The site has undergone a complete redesign to enhance the customer experience for both new and existing customers. This is part of our ongoing improvement plan, which we hope to roll out across all 14 Hancocks stores in the UK.
To improve navigation, we have implemented clear signage, branded aisles, and specialist areas. As soon as customers enter, they are welcomed with a board displaying our team and a QR code to view current deals.
We encourage retailers to approach our staff members with any queries. Our teams have undergone additional training to ensure they provide the best service to both new and existing customers.
We now offer retailers a more consumer-like and familiar shopping experience. Directional signs at the tops of all aisles provide a format similar to most supermarkets.
For those looking to try before they buy, we have a selection of pick-n-mix and ice lolly samples available near the reception.
As part of the refurbishment, we have placed new signage in front of existing customers, introducing “Sweet Deals” areas with discounted products near the till points. A large clearance section has also been added.
Throughout the store, we have called out specialist areas such as bestsellers, new products, vegan sweets, multi-buy options, kids novelty, sweet deals, and clearance. These headers and banners make it easier for retailers to find what they’re looking for.
In addition, bigger brands have specific sections and aisles, featuring promotional screens, display examples, and branded baseboards showcasing offers.
Merchandising advice and inspiration are available to retailers. Our well-stocked aisles, filled with brightly packaged sweets, give customers an idea of how they could display products in their own stores.
Existing customers will appreciate the change of boxed products now having a ‘look what’s in the box’ label. This label clearly shows what sweets are included.
The checkout process is easy and straightforward, with clearly designated till points. A marketing screen and a ‘thank you for shopping with us’ sign are present, which also invites customers to shop online.
“Customers are always our first priority,” says Jonathan Summerley, Chief Operating Officer at Hancocks. “We’re excited to welcome all retailers to our newly refurbished stores in Loughborough and Bristol. Our goal was to make it easy for retailers to navigate the store from the moment they enter until they reach the checkout.”
He adds, “We’re trying to switch up the usual store journey for regular customers with new aisle ends, directional signage, branded areas, and some sweet offers near the tills. All store staff have also undergone more training to provide the best advice for customers.”
We are excited to witness how our loyal and new customers respond to the changes we’ve implemented at our Loughborough and Bristol stores. Our plan is to enhance the customer journey in all our stores nationwide.
Hancocks is the one-stop shop for confectionery wholesale, serving over 25,000 independent retailers, and is part of the World of Sweets group.
