The morning sun streams through the windows of Shivom Convenience Go Local in Nuneaton, illuminating carefully arranged displays of confectionery, snacks, and – surprisingly – luxury perfumes. Behind the counter stands Bharat “Baz” Khunti, winner of the Impulse Retailer of the Year award at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards.“It felt amazing. I was quite shocked,” Bharat recalls of the moment his name was announced at the Awards. “It was so brilliant to get that award. I thank my staff for all their hard work. They've been doing all that.”The judges' decision was hardly shocking to anyone familiar with Bharat's store. Since expanding his premises two years ago by taking over the vacant Coral bookmakers next door, he's transformed his business from a modest corner shop into a masterclass in convenience retail. This bold move has seen weekly turnover jump by 50 per cent at an impressive 25 per cent margin.Yet ... Continue Reading »
Leading vape retailer VPZ said it has written to both the UK and Scottish health secretaries to request urgent talks.VPZ alleged that retailers across the UK continue to sell banned single-use disposable vapes, despite the government legislation that came into force on 1 June.In the letter, the vaping specialist expressed deep concern that non-compliant, and high-capacity disposable vapes remain widely available, noting that this is undermining public health efforts, fuelling youth vaping, and the environmental impact.The legislation was introduced to remove these devices from the market - particularly those that appeal to youths through colourful branding and high nicotine levels.However, VPZ said it has identified dozens of retailers across the UK still selling the banned products, raising serious questions about enforcement and regulatory oversight.“We are now past the government’s own deadline, and yet these banned products are still being sold openly in shops across the UK,” Jamie Strachan, operations director ... Continue Reading »
For convenience retailers, the landscape of nicotine products has undergone a seismic shift over the past five years. What began as a niche category of vaping devices has blossomed into a diverse ecosystem of alternatives – heated tobacco products, sophisticated reusable vapes with improved technology, and nicotine pouches. These products haven't merely filled a gap; they've created entirely new revenue streams that have more than compensated for declining combustible tobacco sales.Transition and growthWhile the past three years have seen explosive growth in the vaping category, largely driven by the popularity of disposable products, recent data suggest we may be entering a new phase. According to a study published in the journal Addiction by UCL researchers, the proportion of people vaping increased by nearly a quarter each year from January 2022 to January 2024, but has since plateaued.Even Dr Sarah Jackson of UCL Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, noted: “Action ... Continue Reading »
Back-to-office culture is fuelling a growing “sweet treat economy”, with office workers now spending an estimated £57 million a week on chocolates, according to a recent report, thus driving footfall and sales across local shops, cafés, and high street stores.New data from Virgin Media O2 Business’ Movers Index shows that despite 82 per cent of people adjusting their spending habits at the start of this year, largely due to rising costs, office perks and in-person work culture are contributing to an uptick in spending. More than half (54 per cent) of workers are more likely to buy sweet treats and snacks when in the office compared to working from home, with 52 per cent treating themselves as a reward for going into the office and 24 per cent buying more in the past three months.Many Brits treat themselves to little indulgences ‘most days’ when working in the office. The most ... Continue Reading »
High street businesses can expect a major overhaul of the business rates system from April 2026, with the government pledging to introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties under £500,000 in rateable value.Responding to a Westminster Hall debate secured by Sir Gavin Williamson MP on 4 June, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury James Murray said the Government is “protecting the high street by transforming the business rates system so that it supports investment and is fit for the 21st century.”Under the new system, businesses with rateable values below £500,000 will benefit from two new RHL multipliers, mirroring the existing small business and standard multipliers, without a cash cap.The new small business RHL multiplier will apply to RHL properties with rateable values below £51,000, and the new standard RHL multiplier will apply to RHL properties with rateable values of £51,000 and above, and below £500,000. Murray ... Continue Reading »
