Competition is heating up among wholesalers who in turn are resorting to every trick in the book to hook convenience retailers.
It is often said that competition is a force for good in the long run as it bolsters productivity and efficiency. In this £37.9 billion market, competition has traditionally been based on price, product range, and market reach as wholesalers strive to differentiate themselves and gain a competitive edge.
Recently, the competition has also been influenced by the rise of quick-delivery options, online platforms and e-commerce. Many wholesalers have established online platforms to expand their reach, enhance convenience, and cater to the evolving needs of their customers. Afterall, e-commerce platforms provide an additional channel to reach a wider and “next generation” customer base.
Booker still enjoys the lion’s share here, followed by another giant Bestway. Parfetts, Dhamecha, Cotswold Fayre, Hancocks, Pricecheck and JW Filshill are also some prominent names.
Apart from big ones, several small and local wholesalers have also sprouted lately, giving tough competition to the bigwigs.
Between its two depots in Grimsby and Hull, Dee Bee caters to retailers from Scarborough in the north, across to Goole and Selby in the west, the whole of North and North East Lincolnshire and further south into Lincolnshire and the East Midlands.
SOS Wholesale is said to be one of the UK’s biggest discount-delivered wholesalers while Holleys is a premium grocery distributor serving the independent retail sector. The latter claims to help retailers to maximise basket spend and increase footfall through supply of a complete range of premium ambient groceries as well as regional produce- backed up by large stocks and fast delivery.
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Premier Wholesale 247 Ltd has depots in the Midlands, Northampton, East London, Berkshire, Greater Manchester, then moving South to Romford and London, catering to thousands of independent retailers, corner shops, mini supermarkets, grocery stores and convenience stores in the Northwest.
Who is doing what?
In present times, higher prices are everyone’s pain point. Most wholesalers are elbowing to each other to emerge as the ones offering better prices through campaigns such as promo weeks and price locks.
TWC’s recent research based on 200 independent retailers highlighted that more than one in five are “shopping around more” to get better deals, a broader range, and in some cases to find stock.
Confectionery wholesaler Hancocks does not feel threatened by any competitor, vouching on its extensive network and quality offering.
“At Hancocks, we are proud to be nationwide and offer value and quality confectionery products to retailers across the country. We have 14 nationwide cash and carry stores and an online channel where customers can shop 24/7 with delivery to their door and free click and collect,” Kathryn Hague, Head of Marketing at Hancocks, told Asian Trader, adding that each depot has more than 3,500 branded and own label products.
Hague banks on offering retailer “great value” in these economically hard times.
“One way we are helping to tackle this is through offering cost-effective ranges for our customers. We have worked with suppliers to course a range of entry level price energy drinks, chocolate, sweets and crisps across great quality brands.”
To offer value to retailers, Hancocks has introduced the Ultimate Multi Buy so they can save on bulk across major brands.
Another strategy of Hancocks to gain loyalty among retailers is to maintain and expand the largest range of confectionery among wholesalers, which it do through launching NPD and stocking the largest range of pick & mix and novelty products.
“We serve our customers in ways which suit them through multiple sales channels and invest in ecommerce to make the experience as easy as possible,” informed Hague.
“The knowledge of our staff spans decades of experience in the confectionery business, helping them to build close and trusting relationships with customers to offer them the best experience possible,” Hague told Asian Trader.
Just like Hancocks, wholesaler Parfett states that it does not have “any direct competitors”.
Jamie Ferguson, head of marketing at Parfetts
Jamie Ferguson, head of marketing at Parfetts, stated that the wholesaler offers “incredible margins” across a range of regular promotions, which makes it “unique”.
“We work closely with suppliers to ensure we have high levels of availability across a wide range of key convenience lines. At the same time, because we are employee-owned, we invest more back into price and margin – so we ensure our prices across our full range are very competitive.
