SLR p8-9 news Nov08.qxp 31/10/2008 17:10 Page 8
news
Shoppers save
£800m by simply
Heroic Scots paper boy
shopping locally
Over 20 million people a day
UK’s top deliverer
now walk to their local shop;
according to research
commissioned by My Shop is
Your Shop and Unilever’s Flora
and Persil brands.
This research has revealed a
short walk to the local
independently owned store is
saving British shoppers over
£2m per day in fuel costs.
Campaigners say the credit
crunch allied to increasing
consumer awareness of climate
change issues and higher fuel
costs is providing a new
platform from which small shops
can begin a new drive for
increased shopper visits.
According to the study of
20,000 shopping transactions,
which involved 52 retailers this
year, it’s not only the credit
crunch and rising fuel prices that
play a major part in the
increasing number of Britons
walking to the shops, but also
the worry about carbon
emissions.
Commenting on the findings
of this study, Alan Toft, chairman
of The My Shop is Your Shop
Campaign, said: “This data gives
the independent sector a new
basis for increased footfall.
Small shops are a community
amenity entirely divorced from
the large multiples who are
marketing their offering based
on price.
“With petrol prices reaching
higher levels, people are
increasingly starting to shun
their cars and walk to the shops A heroic Scottish paperboy who He was presented with a trophy, his friend Aaron Baines came
instead. The benefits of this are rescued a deaf pensioner and his a cheque for £300 and a across the burning house. While
threefold – it’s good for people’s wife from their burning home has mountain bike from National Aaron ran back to the shop to
health and wealth; great for the been named the UK’s Top News Federation of Retail Newsagents fetch help, Ian banged on the door
planet and also excellent news Deliverer. (NFRN) vice president Solly to raise the alarm. After getting no
for Independent shopkeepers.” Fifteen year old Ian Scott led Khonat and comedian Tony response but knowing the couple
Toft said retailers should use William and Margaret Wilkes to Hawks. were inside, he forced his way
the theme of Walk & Shop and safety after spotting the blazing The News Deliverer of the Year into the house and led Mr and
point out to their customers the house while out on his paper Award is presented annually by Mrs Wilkes to safety.
environmental and cost benefits round – but his efforts only came the NFRN, the trade association Ian was nominated for the
resulting from using their store. to light after his parents spotted that represents the interests of award by his employer Sauro
ACS Chief Executive James that the headphones on his iPod independent newsagents and Biondi of Muirend Lane News in
Lowman said: “This research had melted. convenience stores, for Clacton Road, Glasgow. Mr Biondi
adds to the growing weight of For his bravery, Ian was outstanding commitment to news said: “Not only is Ian an extremely
evidence that people are looking proclaimed News Deliverer of the delivery. brave lad, he is a first class news
to local shops to support them Year at a glittering ceremony in It was just after leaving deliverer. He does two paper
as costs rise and income falls. London on Wednesday October Muirend Lane News where he rounds a day but is always happy
22. works as a paperboy that Ian and to help.”
8 l SCOTTISH LOCAL RETAILER l NOVEMBER 2008
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56