Results from a survey of 1,000 retailers conducted on behalf of JTI has found that 82 per cent feel the Labour Government has broken its promise to support small businesses, because of rising business rates, an increase in National Insurance contributions, the proposed generational smoking ban and minimum wage increases. This has left 70 per cent of retailers feeling “disillusioned” by the actions of the Labour Government towards small businesses since they came into power in July 2024. In fact, 85 per cent think it will be harder for their business to succeed in 2025 as a result of new laws and policies proposed by the Labour Government. When it comes to the proposed generational smoking ban, 71 per cent of those surveyed agree that the Labour Party has not listened to the views of independent retailers on this topic. Overall, 58 per cent of retailers believe the generational smoking ... Continue Reading »
Vodka-based RTD brand Four Loko has announced an exciting new partnership with the Academy Music Group (AMG), to become its exclusive Ready To Drink partner across 20 O2 Academy venues.O2 Academy venues, including O2 Academy Brixton and O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, will now stock a range of four Four Loko flavours on their bars, which is a positive development in Four Loko’s expansion into the on-trade and further aligning the brand with live music culture. “This exclusive partnership with AMG is a significant step for Four Loko, which has become one of the fastest growing RTD brands in the UK,” said Clark McIlroy, Managing Director of Four Loko’s UK distributor, Red Star Brands. “The brand appeals to younger consumers who love live music, clubs and having fun with their friends, which is a perfect fit for O2 Academy venues.”AMG is the UK’s leading owner and operator of nationwide live music ... Continue Reading »
The cyber-attack on Marks & Spencer has sent shockwaves through the retail sector.With operations disrupted for weeks, stock shortages, and customer data compromised, it's a stark reminder that cyber-crime poses a genuine threat. But while M&S will weather this storm with their substantial resources, I'm deeply concerned about our independent retailers – smaller businesses are increasingly in the crosshairs of cyber criminals. Why? Because fraudsters know that independents often lack the robust security measures of larger chains, seeing them as low-hanging fruit. This is the reality our members face. One in seven retailers takes no steps to protect their data. Meanwhile, remote purchase fraud was £432.3 million in 2016, and the figure continues to climb. Perhaps most telling is that while 95 per cent of businesses consider cyber-security important, nearly half have no formal strategy in place. For independent retailers, the stakes couldn't be higher. A successful cyber-attack can cause ... Continue Reading »
When we talk whisky, Scotland naturally springs to mind, but did you know that Denmark, England, and India have all produced liquids that have gone on to win ‘Best Whisky in the World’ titles in recent years? The category’s centre of gravity is shifting, and world whisky is no longer a curiosity, it’s a commercial opportunity that was celebrated globally on World Whisky Day, 17 May. From India to Australia, producers are crafting exceptional liquids that challenge assumptions and delight curious drinkers. But for retailers, the key is knowing how to translate this momentum into sales.Today’s whisky drinkers are exploring beyond Scotch, seeking out new flavours, backstories, and regions. English single malts, Indian peated whiskies, and Australian expressions shaped by extreme climates all offer something fresh. But consumers often need help navigating these shelves – and that’s where staff confidence makes the difference.Whisky can be an intimidating category, but it ... Continue Reading »
Co-op Wholesale and Roadchef have officially begun a nationwide store rollout, following the announcement of their strategic partnership in April.The first of eight new convenience stores opened on Thursday (5 June), at Roadchef Norton Canes, as part of a phased transformation of former SPAR-branded sites.The new store also marks the public unveiling of the ‘Norton Canes & Co-op’ partnership – Co-op Wholesale’s newest fascia identity, which represents a co-created retail partnership for select partners to further leverage the Co-op brand.Sitting alongside the already existing Nisa fascia options and ‘Proud to stock Co-op’, ‘& Co-op’ aims to promote the core convenience missions that Co-op is famous for, whilst enabling retailers to stand out on the competitive high street and will launch fully to the market later in 2025.
