SLR REWARDS
2020 WINNERS BROCHURE
SLR REWARDS
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
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SLR REWARDS
2020 WINNERS BROCHURE
AN INDUSTRY OF STARS RECOGNISED AND REWARDED The virtual SLR Rewards was a celebration of not just the winners and shortlisted entrants but of an entire industry sector that has shone brightly when communities across Scotland came to rely on them more than ever before.
I
t was a night to remember, and not just for the winners and shortlisted entrants. SLR’s Virtual Festival of Excellence – ordinarily known as the SLR Rewards – broke new ground on Friday 11 December as the event was taken online for the first time in its near 20
SPONSOR’S VIEW...
year history. And while the event exists principally to
celebrate the winners and shortlisted retailers, this year was by necessity something a little wider, a little grander.
xxx xxx
The SLR Rewards 2020 was, then, a celebration of this whole remarkable industry sector, a sector that was thrust into the limelight when coronavirus struck, but a
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SLR REWARDS
2020 WINNERS BROCHURE
sector that more than rose to meet the challenge. There
Booker CEO Charles Wilson was honoured on the night
is not a community in Scotland that doesn’t owe a debt of
with a Special Recognition Award after announcing his
gratitude to their local retailers for keeping the locals fed
imminent retirement in September. Charles’ legacy in this
and watered when no-one else could, not even the once
industry is unrivalled, with the judges hailing him as “one
all-powerful supermarkets.
of the most successful businessmen in the UK in any industry” and recognising how he had achieved all of this
Local retailers have been among the true heroes of this
with “humility and compassion”.
pandemic, taking their place proudly alongside other key workers and national heroes like NHS workers. When
In an industry replete with Covid Heroes, SLR highlight-
the challenge of a lifetime came calling, the sector met it
ed two individuals and rewarded them with Covid Hero
head on and shone brighter than ever.
Awards for their exceptional contributions to their local communities during the pandemic. Linda Williams of Pre-
So, an enormous thank you and a huge well done to
mier Broadway Convenience Store in Edinburgh was rec-
every local retailer in Scotland for their efforts this year.
ognised for her innovative and hugely beneficial Covid Hardship Fund concept that saw around £10,000 handed
As for the Rewards themselves, the star of the show was
out to members of her local community who were in ur-
undoubtedly Musselburgh Nisa retailer Dan Brown who
gent need of a little help. Sean Boyd, a Snappy Shopper
was named Scottish Local Retailer of the Year – just a
delivery driver at Family Choice Hamilton, was also rec-
year after claiming the Young Retailer of the Year crown.
ognised for the work he did during coronavirus, effectively turning his delivery job into an outreach service, help-
It was a successful night for Dan, the youngest SGF Pres-
ing hundreds of vulnerable local people when they really
ident in history, as he collected two category awards as
needed the support.
well as the ultimate prize, including Food-To-Go Retailer of the Year and Scottish Brands Retailer of the Year. For
“It was a fantastic evening, and we hope that that the 700
good measure, Dan and his team also collected a Highly
or so people who have seen it so far enjoyed the virtual
Commended award in the Fresh, Chilled & Frozen Retail-
format,” said SLR Publisher Antony Begley. “Putting a full
er of the Year category.
scale virtual event on for the first time was undoubtedly a challenge for our team but they did an outstanding job
Bellshill Nisa retailer Umar Majid claimed the freshly va-
and it was hugely satisfying to be able to recognise and
cated Young Retailer of the Year crown for his efforts in
reward not just the shortlisted entrants and winners on
revitalising the store his father Abdul has owned for dec-
Friday, but the entire local retailing sector in Scotland.
ades, with the introduction of a new Baba’s Kitchen foodto-go concept that has seen sales and profits flourish.
“Local retailers have shone like never before under coronavirus and have finally had the critical role that play at
Ibrox Premier retailer Shamly Sud and her family also
the heart of communities across Scotland celebrated and
enjoyed a highly successful evening, picking up the
recognised by a much wider audience – and not before
xxx Refit of the Year and Forecourt Retailer of the Year, Best
time.
xxx
ThinkSmart Innovation awards for their show-stopping Racetrack Autoport Services store.
“Huge congratulations to every winner and every shortlisted entrant.”
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SLR REWARDS 2020 – WINNERS AND HIGHLY COMMENDED STORES 6
Scottish Local Retailer of the Year: Dan Brown, Nisa Pinkie Farm Convenience Store, Musselburgh
8
Young Scottish Retailer of the Year: Umar Majid, Nisa Local Bellshill
10
Special Achievement Award: Charles Wilson, Booker Group
12
Covid Heroes: Linda Williams, Broadway Convenience Store and Sean Boyd, Family Choice Hamilton
14
Beers, Ciders, Wines & Spirits Retailer of the Year: Premier Dundee University
30
Soft Drinks Retailer of the Year: Spar Boswell Park, Ayr
Highly Commended Eurogarages Spar West Highway
32
Vaping Retailer of the Year: Waz’s, Broxburn
Highly Commended Premier Racetrack Autoport Services
34
Community Involvement Retailer of the Year: Day-Today Bourtreehill
Highly Commended Londis Solo Convenience, Baillieston
36
New Store of the Year: Spar Havannah Street, Glasgow
Highly Commended Spar Freuchie
16
Biscuits Retailer of the Year: Spar Dalrymple
18
Confectionery Retailer of the Year: Londis Solo Convenience, Baillieston
38
Best Refit of the Year: Premier Racetrack Autoport Services
20
Crisps & Snacks Retailer of the Year: Eurogarages Spar Lomondgate
Highly Commended Highclere Food Store, Inverurie
40
22
Food-to-Go Retailer of the Year: Nisa Pinkie Farm Convenience Store, Musselburgh
Responsible Retailer of the Year: Jack’s Blantyre
42
Scottish Brands Retailer of the Year: Nisa Pinkie Farm Convenience Store, Musselburgh
Highly Commended David’s Kitchen Falkirk
24
Forecourt Retailer of the Year: Premier Racetrack Autoport Services
44
Sustainability Retailer of the Year: Premier Dundee University
26
Fresh Chilled & Frozen Retailer of the Year: Premier Dundee University
Highly Commended Premier Watson’s Grocers, Moniaive
Highly Commended Nisa Pinkie Farm Convenience Store, Musselburgh
46
Team of the Year: Best One Whitburn Post Office
28
Newstrade Retailer of the Year: Premier Turriff
Highly Commended Day-Today Lochside
48
ThinkSmart Innovation Award: Premier Racetrack Autoport Services
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SLR REWARDS
2020 WINNERS BROCHURE
SCOTTISH LOCAL RETAILER OF THE YEAR
DAN’S THE MAN XXXONCE MORE!
