- Six docu-films reveal the real personalities behind the counter, spotlighting the local heroes shaping communities across the UK, as research shows over a third of Brits consider the corner shop an essential part of their daily life
- The future looks bright for the community corner shop, as Gen Z spend more than any other age group in the convenience channel (£19.30 on average)
- Launching the series to celebrate 125 years in Great Britain, Coca-Cola is also giving back to the bosses and communities featured in the series, issuing each with a five-figure donation to invest in local projects
Award-winning director Ross Bolidai, National Portrait Gallery photographer and Coca-Cola unveil new portrait and docu-series spotlighting the convenience store owners at the heart of local British retail
The six docu-films reveal the real personalities behind the counter, spotlighting the local heroes shaping communities across the UK, as research shows over a third of Brits consider the corner shop an essential part of their daily life
The future looks bright for the community corner shop, as Gen Z spend more than any other age group in the convenience channel (£19.30 on average)
Launching the series to celebrate 125 years in Great Britain, Coca-Cola is also giving back to the bosses and communities featured in the series, issuing each with a five-figure donation to invest in local projects
Alongside multi-award-winning director Ross Bolidai and National Portrait Gallery photographer Serena Brown, Coca-Cola has released a new portrait and docu-series celebrating the most British of all retailers – the local "corner shop boss".
Inspired by the unique character and cultural importance of Britain’s beloved corner shops, the series brings the people behind the counter into the spotlight to celebrate their resilience, personality and pivotal role in community life.
Whilst the high street has dwindled in recent years, convenience stores have thrived, with over a third (34 per cent) of Brits saying their corner shop is an essential resource in their everyday life, according to research by Coca-Cola.
The research also revealed that the current boom in local shopping is being driven by Gen Z shoppers, who are spending more than any other generation at their local store.
The content series
"The Bosses" portrait series is unveiled as Coca-Cola marks 125 years of operating in communities across Great Britain, in collaboration with convenience retailers.
Six entrepreneurial bosses and their families have been immortalised by talented Gen Z photographer Serena Brown, in a gallery of "high-fashion"-style photos celebrating their commitment, heritage, know-how and personality.
Meanwhile, director Ross Bolidai produced moving mini-documentaries following the family dynamics, personal stories and community spirit felt by the retailers, inspiring shoppers to see the real people behind the counter in new ways.
The Bosses
The film and photography series, entitled The Bosses features:
- Sunita Aggarwal, Spar, Leicester
- Bobby Singh, BB Nevison, Pontefract
- Keith Tomes, Costcutter, Swanage
- Sophie Williams, Premier Broadway, Edinburgh
- Kaual Patel, Nisa Local, Catford
- Bay Bashir, Go Local Extra, Middlesbrough
From raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for local charities, acting as an unofficial department of the Citizens Advice Bureau and fixing church roofs, to launching Women in Retail groups and running for mayor, the series’ protagonists have proven themselves pillars of the local community.
“Shooting these documentaries with Coca-Cola was a real pleasure,” said Bolidai. “We got to the heart of British communities and were honoured to be trusted with stories like the challenges of immigrating to the UK and grief, but also the triumphs of their businesses and communities.”
Stephen Moorhouse, General Manager of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) GB, said: “Local retailers are more than just shopkeepers; they are community builders, and often the first to lend a hand when it’s needed most. This series is about recognising their dedication and celebrating the value they bring, not just in economic terms, but in the trust, care and connection they foster every day.”
With a legacy spanning 125 years in Great Britain, The Coca-Cola Company is committed to supporting the local ‘Bosses’ at the heart of our communities – with each boss from the series nominating a local cause to receive a five-figure donation.
“The Bosses” portrait series will be featured in OOH/DOOH advertising in and around each store owner’s local community, and will also include social media and national and regional PR.