New Sunrise held a virtual summit on 23 and 24 November.
According to the business, hundreds of attendees tuned into the webinar to listen to keynote speakers discuss the economic outlook and recovery plan for small and family businesses.
The summit opened with a powerful message from fifteen FMCG supplier CEOs, Managing Directors, Sales Directors and General Managers, who took the opportunity to congratulate and thank each of the New Sunrise retailers, for the resilience, agility and innovation shown throughout 2020.
Government support
Keynote speaker for the first summit was Federal Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business Michaelia Cash. She addressed the New Sunrise members directly and spoke of the plan to assist businesses post Covid-19.
“I am pleased to hear New Sunrise members will be ambassadors of the Go Local First campaign and help deliver the Local Legends Lunch competition in December,” said Ms Cash.
“The Local Legends Lunch is a great way to celebrate the start of summer, whilst encouraging Australians to support local small businesses as they fill their hampers for their chance to win a $1000 fuel voucher.”
Ms Cash outlined some of the measures the government was taking to support the economic recover of businesses directly impacted by Covid-19. This included the JobKeeper initiative, which is said to be supporting over one million business across Australia.
“I am pleased the outlook for the fuel retailing industry is positive,” said Ms Cash.
“Fuel demand is expected to make a recovery in 2020/21, with industry revenue forecast to increase annually over the next five years.
“Local communities need their servos, and I know you will continue to support them. You can rest assured that the Morrison government will continue to back small business every step of the way”.
The summit continued with ACAPMA CEO Mark McKenzie and Executive Manager Elisha Radwanowski addressing the attendees to give some further perspective on impact to fuel sales during 2020 and the outlook for 2021.
New Sunrise to bring the fun
The summit commenced on day 2 with a detailed review and outlook on the New Sunrise strategic marketing plan for 2021, ‘Here Comes the Sun – Bring the Fun in 21’.
New Sunrise Merchandise Manager Joe Alessi provided an overview of the business’ strategic pillars built on mutuality, visibility, execution and growth that have seen New Sunrise become the “fastest growing” national independent retail network in 2020.
Shopper trends, success and international perspectives
Next up was Convenience Measures Australia (CMA) Director Corinne Barclay. She presented the latest shopper report conducted by CMA in August 2020.
Director of Jack and Co. Local Stores Wade Death also spoke about the rollercoaster year of business trading in 2020. Some of his stores are located in communities that were severely and directly impacted by bushfires, drought, flood and then the pandemic. Mr Death noted the courage and strength shown by his team as the true success factors in 2020.
Bringing an international perspective to the summit, New Sunrise international partner, John Lofstock, Editor in Chief at CStore Decision presented a review of the US convenience market in 2020, and his outlook for the future.
Mr Lofstock was joined by Ohio based retailer Greg Ehrlich, President of FriendShip Kitchen stores, who gave a further perspective on trading during the pandemic in the US.