“We also offer regular deep dive promotions across a wide range of hundreds of products – this all means that a customer can come to Parfetts, shop a wide range of over 9,000 products and be confident that the prices they pay will be the best available. Reducing the need to shop around,” Ferguson told Asian Trader.
Bestway’s “winning formula” is to support customers and stay ahead of competition.
“Last year, it has been through delivering leading promotions, keeping supplies consistently available, and helping customers navigate extraordinary economic conditions. And yes, it’s all about price and margins but there are value-adds which we provide here at Bestway, which have seen massive investment and have set the bar high for any competitor to follow,” says Managing Director of Bestway Wholesale, Dawood Pervez.
With its 57 depots across the country, accommodating a total selling space of just under 6 million square feet (that’s the equivalent of 89 football stadiums), Pervez has promised that the year ahead will see Bestway continuing to invest in forward reserves of stock to counter forward inevitable price increases from suppliers.
Bestway has also launched WhatsApp for Business, for all customer types ensuring retailers receive up-to-the-minute promotion and pricing information. Bestway’s delivery service is also on the rise as its Vans Direct has delivered another phenomenal year with 7 per cent year-on-year customer growth.
Bestway Vans Direct, is a part of the Bestway Wholesale family and is a syndicated salesforce that operates in the Crisps, Snacks and Biscuit category as well as in the confectionery category. Bestway Vans supplies to over 21,000 independent retailers every working day of the year, placing more than 25,000 pieces of point-of-sale equipment each year.
Delivery gained a huge popularity during pandemic and the momentum gained is still present.
To gain edge on the delivery front, Booker has recently joined hand with Just Eat to offer rapid delivery to thousands of Symbol group convenience stores across the country. As a result of this partnership, Londis, Premier, Budgens and Family Shopper will be able to offer their customers a range of fresh food, everyday essentials, drinks and tobacco delivered to the door, within 25 minutes.
JW Filshill's distribution centre
JW Filshill, on the other hand, is said to be targeting social-media-savvy retailers to expand its KeyStore symbol group. It is also focused on maintaining its delivery service. The wholesaler reportedly has developed separate picking zones to speed up the delivery process while at its distribution centre, specialised shelving has been designed to move popular lines at a faster rate.
In November, Dhamecha Group stepped out of London and acquired two depots at Nottingham and West Bromwich from Hyperama Foods. Its arrival in the Midlands is said to have created a shift in dynamics for Parfetts and Bestway.
A retailer told Asian Trader how after the arrival of Dhamecha, Parfetts and Bestway has improved on their delivery services to compete with the new player in the market.
What is Needed?
TWC Development Director Tom Fender feels that discounts and schemes can work but only for short term.
“Apart from costing and discounts, it is the customer service that trumps when it comes to gaining loyal retailers,” Fender told Asian Trader.
Tom Fender
A retailer won’t necessarily go back to a particular wholesaler just for discounts but if someone offers them a complete package- data, trends, new launches, exclusive products, and good quality own-label range- the retailer would like to stick that particular firm, he said.
“Organising event-wise campaign is a great idea to create buzz and momentum. There are many events spread in the coming months and if wholesalers can tap those, it can give a great leverage to both wholesalers and local stores,” he said.
Like Bestway Wholesale’s King’s Coronation Campaign during which retailers were offered some market leading promotions and products at the best prices. Bestway also ran a series of competitions over this four-week campaign period, including five prizes to win £1000 depot credit.
Bestway Retail Showcase 2023, that happened on May 25, saw a record numbers of retailers and supply partners alongside its specialist retail teams.
"More than 140 supply partners engaged with retailers, sharing market insights and product opportunities, inviting retailers to feedback on NPD lines they are looking to bring to market. There were over 100 special Retail Showcase offers extended to attendees on the day, giving powerful opportunities to make more margin and capitalise on sales opportunities," stated Bestway.
Bestway Retail Showcase
Offering new and exclusive line of products is also picking up. Recently seen in the case of PRIME energy drinks, which is currently a huge fad, so the race is on among retailers to stock this product in all flavours.
