Edinburgh store highlighted for its innovative store format
Scotmid’s Barnton store in Edinburgh has been shortlisted for a prestigious IGD award, recognising innovation in its store format.
Over the last year, Scotmid Barnton has been transformed to differentiate it from competitors and create a unique shopping experience for customers. The store encompasses a new approach to technology, customer service, local sourcing and ranging, community involvement and space allocation. This has led to a ten-fold increase in profit and being shortlisted for the inaugural IGD Innovative Store Format of the Year Award, sponsored by McCurrach.
A host of new customer services have been introduced, including an in-store bakery, artisan breads from The Breadwinner Bakery, freshly ground coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice. The range of fresh produce, craft beer and specialty wines, meat and fish, and products from local suppliers have all been expanded to give customers a greater choice and variety. The design, layout and format of the store have also been modernised and enhanced to improve the shopping environment.
One of the key innovations has been the installation of a new interactive touch screen, which is used to communicate with shoppers and engage with the local community. Customers can use the touchscreen to find out about community events, news and special offers. The interactive screen can also be used to give feedback to staff and find out about Scotmid’s work with local suppliers, as well as charity and community activities.
Tom Gibson, Scotmid Marketing Manager said: “Scotmid Barnton is an innovative blueprint for our stores of the future. When major competition arrived on the doorstep of Scotmid Barnton, we knew we needed to ‘innovate to differentiate’. It was our objective to build a convenience store that not only provided for all the needs of the local customers, but also played a key role in the local community. We are delighted to have been shortlisted in the IGD awards and we are looking forward to finding out if we’ve taken out the top prize.”
Joanne Denney-Finch, IGD chief executive, said: “This year’s Awards received the highest number of entries we’ve ever had. So making it through to the finalist stage is a great achievement, demonstrating real leadership, innovation and excellence. “The Awards are a great opportunity to showcase the very best the food and consumer goods industry has to offer and the positive impact companies and individuals are delivering for consumers and employees. The finalists and winners are judged by leading experts across the food and consumer goods supply chain. “I look forward to announcing the winners at our Awards ceremony on 7 October.”
The Innovative Store Format of the Year Award recognises the company that has delivered an original store format that enhances the customer experience and shows the retailer’s strategic thinking.
The shortlist and winners are picked by some of the industry’s top personnel, including representatives from IGD, leading retailers, food manufacturers and experts in their respective fields. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 7th October, which will be hosted by television and radio presenter Gabby Logan.