Musselburgh Nisa retailer Dan Brown has built on his Young xxx Retailer of the Year Award last year to claim the ultimate Scottish Local Retailer of the Year Award for 2020.
After claiming the SLR Young Retailer of the Year crown last year,
on several occasions in just a few years. The latest refit, in 2019, saw
Musselburgh Nisa retailer Dan Brown has gone one better this year by
the store reformatted to put food-to-go at the heart of the offer. The
claiming the ultimate Scottish Local Retailer of the Year Award 2020.
store subsequently saw margins increase by 5% or 6% – a phenomenal achievement for a store that was already motoring in high gear.
An outstanding and inspirational retailer in every sense, Dan and his team claimed the top accolade of the year thanks to what the judges
Dan’s work ethic is already legendary and, among his other
described as the “excellence of vision and thought that has gone into
achievements, he has also found time to assume the presidency of the
creating Pinkie Farm Convenience store allied with the consistent
Scottish Grocers’ Federation.
excellence of the execution”. Generous with his time, his experience and his advice, Dan is a model Since Dan first took over the store, he has overseen a programme of
local retailer and we are proud to call him the SLR Local Retailer of the
more or less constant investment that has seen it fully transformed
Year 2020.
SPONSOR’S VIEW...
Chris McLaughlin, Commercial Director, St Pierre Group “Pinkie Farm Convenience Store is without a doubt one of the most impressive convenience stores anywhere in the UK. Dan’s ability to understand what consumers want today and what they will want tomorrow is uncanny and xxx his ability to translate that vision into reality on shelves in a store is inspirational. There is an energy about xxx store, the passion of the entire team evident to everyone that has the pleasure of visiting Dan’s little corner of the Musselburgh. Perhaps most importantly of all however, Dan and his team have been able to transform their efforts into significantly increased net profit and that’s the real proof of the quality of his vision. Huge congratulations to Dan and the colleagues around him who have helped him deliver a truly stunning store.”
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SLR REWARDS
2020 WINNERS BROCHURE
YOUNG RETAILER OF THE YEAR
UMAR COMES OF AGE AS THE YOUNG RETAILER OF THE YEAR
Despite showing little interest in joining his father’s successful retail business for many years, Umar Majid was finally bitten by the retail bug last year and has flourished as a true retail star of the future.
This year’s SLR Young Retailer of the Year initially showed very little
several years. Abdul admits that if it wasn’t for Umar’s sudden interest in
interest in joining his father’s long established and very successful Nisa
the business, he probably wouldn’t have gone through with the refit. But
business in Bellshill, Lanarkshire.
Umar was convinced and believed that the store had to be reformatted to put food-to-go at its heart for the very first time. Umar played a pivotal
Umar Majid, son of industry stalwart Abdul, spent much of his youth
role in the planning of the new store and the results are spectacular.
immersed in retail whether he liked it or not, thanks to his dad’s commitment to running the store and also to playing a very active role
The Baba’s Kitchen concept has been the catalyst for major growth,
in the Scottish Grocers’ Federation. Despite this, his heart never truly
both in terms of sales and profit. Umar’s energy and passion have even
lay in retail and he pondered his options for several years. So it was as
had the added benefit of putting a new spring in his father’s step – and
much of a surprise to Abdul as to anyone else when Umar suddenly got
both admit to thoroughly enjoying the challenges facing them today.
bitten by the retail bug. Umar’s transformation has been remarkable, and he looks set to be Umar’s new found passion for retail really move up a gear or three in
a true Scottish local retailing star of the future. Huge congratulations
2019 when he and Abdul planned the first major refit of the store in
Umar, and keep aiming high!
SPONSOR’S VIEW...
Pete Cheema, Chief Executive, SGF “I think Umar would admit that he was a slow starter in this industry, never showing much enthusiasm for following in the footsteps of his father, despite Abdul’s undoubtedly highly successful career. But it’s a mark of the man that when he did get the retail bug, he threw everything he had into it – and continues to do so. He was instrumental in the hugely successful refit of the store and his energy and zeal are contagious these days. It has been so rewarding to watch a young man like Umar grow up and embrace this wonderful industry. I am sure he will make a positive contribution to our industry long into the future.”
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SLR REWARDS
2020 WINNERS BROCHURE
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
A LEGEND OF OUR INDUSTRY: CHARLES WILSON
Booker CEO Charles Wilson is arguably the most successful businessman of the last decade or so in this industry - a fact made all the more remarkable by the humble, generous and self-effacing manner in which he has achieved that status.
If you judge a man, or woman, by their successes, then very few can hold
his tenure. Even his fiercest competitors find it difficult to find a negative
a candle to the industry legend that is Charles Wilson, who announced
word to say about the man.
his imminent retirement from Booker in September . Putting to one side his remarkable career prior to arriving at Booker 15 years ago, what
His ability to take hugely complex issues and simplify them in an instant
he has achieved at the UK’s largest wholesaler in that relatively short
in that much-discussed brain of his is legendary and his ability to
period is nothing short of phenomenal. In essence, he took a business
motivate those around him, from fellow Board members to staff stocking
that was on its knees, unable to pay its debts and on the verge of going
shelves in-branch is a lesson for us all. The epitome of this approach
under. A little over a decade later he sold the company to Tesco, who
was Wilson’s ‘choice, price, service’ mantra that was repeated ad
didn’t get much change out of £4bn. That is an outstanding achievement
nauseum by everyone employed by the company. That simple, easy to
by any standards.
communicate and easy to understand strategy helped focus the entire team on simple, common goals. And no-one can argue with its success.
But what is even more remarkable is the manner in which Wilson achieved this miraculous feat. Never one for the limelight, he went to
A legend and a true gentleman, Charles Wilson will be sadly missed
great lengths to remain private and his humble, self-effacing, deeply
when he leaves for good in February and the entire industry will be
human approach to business won him many friends and admirers over
deprived of a world-class leader.
SPONSOR’S VIEW...
Faisal Sattar, Director, MHouse Solutions “People like Charles Wilson don’t come along every day in our industry. His achievements speak for themselves. He is one of the most successful businessmen in the UK, in any industry. But he has achieved that success with humility and compassion and that is the mark of a true leader. He took a company in the most serious trouble and turned it into the most successful wholesaling business in the UK. What’s more, he achieved that with a smile on his face and time for everyone he met. A true inspiration, he will indeed be sadly missed – and we wish him all the very best in his retirement.”
www.slrawards.com
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SLR REWARDS
2020 WINNERS BROCHURE
COVID HEROES
TAKE A BOW LINDA AND SEAN!