“By offering such popular and trendy products, wholesalers can surely attract retailers who are already facing a huge demand of such products from shoppers anyway,” Fender said.
Fender also suggested wholesalers to negotiate hard with suppliers for better margin for the retailers.
“Reducing margins has been one of the easiest way to not to pass on the price increase to customers and hence face push back by them. If a wholesaler can offer better margin to its retailer, that can work as a game-changer for everyone,” said Fender.
Wholesale experts and former Director of Communications at Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD) David Wisick adviced wholesalers to do the basics well.
“Stock the products the retailers need before they even know they need them, and be fair and clear on ROI,” Wisick said.
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Like the rest of the world, digital is the way forward in this sector too. Wholesalers' digital offer will evolve to match the experience their customers get as consumers.
“We're all used to the way advanced consumer interfaces learn from our ordering patterns and make intelligent suggestions. That kind of platform is becoming more available to businesses in our sector and it's the logical next step for forward-thinking wholesalers,” Wisick told Asian Trader.
Looking Ahead
Lyndsey Cambridge, Head of Engagement & Communication at FWD, predicts the drop in wholesale delivered services.
“With fuel cost rising through the roof, offering delivery solution is proving to be less cost-effective for wholesalers. I feel that in the next 12-18 months, wholesalers will strive and take active steps to bring retailers back to the depot by giving them better experience and expert support,” she said.
Offering good quality own-label range can prove to be a trump card for wholesalers.
“Retailers are looking at stocking cheaper products owing to customer demand of the same. Wholesalers are trying to expand this range so as to retain more retailers who in turn are looking for good quality cheaper yet products with better margins,” Cambridge told Asian Trader.
Fender also vouches on own-label range as a win-win solution for everyone. Overall, he stressed that “better customer service armed with expert knowledge and not just special discounts, can take a wholesaler far ahead in this market”.
Wholesale sector has moved with time and has been highly resilient, stated Fender, who adviced every player in this sector to remain optimistic and keep a positive outlook.
“In present times, one should not get discouraged by the highly-publicised cost-of-living crisis. Times are tough indeed but as a wholesaler as well as a retailer, one just needs to arm well and push through a little harder,” he concluded.
The past year has seen significant changes in the UK's political and economic landscape.
With a new Labour government at the helm and ongoing efforts to stabilise the economy, retailers face both challenges and opportunities. Whilst consumer confidence has shown signs of improvement, it's clear that shoppers remain cautious.
However, as seasoned retailers, we've weathered storms before, navigated recessions, interest rate fluctuations, and shifts in consumer behaviour. Resilience and adaptability have always been our strengths, and this year is no exception.
The key to success this Christmas lies in understanding and anticipating customer behaviour. We expect to see a continuation of last-minute shopping trends, with many consumers delaying their purchases until closer to the festive season. This presents a golden opportunity for independent retailers to capture late sales.
For this, it's crucial to improve your communications. Utilise every channel at your disposal – from eye-catching window displays to engaging social media content and email campaigns. Your message should highlight what makes your offerings unique and why customers should choose your shop for their festive purchases.
Whilst many independents may shy away from Black Friday-style promotions, consider creating your own unique offers or events. These needn't be deep discounts but could be exclusive products, personalised services, or in-store experiences that set you apart from mass-market retailers.
Andrew Goodacre
As we move into December, focus on honing your skills. Excellent customer service, product knowledge, and a welcoming atmosphere make all the difference. Remember, you're not just selling products, you're creating a festive shopping experience that can't be replicated online.
The new government has pledged support for high streets, and there's still strong public sentiment for shopping locally. Tap into this by emphasising your role in the community. Consider collaborating with other local businesses for joint promotions or events.
Sustainability continues to be important to many consumers, so highlight any eco-friendly or locally-sourced products in your range.
Be prepared for potential last-minute changes in shopping patterns. Stay flexible with your stock levels and staffing. Consider extending your opening hours in the final weeks before Christmas.
