ARN January
All the goss, from Gordon!
I’d like to kick off by thanking all our customers and suppliers for their continued support and partnerships in 2024. It’s been a mutually enjoyable year. From us all at ARN, a massive thank you.
I’m not sure when you’ll be reading this – I’m writing before Christmas – but by Week 3, 2025, Kit Kat Chunky Lotus Biscoff White will be back in town. I’ve been trying to find a word to describe what demand for this little belter was like last time around and the best I can come up with is ‘fierce’. So, get your orders in asap. As they say, ‘when they’re gone, they’re gone.’ We’ve been taking advance orders, so don’t delay – and heads-up: the ordering code is 124478. On your marks, get set… go!
You don’t need a crystal ball to predict that high product inflation is in store for us all this year. If only we had some best-selling products to offer you that weren’t subject to VAT. That’d be a big help, wouldn’t it?
Well, the good news is that we have just that. We’ve always had ‘value for money’ up front and centre in our business and these lines represent exactly that, at time when we’re all as stretched as the stretchiest thing in stretchy land.
In no particular order, Walker’s 35 gm Shortbread Bar is a sure-fired seller. It comes in outers of 40 and there’s no VAT. The ordering code is 127800. Next, did you know that Burton’s is now part of Ferrero? It gives the brand the back-up it needs and they might even spend a few quid on marketing and advertising. Burton’s is pretty decent portfolio of products. It includes, in outers of 40g x 48, the UK’s favourite Maryland Cookies, (no VAT); my favourite, Jammy Dodgers, (no VAT) and everyone’s favourite from the school tuck shop – Fish & Chips– in 40g x 30 outers – (no VAT). All of the above do really well in the nation’s spirals so what’s not to like?
Did I mention that they’re not subject to VAT?
We’ve got some important in-house news to share, too. When I say we’re happy with our new, improved web site I really mean we’re made up, because it’s been completely made over. If it was an F1 racing team, it’d win the constructor’s championship. If The Fast Show (RIP) was still on our screens, I expect Paul Whitehouse would be saying, ‘isn’t ARN’s new web site great?’ Or maybe Mark Williams would be telling us ‘This week, I’ll be mostly placing my vending order on ARN’s brand new web site.’
Like Superman, it’s ‘faster than a speeding bullet’ – but that’s not the only improvement you’ll enjoy. There are some great new features that will make placing your order even easier and more convenient. There are bespoke customer lists for a start: they remember your last order, so you check your previous purchases to make sure you don’t forget something. What’s more, In the rare event that we’re out of stock on a product you’d like to buy, the new site will suggest a replacement product instead. And all at top speed. Your coffee won’t have time to go cold before you’re done and you can’t say fairer than that. Please check it out to see for yourself. The address hasn’t changed, it’s still www.automaticretailing.com
That’s me done for this month, except to thank you for your continuing trust in ARN, to wish you and yours all the very best for the new year and to assure you that we’ll be doing everything we can to keep your business ahead of the game in 2025.
Have a very Happy Christmas, and a prosperous New Year!
Gordon
*Gordon Johnstone is Sales Director at Automatic Retailing Northern Ltd, vending’s favourite wholesaler.