Linda Williams of Premier Broadway Convenience in Edinburgh and Sean Boyd of Family Choice in Hamilton were our Covid Heroes in this unique year, although the judges could have handed out hundreds of awards.
While the SLR Rewards 2020 specifically cover only the period up until
no shame in needing support sometimes. We all need a little help at
the entry deadline closed at the start of 2020, it would have been remiss
times.”
not to honour the work that local retailers have done across Scotland under the pandemic. While the judges said they could have handed
Meanwhile, a deliver driver for a Family Choice store in Hamilton was
out “hundreds of Covid hero awards”, they settled on two outstanding
also making his huge heart felt across his community. Sean Boyd, a
examples of above-and-beyond work over the last nine or 10 months.
Snappy Shopper driver, turned his day job into what effectively became an outreach service as Sean used the fact that he travelled all around
Linda Williams of Premier Broadway Convenience in Edinburgh was
the local community to actively support the elderly, the vulnerable or
recognised for her simple yet unbelievably effective Covid Hardship
simply those who needed someone to listen.
Fund concept. This saw around £10,000 handed out to members of the Oxgangs community served by the store who needed a little financial
Two true Covid heroes among a sea of heroes in this fantastic local
assistance during the pandemic. As Linda herself pointed out: “There’s
retailing industry.
SPONSOR’S VIEW...
Phil Knox, Regional Controller, Bestway “The local retailing industry in Scotland is chock full of retailers who could have been named Covid Heroes this year and it’s been an uplifting experience to witness our sector rise to the challenges of the pandemic in the way it did. Linda and Sean are just two examples among hundreds of outstanding work by industry colleagues who took it upon themselves to do what they could to support those in need in their local communities. Selfless, compassionate and inspirational, this is what the local retailing industry is all about and why it is so special. Our warmest wishes go to not only Linda and Sean but to every local retailer in Scotland who has been there for their communities when their communities really, really needed them.”
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2020 WINNERS BROCHURE
BEERS, CIDERS, WINES & SPIRITS RETAILER OF THE YEAR
MOIRA AND HER TEAM IN A CLASS OF THEIR OWN
Targeting your offer to your audience is important for every store, but in the case of Premier Dundee University, that challenge takes on particular importance – but Moira Dean and her team have delivered in style with a deep understanding of their shoppers.
Selling beer to students – how hard can it be? Well, if you speak to
Moira also stocks a broad range of craft beers, many locally sourced, as
Moira Dean, this year’s Beers, Ciders, Wines & Spirits Retailer of the
well as a bank of larger format multipacks with floor stacks decimated
Year, it’s not as simple a task as you might imagine. Students these days
all the way through the week. Around 85% of the beers and ciders range
are looking for far more than the bottle of vodka and eight cans that was
is chilled (everything that isn’t a large multipack) and, believe it not, low
standard student party fare a decade or two ago.
and no alcohol beers, wines and spirits also perform well.
It also turns out that students aren’t quite as focused on cheap and
A major refit helped throw focus onto the category and the result has
cheerful as they once were. Premier Dundee University stocks an enor-
been a 20% uplift in sales of beers, wines, ciders and spirits. Fantastic
mous range of products and while there are still a few bargain hunters
merchandising helps drive sales and the entire store is a far cry from a
out there, many students on the campus like to shop at the premium
uni shop of days gone by. It’s a truly impressive modern convenience
end of the market. Specialist gins and vodkas are in big demand, while
store and Moira’s customers clearly appreciate the effort she and her
mid- to upper-tier wine ranges also fly off the shelves.
team put into understanding their needs and catering to them.
SPONSOR’S VIEW...
Iain Telford, Senior Marketing Manager, Tennent Caledonian Breweries “Being a brilliant beers, ciders, wines and spirits retailer means truly understanding the needs of your customers and Moira Dean and her team at Premier Dundee University go to great lengths to do just that. They listen intently to their shoppers and the extensive but nonetheless focused range they stock caters for the needs of everyone. The store looks fantastic, store standards are exceptional, and merchandising is immaculate. With most of what’s on sale chilled and ready to go and a huge range of multipacks available, the store serves the needs of its customers perfectly – and that’s reflected in the 20% growth levels the store is enjoying in the category.”
www.slrawards.com
STOCK UP NOW
SLR REWARDS
2020 WINNERS BROCHURE
BISCUITS RETAILER OF THE YEAR
SPAR DALYMPLE TAKES THE BISCUIT
An important but frequently overlooked category, biscuits help generate footfall and sales for every store and focusing on the category can deliver exceptional results, as demonstrated in Spar Dalrymple.
Biscuits if often something of a forgotten hero in local retailing, or
deserve and slow-selling lines are de-prioritised or delisted altogether.
perhaps an overlooked hero is a better description. Every store in
Planograms are built by Angela and the team in conjunction with the
Scotland will sell a significant volume of biscuits every week yet the
head office team at Spar Scotland. These have plenty of flexibility to
category rarely receives much care or attention, often being left to take
allow the store’s 2m fixture to reflect local tastes.
care of itself. Not so in Spar Dalrymple where a commitment to the A selection of new dump bins was added to allow for high impact siting
category has seen sales grow by over 10.5% year on year.
of NPD and products selling well, while merchandising standards are Angela Pattie and her team have honed their range and conduct regular
extremely high throughout. None of it is rocket science, but hy doing the
re-ranging exercises to ensure fast-selling lines get the space they
little things well consistently, the store is seeing the benefit.
SPONSOR’S VIEW...
Helen Lyons, Director, Scottish Food & Drink Awards “Biscuits is often overlooked in convenience stores but the gains that can be made when time and attention is devoted to the category is there for all to see in Spar Dalrymple. Year on year category growth of 10% is a great achievement and demonstrates quite clearly that focusing on getting the fundamentals like ranging, merchandising, siting and NPD execution right will deliver increased sales and profits.”
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S IE EN TR OP EN W NO
The Scottish Retail Food & Drink Awards
A unique celebration of the very best food and drink available in all Scottish retail outlets with a single vision: to get more of Scotland’s outstanding food and drink onto more Scottish shelves. M E D I A PA RT N E R S
RETAIL
THE WEEK IN
SPONSORS
Scottish Grocers’ Federation
PA RT N E R S
Awards finalist & showcase presentations take place April 2021 www.scottishretailfoodanddrinkawards.com
SLR REWARDS
2020 WINNERS BROCHURE
CONFECTIONERY RETAILER OF THE YEAR
SWEET SUCCESS FOR NATALIE AND MARTIN
Natalie and Martin Lightfoot of Londis Solo Convenience in Baillieston have a clear passion for making the confectionery category pop in their busy community store.