Finally, don't forget digital. Whilst your shop is your primary asset, ensure your online presence is up to date. Many customers research online before visiting stores, so tweak your website or social media profiles to reflect your current stock and special offers.
In this festive season, let's remember that the spirit of independent retail – personalised service, unique products, and community connection - is what many customers are seeking. By playing to these strengths and adapting to the current economic climate, we can turn the challenges of 2024 into opportunities for success.
Here at Bira, we're optimistic about the potential of this Christmas trading period. We're here to support you every step of the way and wish all our members a prosperous, joyful, and successful festive season.
ast month, the government confirmed that disposable vapes will be banned across England and Wales from June 1, 2025.
Single use vapes were also due to be banned in Scotland from April of next year but shortly after the UK government’s announcement, the Scottish government advised that this date would be pushed back by two months – to June of next year – to align with the legislation in the rest of the UK. Northern Ireland is also expected to follow suit.
Announcing the ban – which will not apply to rechargeable or refillable devices – circular economy minister Mary Creagh said that it was to end the nation’s “throwaway culture” and marked the first step on the road to a circular economy, where resources are used for longer, waste is reduced and the path to net zero is accelerated.
Now this key date is known, the Fed will work with the respective governments and with vape suppliers to ensure that members are prepared for next summer’s ban coming into force and to ensure they have sold through their existing stock ahead of June 1.
But we can’t help thinking that rather than banning single use vapes in a bid to reduce littering, that the governments have missed a trick.
Mo Razzaq
Fed members are responsible retailers. We care about our communities and we accept that discarded disposable vapes do damage the environment.
In fact, according to the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), almost five million single use vapes were either littered or thrown into general waste each week last year – a nearly four-fold increase on the year before. Typically ending up in landfill, their batteries can leak battery acid, lithium and mercury into the environment, the government said.
And yes, this is truly shocking – but here at the Fed we believe there is still a better solution to an outright ban, and it is one that we have pitched to ministers on several occasions.
A disposal scheme, similar to that due to come into force in October 2027 on single use drink cans, and with a £1 deposit on all single use vapes which is paid back when they are returned, would help resolve the littering issue overnight. The price change and the returns system might also push people towards using refillable vapes instead.
Many retailers already offer a recycling option, so rather than just banning disposable vapes, the governments should be looking at making available more ways for these products to be disposed of safely and in an environmentally friendly way.
Introducing a disposal scheme on disposable vapes, we believe, would better address the government’s concerns on the environmental impact that they currently have.
Retailer Eric McGill showcases vape recycle bin in his store
As well as tackling environmental damage, the ban is designed to end the surge in young people vaping, but – again – the Fed and our members have serious concerns about it. In short, it will simply fuel the illicit market even further.
Disposable vapes are usually more affordable, which is why many adults turn to them when they want to quit smoking. Ban them and it is highly likely that many vapers will turn to unorthodox and illicit sources where there is no compliance to tobacco and vaping laws and a danger to health, as the products being peddled are likely to contain dangerous and illegal levels of toxic chemicals.
What is particularly concerning is the kind of groups who will benefit from this. Gangs who smuggle do not just transport illicit cigarettes and vapes. Many of them are also involved in some of the most dangerous and darkest elements of the black market, with the profits used to fund the smuggling of weapons, drugs – and even people.
Many children and teenagers are already obtaining vapes from unorthodox sources including cafes, take-away shops, hair salons, car boot sales and tanning salons. That’s in addition to deliveries by dealers to the home or on street corners just 30 metres from the school gate.
What’s more frightening is that these rogue sales will take place regardless of the buyer’s age. The peddlers couldn’t care less whether the customer is 18 or over. They just want the profit.
Just like shoplifting, selling counterfeit and non-duty tobacco and vapes is not a victimless crime. It damages legitimate retail businesses and communities, as well as robbing the government’s coffers of billions of pounds.
