NFRN President believes Aldi-Camelot UK National Lottery deal will ‘dilute sales’ and affect small retailers

The NFRN has expressed concern in response to the news that UK National Lottery products will be rolled out at 900 Aldi stores from next month.
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The National Federation of Retail Newsagents (NFRN) has expressed concern in response to the news that UK National Lottery products will be rolled out at 900 Aldi stores from next month after it secured a deal with Camelot.

Earlier this week, UK National Lottery operator Camelot announced it had reached an agreement with supermarket chain Aldi to bring National Lottery games to all of its 900 stores across the United Kingdom for the first time.

Aldi will be rolling out the lottery’s full raft of draw-based games, allowing customers to purchase tickets when doing their food shop. Lotto, EuroMillions, Lotto HotPicks, EuroMillions HotPicks, Set For Life and Thunderball games will be available at its checkouts.

In reaction to the deal, NFRN National President Stuart Reddish has expressed his concern, as he believes it could mean fewer people visiting their local independent shops to play the lottery.

Reddish commented, according to Forecourt Trader: “This move will dilute sales across the whole retail estate. The more products available in the multiple outlets, the less likely it is that National Lottery players will visit their local independent retailer to pick up their tickets or scratchcards.

“We will work closely with Camelot to understand the rationale for this move. As national president, my remit is to look after independent retailers.”

The launch of National Lottery games in Aldi shops across the UK follows a successful trial in the north of England, with all Aldi supermarkets set to start selling the lottery at checkouts by the end of June.

Jenny Blogg, Retail Director at Camelot, said upon the announcement of the Aldi deal: “We’re absolutely delighted to now be working with Aldi. Making The National Lottery available in its stores has been a priority for us as we continue to make playing The National Lottery as convenient and easy as possible for people, wherever and however they shop.”

The National Lottery generates more than £30m, on average, each week for good causes and projects, money which goes towards supporting everything from food banks and repairing local Scout huts, to helping the Olympic and Paralympic teams.