You can leave the confectionery category to take care of itself and
There is also a huge focus on NPD and, in particular, on getting their
most of the time it will do just that, but making the decision to turn the
hands on it first in the area. One outstanding example was when Natalie
category into a hotspot and hub of excitement in the store can help
managed to get her hands on Orange Twirls before her competitors and
transform sales in the category, as demonstrated in style by Glasgow
managed to sell an astonishing 925 of them in the first week.
retailing team Natalie and Martin Lightfoot. The store also prepares Christmas confectionery hampers priced Despite being a reasonably small store at just 600sq ft, their Londis
between £10 and £30, which have been equally successful with over
Solo Convenience store in Baillieston is a treasure trove, particularly in
250 sold in two weeks last Christmas.
the confectionery category. The store boasts over 13 linear meters of confectionery which translates into more than 1,200 lines. The fixtures
Social media is used extensively to drive interest and footfall in the
feature all of the standard core lines but an extensive range of American
category. And the result? A year on year sales increase in the category
candy has generated excitement and sales.
of over 48%.
SPONSOR’S VIEW...
Jim Eccleston, Managing Partner, 56 Degree Insight “To achieve year on year sales of increases of over 48% in a category as mature as confectionery is almost unthinkable yet the creativity, passion and commitment of Natalie and Martin made it possible. By focusing on the lines that are of most interest to shoppers and communicating this well via social media, they have managed to take their confectionery offer to an entirely new level. An outstanding achievement.”
www.slrawards.com
SLR REWARDS
2020 WINNERS BROCHURE
CRISPS & SNACKS RETAILER OF THE YEAR
BAGS OF SUCCESS AT EUROGARAGES SPAR LOMONDGATE
Scotland is a nation of snackers, making the crisps and snacks category a vital one to get right – and Eurogarages Spar Lomondgate shows the way.
A core category by any standard, crisps and snacks plays a vital role
Some 25 linear metres are given over to crisps and snacks, as well
in driving footfall, basket spend, sales and profits in most local retailing
as dedicated space within promotional gondola ends and around the
outlets in Scotland. In Eurogarages Spar Lomondgate, the team execute
tillpoint to drive impulse sales, incorporating around 70 SKUs in total.
the category to the same high standards in evidence right across the The team also frequently checks sales data and isn’t afraid to shift
store – and to great effect.
fixtures around to drive interest in sales. One move saw the store’s Supplied by CJ Lang, the store builds its planograms in association
Capital Crisps range moved to a different site in-store, resulting in sales
with Spar and takes a constant feed of advice on important new NPD
uplifts of 161%.
and also has a strong focus on Scottish products within the category. The result is strong sales growth of over 5% in what is already a very
All in all, a best practice approach to the category and proof that time
successful and mature category.
spent on the category is rewarded in the till.
SPONSOR’S VIEW...
Katy Moses, Managing Director, KAM Media “General standards in Eurogarages Spar Lomondgate are exemplary so it’s no surprise to find that the team there doing a fantastic job in the critical crisps and snacks category. Ranging is well planned and carefully monitored, merchandising is top class and a good mix of impulse and sharing bags helps make sure shoppers can always find something to tempt them. NPD is executed well and the management of the category is generally exactly as you would hope it would be in a modern convenience store.”
www.slrawards.com
Congratulations to all the SLR Rewards winners!
www.kam-media.co.uk
RESEARCH WITH PURPOSE
SLR REWARDS
2020 WINNERS BROCHURE
FOOD-TO-GO
PINKIE FARM MAKES FOOD-TO-GO COUNT Food-to-go is a difficult category to get right instore but a full refit geared to focusing the store on food-to-go has seen Pinkie Farm Convenience Store in Musselburgh hike net profits up by an enormous 6%.
With food-to-go one of the hottest trends in retail in 2019, the competition
The refit involved a major rework of the store layout and customer flow
to win this award was intense – but Dan Brown and his team at Nisa
and featured the addition of range of new equipment including self-serve
Pinkie Farm Convenience Store in Musselburgh came up trumps by
Costa and Skwishee machines, for example, as well as an extended hot
demonstrating a huge commitment to the category, and by turning that
food counter, along with the installation of a back of house professional
commitment into pound notes in the till.
kitchen.
Food-to-go involves a lot of challenges that retailers don’t face in selling
Staffing levels were uprated to allow more focus on offering a freshly
a range of packaged products. Staffing issues, hygiene challenges,
made, freshly baked range of products and no stone was left unturned
equipment and ranging decisions – there’s a lot that retailers need to
in terms of analysing what was working, what wasn’t and what the team
get right if they are to make food-to-go a core category in-store. But
needed to do to improve. The proof of this particular pudding is the
that’s exactly the challenges that Dan set his team for a major refit that
ultimate 6% increase in net profit. Food-to-go is now at the very core
was geared to putting food-to-go at the heart of the store’s offer.
of the store’s being and the growth looks set to continue in the future.
SPONSOR’S VIEW...
Raza Rehman, Director, Skwishee “Food-to-go is a game-changer in convenience retailing and the blurring of the boundaries between retail and foodservice during coronavirus means that food-to-go will become even more important in the future. To really unleash the power of the category requires being committed to making food-to-go core to the store’s offer - and that’s exactly what Dan and their team have done. It was a bold move to refit the store to focus on food-to-go, but it has paid off handsomely and it’s easy to see why. Execution in-store is phenomenal and a passion for learning means the store is continually improving and updating its offer to meet the specific demands of its customer base. A truly inspirational winner.”
www.slrawards.com
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SLR REWARDS
2020 WINNERS BROCHURE
FORECOURT RETAILER OF THE YEAR
A FORECOURT LIKE NO OTHER Premier Racetrack Autoport Services is a forecourt like no other and has rewritten the rulebook on what a modern forecourt should look like.
When it first opened in 2019 after a refit that was more of a rebuild,
50 digital screens and a sit-in American-style diner area that allows
Premier Racetrack Autoport Services in Ibrox on the south side of
customers to enjoy their treats in comfort.
Glasgow quickly became one of the most visited sites in the UK among retailers keen to find out what all the fuss was about. They came from
Not only is the concept fantastic, it has also been executed to the very,
far and wide – and no one left disappointed.
very highest standards and a visit to the store is more than just a trip for some groceries or fuel, it’s an experience. Even the public toilets have
Run by Shamly Sud, her husband Vik and her son Guna, the store
been given the treatment with plenty of marble, Dyson hand dryers and,
is simply breath-taking throughout. It’s a store that raises the bar on
believe it or not, whale sounds.
