​What role does community engagement play in the success of local retailers? In this episode, we explore how connecting with the local community can boost business, create customer loyalty and make a positive impact. From charities to supporting local suppliers, we’ll discuss initiatives that indies can benefit from.

We’re joined by Kate Carroll, head of Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally charity, who shares the benefits of giving back. Chris Tomes, 2024 Community Retailer of the Year and manager of Costcutter Swanage, explains how his store has become a community hub through charity work and local involvement. Plus, Leon Swanwick, TYS Retail’s area manager of Nisa stores across Peterborough, Orton, Stilton and Stamford, offers advice for retailers looking to become more involved in their local area.

Creating a strong social media and online presence is vital for retailers. In an age where digital engagement can make or break a business, mastering these tools is more important than ever. That’s why we’ve spoken to marketing expert Sarah Ellis. Ellis is the marketing director for A.F. Blakemore and in this episode, she offers valuable insights and tips to help retailers boost their online impact. Drawing on from the digital world, Ellis also speaks in light of challenges faced by retailers and what opportunities they can bring.  

Crime within convenience has reached drastic levels with record numbers of incidents taking place in stores. In this episode of the Convenience Mix, we look at the impact of crime on independent retailers and how it is affecting them and their staff. Spar retailer Chloe Taylor-Green discusses how verbal abuse from customers while Costcutter retailer Abdul Majid is experiencing a rise in opportunistic shoplifting at his store. 

The announcement that the government is to ban disposable vapes sent shockwaves through the retail industry. A category that has helped many retailers through some tough times, we're now looking at a future without disposable vapes. The Convenience Mix speaks to the Association of Convenience Stores' director of communications Chris Noice about what impact the proposed ban will have on retailers, while The Grocer's technology editor George Nott analyses the effect on suppliers and how the overall vape category might move forward.

The Convenience Mix is back for a very special episode dedicated to the rising cost of living crisis. In this episode, our experts look at the impact of the rising cost of living on shopper behaviour across the UK convenience retail market. We share tips on how retailers can mitigate the challenges around rising costs, the government support that is needed and how wholesalers can and are working with retailers and suppliers. We also here from two special guests to get the view of wholesalers and retailers on how they are dealing with the pressures of trading in the current economic climate – Dawood Pervez, Managing Director at Bestway Wholesale and independent retailer, Chaz Chahal.

Episode twelve – Brexit: Where Are We And What's Next? - sees our experts look at the impact of Brexit on the UK convenience sector, both short and long-term. Since the UK decided to vote to leave the EU back in 2016, the issue has dominated headlines and remained on top of business agendas. The situation has changed so many times since the referendum and even at the start of 2022, the parameters for trading changed again. To help provide some clarity on where the UK is at in terms of trading with its EU neighbours, we also hear from chief executive of the Cold Chain Federation Shane Brennan...

Episode eleven – UK Convenience Retail in 2022 – sees our experts look to the year ahead and highlight three trends, using the Lumina Intelligence Future of Retail 2022 Report, that we believe will impact UK convenience retail in 2022 and beyond. These trends are La Dolce Vita - the demand for treating during recessionary periods, Radical Transparency - consumer/brand relationships going beyond the transactional and Net-Hero - the rise of sustainability-led consumers and the demands they place on retailers.

Throughout, we hear from sector leaders, including David Charman of Spar Parkfoot, Chris Noice of ACS, Michael Fletcher of The Co-op and Anila Anwar of Costcutter Sandy Hill Road...

Episode ten – The Recipe For Plant-Based Success – sees our experts unpick the ever-growing trend towards plant-based consumption. How much has the plant-based category grown in recent years? Has this been impacted by the pandemic? What exciting products have hit the market recently? Where should retailers start when entering the plant-based category? What are the opportunities this Christmas, particularly with turkey shortages hitting headlines? We also catch up with Thea Brook, Founder of The Brook: Plant-Based Feasting. Thea discusses the growth of plant-based, why it is so important to driving footfall, the different options available to retailers when merchandising the category and her advice for retailers starting out in the plant-based category...

Episode nine - Stocking Up For Christmas - sees our experts tackle the upcoming festive period. One of the most important trading periods for the convenience sector, however it hasn't come without its challenges over recent times. 2020 saw Christmas plans thrown out the window, as travel restrictions were imposed at the last minute and some regions entered local lockdowns. With shoppers keen to make up for lost time, we analyse the opportunities for convenience this coming Christmas. How do we expect shoppers to behave? What are the key categories to be stocking? How will the HGV driver shortage impact supply? When do we expect to see shoppers start purchasing food and drink for Christmas? We also catch up with Susan Connolly, Sales & Marketing Director at Connolly Spar to understand her plans for the festive period and her expectations versus a very different 2020...

Episode eight - A Healthy Approach To HFSS - sees our experts analyse the upcoming HFSS legislation that is due to be implemented in October 2022. What store types does the legislation apply to? What challenges are on the horizon? What are the opportunities for retailers and brands? How might suppliers react to the legislation? What support and teamwork is necessary? Our hosts also discuss the introduction of new legislation to protect retail workers in Scotland and challenge why similar measures have not been introduced in England, Northern Ireland and Wales...