SLR 2020 Reward Winners Handbook

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.”

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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.”

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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.”

www.slrawards.com

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.”

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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.

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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

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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.

Get in touch to find out more: tcs.uk@tomra.com

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

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EPoS

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eVouchers

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