Following his recent letter to retailers (see PayPoint CEO pens mea culpa to miffed merchants), PayPoint CEO Nick Wiles has written an update detailing several new business changes, "all driven by feedback from our retailer partners".
Wiles stresses he is acting on promises he made previously, explaining that "It is important to me that positive words are backed up by positive action – I trust that these changes reinforce my personal commitment to rebuild our relationships with you, engage with you more regularly and strengthen our proposition to deliver better products, service and value to you and your business."
The new changes he outlines are as follows:
1. Balance of contract charges
"Balance of contract charges are an area that our retailer partners have asked us to take action on. We have listened and will be reducing and simplifying the fees applicable when such charges apply. These changes are due to take effect in October this year and we hope this will give our retailer partners a more straightforward understanding of what to expect, whilst covering modest operational costs for the removal of devices and services from stores."
2. PPoS Service Fee
"Following feedback and consultation with our retailer partners, we are further simplifying the pricing model for our PPoS solution in stores, which will reduce existing service fees for a number of our retailer partners, as well as ease the introduction of fees for those that do not currently pay. We will shortly write to all PPoS retailers confirming details of this new model which will come into effect from September 2021."
3. Retailer Rewards App
"We have also recently launched the MyStore+ rewards app to all our retailer partners, who will now be able to access exclusive rewards, category advice, and up to date brand news. The partnership with McCurrach, a leading multi service marketing agency, has launched with exclusive offers enabling you to earn up to £29 for simply stocking certain products and scanning them on the app. This new development forms part of our broader commitment to strengthening our propositions to deliver better products, service and value to your business."
4. Snappy Shopper
"We have partnered with Snappy Shopper, the fast-growing home delivery app, to give our retailer partners the ability to offer customers a convenient home delivery and click and collect option. The PayPoint One system will integrate directly with the Snappy Shopper platform, meaning there is no need for additional kit or technology. There is a simple suitability check, designed to ensure that a store has the potential to operate a delivery service profitably, then retailers will benefit from a fast set-up process, customer service support seven days a week, and wide-reaching marketing support. Our partnership with Snappy Shopper supports local retailers to cater to the rising demand for fast, convenient fulfilment while future-proofing their business. As a PayPoint retailer partner, you will benefit from a 50% discount off the sign-up fee, subject to reaching pre-agreed performance criteria."
5. PayPoint Business Finance provided by YouLend
"We have also partnered with YouLend, an alternative business finance company, to provide PayPoint card payment retailer partners with fast and flexible funding offers. Eligible* retailers will now receive communications from PayPoint with their personalised pre-qualified funding offer, allowing them to apply online direct with YouLend for a lump sum of
funding.
"This type of fast and flexible funding can help retailers focus on growth, whether it’s creating new jobs, investing in new projects, buying stock or simply boosting cash flow. We have seen good early interest from our retailer partners, with applications already in the process of being approved.
*Eligibility criteria will apply – only available to existing PayPoint card payment customers who have not signed up to Cardnet Net Settlement. Business must be trading for a minimum of six months and processing a minimum of £1,500 in card transactions per month. Two types of financing products are available:
1) Cash Advance – this is a sale of receivables only, not a loan.
2) Loan Advance – this product is only available to incorporated entities.
Retailers across Britain have warned of potential price increases and store closures following a bleak Christmas trading period, as consumers grapple with relentless cost-of-living pressures.
Fresh data from Rendle Intelligence and Insights paints a challenging picture for UK retail in the lead-up to Christmas. Footfall in the final full week of trading was down by a significant 11.4 per cent compared to the same period last year.
“Super Saturday,” traditionally the year's busiest shopping day, offered little relief.
Footfall on the day was only 4.1 per cent higher than the previous Saturday and a mere 0.9 per cent higher than the equivalent day in 2023.
These lukewarm figures follow a Black Friday that saw a modest 5.5 per cent uplift in footfall year-on-year, as shoppers appeared to prioritise discounted deals over last-minute festive spending.
Diane Wehrle, CEO of Rendle, highlighted the stark reality, “The disappointing results, coinciding with news that the UK economy showed no growth between July and September, underscore the severe cost pressures faced by households amid prolonged high inflation.
“It appears this Christmas has been disastrous for retail, and a bad omen for 2025.”