‘destination stores’ with a bewildering array of unique and engaging products and services including liquid nitrogen ice cream, over 60
Inspiration was taken from across the globe, but the concept is utterly
flavours of slush, a Havana cigar humidor, an enormous vaping ‘store
unique and there are few stores in the UK that can match it for pure
within a store’ (and a dedicated online vaping shop), a beer cave, over
entertainment and the thrill of simply being in the store.
SPONSOR’S VIEW...
Robert Aitken, Sales Manager, SLR “I am lucky enough to live quite close to Shamly, Vik and Guna’s store so I’ve had the pleasure of seeing it develop over time and I can honestly say I’ve never been in a store like it. When we talk about destination stores in SLR, as we often do, it’s stores like Premier Racetrack Autoport Services that we have in mind. With so many unique product and service offerings, it provides customers with a range that they literally won’t be able to find anywhere else, let alone in the local area. Quite simply, it redefines the forecourt model for a modern era.”
www.slrawards.com
SLR REWARDS
2020 WINNERS BROCHURE
FRESH, CHILLED & FROZEN RETAILER OF THE YEAR
GETTING FRESH IN DUNDEE
Premier Dundee University’s fresh, chilled and frozen offer is spectacular – and spectacularly successful – helping Moira Dean and her team claim this year’s award.
Fresh and chilled was a huge trend in 2019 and one that has continued
The store relies heavily on local bakeries to keep it stocked with freshly
to grow this year.
made products. It then complements the range with a selection of treats like bean-to-cup coffee and doughnuts to drive up basket spend and
Under the stewardship of Moira Dean, Premier Dundee University has
keep customers coming back. Ready meals and ready-to-eat solutions
seen growth in the category explode as its predominantly student
also feature prominently and there’s something for every taste, including
customer base sought freshly prepared, often healthier options with
an extensive selection of vegetarian, vegan and free-from products.
demand for more exotic fare triggering a growth in the range of world food chilled options finding their way onto the shelves in the store.
It truly is a store that gets fresh, chilled and frozen, and Moira and her team work hard to constantly update the offer to prevent menu fatigue.
How many other stores do you know that sell upwards of 800 filled rolls,
It’s a tough challenge with very short life stock but the store pulls it off
wraps, sandwiches and baguettes every day? Plus a range of chilled
in style. The store saw sales increases of £2,500 a week in the category
snack products from sushi to teriyaki chicken and everything in between.
because of their efforts and you can’t argue with that.
SPONSOR’S VIEW...
Findlay Stein, Digital Editor, The Week In Retail “Premier Dundee University has made fresh, chilled and frozen the star of the show and the results speak for themselves. £2,500 a week growth in the category shows how well Moira and her team have understood the needs of their shoppers and the huge range of fresh food-to-go options on offer means no-one ever leaves the store empty handed. The chilled fixtures are beautifully presented, spotlessly clean and perfectly merchandised, giving shoppers the confidence they need to return time and time again.”
www.slrawards.com
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SLR REWARDS
2020 WINNERS BROCHURE
NEWSTRADE
IAN DOES IT AGAIN IN TURRIFF!
Turriff Premier retailer Ian Smith has secured the Newstrade Retailer of the Year award once again thanks to a best-inclass commitment to the category that demonstrates how well news and magazines can deliver for retailers.
Newstrade remains an absolutely fundamental category in local retailing
convenience store with a huge range across all key categories for its
outlets. Very few product categories drive footfall quite like news and
shoppers – but news remains Ian’s ‘why’ and it remains the reason he is
magazines and the category typically generates significant basket
a destination store for many in the local community and beyond.
spends, something that Ian Smith at Premier Turriff has understood for He admits that managing the category requires time and can be
a long time.
complex, on occasion, but for Ian, the effort is more than rewarded in Ian’s commitment to the category has seen him collect this award on
the till. His huge range of magazines is driven by customer demand and
several occasions and his victory once more this year is testament to
he will stock any line if a customers wants it.
how focused and committed he remains to selling newspapers and magazines. A Big Home News Delivery run generates significant weekly
Unlike in many stores, Ian has maintained sales in the category and is
sales for him, not mention chunky profits, and the news and magazines
even seeing growth in certain sub-categories, proving that the category
category dominates the store. Premier Turriff is a bustling modern
will reward retailers that put their faith in it.
SPONSOR’S VIEW...
Scott McCulloch, Business Manager Scotland, News Scotland “The news category is a fundamental of the local retailing sector in Scotland and is one that remains an important footfall and profit contributor for many stores. Ian Smith is an excellent example of just how well the category can deliver for local retailers, given the care and attention it deserves. His store in Turriff is famous in the area for its news and magazine range and he has been able to maintain sales and profits, demonstrating how well the category will perform if supported by retailers. We are delighted to recognise Ian once again as a very worthy SLR Newstrade Retailer of the Year. Keep up the fantastic work!”
www.slrawards.com
SLR REWARDS
2020 WINNERS BROCHURE
SOFT DRINKS RETAILER OF THE YEAR
SOFT SUCCESS FOR SPAR BOSWELL PARK
In one of the most competitive categories in the SLR Rewards, Spar Boswell Park in Ayr came out top thanks to a best in class commitment to the category.
Soft drinks is one of the biggest categories in local retailing by unit
Spar Boswell Park got it right on every front, according to the SLR
sales and it’s a category that is absolutely fundamental to the success
Rewards judges, with a virtually flawless soft drinks category that
of every local retailer in the land. It’s also one of the most popular
allotted space according to sales, ensured immaculate merchandising
categories in the SLR Rewards every year, so Spar Boswell Park can
throughout and made brilliant use of multi-siting to drive impulse sales.
be rightfully proud of being named the SLR Soft Drinks Retailer of the
There was also plenty of space for both impulse and take-home packs
Year 2020.
in a variety of formats. That’s not bad going for a store that’s only 1,200sq ft.
Winning this category means getting a lot of things right. From the basics like ranging through to merchandising, multi-siting, pack
That commitment to excellence saw sales in the category up £12,000 on
formats, promotions and execution of NPD.
the previous year. A worthy winner and a fantastic effort.
SPONSOR’S VIEW...
Jane McCarthy, Senior Field Sales Manager, CCEP “Soft drinks is among the most important categories in every local retailing outlet in Scotland so to truly shine in this category takes something special. Fortunately, Debbie Nicholson and her team at Spar Boswell Park have more than a touch of the X factor, delivering an outstanding soft drinks offering that caters for every taste, occasion and customer while also focusing on the brands that deliver the footfall and sales every store needs to flourish. A great effort.”
www.slrawards.com
Home for
Christmas #holidaysarecoming Thank you to all our customers and wishing everyone a safe, happy holiday season.
