Costcutter is revamping its promotional material and embarking on an ambitious development of its web site facilities for retailers. Speaking at the Costcutter Supplier Awards last week, marketing manager Ian Bishop unveiled a new look which will be used on all PoS material. He told suppliers: "We had an issue with retailers still using old point of sale material to sell through residual promotional stock. "While better than handwritten signs, our stores inside became a collection of old and new, confusing both retailer and consumer. "So we decided one simple strapline was needed and we have decided on a very simple message that will be carried throughout the whole of 2002 ­ Beat this'." Bishop added: "From now on, not only do we have a simple, strong and effective promotional vehicle for consumers to fully understand that they are getting a good deal, but our stores will become more uniform with each other, bringing the group closer together in the eyes of the consumer." Costcutter is also strengthening its offer through an added value section on its web site. Bishop said: "The idea is to offer products and services that we cannot sell instore. So, for example, we have special deals on holidays with an internet company called Superbreaks.com. Ultimately gas, electricity and telephone services are all possible." Bishop also revealed that from early in the New Year e-vouchers, which can be spent in Costcutter stores, will be available to be downloaded from the site. He added: "It is also my intention to add even more value to this section by generating deals with, for example Dixons or Currys, whereby vouchers for white goods can be printed branded Costcutter and spent in those outlets." Bishop is also looking for category partners to help develop planograms which can be tailored to a retailer's location and available shelf space, and which can be downloaded from the web site. He is looking to have eight categories available by the end of the first quarter of next year in the areas of crisps and snacks, soft drinks, confectionery, wines, beers and lagers, spirits, chilled and frozen. Chairman and md Colin Graves said there were now 1,079 Costcutter stores, an increase of 111 stores over the year. He also revealed more than 60 stores.were expelled from the group in the same period. {{NEWS }}

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