The convenience retail industry is evolving and adapting as consumers needs are changing, more regulatory requirements come into play, new technologies emerge, and competition increases.  

Thankfully, wholesalers are on hand to support convenience retailers to ensure that great service and fair prices are offered to everyone. If you are new to convenience retailing, here are a few things to consider and expect when choosing wholesalers: 

1. Choose your store signage 

When you start in the convenience retail business, one of the first things to figure out before you start sourcing your products is if you’re going to partner up with a symbol group such as Premier, Family Shopper, Nisa, etc. or are you going to be independent with your own signage and buy direct from cash and carry depots. 

There are pros and cons to both options. Joining a symbol wholesale group enables retailers to benefit from advice, best practice support, loyalty rewards, signage, exclusive member deals and promotions.  

On the other hand, you need to decide if you want to take on the commitments that come with a symbol wholesaler membership. You may prefer the autonomy of choosing your own products without restrictions.  

2. Deciding what to sell 

Doing your due diligence is essential when it comes to choosing the right wholesaler. Many retailers these days choose a mix between delivered wholesale and cash and carry to find the right deals for their stores in order to get the full range their customers demand.  

Most wholesalers stock core ranges including own brand, fresh and frozen foods, household and ambient products. They also offer value for money and monthly promotions to help improve your stock turn. More specialist stock lines like flowers or world foods, can be sourced from local specialist wholesalers.  

3. Getting the goods to your store 

The next thing you are going to want to decide is how you’re going to get the goods to your store. Most wholesalers will offer the following services: 

• Cash and Carry – cash and carry wholesale is still a pivotal part of the wholesale channel, with many retailers choosing to use their local depot for top-up missions. 
• Click and Collect – this option is favourable with many retailers who choose to order online and collect from their depot the same day, at a time that suits them. 
• Delivered service – more retailers than ever are now choosing a delivery service as their preferred method of receiving stock. Mobile apps mean you no longer need to leave your store to place orders, saving you time to focus on running your business.  

How does PayPoint make wholesale shopping easier? 

When PayPoint launched the PayPoint One EPoS solution in November 2017, the accompanying mobile app was quickly recognised by users as a game-changing evolution. The technology meant that for the first time you could carry your store in your pocket, enabling retailers to check stock volumes, manage prices and promotions, and book in stock from the wholesalers or any other location on their smartphone. 

In May 2018, we launched the PayPoint One EPoS link for Nisa retailers. This means that Nisa affiliated retailers can benefit from automatic product file downloads to maintain prices and descriptions, monthly consumer deals and place orders directly with Nisa.  

As the PayPoint One platform expands more supplier links will be added to benefit retailers.