Page 6 - Conveniece World Magazine Nov/Dec 2020

EDITOR’S LETTER 4 CONVENIENCE WORLD NOV/DEC, 2020 EDITOR’S L2ETTER 020: the year of change and reset. From the lasting effects of last year’s devasting bushfires to this year’s global pandemic, 2020 has been the year that we would much rather forget. Lockdowns, border closures and state restrictions, panic buying and supply shortages, businesses closing or pivoting to adapt, loss of lives, job losses, and social distancing. At every aspect and touchpoint, whether business or personal, our lives have been significantly impacted in various ways. 2020 has taught us to slow down and reflect on our personal lives. In business, we’ve had to act with agility, innovate, and accelerate plans to adapt to the challenges. Government stimulus has fuelled the economy and assisted the retail channels, although so many others have not been so fortunate. Our retail market, together with industry and suppliers, have overcome some of the most difficult challenges with a new unchartered road ahead to recovery. We continue to see the channel grow from strength to strength, particularly the industry’s efforts at driving channel clarity, leadership, and innovation. Christmas retail sales is forecast to grow 2.8 per cent to $54.3 billion, according to Roy Morgan and Australian Retailers Association, with food sales predicted to grow by 10 per cent to over $23.8 billion. Metcash Food Merchandise Director Grant Ramage talks to Convenience World about the transformation of the business and its approach to suppliers, new trading terms and signing to a grocery conduct, as well as acceleration of its digital capability. New Sunrise Managing Director Steve Cardinale talks to Convenience World about how the business overcame the many challenges that 2020 presented while delivering record retail growth numbers. He also discusses the group’s Go Local First collaboration with COSBOA and ACAPMA, along with future challenges and focus areas for 2021. ACAPMA continues to work tirelessly in collaboration with industry bodies to lobby government action and help retailers and suppliers alike to navigate this climate. CEO Mark McKenzie offers his perspective on the year from the bushfires to the pandemic, continued fuel supply, the relationship with the community redefined, the Woolworths and PFD merger, and NSW’s biofuels laws. From the Convenience World team, we sincerely thank our readers, retail and supplier partners, new and regular contributing writers, and industry bodies, for sharing your stories, your collaboration and ongoing support. We look forward to a renewed outlook for 2021 and beyond. Wishing you and your family a safe and happy Christmas holiday. Lorna Gloria Lorna Gloria Guest Editor