Premier Neils is a convenience store which trades as Premier under Booker Group.
The convenience store based in the UK started out as a family business run by Neil's parents. Neil was offered the opportunity to take over the family business during lockdown in 2018. He wished to follow in his parents footsteps and continue running a successful business while striving to innovate and keep up with industry trends.
Challenges
- Staff Safety
- Communication
- Shoplifting
Benefits
- Decrease in staff turnover
- Improved communications
- Improved staff safety
- Decrease in shoplifting
Challenges
Staff safety and communication were highlighted as key challenges that Premier Neils was facing.
Before the decision to introduce headsets was made, Neil and his team tested walkie talkies. This did not work effectively.
There was initial resistance to introducing headsets in the convenience store as Neil believed that staff may not wish to wear one. This turned out to be no issue once the staff tested the headsets and found them to be comfortable and very beneficial.
Benefits
Staff Safety
The headsets acted as a deterrent to shoplifters/abusers. The visibility of the usage of headsets set the tone for public that they won’t be able to get away with shoplifting/bad behaviour as easily.
Effective Communication
Improvement to communication. Staff no longer need to shout to be heard by those stationed elsewhere in the store. If staff require assistance it is easy to communicate this which has improved customer service.
Staff Turnover
Staff turnover has decreased post purchase/use of the headsets. Staff have voiced that they are feeling safer in their work environment, positively impacting their wellbeing.
