Firm kickstarts cool new idea (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Firm kickstarts cool new idea

A SWINDON-based chilled food firm is investing more than £1.5 million in a new scheme for convenience stores next year.

Kerry Foods Direct To Store, based in Dorcan, will be rolling out its new Kerry Kickstart scheme from mid-February, and the company says the project could create a boost to local jobs.

The Kickstart scheme will see the creation of a team of trained experts who will visit a store and show managers how to make the best use of their available space inside freezers and chiller cabinets to maximise shop sales.

KFDTS sales and marketing director Paul Stubbins said: "As market leader we are using our presence and influence to boost the sector.

"Firstly, presentation and execution is crucial in retail just look at the way the multiples operate.

"It's vital that independent retailers have the correct mix of products and that they are displayed in the right way. The Kickstart team can help our customers achieve this."

"Whether your chiller cabinet is big or small our Kickstart team will show the in-store team how to maximise the available space.

"Stores will also benefit from complementary products to quite literally 'kick start' the process."

The Kickstart team will also look at other factors affecting a retailer's business, including catchment area, consumer profile and opening hours.

Mr Stubbins said the initiative had already met with an encouraging response from main suppliers who gave Kickstart their full backing.

The company already has a nationwide network of 34 depots and 400 temperature-controlled vans serving 16,000 outlets.

Mr Stubbins added: "Through our van sales representatives, we'll also monitor customers' on-going sales performance and because we will deliver six times a week we can keep shelves replenished and update new promotions and products."

Last year the company announced that it would be opening a 60,000ft regional distribution centre on the Dorcan industrial estate responsible for delivering food, including Walls, Mattessons, Frijj and Heinz sandwiches.