With changes to our shopping habits and the rise of discount retailers having made headlines recently, perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised that easyJet founder, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, has applied his no-frills approach to the grocery trade with the opening of his first easyFoodstore.

Throughout February, everything on sale in easyFoodstore will cost a mere 25p, making it even cheaper than established budget-supermarkets Aldi and Lidl. And with the pilot store in north-west London selling out of all its stock within two days of opening, there is clearly a market for hyper low-budget retailers. But what does this mean for the associated packaging companies?

Because discount retailers tend to be frequented by consumers shopping ‘little and often’, and because the available space on the shelves and in storage areas of convenience stores is often much smaller than in large supermarkets, changes to pack sizes and designs becomes vital. 

Similarly, packaging which is easier and quicker to open is of paramount importance, as the speed with which stock can be replenished must be increased in order to maximise profitability. With a larger range of designs also becoming necessary, the result is that packaging costs are invariably driven up.

At TrakRap, we approve of developments that make everyday items more affordable, however it is absolutely vital that low cost retailers ensure sustainability remains a priority for everyone involved throughout the supply chain.