The cash rewards app for convenience retailers, *shopt, recently brought together a group of influential symbol and independent retailers, together with a range of FMCG brands, for an exclusive summer event at the Sky Garden, Birmingham’s Resort World. The collaborative event created an open forum where retailers could directly engage with brand representatives from Mars, Magnum Ice Cream Company, Budweiser and Tropicana.
The idea for the event was directly inspired by *shopt's ongoing conversations with retailers, which have been instrumental in shaping the future of the platform. *shopt has been actively gathering feedback to better understand how it can improve and evolve to meet retailer needs.
The day was designed with this in mind, featuring a pod rotation format, allowing retailers to spend time with each brand, offer feedback, and share insights on how suppliers can better support the convenience sector. Retailers also had the opportunity to learn how brands are using the *shopt platform to engage the trade and deliver real value to stores across the UK. Each session highlighted how retailers and suppliers can work more closely to address everyday challenges and how *shopt acts as a bridge between both sides.
A key theme emerging from these discussions was clarity as retailers want to know what’s new, what they should be stocking, and they want that surfaced quickly and clearly in the app. That insight is driving *shopt to ensure the most important content is the most visible.
“This event provided a brilliant platform to learn more about what retailers need”, said Alexa Hester, Head of Marketing and Engagement at *shopt. “Brands don’t often get the chance to engage with retailers in small, focused groups. It gave retailers the opportunity to get direct feedback to the brands telling them about their stores, their lives and what they need from those brands to make a real difference.”
A key message from retailers has been the need for more personalised and flexible communication. They want greater control over how and when they receive updates from brands and *shopt, including format, frequency and timing. These priorities are now core to *shopt’s development roadmap.
Natalie Lightfoot, Londis Solo Convenience shared her thoughts of the day, saying, “I really loved the event as you get one on one time with the supplier. It’s a chance to give honest feedback and get your questions answered by the brands and the *shopt team”
Liz McAuley, Traditional Trade Field Sales Leader & Generations Resource Lead, Mars Wrigley commented: “*shopt’s summer event gave us the opportunity to gain some really useful insights from a diverse range of retailers across different store types and retail groups. The *shopt platform enables retailers to access a range of offers from various suppliers and brings all those brands together in one place.”
The event highlighted *shopt’s ongoing mission to strengthen the relationship between brands and independent retailers. As the convenience retail landscape becomes increasingly competitive, initiatives like these play a vital role in ensuring both suppliers and store owners stay connected, informed, and empowered. *shopt are committed to ensuring retailers not only earn rewards but also feel heard and supported.