value, heralding the beginning of a new-era for the famous high street brand.
The kwiksave fascia is part of Costcutter Supermarkets Group’s three fascia convenience strategy – kwiksave, Costcutter and myCostcutter – which provides retailers with a flexible option for their store and the world class support retailers have come to expect from Costcutter Supermarkets Group. kwiksave delivers a quality retail product that is perfect for entrepreneurial retailers who are looking for flexibility, with a strong, recognisable brand that customers will resonate with.
The new black and red kwiksave logo hints at the original brand’s colours, conveying a core value message whilst remaining instantly recognisable. kwiksave retailer, Bhavesh Parekh, commented: “It is really exciting to be the first new kwiksave store to open. We are at the heart of the local community and it is vitally important to us that we provide good quality products and exceptional value to our customers and the kwiksave brand allows us to do this. The response from the local community has been fantastic and we’ve already seen a massive uplift of new customers since the fascia was installed.”
Ian Bishop, Marketing Director of Costcutter Supermarkets Group, said: “kwiksave is very strong brand that is synonymous with value, and this commitment remains at the heart of our new offer. kwiksave retailers will benefit from the same world class service given to all our retailers, with a dedicated marketing strategy and exceptional promotional offers. Bhavesh’s store looks fantastic and underlines that a ‘low prices, great value’ proposition can be achieved without compromising store standards and the consumer shopping experience.”
He added: “The launch of the first new kwiksave store is a clear signal of our intent to ensure that Costcutter Supermarkets Group continues to lead the way with best in class solutions for retailers. Our three fascia convenience strategy, coupled with the imminent roll out of our Rhythm & Booze off licence franchise package, ensures we have the very best solutions for retailers that will enable them to significantly grow their business.”
The second kwiksave store is due to open next month in Scotland.
Costcutter launches Scottish in-store radio station
03/04/2012
Costcutter Supermarkets Group has today launched its new in-store radio station specifically for its Scottish retailers.
Originally launched in 1996, Costcutter’s ‘InTune’ radio station provides retailers with a great mix of music, news and the opportunity to promote the fantastic in-store offers to customers. Following significant retailer recruitment in Scotland over the last 12 months a new dedicated service has now been developed, with its very own DJ, branding, offers and promotions.
Ian Bishop, Costcutter Marketing Director, said: “With the growth in Scottish retailer recruitment we felt that now was the perfect time to launch a bespoke service in Scotland. It gives our Scottish retailers a real point of difference and also provides our many suppliers with the opportunity to deliver offers specifically for our Scottish retailers and customers.”
Costcutter Retailers Scoop Top Awards
16/03/2012
Congratulations to three Costcutter retailers who are celebrating after scooping top industry honours at high profile award ceremonies.
Malcolm Cheema, who owns Malcolm’s Store Costcutter in Tile Hill, Coventry was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at Convenience Store Magazine’s Convenience Retail Awards in London. The store was also highly commended in the Best Independent Store category.
In Scotland Jay Javid’s Costcutter on Glasgow Road, Paisley, was named the Symbol Store of the Year at the Scottish Grocer’s annual awards event.
Costcutter Retains Warwick University
11/01/2012
Costcutter Supermarkets Group has secured a five year trading agreement with the University of Warwick.
Following a competitive and thorough tendering process, Costcutter has retained the supply contract to operate the campus’s 7500 sq ft store which has traded under the Costcutter fascia since 1998.
Mark Potter, University of Warwick Retail Operations Director said: “Costcutter has a proven track record when it comes to providing best in class for service, value and overall package. In partnership with Country Choice, Costcutter has already successfully delivered the UK’s first Pasta Pronto “food to go” concept in store, and further development work on our hot and cold food offer will be undertaken as part of our new trading agreement.”
Nick Ivel, Costcutter Chief Executive said: “The University of Warwick is a very important customer for Costcutter and we are delighted that our offering still comes out top, despite healthy competition from others in the convenience sector.”
Mr Potter concluded: “Our partnerships with external suppliers are of significant importance to us as we strive to meet our aim of becoming one of the best university’s in the world. The contract extension with Costcutter demonstrates their continuing ability to meet and exceed our needs with innovative and bespoke retail solutions that work.”
Round the world yacht race
12/09/2011
Costcutter Supermarkets Group is proud to sponsor Costcutter retailer, Richard Williams, as he embarks on the famous Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.
Mr Williams, who has recently completed a substantial investment programme in his store to improve the service and shopping experience for his regular and loyal shoppers, received a donation from the symbol group head office to help his fundraising efforts.