Since the date of the ban was confirmed, we have written to Mary Creagh to set out our concerns and to offer to meet so we can discuss ways of expanding schemes that enable disposable vapes to be recycled and to better educate the public on these.
And Asian Trader readers can play a part in helping to stub out illicit sales.
I’d ask that you report any suspicions about illegal vape and tobacco sales to the authorities.
This can be done by calling Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice consumer hotline on 0808 223 1133; HMRC’s Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887; or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 Alternatively, you can report suspicions via https://suspectit-report-it.co.uk/; or by emailing suspectit.reportit@ uk.imptob.com.
Concerns should also be raised with your local MP. Council and police and crime commissioners.
Space on your booze shelf is precious. So, the idea of introducing flavoured spirits into the mix might be daunting, depending on the size of your range. Nonetheless, they’re a great way to add interest for your customers and show you keep up with the trends.
Before you go on to find the right flavours for your store, it’s important to note the two distinct camps in flavoured products. The first is the novelty camp: fun flavours, often synthetically made, that appeal to a younger drinker. These might sit at the lower and mid-point of the market. The second is a more sophisticated flavour range – the flavours themselves might be more subtle, unusual, and could tend to veer away from being really sweet or synthetically composed. Often these come with a premium price point.
Both make great additions to your shelf, so long as they suit your customers. So, look at the price point of your customers’ bottle spend to decipher where to start looking.
Nick Gillett
Once you know, you can read up on what’s popular for the season. This year, it’s all about spicy flavours and dessert flavours. Think jalapeño and chilies, or more traditional spices like cinnamon and anise. For dessert-inspired tipples, look at coffee, hazelnut, and chocolate infusions – especially around the festive season. Don’t just look at vodka and gin – all categories are now widening out to include flavoured varieties, even tequila, rum, and whisky, so don’t be afraid to explore.
Above all else, know your customer. And if they fit a demographic that’s up for exploring, do your best to give them something new and exciting. There are plenty of great bottles out there!
As Tobacco and Vapes Bill makes its way into parliament with promises of a healthier smokefree UK, convenience retailers across the country are anxious, fearing an impending storm of challenges on the horizon, finds Asian Trader.
Ignoring the outcry from small business owners and consumer freedom advocates alike, Labour introduced the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in the parliament on Nov 5.
Reviving the bill from previous Conservative government, Labour has made the legislation even more stifling with a couple of additional measures, such as looking into extending smoke-free places and introducing a licensing scheme for tobacco and vape retailers.
The core of the bill is a ban on selling "tobacco products, herbal smoking products, and cigarette papers to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009”.
Notably, the focus is on selling here, thereby placing the entire burden of enforcement on retailers with no repercussions on the “under-age adult” asking or rather coercing for a cig.
Touted as a world-leading idea, the bill's intentions are noble, but in practice, it is expected to impose severe operational challenges for store owners.
Like in 2040, it will be still legal to sell cigarettes to 32-year-olds but a retailer will face a criminal offence for selling the same to 30-year-olds, probably facing the customer wrath too on being denied the sale.
According to the proposals, after Jan 1, 2027, each cigarette or tobacco product sale will come with the mandatory checking of a government-approved ID (namely passport, UK driving licence, a driving licence issued by any of the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, European Union photo card driving licence, or an identity card issued by the Proof of Age Standards Scheme and bearing its hologram) to make sure the buyer is “born after 2009”.
Asian Trader reached out to some of the leading convenience retailers across the UK, and the air was thick with frustration and despair, majorly over the fact that the government is pressing ahead with the bill, ignoring their pleas.
Highlighting the bill’s daunting implications, retailer Neil Godhania, who owns and runs Neil’s Premier in Peterborough, heavily criticised the move, saying that such a law, if it comes into effect, will put a multi-level burden on retailers.
He said, “The ban requires that stores verify each customer’s birth year to ensure they’re not part of the restricted generation, adding an extra layer of complexity to existing age verification.”