To find out more email connect@ccep.com or call 0808 1 000 000 Š 2020 The Coca-Cola Company. All rights reserved. COCA-COLA, COCA-COLA ZERO and DIET COKE are registered trade marks of The Coca-Cola Company.
SLR REWARDS
2020 WINNERS BROCHURE
VAPING RETAILER OF THE YEAR
WAZ PUTS VAPING FRONT AND CENTRE Becoming famous for your vaping offer is a great way of making your business a true destination store in the local area and that’s exactly what Waz’s Broxburn has done.
A great core vaping range is a must for all local retailers these days as
of the category, built up over years, which means that Waz is the ‘go to’
the category continues to grow – but to take the vaping category to the
retailer in the area for any customers looking for advice or support.
next level means shining a much bigger spotlight on it in-store. That’s exactly what Waz’s in Broxburn has done and it’s no exaggeration to
He also understands that in this category, customers often need
say that the store is famous for its vaping offer in the local area and,
that advice and reckons that he spends 15 to 20 minutes with many
increasingly, further afield.
customers to ensure they get exactly what they need, which keeps them coming back in the future. He also focuses heavily on offering great
Waz Abbas had a huge vaping area built behind the till at a cost of
pricing by dealing directly with many suppliers, which lets him often
£2,000 that carries in excess of 300 liquids, 40 devices, 100 coils, 30
match or beat the prices of specialist vapeshops or online retailers.
pod solutions, 10 capsule solutions and even a range of ‘cigalike’ products. The extensive range means he has something to cater for
This is a store that truly understands the category and delivers for its
every requirement and he backs that range up with extensive knowledge
customers – and Waz sees the benefits in the till every day of the week.
SPONSOR’S VIEW...
Jan Louw, Field Sales Director, JTI “Vaping is a hugely important category for retailers and presents a great opportunity to grow sales and profits in store. Waz is a retailer that recognised this exciting opportunity early on and has truly taken his offering to the next level. He offers a full range of products to meet the needs of his customers, from those looking for a fuss-free experience to those looking for more complex devices, accessories and liquids. The store is famous in Broxburn for its really impressive vaping offering, and for Waz, this drives very significant footfall, sales and profits.”
www.slrawards.com
6.50
RRP
£
**
FOR 20 POUCHES
*Source: IRI Market Place, Unit Share, Nicotine Pouch Category, Total UK, Aug 2020. To verify contact us via nordicspirit.co.uk/contact **RRP effective 16/11/2020. You remain free to price as you choose.
NORDIC SPIRIT OF SWEDEN
SLR REWARDS
2020 WINNERS BROCHURE
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT RETAILER OF THE YEAR
IMRAN UNLEASHES THE POWER OF COMMUNITY RETAILING What Imran Ali has achieved in terms of the positive impact his Day-Today store has had on Bourtreehill demonstrates the importance of the transformative role a local store can play on an entire community.
Community engagement is what truly sets local retailers apart from their
and Imran and his colleagues can take a lot of the credit for driving that
competitors and the role that convenience stores can play in helping
transformation.
transform the community they serve is demonstrated nowhere more eloquently than in the Ayrshire community of Bourtreehill. When Imran
Crime and anti-social behaviour levels have plummeted, and the
Ali and his team first opened their store, the local community was beset
community has regained a belief in itself and a desire to make
with whole host of problems from drug and alcohol abuse to routine
Bourtreehill a better place for everyone. From building a soft play
anti-social behaviour.
area next door to occupy kids to getting involved in practically every community initiative, as well as starting a few of their own, Imran and his
What the community needed, saw Imran, was a focal point and a leader
team have given the area its life back.
to highlight the many positives in the area and shine the spotlight on how the community could come together for the good of everyone. Fast
That is the power of local retail. Hats off to Imran for this highly
forward a few years and Bourtreehill has indeed been transformed –
impressive achievement – and keep up the amazing work.
SPONSOR’S VIEW...
Philippe Rondepierre, Marketing & Operations Director, Snappy Shopper “The role that local retailers play at the heart of the communities they serve can never be underestimated, as we have seen clearly over the last eight or nine months. But the role that Imran Ali and his team have played in transforming the Bourtreehill community is an inspiring example of just how powerful a local store can be in bringing a community together and creating a new spirit that benefits every single member of that community.”
www.slrawards.com
Up to
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£10k
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Tech Training & Support
SLR REWARDS
2020 WINNERS BROCHURE
NEW STORE OF THE YEAR
SPAR HAVANNAH STREET TAKES RETAIL IN A NEW DIRECTION Spar Havannah Street in Glasgow caused a sensation when it first opened with its ‘urban transient’ concept capturing the imagination of retailers across the UK who flocked to see it firsthand.
Spar Havannah Street was among the boldest statements of intent
including Costa, Skwishee and f’real and a Daily Deli hot food serveover
made by CJ Lang as it sought to demonstrate loudly that Spar Scotland
counter.
was very much back in the game under the stewardship of new boss Colin McLean. The ‘urban transient’ store was touted as a fresh take on
The food-to-go range is complemented by a full convenience range –
convenience and none of the many retailers who visited the store in the
and very little grocery – with a strong focus on the needs of its audience.
first few months after it opened its doors left without admiration.
A Chinese products section caters for the large Chinese student audience while a strong alcohol and vaping range caters for the more
Focused heavily around food-to-go and fresh, the store looks like no
traditional requirements of students in Glasgow.
other and was built from the ground up with the specific needs of the local customer base of students and office workers. The store offers
All told, it’s a fantastically well executed store which feels unique and
customers a minimum-fuss, maximum convenience grab and go
focuses on margins. Much of the format has since been replicated by
experience, complete with self-serve tills and a bank of self-serve units
other retailers, the ultimate compliment.
SPONSOR’S VIEW...
Rob Sergeant, Head of Wholesale and Convenience, Carex “Spar Havannah Street is an inspirational example of local retailing taken in a new direction. It is a bold concept store and it has completely understood the needs of its specific local audience, delivering everything that customers want in a beautiful format that is a joy to visit. The quality of the thought that has gone into the concept is exceptional, matched only by the quality of the execution, particularly in terms of shopfitting standards. Spar Havannah Street is indeed a game-changer of a store and has raised the bar in many ways. Huge congratulations to Colin McLean and his team for this outstanding creation.”
www.slrawards.com
SLR REWARDS
2020 WINNERS BROCHURE
BEST REFIT OF THE YEAR
RIP IT UP AND START SOMETHING NEW
The refit of Premier Racetrack Autoport Services in Glasgow saw the birth of an entirely new way of looking at forecourt and convenience retailing.
