IT'S been almost 27 years since the launch of The National Lottery, and from day one we’ve been fortunate to have had fantastic support from our retail partners.
It’s virtually impossible to think of The National Lottery without thinking of the shops that sell our products, steadfastly displaying the crossed fingers logo – the two go hand-in-hand.
Over the years, in selling tickets to their customers, independent shops in particular have played an enormous part in its ongoing success - one that has led to over £43 billion being raised for UK Good Causes projects by National Lottery players.
During the last year alone, for instance, over £1.2 billion in National Lottery Good Causes funding has been distributed across the UK to help tackle the impact of coronavirus – something made possible thanks in part to our independent retail partners.
Aside from helping to raise money for National Lottery Good Causes, local stores have played another pivotal role in helping communities through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. They have offered a place for customers to pick up essential items and acted as a pillar of support for those who needed it most.
Their response to the pandemic has been outstanding, and their ability to continue to provide for local communities in such trying circumstances shows a spirit and determination that they can be proud of.
It goes without saying that independent retailers have shown in many ways that they are there for their customers (and National Lottery players) every single day.
At Camelot, we continue to support our retail partners in every way that we possibly can, especially our independent retailers – who we know have found the past few years challenging.
For example, in response to the pandemic, we’ve enhanced our online tools like our award-winning National Lottery Retailer Hub, and also adapted our retailer rewards programmes to make sure retailers can take part remotely.
We boosted prize money for our retailer competitions and bonus events over the year too, providing a helping hand to small local shops during the pandemic.
In the coming weeks, these stores will also benefit from the host of National Lottery activity lined up to celebrate the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, including special EuroMillions and Lotto draws that will no doubt generate extra sales and footfall.
That’s because Camelot’s 44,000 retail partners – from small corner shops to local newsagents and well-stocked convenience stores – are the backbone of The National Lottery and, to most players, our public face.
For that reason, we have been delighted to support High Street Heroes NI this year, to help highlight some of the fantastic independent retailers who continue to serve communities across Northern Ireland – day in, day out.
Finally, we’d like to say a massive thank you to all of our retailers for their unwavering support over the last year, as they’ve continued to sell National Lottery tickets through thick and thin.
Good Cause funding has never been more crucial than it is now, and I’d like to take this opportunity to wish the very best of luck to all Northern Irish local retailers in the High Street Heroes NI campaign – keep up your wonderful work!
:: Jenny Blogg is Camelot’s retail director
