Rebuilding and strengthening trading relationships with retail partners ­ the preferred term for concessionaires ­ is a key part of the strategy for turning around the Kwik Save business. These partners are seen as having the expertise to provide an important market feel at the front of stores ­ adding some much needed theatre and so giving Kwik Save an important point of difference. The discounter also believes it makes sense to leave fresh products to these experts while it focuses on supplying packaged grocery for as low a price as possible. In Kwik Saves that have undergone a makeover ­ and in Sale ­ the retail partners are now an integral part of the overall offer and their products are paid for at the store checkout rather than in separate transactions. It's a big change ­ one that Kwik Save was trialling as part of its New Generation' project before the takeover by Somerfield ­ and it has led to sales in some stores jumping 30%. As well as benefiting from rising sales, the new set-up gives retail partners access to a store's EPoS information while their cash takings are managed for them. Kwik Save takes a rental income based on turnover, which means both parties have a shared incentive to boost sales. Last month Kwik Save was able to run its first national promotion on meat and fresh produce ­ a sign of how far it has come in rebuilding relationships with its retail partners. Looking ahead, the chain believes there is potential to push the retail partner concept into other areas such as takeaway food, florists, pharmacies and post offices. {{COVER FEATURE }}