Katie Secretan (R) and Tim Gittins open Norton Canes & Co-op storeThis collaboration between Co-op and Roadchef brings Co-op’s own-brand range to motorway service ... Continue Reading »
Co-op and Royal Mail have signed a partnership to roll out parcel lockers at the convenience retailer’s stores. The first ones will launch in summer, with plans for lockers at 100 stores.The lockers will allow people to drop off pre-labelled Royal Mail parcels and returns 24/7. Collection will also be available at the lockers soon.The lockers provide label printing, meaning customers simply need to pay for postage online and print the label by scanning a QR code at the locker, or request a QR code if they are returning a purchase.Royal Mail launched its own parcel locker network in December to meet growing demand for convenient parcel drop-off and collection options from online shoppers and growing numbers of people selling on secondhand marketplaces.Fresh & Proper in Fordham, Cambridgeshire, has become the first convenience store to host one of Royal Mail’s new parcel lockers. Co-op is the first retail group in ... Continue Reading »
Premium world beer and cider company, Kingfisher Drinks, is pleased to announce a new flavour for its Peacock cider brand. Peacock Passion Fruit & Guava will be available to grocery and convenience retailers from June onwards with an RRP of £2.70 for a 500ml bottle.Peacock Passion Fruit & Guava is bright, tropical and fun, and is a flavour that feels like summer all year-round. The passion fruit brings a tangy punch, while guava adds smooth, mellow sweetness for a juicy, exotic taste. The flavour combination feels bold and on trend, with passion fruit being a particular favourite among younger drinkers seeking flavour-led ciders.Peacock first launched in the UK back in 2016 initially as a complement to pan-Asian cuisine, but it’s also a great cider in its own right which is regularly found in a growing number of stores. Peacock enjoyed a successful rebrand last year with the aim of further ... Continue Reading »
Authored by convenience retailer Neil Godhania, owner and operator of Neil's and Dodds Road Stores in PeterboroughWith a wave of legislation coming our way, from disposable vape ban to the upcoming generational smoking ban under Tobacco and Vapes Bill, we, the independent convenience retailers, worry that honest businesses will be unfairly penalised while criminals continue to operate with impunity.But with proper planning, government backing and robust enforcement, retailers like us can play a key role in making the UK’s transition to a smoke-free future safer, smoother, and more effective.As an independent retailer, we are not just convenience stores anymore; we are vital community hubs and the backbone of the areas that we serve. Like in the case of the ban on disposable vapes, I am well prepared and supportive.The government gave notice in advance, and trade associations stepped up. The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), for example, advised members ... Continue Reading »
At the heart of the new “Born to Mix – World of Absolut Cocktails” campaign is a film crafted by a collective of global creatives including renowned choreographer Shay Latukolan, where dance battles and cocktails intertwine. The film, directed by one of the world’s leading music video directors Henry Scholfield, features a diverse group of world-class dancers, whose infectiously choreographed moves bring Absolut’s most iconic vodka cocktail serves to life through an energetic dance battle. From the smooth sophistication of the Cosmopolitan to the fiery edge of a spicy Bloody Mary, each cocktail showcases joyful self-expression and liberating creativity. The dance battles are soundtracked to a bold cover version of En Vogue’s classic anthem, “Free Your Mind”, from breakout rapper, DJ and record producer Channel Tres. With its powerful lyrics and danceable beats, the reimagined track makes for an unexpected yet perfect mix. “In the UK, Absolut is seeing strong ... Continue Reading »
ERDINGER Weissbier is launching a new campaign, "Your Bavarian Taste of Summer". The off-trade promotion will provide ten biergarten packages in association with Weber.*Promotional Entry via Bottle Neck CollarsPromotional neck collars on 500ml bottles of the classic wheat beer carry a QR code and unique code for entry to win "Your Bavarian Taste of Summer" with 10 ERDINGER Weissbier Biergarten packages available.“We all love going to a beer garden in the summer but not many people realise that they originated in Bavaria in the 19th century," said Country Manager Peter Gowans. "Following a ban on brewing beer during the summer to prevent brewery equipment overheating and causing fires, the beer garden – or Biergarten – was created to become an extension of the brewery. “Sitting outside with family and friends enjoying freshly grilled food off the BBQ and a refreshing ERDINGER Weissbier is a staple of a Bavarian summer, so ... Continue Reading »
The morning sun streams through the windows of Shivom Convenience Go Local in Nuneaton, illuminating carefully arranged displays of confectionery, snacks, and – surprisingly – luxury perfumes. Behind the counter stands Bharat “Baz” Khunti, winner of the Impulse Retailer of the Year award at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards.“It felt amazing. I was quite shocked,” Bharat recalls of the moment his name was announced at the Awards. “It was so brilliant to get that award. I thank my staff for all their hard work. They've been doing all that.”The judges' decision was hardly shocking to anyone familiar with Bharat's store. Since expanding his premises two years ago by taking over the vacant Coral bookmakers next door, he's transformed his business from a modest corner shop into a masterclass in convenience retail. This bold move has seen weekly turnover jump by 50 per cent at an impressive 25 per cent margin.Yet ... 