Most refits involve a freshening up of the store and a remodel to
Split roughly half and half between the store element and the dessert
prioritise growth categories and deprioritise categories in decline. But
bar/diner element, the store is striking in every sense, with banks of
the refit of Premier Racetrack Autoport Services in Ibrox wasn’t most
over 70 digital screens drawing the eye and elevating the experience
refits. Instead, it sought to redefine what a forecourt is and does – and
for the shopper.
it succeeded beyond belief. A unique range of products includes liquid nitrogen ice cream, Havana The shopfitting standards are truly exceptional but it’s the thought
cigars, over 60 slush machines, desserts of all kinds, a huge vaping
behind the refit that impressed the judges most. With a focus on USPs
range, a beer cave and much more.
and profit, Shamly, Vik and Guna Sud created a store like no other that has the look and feel somewhere between a modern convenience store,
Striking in every sense, this is more than just a refit – it’s a rebirth and it
a vape shop, an American diner and stylised New York bar.
has already influenced countless retailers across the UK.
SPONSOR’S VIEW...
Alastair Williams, Country Director, Scandinavian Tobacco Group UK “Make no mistake, this is a refit like none of us have ever seen before. From the second the customer walks through the door, they know they’re seeing something very special indeed. Premier Racetrack Autoport Services in Glasgow takes innovation to a new level with world-class shopfitting and execution that is breath-taking. This is a true destination store and it’s no surprise that Shamly and family are seeing customers come from miles around to enjoy the experience. A wonderful refit indeed.”
www.slrawards.com
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SLR REWARDS
2020 WINNERS BROCHURE
RESPONSIBLE RETAILER OF THE YEAR
MO AND ROXY DO IT AGAIN! Mo and Roxy Razzaq of Jack’s Blantyre are no strangers to winning the Responsible Retailer of the Year Award – and they’ve done it again in 2020!
Responsible retailing sits at the very heart of what local retailing is all
proof that their commitment to behaving responsibly and leading from
about in Scotland. The role that local retailers play in exerting a positive
the front remains undiminished.
influence on the communities they serve is a critical one, and never Being a responsible retailer frequently involves making tough decisions,
more so than under the coronavirus pandemic.
particularly when it comes to categories like alcohol, gambling and But many retailers have long had a firm grasp of the importance of
other age-restricted products, but Mo and Roxy have never shirked their
helping lead their communities in the right direction, and none more
responsibilities.
so than Mo and Roxy Razzaq who run Jack’s Blanytre, formerly Family But responsible retailing also embraces making other positive impacts
Shopper.
like tacking sustainability issues, mental health and, sometimes, just Mo and Roxy have won the Responsible Retailer of the Year category at
being here for the community when they need you. Jack Blantyre has
the SLR Rewards on many occasions and this year’s fresh success is
been doing this for decades and the community is all the better for it.
SPONSOR’S VIEW...
Niall Hassard, Licensing Solicitor TLT “Mo and Roxy’s commitment to responsible retailing is the stuff of legend and they’ve outdone themselves once more this year. Local retailers have a genuine responsibility to their customers and communities and Jack’s Blantyre takes those responsibilities extremely seriously indeed. The store sets the tone for the community and helps drive positive change, something Mo and Roxy can take great pride in.”
www.slrawards.com
Your licence is your livelihood At TLT we live and breathe licensing and we understand how important local retailing is for local communities. We have supported numerous family and local businesses throughout the pandemic, representing clients at local licensing boards and advocating the positives of the industry at Government level. We strive to make sure decision makers understand the importance of that local connection between a store and its customers and the much-needed social interaction these visits can bring and we’ve argued to obtain the licensing permissions for deliveries of the weekly shop to elderly or shielding customers.
Don’t think twice about your licence speak to the experts. To find out more, contact Niall Hassard on 0333 006 1142 or niall.hassard@tltsolicitors.com
Belfast | Bristol | Edinburgh | Glasgow | London | Manchester
SLR REWARDS
2020 WINNERS BROCHURE
SCOTTISH BRANDS RETAILER OF THE YEAR
PINKIE FARM GETS VOCAL ABOUT LOCAL
Nisa Pinkie Farm Convenience Store in Musselburgh has long had a deep focus on locally sourced products but last year saw that taken to a new level.
The growth of interest in locally, regionally and nationally sourced
working with an increasing number of local bakers, brewers, distilleries,
products among both consumers and retailers in the last few years has
butchers and more to offer shoppers a vast array of products made in
been one of the biggest trends in local retailing – and that trend appears
the local area and region.
to be accelerating under coronavirus as shoppers increasingly look to shop local and support local producers, retailers and economies.
That commitment to local sourcing has paid off handsomely for the store in terms of customer loyalty, increased sales and increased profits
One store that noticed that trend a long time ago was Dan Brown’s
with many local producers even prepared to create bespoke products
Pinkie Farm Convenience Store in Musselburgh. While the store has
just for the store, helping to add more USPs to the Pinkie Farm’s already
long worked hard at sourcing locally, it redoubled its efforts in 2019,
lengthy list.
SPONSOR’S VIEW...
Keith Sutherland, Business Unit Director, Barr Soft Drinks “We all know that consumers in Scotland love Scottish products and that’s hardly surprising, given the wealth of fantastic Scottish food and drink products available. Dan Brown and his team at Pinkie Farm have leveraged this in style by putting Scottish products at the forefront of their consumer offer. Congratulations to Dan and his team, our worthy winners of the Scottish Brands Retailer of the Year award.”
www.slrawards.com
THE NO.1
SCOTTISH
GROCERY BRAND CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WORTHY WINNERS AND FINALISTS OF THE SLR REWARDS 2020.
GIVE YOUR CUSTOMERS XTRA TASTE WITH NO SUGAR *Kantar World Panel, Value Sales, Take Home Non-Alcohol Brands, MAT to 06.09.20, Total Scotland
SLR REWARDS
2020 WINNERS BROCHURE
SUSTAINABILITY RETAILER OF THE YEAR
THIS TIME IT’S PERSONAL
You often find stores that take sustainability seriously are run by managers with a personal interest in all things environmental, and so it is at Premier Dundee University.
