Bestway Retail has announced the launch of a pilot scheme across a select number retailers in a collaboration with Socio Local – the leading digital marketing platform for multi-location brands.
Socio Local is an innovative platform that simplifies the process of managing multiple social media pages, helping retailers to create and schedule content across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter) from a single dashboard. With access to branded content, promotional assets and suggested posts, retailers can maintain a consistent and engaging presence.
Following a trial period of three months, Bestway is expected to roll out the collaboration across its estate of retailers.
“Retailers are increasingly leaning into the digital side of marketing, recognising that a strong local social media presence is crucial for driving engagement within communities,” Mindy Mondair, Bestway Retail’s head of marketing, said.
“And we’ve listened to our retail partners who have called for better support and tools to help them manage their social media, and in response we’re delighted to introduce Socio Local, which is the number one management platform specifically tailored to achieve better reach, engagement and instore performance by leveraging both branded and local store social content, to make social media management effortless. It’s built specially FOR retailers and has been inspired by their requests and needs.
“The platform is designed to support retailers’ stores with high quality, localised content that enhances brand visibility and increases engagement. It’s more than just about social media - it’s about maximising success and driving sales at every opportunity.
“We also understand that not all retailers are experienced with social media and their focus also needs to be on running their business, which is why Socio Local provides easy-to-use tools that simplify the process. Whether using supplied branded content or creating customised posts, stores can maintain a continuous online presence with minimal effort”.
Bestway has cited a number of key benefits that it believes retailers will be able to enjoy through their use of Socio Local including increased local awareness, a boosting of product visibility (ensuring latest offers and promotion get attention from the store’s online community), as well as driving engagement to encourage customer interaction and loyalty through varied and engaging social media posts.
“Retailers can save time by storing, creating and scheduling all their content in one place – its straightforward and easy to manage through this centralised approach,” Mondair noted.
“Furthermore, retailers will be able to manage their communities effectively, through monitoring and responding to customer reviews, comments and direct messages.
“We are looking forward to the results of this trial and believe it is a market leading approach to support retailers and help them boost engagement and sales within their communities”.
Michael Nolan, chief executive and co-founder of Socio Local said: “We are enormously excited to be working with Bestway Retail and its progressive estate of retailers.
“At SocioLocal, we know all too well the importance of optimising local social media for today's physical retailers. We fully believe that this will be the start of a new era in how grocery and convenience leverages the power of social media and its connection with local communities. Bestway Retail now has the opportunity to drive awareness of products and promotions into their retailers' communities and support sales through hundreds of social media pages. We’re looking forward to a fruitful relationship with Mindy and the team in Bestway throughout the trial and into the future.”