Official data also showed that retail sales in the UK fell short of expectations in November despite shops starting to cut prices early as part of Black Friday discounting.
Sales volumes rose by a weaker-than-expected 0.2 per cent month-on-month in November, having fallen by 0.7 per cent in October, new data from the Office for National Statistics shows.
Early retail sales data for December showed little sign of improvement.
Meanwhile, retailers body British Retail Consortium (BRC) has also warned of “spending squeeze” in January 2025.
BRC-Opinium figures released on Monday (23) suggest that public confidence in the state of the economy nosedived in December, falling eight points to minus 27.
The public’s spending intentions, both in retail and beyond, dropped six points, with expectations of spending in nearly every retail category falling.
Helen Dickinson, the BRC’s chief executive, stated, "The weak spending intentions could pave the way for a challenging year for retailers, who face being buffeted by low consumer demand and £7 billion of new costs from the budget set to hit the industry in 2025.
“With sales growth unable to keep pace, retailers will have no choice but to raise prices or cut costs, closing stores and freezing recruitment.”
November’s sharp rise in inflation is expected to dampen festive spirits and restrict spending despite household’s being better off compared with last year, warned a recent report.
November marked a second consecutive month of faster price rises according to the latest figures from Asda’s Income Tracker published on Monday (23), with families across the UK continuing to face rising inflationary pressures.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) accelerated to 2.6 per cent in November – up from 1.7 per cent in September and 2.3 per cent in October – driven by the transport sector and higher clothing and footwear prices.
CEBR, who produce the Income Tracker on behalf of Asda, has forecast that inflation is set to remain above the 2.0 per cent target in the coming months, with energy prices and wage growth responsible for driving further higher essential costs.
Despite inflationary pressures, household spending power continues to improve year-on-year. Average household disposable incomes grew by 10.5 per cent in November, marking six consecutive months of double-digit increases.
The average UK household was £23.74 per week better off in November compared to a year earlier and had £249 per week to spend after paying bills and essentials, providing some relief for families as they get ready for the big day.
Reacting to this month’s Income Tracker, Sam Miley, Managing Economist and Forecasting Lead at CEBR, said, “The Income Tracker saw a slowdown in growth in November, driven by accelerating inflation.
"That said, spending power has continued to increase, with the Tracker having exhibited double-digit growth for sixth consecutive months.
“Spending power amongst households has seen a gradual improvement throughout the year, which is welcomed ahead of the festive period.
"Nevertheless, consumer expenditure over Christmas is still expected to be held back relative to pre-pandemic levels amidst elevated inflation and the lingering effects of the cost-of-living crisis.”
A shop owner found with £5,620 worth of illegal tobacco products on his premises has received a suspended prison sentence and has been left more than £1,000 out of pocket.
As stated by Durham County Council on Monday (23), officers from community protection special investigations team executed a warrant of entry at Flavour Vapes in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, after the business failed two test purchases operations.
Magistrates in Newton Aycliffe heard that during the first test purchase operation, an employee of the shop was seen showing customers a range of five electronic cigarettes.
The undercover officer observed that the vessel size of the vapes contravened the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 and issued a warning.
The following month, a follow-up test purchase was conducted, and illegal cigarettes were purchased, leading to the warrant being executed.
Hardy Hassan, owner of Flavour Vapes, which has ceased trading, pleaded guilty to presenting for sale nicotine containing liquid within a disposable electronic cigarette in a volume exceeding 2ml, selling or distributing cigarettes and tobacco products bearing a sign identical to, or likely to be mistaken for, a registered trademark, supplying tobacco products which contravened packaging colour requirements and supplying tobacco products which contravened health warning requirements.
Hassan apologised and told the court he did not know the products were counterfeit. He was sentenced to a total of six months in custody, suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to pay costs of £1,010.10 and a £154 victim surcharge.
Gary Carr, our strategic regulation manager, said: "The sale of illegal tobacco is a serious crime that causes significant harm to our communities. Not only does it have an adverse impact on the sales of law-abiding retailers, but it can attract other forms of criminality into local neighbourhoods.
"It also makes it easier for children to smoke due to the lower prices charged, and it robs the public purse of tax revenues that support vital services.
"Mr Hassan has left court with a prison sentence hanging over him. If he is caught trading in counterfeit goods again within the next 12 months, he will go to jail, and I hope this serves as a warning to others who flout the flaw."