This increased scrutiny will demand rigorous staff training, higher operational costs, and a heightened risk of penalties—all of which erode the quality of customer service and increase stress on staff, he explained.
Not only are these restrictions impractical, but they also risk exacerbating an already tense retail environment.
According to ACS 2024 Crime Report, most (87 per cent) colleagues in convenience stores have faced verbal abuse over the last year while enforcing the law on age restricted sales has been named among the top three triggers for abuse.
With customer abuse cases at record high levels, Godhania fears that the bill’s requirements will only escalate confrontations.
Elsewhere in Croydon, Nisa retailer Benedict Selvaratnam (also known as Ben) is having similar concerns about this new added layer of complexity. Sharing Godhania’s concern, Ben also fears both customers’ backlash as well as delay in service at the till.
Ben said, "The added layer of complexity will slow down transactions at the point of sale, leading to potential delays, especially in busy stores like ours where every minute counts."
Retailers like Bobby Singh, who manages BB Nevison Superstore and Post Office in Pontefract, fears that these measures will force them into adversarial roles with customers.
Sharing his apprehensions, Singh told Asian Trader, “Through such laws, the government is basically expecting us to question grown adults on their choices.
"We will be questioning grown up responsible adults on their freedom of choice and this is just going to cause confrontation for me and my teams.”
Retailer Bobby Singh
Across borders in Wales, independent retailer Trudy Davies, who runs Woosnam and Davies News in Llanidloes, is worried about what she is going to do if this bill becomes law. She shares her apprehension over the strain the law would impose on her already overburdened staff.
Davies told Asian Trader, "When adult customers are asked for id - it then becomes a ‘flashpoint’ for disruptive purchasers whom the store staff will have to deal with. Their anxiety levels and stress with just daily things they deal with is enough for them.
"Now with more and more put onto them, particularly ‘policing’ as part of their job, it will be more worrisome for us business owners.
"Moreover, it is unimaginable how each cigarette or basic tobacco product will require an ID check every single time, putting other customers behind in line waiting to be served.”
Boost to illegal tobacco
Such age-restrictive ban might be a challenge for law-abiding stores though the move seems a blessing for illegal traders.
As perfectly summed by Davies, traders of illicit and contraband tobacco products are now eagerly looking forward to the ban coming in, “rubbing their hands together as we speak”.
A look at a recent research carried out by the Tobacco Manufacturers’ Association shows that most (80 per cent) UK smokers have bought illicit tobacco in the past year while the number of smokers that had bought illicit tobacco increased 6 per cent on the previous year.
Clearly, buying a fake or a contraband cigarette is neither unfamiliar nor new for smokers.
With weak penalties for perpetrators, poor border controls, low arrest rates and tobacco taxes creating disparity between neighbouring countries, it’s a problem that’s only set to grow. And the proposed ban is only expected to add wings to it.
Singh said, “The UK will see a boom in illicit trade, if such a ban comes into effect. We all know that illicit traders do not care about compliance or any kind of responsibility. Such a ban is only going to make things harder for convenience stores.
"People are anyway going to consume cigarettes if they want to, and they will get them from illicit sources.”
Sharing the concern that the ban will unintentionally fuel the already significant illegal tobacco market, Ben told Asian Trader, "Restricted legal access may drive younger generations to seek illicit sources, impacting legitimate retailers like us who are already affected by illegal trade competition.
"This situation could exacerbate the problem of counterfeit and untaxed tobacco flooding the market, posing further risks for community health and retail safety."
The knock-on effects don’t stop there.
Retailer Priyesh Vekaria, a One Stop retailer in Manchester, highlighted the risk that illegal trade funds organized crime, "The key concerns for me are that illicit trade and grey markets will boom.
“The bigger concern is that often illicit trade and grey markets are linked to and fund organised crime and this could pose much more serious implications to communities, if this is not carefully and practically enforced."
Dear Government
It is clear that implementation of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, if it comes into effect, will require retailers to make significant changes in their businesses.