Leading vape retailer VPZ said it has written to both the UK and Scottish health secretaries to request urgent talks.VPZ alleged that retailers across the UK continue to sell banned single-use disposable vapes, despite the government legislation that came into force on 1 June.In the letter, the vaping specialist expressed deep concern that non-compliant, and high-capacity disposable vapes remain widely available, noting that this is undermining public health efforts, fuelling youth vaping, and the environmental impact.The legislation was introduced to remove these devices from the market - particularly those that appeal to youths through colourful branding and high nicotine levels.However, VPZ said it has identified dozens of retailers across the UK still selling the banned products, raising serious questions about enforcement and regulatory oversight.“We are now past the government’s own deadline, and yet these banned products are still being sold openly in shops across the UK,” Jamie Strachan, operations director ... 
For convenience retailers, the landscape of nicotine products has undergone a seismic shift over the past five years. What began as a niche category of vaping devices has blossomed into a diverse ecosystem of alternatives – heated tobacco products, sophisticated reusable vapes with improved technology, and nicotine pouches. These products haven't merely filled a gap; they've created entirely new revenue streams that have more than compensated for declining combustible tobacco sales.Transition and growthWhile the past three years have seen explosive growth in the vaping category, largely driven by the popularity of disposable products, recent data suggest we may be entering a new phase. According to a study published in the journal Addiction by UCL researchers, the proportion of people vaping increased by nearly a quarter each year from January 2022 to January 2024, but has since plateaued.Even Dr Sarah Jackson of UCL Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, noted: “Action ... 
Back-to-office culture is fuelling a growing “sweet treat economy”, with office workers now spending an estimated £57 million a week on chocolates, according to a recent report, thus driving footfall and sales across local shops, cafés, and high street stores.New data from Virgin Media O2 Business’ Movers Index shows that despite 82 per cent of people adjusting their spending habits at the start of this year, largely due to rising costs, office perks and in-person work culture are contributing to an uptick in spending. More than half (54 per cent) of workers are more likely to buy sweet treats and snacks when in the office compared to working from home, with 52 per cent treating themselves as a reward for going into the office and 24 per cent buying more in the past three months.Many Brits treat themselves to little indulgences ‘most days’ when working in the office. The most ... 
High street businesses can expect a major overhaul of the business rates system from April 2026, with the government pledging to introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties under £500,000 in rateable value.Responding to a Westminster Hall debate secured by Sir Gavin Williamson MP on 4 June, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury James Murray said the Government is “protecting the high street by transforming the business rates system so that it supports investment and is fit for the 21st century.”Under the new system, businesses with rateable values below £500,000 will benefit from two new RHL multipliers, mirroring the existing small business and standard multipliers, without a cash cap.The new small business RHL multiplier will apply to RHL properties with rateable values below £51,000, and the new standard RHL multiplier will apply to RHL properties with rateable values of £51,000 and above, and below £500,000. Murray ... 
