Member Article

Britain’s Best Convenience Store Announced

A convenience store in West Sussex has been named as the best convenience store in the UK and Ireland by a leading industry development programme.

Londis Southwater and Post Office in Horsham was crowned as the best independent convenience store at the Independent Achievers Academy (IAA) Gala Dinner in London (on Wednesday 26 November).

Sales from independent convenience retailers currently total £37.4bn and represent a fifth of the UK grocery market, according to the most recent industry report*.

In the past year the sector has experienced growth of more than five per cent and is predicted to grow to £49bn over the next five years.

The IAA, owned and managed by Newtrade, is a market leading business programme that helps develop the stores of independent convenience retailers and rewards best practice.

Following a rigorous evaluation process, including a mystery shop visit, the UK and Ireland’s Top 100 independent convenience shops were identified and considered for 12 IAA awards ranging from environmental sustainability to retail innovation.

Londis Southwater and Post Office impressed the judging panel of industry experts with its commitment to developing staff, ensuring the store layout works for customers whilst optimising sales, and its approach to marketing to its customers.

Shop owner, Ramesh Shingadia, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have received such prestigious recognition. We have worked hard to develop our business over the past few years and the awards we have received are a true testament to all our hard work.

“Our industry is dynamic and constantly changing but we’re always looking to excel through networking with other stores and knowing the latest movements in our industry. The Independent Achievers Academy gave us a really good chance to review the whole business, reassessing our priorities and coming up with new ideas.

“We’re now looking to make the most of Christmas and we’re expanding with another store opening in January.”

After presenting the Overall Best Shop award, Nick Shanagher, managing director of Newtrade, said: “The way we shop has changed forever and retailers like Ramesh play an important role in our local communities.

“Retailers all over the country dedicate time to making sure their offer is right for their shoppers. These awards are great recognition for the hard work Ramesh and his team do every day to help their customers save time and money, whilst providing excellent levels of quality and service.”

The IAA Gala Dinner was held at the Sheraton Park Lane Hotel. The evening was hosted by Jeff Pearce, an award-winning retailer and best-selling author, who challenged retailers to continue innovating to better serve their customers.

For more information visit betterRetailing.com/IAA

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by The People Experts Blog .