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WBC can’t remember a more action packed second quarter. The Royal nuptials, now a distant memory, saw our high-streets swathed in enough Union Jack bunting to make our American cousins blush. All that excitement quickly gave way to a bout of Obama fever, and while the country soaked up an unseasonably warm Easter, we pondered the blessings of bank holidays that seemed to stretch so long it was a wonder any of us sold anything at all. And yes, that weather! Always a favourite talking point amongst the British press; always trigger finger happy to shoot the messenger when it doesn’t quite work out the way the Met office planned. The truth is we have seen the hottest spring on record. Could it be safe to resurrect the old adage ‘it’s gonna be a hot one’? Tesco certainly seem to think so. Early reports of a glut in English strawberries, has created a 50% reduction in imports by UK retailers. Bring it on, we say. Come rain or shine, now is the time to capitalise on the public imagination for all things summery; alfresco dining, ‘barbies’ on the beach and impromptu open air picnics.
In this newsletter we introduce you to our new 2011/12 Product Directory stuffed full of brand new hamper, deli and wine packaging designed to add value to your products. We have 5 top tip profit generators, Arona training insight, and some hot offers. Not to mention fingers and toes crossed in anticipation that it will be your most profitable season yet!
Here’s to a heat wave,
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That’s right. WBC’s 2011 product brochure is out now! We’re really proud of it and it’s down to your support and feedback that we’re able to improve our range each year.
What’s inside? Over 800 product lines in stock, up to 30% off in our special clearance sale, exciting new in-house designed products you won’t see anywhere else, featured editorials: learn more about our services, find out how Shanghai might just change your life, get back to school with WBC’s training programs, and read actual case studies with retailers who have revamped their store to keep the trade coming in.
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| The London International Wine Fair |
| Excel London, May 2011 |
| WBC Marketing Director, James Hayward visited the London Wine Fair last month to catch up with a few customers exhibiting there. With nearly 14,000 visitors attending a variety of briefings, seminars, tastings, and master-classes, this years’ show focused considerably on the increasing growth in online wine businesses. We generally like to put in an appearance whether we’re exhibiting or not, so if you missed it, don’t worry, James was the eyes and ears on the ground. |
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| From now on we declare that a new ‘Hot Offer’ will feature in each newsletter. It shall be named ‘The Hoff’ (in tribute to the one and only). Here’s the first one, but remember, we have daily and weekly deals on Twitter all the time, so follow us and pick up a bargain. |
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We’re often asked to divulge our top retail secrets. Our customers want quick and easy ‘must-dos’ that are guaranteed to bring extra profits with minimal outlay. The truth is, it’s your feedback over the years of what works and what doesn’t, that has helped us hone and perfect the products we offer. It’s one thing having access to the best packaging on the market; it’s a whole other ball game knowing how to get the best out of them. Here are some useful principles we’ve picked up along the way.
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For a complete round up of WBC’s activities in the food and drink press, take a look at our press page. Some may call it our ego wall, but really it’s far from it. Over the last few months WBC has contributed to a number of articles that consider ways retailers can buck the trends and reap the benefits that gifting has to offer. Fine Food Digest’s product feature ‘Keeping It cool’ explores ways you can keep products cool in the warm summer months. Speciality Food Magazine’s feature ‘Gastro Alfresco’ considers how to make a profit come rain or shine. Most of the ideas offered are based on successful working practices from long standing customers. So take a look, there may be some useful ideas for you try out yourself.
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Meet Bobby Stearns. But before I continue, I do have to preface this by saying it is rather like writing your own obituary. I’ve been with WBC for 3 years, and as PR manager and copywriter I’m the voice behind communications like twitter, |
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Facebook, and of course our newsletter. I’ve just discovered it’s far easier to write about other people than it is yourself. For more of our likes and dislikes, click below and drop us a line with any queries, requests, grumbles, or joys; we’re always happy to hear from you.  |
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Is it Winebox? Is it The WBC? We know most companies would shudder at the thought of a company name change. Thankfully brand identity stands for more than just the |
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| name. So WBC it is then! Still the same packaging company that has served you for well over 20 years - we just offer much more than wine boxes now. You can relax in the knowledge that we aren’t going through an identity crisis but more of an evolution. We believe WBC better reflects the broad range of products we now offer. Soon ‘thewbc’ and ‘winebox’ websites will be finally laid to rest so please ensure you update your bookmarks and add www.wbc.co.uk to your address book. You can even update your WBC preferences to ensure you only receive the information most useful to you. |
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| Share tips and ideas with other WBC-ers. Tell us what you think of our products; tell us what you’re looking for and how we can help. Most importantly get up to the minute special offers that won’t appear anywhere else. |
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