Results from a survey of 1,000 retailers conducted on behalf of JTI has found that 82 per cent feel the Labour Government has broken its promise to support small businesses, because of rising business rates, an increase in National Insurance contributions, the proposed generational smoking ban and minimum wage increases. This has left 70 per cent of retailers feeling “disillusioned” by the actions of the Labour Government towards small businesses since they came into power in July 2024. In fact, 85 per cent think it will be harder for their business to succeed in 2025 as a result of new laws and policies proposed by the Labour Government. When it comes to the proposed generational smoking ban, 71 per cent of those surveyed agree that the Labour Party has not listened to the views of independent retailers on this topic. Overall, 58 per cent of retailers believe the generational smoking ... 
Vodka-based RTD brand Four Loko has announced an exciting new partnership with the Academy Music Group (AMG), to become its exclusive Ready To Drink partner across 20 O2 Academy venues.O2 Academy venues, including O2 Academy Brixton and O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, will now stock a range of four Four Loko flavours on their bars, which is a positive development in Four Loko’s expansion into the on-trade and further aligning the brand with live music culture. “This exclusive partnership with AMG is a significant step for Four Loko, which has become one of the fastest growing RTD brands in the UK,” said Clark McIlroy, Managing Director of Four Loko’s UK distributor, Red Star Brands. “The brand appeals to younger consumers who love live music, clubs and having fun with their friends, which is a perfect fit for O2 Academy venues.”AMG is the UK’s leading owner and operator of nationwide live music ... 
The cyber-attack on Marks & Spencer has sent shockwaves through the retail sector.With operations disrupted for weeks, stock shortages, and customer data compromised, it's a stark reminder that cyber-crime poses a genuine threat. But while M&S will weather this storm with their substantial resources, I'm deeply concerned about our independent retailers – smaller businesses are increasingly in the crosshairs of cyber criminals. Why? Because fraudsters know that independents often lack the robust security measures of larger chains, seeing them as low-hanging fruit. This is the reality our members face. One in seven retailers takes no steps to protect their data. Meanwhile, remote purchase fraud was £432.3 million in 2016, and the figure continues to climb. Perhaps most telling is that while 95 per cent of businesses consider cyber-security important, nearly half have no formal strategy in place. For independent retailers, the stakes couldn't be higher. A successful cyber-attack can cause ... 
When we talk whisky, Scotland naturally springs to mind, but did you know that Denmark, England, and India have all produced liquids that have gone on to win ‘Best Whisky in the World’ titles in recent years? The category’s centre of gravity is shifting, and world whisky is no longer a curiosity, it’s a commercial opportunity that was celebrated globally on World Whisky Day, 17 May. From India to Australia, producers are crafting exceptional liquids that challenge assumptions and delight curious drinkers. But for retailers, the key is knowing how to translate this momentum into sales.Today’s whisky drinkers are exploring beyond Scotch, seeking out new flavours, backstories, and regions. English single malts, Indian peated whiskies, and Australian expressions shaped by extreme climates all offer something fresh. But consumers often need help navigating these shelves – and that’s where staff confidence makes the difference.Whisky can be an intimidating category, but it ... 
Co-op Wholesale and Roadchef have officially begun a nationwide store rollout, following the announcement of their strategic partnership in April.The first of eight new convenience stores opened on Thursday (5 June), at Roadchef Norton Canes, as part of a phased transformation of former SPAR-branded sites.The new store also marks the public unveiling of the ‘Norton Canes & Co-op’ partnership – Co-op Wholesale’s newest fascia identity, which represents a co-created retail partnership for select partners to further leverage the Co-op brand.Sitting alongside the already existing Nisa fascia options and ‘Proud to stock Co-op’, ‘& Co-op’ aims to promote the core convenience missions that Co-op is famous for, whilst enabling retailers to stand out on the competitive high street and will launch fully to the market later in 2025.
Katie Secretan (R) and Tim Gittins open Norton Canes & Co-op storeThis collaboration between Co-op and Roadchef brings Co-op’s own-brand range to motorway service ... 
