Independent retailers like me across the country are applying for the lottery only to find their application is turned down.
However, if a Tesco Express or One Stop opens in the same area, they do not even have to go through the application process.
According to Duncan Malyon, sales director at Camelot, this is how some of the applicaton process works: "We analyse the sales potential of each outlet using a combination of market research and geo-demographic data, as well as additional information collected on an ongoing basis at ground level by our experienced sales executives. Based on their local insight, they provide recommendations that take account of factors such as the commitment and enthusiasm of staff, access to the outlet (including parking facilities), and store appearance and standards."
If this is true how can Camelot come to a decision when independent stores are not visited by these 'experienced sales executives'?
Some independent retailers do a huge amount for their local community yet no matter how often they apply for a lottery terminal, they are put on a waiting list and told there are too many terminals in the area. But if a One Stop is built next door, somehow there is the need for another terminal. If Camelot wants to contribute to good causes, why not give independents the same rights as large organisations such as Tesco?
We operate a Bargain Booze convenience store in a parade of shops. There is already a lotto terminal in one of the other shops but that closes at 6pm every day. Our footfall is very high, we are open long hours every day and customers ask on a daily basis if we do the Lotto.
A Tesco Express is being built down the road and will get the Lotto automatically although there are already two terminals just across the road.
Nick Jhuti, Bargain Booze, Leamington
However, if a Tesco Express or One Stop opens in the same area, they do not even have to go through the application process.
According to Duncan Malyon, sales director at Camelot, this is how some of the applicaton process works: "We analyse the sales potential of each outlet using a combination of market research and geo-demographic data, as well as additional information collected on an ongoing basis at ground level by our experienced sales executives. Based on their local insight, they provide recommendations that take account of factors such as the commitment and enthusiasm of staff, access to the outlet (including parking facilities), and store appearance and standards."
If this is true how can Camelot come to a decision when independent stores are not visited by these 'experienced sales executives'?
Some independent retailers do a huge amount for their local community yet no matter how often they apply for a lottery terminal, they are put on a waiting list and told there are too many terminals in the area. But if a One Stop is built next door, somehow there is the need for another terminal. If Camelot wants to contribute to good causes, why not give independents the same rights as large organisations such as Tesco?
We operate a Bargain Booze convenience store in a parade of shops. There is already a lotto terminal in one of the other shops but that closes at 6pm every day. Our footfall is very high, we are open long hours every day and customers ask on a daily basis if we do the Lotto.
A Tesco Express is being built down the road and will get the Lotto automatically although there are already two terminals just across the road.
Nick Jhuti, Bargain Booze, Leamington
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