At this critical juncture, the government is being called on to support convenience retailers in implementing any proposed changes.
Retail bodies like the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) are urging for clear guidance and public awareness efforts to ease the transition.
They are also stressing that the onus should be on policymakers to equip retailers with resources rather than leaving them to bear the brunt of implementation alone.
As Vekaria explains, “Advocating health in the community is key to being a responsible retailer.
"The government needs to own their decisions and support implementation with due diligence and consideration for the businesses who are facing customers at the grass root level.
Retailer Priyesh Vekaria
“Support us and work with us, understand our concerns to help us to implement your legislative changes,” he added.
Vekaria’s call for support is echoed by other retailers too, both for support and killing illegal trade.
Ben said, "I would urge the government to consider support measures for retailers as they roll out this ban. This could include investment in training, technology, and clear guidelines.
“Additionally, the government should prioritise combating the illegal tobacco trade with stricter enforcement and increased resources. Without tackling the illegal market, the impact of this ban might undermine its intended health benefits."
Furthermore, the bill will also include powers to introduce a licensing scheme for retailers to sell tobacco, vape and nicotine products in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
ACS chief James Lowman warned that this scheme, introduced without prior consultation, risks pushing legitimate businesses out simply based on location, impacting investment and growth in the sector.
“We now need proper discussion of the details as regulations are drafted, or we fear that this legislation will significantly impact investment, growth and service provision in our sector,” he said.
Unnecessary, impractical, delusional
In 2011, 20 per cent of UK adults smoked, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) while in 2023, just fewer than 12 per cent did so. Fewer than one in 10 young adults in the UK smoked cigarettes in 2023 - down from a quarter of 18-24-year-olds 12 years earlier.
Overall, there has been a shift of mindset among people and the change can be seen at convenience stores too.
And this brings us to a fundamental question: with smoking rates already on a steady decline, is such a complex ban even required?
Singh feels such a ban is “not practical or real, not even required.” as people themselves are getting more health conscious and smoking rate is reducing massively.
“People are already making better choices but to suppress their freedom is not the right answer here,” he said, adding that rising the age from 18 to 21 would have made more sense.
Singh’s message to the government is blunt but poignant: “Put resources into education. Bringing awareness in the masses will and is showing better results as smokers are reducing.”
Retailer Trudy Davies
Retailers across the UK are speaking with one voice. They want the government to understand the practical realities and to respect the efforts they already make to promote responsible retail.
As Davies succinctly puts it, “Government needs to stop thinking only on the lines of ‘Ban, Ban, Ban’. Please, go to your local shop and stand in our staff's shoes for a few hours.
"Those people on the shop floor who have to handle your new legislation on a daily basis should be included in any discussions before laws are made.”
Clearly, if Labour’s goal is truly to create a healthier UK, then it needs to listen, understand and collaborate with convenience sector; maybe even refine and realistically re-imagine the otherwise seemingly lopsided bill to make it more practical and impactful?
Convenience stores have come far. Today, some of the UK’s top convenience stores are at par with larger supermarkets and with extra leverage on convenience and unique, tailored experiences, some are even better.
A perfect face of such store which is bringing fun to convenience is RaceTrack.
While RaceTrack operates a dozen stores across Scotland, RaceTrack Pitstop Premier store in Strathclyde stands out due to its rapid growth and unique offerings, a testament to the vision of the next-generation star of Sud family Guna Sud, who discovered the site while living in the building as a student.
His insight into retail business as well as foresightedness of serving a vibrant student community laid the groundwork for what has become a thriving destination store within a mere three years.
Speaking with Asian Trader, retail veteran Shamly Sud dived in detail about the store’s origin, the idea and the future plans.
"My eldest son stayed in the building for a year when he went to Uni," Shamly Sud explains. "He saw the demand, especially with the large student population and limited convenience options."
The store finally opened in October 2021, after a massive refit lasting nine months and £1million investment.
