Two retailers have have been successful in reducing alcohol sales through several measures.
Earlier this year, Brugseni and Pisiffik introduced changed opening hours for the sale of alcohol on Saturdays. Before the sale opened at 10 a.m., now it only opens at 12 p.m.
Two retailers have have been successful in reducing alcohol sales through several measures.
Earlier this year, Brugseni and Pisiffik introduced changed opening hours for the sale of alcohol on Saturdays. Before the sale opened at 10 a.m., now it only opens at 12 p.m.
The experiment was introduced to reduce the nuisance that occurs on Saturday mornings when drunk people continue the party after the nightlife and buy more alcohol on their way to after parties.
Brugseni and Pisiffik have evaluated the experiment, and the two companies conclude that the initiative has had the desired effect. That is why the two retail chains are now making it permanent.
Brugseni and Pisiffik write this in a joint press release.
Sermitsiaq has asked the shops what effect the later opening of the sale of alcohol has on customers, after Kommune Kujalleq closed the sale of alcohol last week.
Customer surveys show broad support
Brugseni and Pisiffik have carried out customer surveys, which show significant support for the scheme. Thousands of customers participated in the surveys.
At Pisiffik, 71 percent answered that the initiative had made their shopping experience both safer and more pleasant. In Brugseni, 73.9 percent answered that they would like to maintain the new opening hours in the future.
– We have emphasized that the trial should be evaluated on the basis of the experiences we gained in the stores. When the customers support the scheme, and at the same time we can see that it contributes positively to the safety of the stores, it makes good sense to continue, says CEO of Pisiffik, Per Steen Larsen.
At the same time, he points out that the retail trade can help make a positive difference and ensure more responsible alcohol consumption.
– As a retailer, we have a responsibility to contribute positively to the society we are part of. With this initiative, we not only create greater security in the shops, but also contribute to a more responsible alcohol culture in Greenland.
A majority of Pisiffik’s customers respond that the measure has helped to limit the possibility of holding after-parties.
Even more is needed
Brugseni has three stores in South Greenland, and the initiative to change opening hours applies to all their stores.
CEO of Brugseni, Allan Kristoffersen, tells Sermitsiaq that it is just one of several measures to reduce the sale of alcohol.
– We have a big social role and responsibility, he says.
Among other things, they have expanded the alcohol-free range by more than double, which has also been refrigerated. It sells more and is growing, but is still at a lower level.
In addition, they have stopped marketing multi-piece offers, so you only have to buy one to get a discount. And they have limited sales for resale and only sell to private individuals and for private consumption.
Allan Kristoffersen says that total alcohol sales for both Pisiffik and Brugseni have fallen by 37 percent over the past five years.
Since they began the trial scheme in May, they have been able to see a decline of 12-14 percent in the sale of alcohol.
– It works, but we have to do much more together, all of us. That’s the good thing: we can really feel that many more people are talking about us doing more initiatives. It is being talked about everywhere now, says Allan Kristoffersen.
The police: The initiative creates security in the shops
Greenland’s director of police, Bjørn Tegner Bay, also views positively the decision to make the scheme with the changed opening hours for the sale of alcohol permanent and supports the grocery chains’ initiative.
– We are very positive that Brugseni and Pisiffik will continue the scheme. Our experience is that the changed opening hours have created more peace in and around the shops on Saturday mornings. It provides greater security for both customers and employees, which is why we are happy that the scheme will now become permanent.
– This is a good example that we can all contribute to dealing with the challenges of alcohol. When local actors contribute with concrete initiatives, it can make a big difference in the local community, he says in the press release.