One of only 450 official crew members selected to take part in the race, Richard is taking time out from his thriving store to complete the gruelling challenge. He said: “I’m delighted to receive this support from Costcutter for my Clipper adventure.”
He added: “I have every confidence that the improvements we’ve made to the store and the investment in the team will ensure that we continue to deliver the best possible service to our customers and terrific local value offers whilst I’m away.”
Nick Ivel, Costcutter Managing Director, said: “The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is a once in a lifetime opportunity and Costcutter is delighted to support Richard in this incredible challenge. Richard is a committed Costcutter retailer and he sets sail with our very best wishes.”
Richard is part of a fleet of ten 68 foot yachts that are circumnavigating 40,000 miles of ocean in 11 months.
New Costcutter stores
12/09/2011
Costcutter continued its consumer engagement programme with a trio of retailer fun days to mark the re-opening of three stores.
Following significant store re-developments, Costcutter retailers in South Cave, Hockley and Coventry held family fun days to raise their profile in the community and attract new and existing shoppers to the new-look stores. Whilst each retailer delivered a unique customer experience, all three followed the principles of shopper engagement including one-off promotional offers, in-store theatre and special guests with MP David Davis turning out in South Cave, Mayor, Cllr Mulhall in Coventry and Johnny Depp – albeit a lookalike – in Hockley.
Nick Ivel, Costcutter Managing Director, said: “We actively encourage our retailers to interact and engage with their customers at every opportunity and a store re-opening after a development project is an ideal vehicle to create some theatre and give something extra to the community they operate in.” Mr Ivel added: “The Costcutter store opening fun day package provides additional support to retailers, allowing them to generate maximum awareness for their store. Through competitions, entertainment and POS, Costcutter supports retailers to make the most of their events and the investment in their store.”
Paul Cheema, Director of Malcolm’s Store in Coventry, commented: “We have put considerable effort and investment into making our Costcutter store the number one choice for locals and the fun day was an opportunity to have some fun and show everyone the refurbished store.” He continued: “As well as numerous activities which took place throughout the day, including a free BBQ, courtesy of Heinz and Allied Bakeries, kid’s entertainment and a National Lottery promotional unit, we created some extra special deals on a range of everyday essential items to allow shoppers to take advantage of our exceptional local value. Working closely with Costcutter, our key suppliers and ACS proved the key ingredient in the success of the day, which saw a consistent crowd of over 300 people outside the store throughout the day.”
Peter Woods had to close his Hockley Costcutter store as a result of fire and smoke damage. On completion of significant refurbishment work he decided to host a re-opening for his loyal locals. Peter said: “We know our success is down to our customers and their willingness to support us so we felt it was vital to involve them in our re-opening. Creating standout activity is increasingly important with the competition we face and the Costcutter fun day was a successful way of doing just that.”
Retailer Phil Arundel’s South Cave opening with MP David Davis was one of the largest and most successful retailer events to date, and provided a mechanic to re-engage and harness consumer loyalty.
Community Hero
16/08/2011
Costcutter retailers, Paul and Pinder Cheema have been shortlisted for another industry award, which recognises their unwavering commitment to their community.
Hot on the heels of their recent Asian Trader, Spirit of the Community award success, the Cheema family are one of four retailers to be shortlisted in the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) annual Community Hero Award which is designed to celebrate the role of local shops in the communities they are nestled in.
Nick Ivel, Costcutter Managing Director said: “Never more have independent retailers needed to cement their position at the heart of their community, and the Cheema family are a shining example of how to do this to maximum effect. “Already recognised for their excellent work to develop and harness relationships with their customers, this latest nomination is testament to their continued efforts which not only impress their customers, but help ensure they keep coming back.”
James Lowman, ACS chief executive, said: “The quality of entries this year has been outstanding. The four retailers that have made it through have shown without a doubt that they have made a difference in their communities and deserve to be shortlisted to be presented with the award at Summit11 on 1 March. “The finalists for this award exemplify the crucial role that local shops play at the heart of their communities.”
As well as supporting their local sports teams, the Cheema family have implemented a range of community initiatives including holding Neighbourhood Watch groups at the store and putting on extra special events such as a Christmas carol concert with food for the locals to enjoy. All four finalists are guests of ACS at the annual Summit conference on 1 March, where the winner will be announced.
To find out more information on why they have been shortlisted and to vote for the Cheema family, visit www.acs.org.uk/communityheroes