Retailers could find themselves facing a New Year spending squeeze as public confidence in the state of the economy took a nosedive, show recent industry data.
According to BRC-Opinium data released today (23), consumer expectations over the next three months of their personal financial situation remained at -3 in December, the same as in November.
Confidence in state of the economy worsened to -27 in December, down from -19 in November. Confidence on personal spending on retail also fell while confidence in personal spending overall dropped to +11 in December, down from +17 in November.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said,“Public confidence in the state of the economy took a nosedive, falling 8pts to -27.
"This created a widening gap between expectations of the economy and of people’s own finances, which remained unchanged. Perceptions were heavily skewed by age, with 18 to 35 year olds considerably more upbeat than older generations on both questions.
"The public’s spending intentions – both in retail and beyond – dropped 6pts, with expectations of spending in nearly every retail category falling. If these expectations are realised, retailers could find themselves facing a New Year spending squeeze just as they unveil their January sales.
“The weak spending intentions could pave the way for a challenging year for retailers, who face being buffeted by low consumer demand and £7bn of new costs from the Budget set to hit the industry in 2025."
Dickinson added that with sales growth unable to keep pace, retailers will have no choice but to raise prices or cut costs – closing stores and freezing recruitment.
"To mitigate the impact this will have on growth, Government must ensure that its proposed business rates reform does not result in any shops paying higher rates than they already do," she said.
With Christmas spirit in full swing, convenience retailers across the UK are stepping up to spread joy, warmth, and a sense of togetherness within their communities.
From heartwarming events to dazzling decorations, convenience stores are going beyond their daily operations to create magical moments for customers.
Asian Trader reports on some of the most delightful initiatives, showcasing how independent retailers continue to be the beacons of holiday cheer in the communities.
One such magical event unfolded at the One Stop Carlton Convenience store in Salford, where retailer Priyesh Vekaria hosted the enchanting Santa’s Supercar Sleigh Event.
Vekaria wrote, "It was a day filled with joy, laughter, and the unmistakable magic of Christmas. From the wonder in children’s eyes as they met Santa to the heartfelt connections shared among neighbors, this event was a beautiful reminder of what makes the holiday season so special."
"This event wasn’t just about spreading holiday cheer; it was about celebrating the connections that bring us closer as a community. It reminded us that when we come together with kindness and collaboration, we create something truly magical."
Meanwhile, over at the One Stop Mount Nod store, retailer Aman Uppal went above and beyond to immerse the store in festive spirit.
Lavish decorations transformed the space into a winter wonderland, captivating customers and elevating their holiday experience.
Coca-Cola Christmas activations added an extra sparkle, with the iconic Coca-Cola truck displayed inside and a stunning LED screen outside the store bringing the magic to life.
Elsewhere in Powys, Wales, independent retailer Trudy Davies is filled with Christmas spirit as her store, Woosnam and Davies News, has a host of things to offer as giveaway this festive season from Santa hats to bird seeds packets.
In her signature style, Davies also drove "Made With Llani Love" Christmas-special campaign for festive times by encouraging locals to donate wool while members from the community knit blankets, hats, mitts, booties to be donated to a charity and local hospital.
In Telford, independent retailer Julie Kaur is proving to be a real-life Santa for her community.
Her store Premier Jules has been hosting a Christmas fair, in collaboration with local council and schools, for past two years.
Now in its third year, the event has become a cherished tradition, bringing people together and spreading the festive spirit far and wide.
Westerhope convenience store
Up in Edinburgh, Sophie Williams of Premier Broadway Convenience Store believes in involving the community around this festive times.
This year, she organised a school choir to perform outside her store, filling the air with joyful carols.
To enhance the celebrations, she handed out mince pies and chocolates, spreading sweetness and cheer.
Meanwhile in Newcastle Upon Tyne, independent retailer Sheraz Awan, owner of Sheraz’s Westerhope convenience store, is making sure that no one in the community goes without supplies.
Awan runs food donation campaigns throughout the year, completely funded by the store.
He has geared up the campaign around festive times to give bread packets as giveaway to those in need. The store will remain open on Christmas as well while Awan is hoping to giveaway about "1000 items of food" this year.
He wrote, "Remember, Christmas is upon us. Not everyone will have food on the table with loving family surrounding them."
Awan is also calling on suppliers and wholesalers to help and contribute in this cause.