Local Norwich Big Issue seller Simon Gravell amongst first to trial innovative new digital initiative by Big Issue Group

• Organisation works with Global Street Art to create eye-catching 3D ‘shopfront’ in London to demonstrate how the business model works and challenge existing perceptions
• The social enterprise has launched a new digital initiative, empowering vendors with personalised QR codes to connect with their customers and earn more

A local Big Issue vendor who sells the magazine in Norwich, Simon Gravell, is one of ten vendors across the UK trialling a new digital initiative from the Big Issue Group.

The Big Issue Group (BIG) recently unveiled a shopfront mural in Shoreditch, London entitled  – ‘The Street is my Store’ – in an effort to highlight that, despite not having a traditional bricks and mortar outlet from which to sell, vendors are running mini businesses, buying and selling copies of the magazine to earn a living in order to change their lives.

The mural, created by Global Street Art’s also aims to raise awareness of a new and innovative digital initiative that will help create new ways for customers to interact with vendors and help bolster Big Issue vendors’ income.

Simon Gravell, who is one of ten vendors offering the new digital initiative to his customers, and who sells the Big Issue outside Topshop, Norwich, spoke about when he started selling the Big Issue: “When I started selling the Big Issue I was living in a ditch, and my sales gave me the money to stop in a backpackers’ hostel. Because it was closed season, it was only £11 a night. Then I basically ended up in a tent. Once I got fed up with living in the tent, I decided it was time to get accommodation, so I started saving up all my money. Ended up getting a room in a private rental and using the Big Issue money to pay my rent. Now I’m living with my girlfriend, I use the Big Issue to pay the bills. It’s impacted me 100% in a positive way.”

On current public perceptions of the Big Issue, Simon explained that he felt people do understand how it works more now: “I think, in general, now people realise that we pay for the magazines. Whereas when I first started selling it, I overheard somebody say “oh the police give them to them to stop them begging”. But now I think people really understand we are self-employed business people.”

Simon spoke about what selling the magazine means to him: “I just love getting out there. I love the hustle. Meeting people. Saying good morning to somebody on the Monday, them grunting back at you and selling them a magazine on the Friday because you’ve won them round. You meet lots of people and your regulars actually become your friends over time.

On how the new digital initiative will help, Simon explained: “I think the QR code initiative is a brilliant tool for a vendor to have in his bag, that he can just pull out. Because a lot of the time you’ve got a regular customer, they’ve bought off you for 18 months without fail, same day of the week, same time, and then they say oh, this will be the last time I get one Simon, because I’m moving away, or I’ve changed jobs, I’m not coming into the city now. And then you can say well you can still support me, by flashing this and getting the subscription. “

The initiative has been created to empower vendors with personalised QR codes on lanyards and webpages allowing customers to share their local vendor’s subscription, pitch location and story with friends and family to help boost vendor earnings. This initiative will eventually be rolled out to all vendors.

Vendors buy magazines for £2 and sell them on for £4. Customers can also subscribe with a vendor online, which provides a vital additional source of regular income. 

With the support of BIG, these micro-business owners learn vital skills that help them grow and develop, meeting their personal, social and financial goals. However, these businesses wouldn’t be viable without public support.

Lord Bird, Founder of the Big Issue Group, said: “I started the Big Issue to help people help themselves off the streets and out of poverty. Sadly, the work we do has never been more important. And just like any small business, it simply doesn’t work without the support of the community. We hope this mural will resonate with the public and help boost the visibility of our vendors and the work they do.

“We are also pleased to mark the launch of yet another way by which customers can further connect with their local vendor. Which is why we are urging you to help boost your local vendor’s income by scanning their personalised QR code to share the vendor’s story and subscribe.”

Big Issue Group collaborated with a creative team and Global Street Art to bring the realistic 3D storefront to life. The artwork is located at Village Underground, London measuring 7.4 metres high by 16 metres wide and will be on display until the 24July.

To boost vendor earnings, buy a copy of the magazine or subscribe online by visiting www.bigissue.com/boost-vendor-earnings.