Independent retailers can ‘continue to rely on us’, Camelot says

Camelot, the National Lottery operator, said that firm is “absolutely committed” to continue support the independent retailers even as they stitch new partnerships such as the latest one with Aldi.

Responding to Asian Trader on the impact of the move on the independent retailers, Camelot pointed out that they have always had a “successful mix of independent retailers and supermarkets as retail partners, with independents making up the majority.”

“Independent retailers have always done a fantastic job selling the National Lottery, and we’re absolutely committed to continuing to support them in every way we can,” a Camelot spokesperson said.

“Whether that’s through our ongoing rewards incentives – which in 2019/20 awarded more than £1.2 million to retailers – or through investing in tools such as our award-winning National Lottery Retailer Hub that help them make the very most of selling National Lottery products, they can continue to rely on us.”

Camelot added that making the National Lottery available in a range of locations is crucial to maximise returns to Good Causes.

“As the operator of the National Lottery, our overarching objective is to maximise returns to Good Causes through selling tickets in an efficient and socially responsible way. To do that, we need to ensure that playing the National Lottery is as convenient and easy as possible for people, whatever their shopping habits,” the spokesperson said.

“By being in the best range of locations to meet player demand, we’re able, with the support of our retail partners, to maximise returns to Good Causes – helping The National Lottery to keep raising around £30 million every single week for projects across the UK.”

Aldi will be rolling out the National Lottery’s full raft of draw-based games at its checkouts from this month. The launch follows a successful trial in the north of England, and all of its 900 stores are set to start selling the National Lottery at checkouts by the end of June.

Stuart Reddish, national president of the Federation of Independent Retailers (NFRN), has expressed concern on the development, saying the move will dilute sales across the whole retail estate.

“The more products available in the multiple outlets, the less likely National Lottery players will visit their local independent retailer to pick up their tickets or scratchcards,” Reddish has said.