Co-op and Royal Mail have signed a partnership to roll out parcel lockers at the convenience retailer’s stores. The first ones will launch in summer, with plans for lockers at 100 stores.The lockers will allow people to drop off pre-labelled Royal Mail parcels and returns 24/7. Collection will also be available at the lockers soon.The lockers provide label printing, meaning customers simply need to pay for postage online and print the label by scanning a QR code at the locker, or request a QR code if they are returning a purchase.Royal Mail launched its own parcel locker network in December to meet growing demand for convenient parcel drop-off and collection options from online shoppers and growing numbers of people selling on secondhand marketplaces.Fresh & Proper in Fordham, Cambridgeshire, has become the first convenience store to host one of Royal Mail’s new parcel lockers. Co-op is the first retail group in ... 
Premium world beer and cider company, Kingfisher Drinks, is pleased to announce a new flavour for its Peacock cider brand. Peacock Passion Fruit & Guava will be available to grocery and convenience retailers from June onwards with an RRP of £2.70 for a 500ml bottle.Peacock Passion Fruit & Guava is bright, tropical and fun, and is a flavour that feels like summer all year-round. The passion fruit brings a tangy punch, while guava adds smooth, mellow sweetness for a juicy, exotic taste. The flavour combination feels bold and on trend, with passion fruit being a particular favourite among younger drinkers seeking flavour-led ciders.Peacock first launched in the UK back in 2016 initially as a complement to pan-Asian cuisine, but it’s also a great cider in its own right which is regularly found in a growing number of stores. Peacock enjoyed a successful rebrand last year with the aim of further ... 
Authored by convenience retailer Neil Godhania, owner and operator of Neil's and Dodds Road Stores in PeterboroughWith a wave of legislation coming our way, from disposable vape ban to the upcoming generational smoking ban under Tobacco and Vapes Bill, we, the independent convenience retailers, worry that honest businesses will be unfairly penalised while criminals continue to operate with impunity.But with proper planning, government backing and robust enforcement, retailers like us can play a key role in making the UK’s transition to a smoke-free future safer, smoother, and more effective.As an independent retailer, we are not just convenience stores anymore; we are vital community hubs and the backbone of the areas that we serve. Like in the case of the ban on disposable vapes, I am well prepared and supportive.The government gave notice in advance, and trade associations stepped up. The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), for example, advised members ... 
At the heart of the new “Born to Mix – World of Absolut Cocktails” campaign is a film crafted by a collective of global creatives including renowned choreographer Shay Latukolan, where dance battles and cocktails intertwine. The film, directed by one of the world’s leading music video directors Henry Scholfield, features a diverse group of world-class dancers, whose infectiously choreographed moves bring Absolut’s most iconic vodka cocktail serves to life through an energetic dance battle. From the smooth sophistication of the Cosmopolitan to the fiery edge of a spicy Bloody Mary, each cocktail showcases joyful self-expression and liberating creativity. The dance battles are soundtracked to a bold cover version of En Vogue’s classic anthem, “Free Your Mind”, from breakout rapper, DJ and record producer Channel Tres. With its powerful lyrics and danceable beats, the reimagined track makes for an unexpected yet perfect mix. “In the UK, Absolut is seeing strong ... 
ERDINGER Weissbier is launching a new campaign, "Your Bavarian Taste of Summer". The off-trade promotion will provide ten biergarten packages in association with Weber.*Promotional Entry via Bottle Neck CollarsPromotional neck collars on 500ml bottles of the classic wheat beer carry a QR code and unique code for entry to win "Your Bavarian Taste of Summer" with 10 ERDINGER Weissbier Biergarten packages available.“We all love going to a beer garden in the summer but not many people realise that they originated in Bavaria in the 19th century," said Country Manager Peter Gowans. "Following a ban on brewing beer during the summer to prevent brewery equipment overheating and causing fires, the beer garden – or Biergarten – was created to become an extension of the brewery. “Sitting outside with family and friends enjoying freshly grilled food off the BBQ and a refreshing ERDINGER Weissbier is a staple of a Bavarian summer, so ...