Retailer and redistributor Company Shop Group is urging retailers to consider where stock can be best utilised through redistribution throughout the Christmas period and beyond as it gears up to handle more than 12,000 tonnes of surplus. The Group pays companies for their surplus, and as a result, it expects to return at least £11.5m back to the industry on otherwise wasted stock.
In the last three years, the firm, which operates 14 Company Shop stores and 12 Community Shops across England and Scotland selling discounted surplus produce, has redistributed over 500,000 turkeys, 100 miles worth of wrapping paper, and almost 1.3 million mince pies.
During the three-year period, 73% of the turkey products, mince pies, Christmas puddings and wrapping paper handled were sold by Company Shop Group from January onwards. In fact, its latest member survey revealed that 87% are happy to consume festive treats after their metaphorical sell-by date, with 46% recognising that the products are perfectly good at any time of year, in addition to the economic and environmental benefits.
With one third of consumers saying they will spend less on Christmas groceries this year (KPMG), Company Shop Group believes stores are likely to be left with excess stock even before the Christmas countdown is over.
At a time when businesses are experiencing increased squeezes on margins and looking to maximise the value of all possible assets, the Group claims to provide ”a valuable one stop shop solution to any disappointing seasonal sell-through”.
Owen McLellan, managing director of Company Shop Group said:
“The festive trading period is an incredibly important time for retailers and manufacturers, as well as being a special occasion for families across the UK.
“Given our unique position as both a retailer and the UK’s largest redistributor, we are proud to be supporting thousands of families to access high-quality, low-cost products which help stretch budgets over the festive season and beyond.
“To help stop unnecessary waste over the trading period, alongside providing financial returns, we are urging retailers and manufacturers to consider where stock can be best utilised through redistribution, both during but most importantly after the Christmas period itself.
“Where inevitable surplus occurs, our surplus hotline is available with a team of experts on standby to handle and redistribute surplus stock with financial, social and environmental returns from across the supply chain no matter the time of year.”
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