Gill Marsh Forecourts estimates it will be £26,000 better off this year by adding its three petrol filling stations to the Gander waste reduction consumer app.
In its first six months the Total Energies dealer estimates it has processed more than 47,560 short shelf-life items through the app, recovering over £65,000 in stock nearing its ‘best before’ or ’consume by’ dates.
Some of this food and drink would previously would have sold with reduced-to-clear labelling at the Spar stores in Lincolnshire, but the technology is enabling the business to reach a new group of value-led consumers on the app.
Managing director Tom Dant says that the tech-driven approach has boosted weekly sales of short-dated stock by an average of £503, representing an annualised uplift of over £26,150, and that he says will be reached without adding pressure to in-store teams.
“Throwing away tonnes of food is not waste – it’s a lost opportunity,” says Dant. “Gander’s made a big impact in a short space of time. There has been no need to change procedures or ask more of our staff, yet we are seeing stronger sell-through on reductions, improved margins and even new customers coming in who are seeking value.”
The Gander platform integrates with retailers’ EPOS and inventory systems to automatically identify products nearing expiry and promote them to shoppers in real time via apps, digital displays and social media. In the case of Gill Marsh Forecourts’ sites in Partney, Ulceby Cross and Bilsby, Gander has also linked with rapid delivery app Snappy Shopper, increasing online visibility and sell-through.
Dant says it is the visibility of value-driven offers that is helping the stores capitalise on the opportunity. “Shoppers are increasingly motivated by affordability,” he says. “Technology like Gander makes it easier for us to meet that demand while delivering on our sustainability commitments.”
Ian Bacon, sales manager at Gander, adds: “Retailers like Tom are showing how technology can bridge commercial and environmental priorities. Gander helps stores sell more and waste less without extra effort from staff. With food prices rising, the opportunity to be seen as an affordable, sustainable destination is huge.”
“We are seeing new footfall, better margins and greater engagement,” adds Dant. “Gander has made it easier to act sustainably and profitably, which is exactly what retailers need in today’s market.”
