For Jawad Javed and Asiyah Javed, looking after their neighbours has become a defining part of running A&J SPAR on Alloa Road, Stenhousemuir.
When the Covid-19 pandemic left vulnerable residents struggling to access basic protective supplies, the couple decided to do something concrete to help.
They redirected savings set aside for a family holiday to buy thousands of masks, hand gels and antibacterial wipes, distributing them free to people who needed them. The decision put a planned trip to Florida on hold, but it established a commitment to community support that continues to shape their business.
Their charitable work has since extended well beyond the pandemic. The couple say they have donated more than £100,000 in food and supplies to their town over the years, while supporting local charities, schools, fundraising campaigns and people experiencing hardship.
They also work with local care homes, supplying food on special occasions and spending time with residents who might otherwise feel alone during Christmas, Easter and other celebrations.
For the Javeds, the role of a convenience retailer is not confined to keeping everyday essentials on the shelves. It also means recognising when someone needs help and responding in practical ways. Their store has become a familiar point of contact for residents, including older people and those living alone, while the couple work with local organisations to help get support to people who are struggling.
That community-first approach is matched by a business that has had to keep evolving. The couple transformed their former Day Today Express operation into A&J SPAR, recognising that a busy neighbourhood store could not afford to stand still. Managing more than 5,000 product lines and working long shifts demands close coordination, with the pair sharing responsibility for the shop floor, stock, staff and deliveries.
Their teamwork is particularly visible in home delivery. While one handles customers and the shop floor, the other helps manage orders, with deliveries sometimes taken directly to wards at the local hospital.
They have also embraced social media as a practical retail tool, creating their own promotional videos to showcase deals and bring customers through the door. For the Javeds, digital promotion does not require a corporate-sized budget; it requires a willingness to experiment and connect with shoppers in the places they already spend time. Their approach combines that online energy with the daily work of keeping the store relevant to local needs.
Their contribution has also received wider recognition. The couple received a Special Recognition award at the Pride of Scotland 2025 and were invited to meet King Charles, an experience they linked to their community work. But their focus remains on the people around them and the practical difference a local business can make.
For Jawad and Asiyah, running a shop together means sharing the workload as well as the responsibility to give back. Their story is one of retail partnership built around a simple principle: a successful store should do more than serve its customers at the till. It should be there for them when they need it most.