Though a recent addition to the RaceTrack portfolio, the Strathclyde location carries all the signature elements that define the brand.
From its unique in-house brands—Tubbees for dessert, VAPED4U, Hoagies, and, of course, RaceTrack itself—the store sets itself apart through an inviting, destination-style experience.
Asian Trader of the Year 2022
Winner Shamly Sud (Racetrack Pitstop Premier, Strathclyde)
at The Asian Trader Awards 2022 held at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel in London. (Edward Lloyd/Alpha Press)
Shamly explained, “We aim to make convenience more fun and inviting, creating more of a destination store, separating us from competition and giving customers a unique shopping experience.
“We are also very competitively priced across the store, running deep discounts on our new power bays, with an offering that competes with likes of Tesco, Aldi and so forth, again, providing something unique for our customers. We basically pass on any savings we find.”
The store's interior is designed with flair, and each brand occupies its own distinct section, from Tubbees’ colorful dessert corner to VAPED4U’s vast vape section, which boasts over 3,000 SKUs.
This dynamic model is mirrored across the RaceTrack chain, where innovation is constant. RaceTrack stores distinguish themselves through exclusive partnerships and custom features that go beyond standard retail.
In a first for an independent chain, Strathclyde’s RaceTrack hosts bespoke POS and displays from brands like Elf Bar and Gold Bar.
She said, “We are constantly making changes, analysing each bay, changing layouts, working with suppliers to create new bespoke displays, like our recent agreement with Elf Bar and Gold Bar. We are currently the only independent retail chain with such an agreement.
"Both brands have provided bespoke pos and displays for this store, and their own media agreements.”
RaceTrack currently has 11 stores within the group and a 12th one is about to be opened soon.
Yet, not all challenges are within the business's control.
Like most of their peer, the Sud family is also facing the ongoing retail crime epidemic. The lack of consistent support from local authorities exacerbates the problem, with incidents of theft and violence affecting daily operations.
"Every day brings new security challenges," Shamly said. "The violence escalates, and the support from authorities just isn’t there."
Despite the challenges, the Strathclyde Pitstop Premier is deeply committed to community engagement.
"Each month, we donate to a local charity, and we provide free fruit for schoolchildren through the Healthy Living Scotland initiative," Shamly shared.
The store’s proximity to several universities has spurred partnerships that benefit the student community, from event sponsorships to recruitment opportunities.
"We’re the only business offering this level of involvement with the local student population," she added.
For Shamly, retail is more than a profession; it’s a legacy. Her journey into the industry began in childhood, assisting her parents in their family business.
Even as her family life expanded, Shamly never shied from challenges. After having two children and the youngest just a few months old, she embarked on a new path, completing a postgraduate degree to become a mathematics teacher.
But it was the 2008 financial crisis that truly cemented her return to retail. Working alongside her husband, initially in property renovation, they found that retail offered a stability that property could not.
As she put it, "I couldn’t purchase goods with bricks. Cash was essential to survive day to day."
Together, they made a bold move and opened their first forecourt, Braeside Services, in 2011. This decision marked the beginning of a new chapter, fueled by a unique partnership.
"My husband and I have a fantastic relationship," she shares. I am often the face, negotiating with suppliers, while he ensures everything runs smoothly behind the scenes."
This synergy is what drives their success. In Shamly’s words, "We work as a team," a formula that’s become central to their business philosophy. But beyond teamwork, Shamly brings her own unique strengths to the table.
And her motto? A straightforward yet powerful one: "Just get on with it."
Looking ahead, plans are underway to give the store a chilled alcohol room.
“Even though the store is new it doesn't stop us from further reinvesting. We are currently looking at introducing ordering hot food on a tablet and having a serve over for it at the till.
"The sales on the food to go are increasing all the time and we want to raise it to it's full potential,” she said.
Under the Sud family’s leadership, it exemplifies how a well-thought-out, community-centric modern and innovative approach can transform a convenience store into a beloved local destination and a model to look upon.