Scotland’s convenience stores are being placed firmly in the spotlight this week, as political leaders and industry bodies rally support for the vital role they play in strengthening local economies.
Politicians have been visiting shops across the country to champion the need to show them even greater support - protecting jobs and keeping money local for longer- as part of Scotland Loves Local Week.
And, with activities themed on People Make Places, they have been highlighting the tireless work of their owners and staff in helping to build stronger communities.
The week of action (August 23-30) is led by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the organisation which spearheads the wider Scotland Loves Local campaign.
It estimates that, if every person in the country were to spend just £1-a-week more with local businesses, that it would boost the national economy to the tune of almost £283m-a-year.
Among the politicians to visit convenience stores was Meghan Gallacher, Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Towns and Town Centres.
She called into Baba’s Kitchen and Costcutter in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire, a store she regularly uses.
The Central Scotland MSP heard from owner Abdul Majid and manager Umar Majid, whose family have run the business for 42 years, about its continued evolution.
Gallacher said, “It’s so important to get behind shops and businesses like this in our communities.
“Local people bring local jobs and local jobs help local economies. There’s nothing better than shopping local, supporting local businesses and helping them to thrive in what’s been a tough climate in recent years.
“I’m delighted to be here, I’m delighted to shop local and I’m delighted to be supporting local businesses.”
Umar also backed the call for people to get behind community businesses and said afterwards.
“A business thrives only as much as the community it serves. You thrive alongside your community, share in its hardships and understand that true success only comes from giving back.
“A business is not just part of the community. It prospers by supporting and strengthening the connections that unite it," Umar said.
The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) works closely with STP on its work to help propel the transformation of town centres, as well as operating its own Go Local programme, supporting Scotland’s producers.
The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) works closely with STP on its work to help propel the transformation of town centres, as well as operating its own Go Local programme, supporting Scotland’s producers.
Jamie Mackie, Senior Policy Officer at SGF, added, “Scotland Loves Local week doesn’t just support our vital local businesses, it celebrates the best parts of living local. Promoting sustainability and helping to create thriving and welcoming community centers.
“That is why our partnership with the STP works so well, very much aligning with our own goals for the SGF Go Local programme. Convenience stores are at the heart of their community, providing lifeline services, essential local employment, and an all-important local economic multiplier.
“Well done to everyone in the STP team for another fantastic year for Scotland Loves Local.”
On the wider need to back local businesses of all kinds, Ms Gallacher added: “Our towns and town centres have had a challenging time in recent years.
“The only way we can protect, sustain and grow local businesses is to shop local, to help local businesses thrive and help the local economy, which benefits us all.”
STP says that the impact of choosing locally more often - including with convenience stores - can be transformational in building stronger, thriving communities.
Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie said: “The reality is that £282m is the tip of the iceberg of what can be achieved. If £1 more every week can make a transformational impact to the people who make our places, just imagine what is truly possible by choosing local even more.
“Money stays local for longer when you spend with local businesses.The multiplier effect is massive. These businesses spend with other businesses, who employ other local people, who then spend with other local businesses. Every penny spent is an investment in the future of your area.”
Scotland Loves Local is supported by the Scottish Government.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said, “Local spending is vital to the prosperity of our villages, towns and cities. It keeps people in jobs, businesses open and wealth in communities.
"The Scottish Government continues to work closely with Scotland’s Towns Partnership to drive forward the Scotland Loves Local campaign which aims to strengthen communities by putting localism and thriving town centres and high streets at the heart of a green, fair and growing economy.
“To create jobs and boost local economies we are also progressing our Community Wealth Building Bill which would, if passed by MSPs, encourage councils, NHS boards and other public bodies to buy more goods and services from their local businesses.”