This year marks 40 years since Kel and Colleen Campbell started Kel Campbell Pty Ltd, and the company is showing no signs of slowing down. From what started as Kel and Colleen alongside one driver and one part-time yard-hand/driver, the company has grown to now include Campbell Petroleum Distributors, Kel Campbell Fuel Haulage, and Breeze Convenience. The company now employs over 150 people and has diversified from being an Ampol Agent on commission to having over 100 million litres of its own customers, operating a dozen retail sites, and having 32 fuel trucks. Tim Campbell, Managing Director of Kel Campbell Pty Ltd, said he puts the company’s longevity down to trust. “Kel has instilled quality ethics through all staff and our dealings with others.  We’re a fair and equitable company and do not enter into agreements that would disadvantage customers or suppliers. These same ethics are passed to the next…

Discover the key takeaways from our latest grocery retail channel report. The latest forecast report from IGD on the UK’s retail grocery channels is now available, detailing expected growth rates for the period between 2024 and 2029. Real terms market growth to return in 2024 The grocery retail market is expected to grow by 5.8% in 2024, reaching £252 bn. From 2025 onwards, market growth will average 3.4% a year, to reach £296 bn in 2029. A positive for the industry is that real terms market growth will return in 2024, at 2.4%. However, from 2025 onwards, real-term growth is expected to remain below 1.0% per year.  Throughout the forecast period, inflation will be the main driver of growth. Whilst earlier forecasts had predicted a period of deflation towards the end of 2024, IGD’s latest view is that the market won’t experience deflation at any point between 2024 to 2029.…

Australian retail sales slightly rose year over year in May as shoppers took advantage of early end-of-financial-year (EOFY) promotions and sales events. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data showed that retail sales totaled $35.94 billion during the month. “Retail businesses continue to rely on discounting and sales events to stimulate discretionary spending, following restrained spending in recent months,” said Robert Ewing, ABS head of business statistics. Food retail sales grew 3.0 per cent to $14.36 billion while household goods sales increased 0.1 per cent to $5.73 billion. Meanwhile, clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing fell 0.2 per cent to $2.98 billion. Department store sales also declined 1.7 per cent to $1.90 billion. Cafes, restaurants and takeaway climbed 0.9 per cent to $5.39 billion while other retailing rose 3 per cent to $5.61 billion. “These early promotions and sales follow the same trend we saw in November last year, when retailers offered large…

Car wash subscriptions have surpassed trend status and have become a must-have for convenience stores. Subscription programs are the ultimate, extreme loyalty programs, giving customers a frictionless and contactless solution and ensuring recurring revenue for retailers. Subscriptions reward customers and transform the entire shopping experience. Beyond stamps and points rewards that customers earn, subscription programs offer customers the luxury of “unlimited” products each month. Customers will be drawn to the program’s simplicity and irresistibly clear, consistent perks. Subscription programs are seamless, rewarding experiences that keep customers coming back. The number of retailers offering car wash subscription programs has grown exponentially in recent years, especially in the North American convenience market following global success at companies like Circle K.  Circle K’s Global Car Wash Subscription Success Circle K, operated by Canada’s Alimentation Couche-Tard, has become one the most widely recognized convenience store brands, known worldwide for quality products and great customer…

Regulations enforceable 1 September 2024 There are new laws coming into effect in Queensland from 1 September 2024which mean that knives and other items will be considered controlled items. Sellers must ensure knives and other controlled items are not sold to minors under 18 years and this will require age checks, staff instruction, in-store signage, and advertising restrictions. Some knives, such as those made from plastic or with a rounded end, are exempt. Particular controlled items, such as axes, machetes, and swords, cannot be sold to minors but must also be securely stored prior to sale, such as in locked cabinets or tethered so they cannot be removed without staff assistance. Restricted items, such as gel blasters which could be mistaken for real firearms, cannot be sold to minors, must be securely stored, and have additional obligations for both sellers and buyers. Information and support for business – Laws impacting…