While all local retailers in Scotland do their bit for the environment by
As a university campus store, Moira is of course under more pressure
recycling packaging and food waste, some retailers go above and
than most to deliver strong environmental credentials with the store
beyond the call and, more often than not, it’s because the owner or
being expected to lead from the front and set a good example for
manager has a keen personal interest in sustainability issues. A case
students when it comes to sustainability issues.
in point is Premier Dundee University where manager Moira Dean has led a transformation of the store’s approach to reducing its impact on
Indeed, Moira says there’s a strong demand from the student population
the environment.
for sustainable solutions in the store, a demand she’s only too happy to meet with a strong focus on low or no plastic packaging, recyclable and
Moira is a self-confessed environmental enthusiast, going so far as to
compostable cups, reusable cups (sold at zero profit), no plastic bags
visit Egypt every year on a diving trip to help remove tonnes of discarded
or straws and refill stations for sustainable cleaning products. The store
plastic from the sea bad. And that passion has been extended into the
also uses only LED lighting and energy efficient chillers and freezers. It
store she runs.
also sources from local suppliers to reduce food miles.
SPONSOR’S VIEW...
Mark Brill, VP Sales and Marketing, TOMRA Collection Solutions UK “Sustainability has been thrust into the limelight in the last year or two and it’s hugely encouraging to see so many retailers embracing the challenge and showing the way. Moira Dean and her team at Premier Dundee University are great examples of how simple steps can be taken to dramatically improve the sustainability credentials of a store. Local retailers are perfectly positioned to lead the environmental agenda in Scotland and help take communities across the country in the right direction.”
www.slrawards.com
Congratulations to all Scottish sustainability champions The deposit return scheme is coming to Scotland in July 2022. Make it easy with TOMRA, the global leader in reverse vending.
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Congratulations to all the winners and nominees of the SLR Rewards 2020.
SLR REWARDS
2020 WINNERS BROCHURE
TEAM OF THE YEAR
TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK
You can’t achieve much in local retailing without the backing of a great team, as Julie Ann Davies of Best One Whitburn Post Office will tell you.
All teams need great leaders but, by the same token, all leaders need
from her team frees her up to manage the vital admin and strategic side
great teams and nowhere is this more evident than in local retailing.
of the business.
Running a busy convenience store is a team effort by any standard, with long opening hours and so many tasks needing done every day that it
A proactive and permanently engaged team, they routinely go above
is literally impossible to run a store without the support of an energetic,
and beyond the call of duty in a thousand different ways, from
enthusiastic and passionate team.
organising the rota themselves, working longer hours without being asked, contributing proactively when a refit was carried out last year
Julie Ann Davies couldn’t agree more and admits quite openly that she
and generally making life as simple as possible for Julie Ann.
couldn’t run the store without the fantastic support she gets from her team of nine, many of whom have been with her for over 20 years in
But it’s in customer service that Julie Ann says her team really excels,
this family-owned store. Best One Whitburn Post Office has been in the
treating every customer as a friend and always finding time to engage
family for over 33 years and the extraordinary support Julie Ann enjoys
with shoppers and making them feel welcome.
SPONSOR’S VIEW...
Gerry Welsh, Retail Marketing Manager, Certas Energy “It’s a cliché that you can’t achieve much in local retailing without a great team behind you, but it’s a cliché because it’s true. In a small family owned business like Best One Whitburn Post Office, an enthusiastic, customerfocused team is what makes the store so special for its shoppers – and that in turn is what the makes the store successful commercially. Julie Ann is blessed with a fantastic team of loyal colleagues that help her deliver a true community store for her shoppers.”
www.slrawards.com
Two Iconic Brands Back Together Ready to go the distance? Contact your local Area Manager
Call 0345 456 6300 gulfoil.co.uk/retail
SLR REWARDS
2020 WINNERS BROCHURE
THINKSMART INNOVATION RETAILER OF THE YEAR
THERE’S INNOVATION AND THERE’S INNOVATION... Premier Racetrack Autoport Services in Ibrox is nothing short of a homage to the power of innovation in a convenience store, with creativity of all kinds making this a store that is truly like no other.
Innovations comes in many forms and means different things to different
of place in a 5-star hotel, never mind a forecourt on the south side of
people, but Premier Racetrack Autoport Services in Ibrox in Glasgow
Glasgow.
takes the concept of innovation in a local retailing environment to a heady new level. The store hasn’t just introduced some innovation. The
But it’s not just the innovation that is striking. The execution of the whole
store simply is innovation in action.
store is breath-taking and no one leaves without a smile on their face and a ‘wow’ on their lips.
At the heart of the store’s offer to the world is a commitment to become a genuine destination store, a store that offers so many unique products
Premier Racetrack Autoport Services in Ibrox hasn’t just tweaked
and services that customers can find nowhere else in the area that
the concept of a convenience store with some neat innovation, it has
they come from far and wide. The liquid nitrogen ice cream is a great
completely torn up the rule book and created a brand new one all of its
example, as is the enormous vaping selection, the range of over 60
own that raises the bar for the entire sector. A phenomenal achievement
slush flavours, the Havana cigar humidor, the walk-in beer cave and the
and a very worthy winner of this year’s SLR ThinkSmart Innovation
American deli-style seating area. And let’s not forget the astonishing
Retailer of the Year Award. Congratulations to Shamly, Vik and Guna
customer toilets, compete with whale sounds, that wouldn’t look out
Sud.
SPONSOR’S VIEW...
Ben Ford, Retail Services Director, PayPoint “Becoming a destination store and offering your customers as many reasons as possible to visit your store is vital for all local retailers these days – but rarely is it taken to the heights that are evident in Premier Racetrack Autoport Services. The store abounds with jaw-dropping products and services that bring customers from miles and keep them coming back time and again. We often talk about the importance of ‘experience’ in modern local retailing – Shamly and family have taken this to heart, delivering something that goes way beyond just a trip to the local store and instead turning it into an immersive engaging, exciting experience for shoppers. Fantastic work.”
www.slrawards.com
Congratulations
to all the winners
Get the power of PayPoint One EPoS in your store 78
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Card payments
EPoS
Bill payments
Parcels
SIMs & Top Ups
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Next generation EPoS designed for convenience retail with integrated bill payment, card and parcel services. Over 17,000 retailers across the UK now using PayPoint One EPoS to help them save time, get valuable business insights and grow profitability. Free mobile app connects you to your store in real time, giving you the freedom to run your business from anywhere. The complete, cloud based solution comes with a free payment card PIN pad and an industry-leading 4 hour swap guarantee.
Visit PayPoint.One or call 01707 600 605
BOOK YOUR SPONSORSHIP NOW BY CONTACTING ROBERT AITKEN, RAITKEN@55NORTH.COM