Tom Harvey, co-founder of YesMore marketing agency, says it’s time for drinks producers and retailers to give careful consideration to sacrificing easy wins in favour of genuine steps to secure the future of the planet Since the dawn of humanity, the desire for convenience has driven advances that shape the way we live and work. From the very earliest tools to recent developments in…

Convenience chain One Stop has called on the retail sector to address gender inequality and disproportionate store ownership levels between men and women in the industry. One Stop found that while 75% of the total convenience workforce in the UK are women, only a third of this group are store owners.  To help combat this disparity, John Miller, head of One Stop…

The 2023 Drinks Retailing Awards celebrated a range of dynamic supermarkets, convenience chains and regional stores, all of which are championing drinks and helping the off-trade thrive.  Supermarket of the Year winner, Marks & Spencer, had a highly successful year, securing two other awards for its outstanding range: Multiple Wine Retailer of the Year and Multiple RTD Retailer of the Year. Turning to other…

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) is encouraging retailers to get involved with safety initiatives to support colleagues and customers in the winter months.  ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “In many cases, convenience stores may be the only business operating when it’s dark and the surrounding areas may be quieter, leading customers to feel vulnerable.” He continued: “We are encouraging retailers…

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has raised concerns over store closures if local shops do not receive long-term financial support amid rising energy costs. While convenience stores will receive financial aid for six months under the Energy Bill Relief Scheme, the ACS has urged the government to extend the scheme until “at least April 2024” to reduce the likelihood of store closures.  The…

The Association of Convenience Stores has “strongly welcomed” new guidance that will make the process of applying for an exemption to regulations around Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) easier. The ACS said the guidance “takes an important step toward the introduction of a workable and cost effective” DRS in Scotland. According to the ACS, the new guidance does not change the eligibility criteria for an…

Asda has announced plans to open more than 30 standalone convenience stores, with the first two sites set to open before Christmas. The first Asda Express stores will open at Sutton Coldfield on November 8, and Tottenham Hale, London, on December 6. The supermarket giant plans to launch a further 30 sites, creating about 500 new roles, next year. The roll out is part of…