Convenience retailer Morrisons Daily is expecting improved margin recovery and a boost to its sustainability strategy after making food waste reduction app Gander an approved supplier.
Gander, which helps retailers recover value from surplus stock in several different ways, is now available to Morrisons Daily franchisees, who can sell surplus and short-dated food via the tech company’s platform at a discounted price.
As part of the official supplier status, Gander can now integrate via the electronic point of sale providers working within the Morrisons Daily store estate.
The promise of Gander is to provide a data-led way to manage surplus stock without adding complexity to store teams. Reduced items are automatically uploaded to the app by staff, with the aim of increasing visibility of stock and accelerating sell-through.
Raj Takhar, wholesale commercial manager at Morrisons Daily, said: “We are pleased to approve Gander as a supplier for Morrisons Daily franchisees, giving them access to an additional tool to help reduce food waste while supporting their local customers.
“Food waste reduction remains a key focus for our retailers. Solutions like Gander offer a practical way to improve margin recovery while supporting our wider sustainability ambitions.”
Ian Bacon, head of convenience sales at Gander, called the tie-up “an important step” for his business.
“Retailers are looking for practical solutions that work in the real world,” he explained.
“This gives them access to a proven platform that reduces waste, supports profitability and delivers value back into their local communities.”
Gander already works with a number of Morrisons Daily independent retailers including E C Ashton & Son, Freedom Convenience and Newhaven, as well as ‘Together With Morrisons’ retailers Filco, Warners & Chiltern stores.
Alex Kapadia, of Freedom Convenience, has used Gander in store operations for three years, and said it has led to a reduction in waste while allowing the team to “be braver when listing new ranges, as we have a way to sell them through at near cost price if they don’t sell”.
Prior to introducing Gander, Kapadia’s store’s daily sell-through rate on reduced items averaged 45%, according to the tech company. Following implementation of the app, this grew to 70%. One year later, the store began selling its Gander-listed reduced items via convenience store delivery platform Snappy Shopper, pushing sell-through rates higher.
“We reduce items that are going out of date the next day at 8pm each night,” Kapadia added.
“Some customers have picked up on this routine, and we often wake up to overnight Snappy Shopper orders where customers have ordered multiple reduced items for delivery first thing in the morning.”
Read more about Gander on Green Retail World
[main image credit: UNP for Morrisons Press Office]
