UK: C-store operators Protest Commission Cuts from Vodafone
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Tuesday, 15 July 2008 |
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Spar UK has joined other independent retailers and convenience store
owners in protesting over cuts in commission paid by the mobile
phone operator Vodafone.
Spar retailer Kevin Hunt, along with 750 Spar stores in the UK, will
refuse to sell Vodafone products. Vodafone UK has announced
that it will reduce airtime commissions paid to Vodafone retailers by 1
per cent from 1st August. Hunt, who operates 28 stores in the
Northwest, has set up an online petition at Topupratecut.biz for
retailers of all groups and sizes to register their concerns about the
rate cut.
Spar UK trading director Chris Lewis said: "Vodafone is making record
profits while retailers face lower margins and are baring the
brunt of corporate cost- costcutting, over which they have no control.
The situation is unacceptable."
Hunt said: "This is an
industry-wide issue. The more retailers that sign the petition, the
more Vodafone will listen to us. We want to show we are serious
and there will be more to follow follow." Lewis added: "In the
first few hours of its launch, more than 500 retailers had joined the
petition. We are offering our support to Kevin in protecting the
profitability of all retailers.
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