Talking Retail Grocery and product news for independent retailers
The whole sector was awarded the Outstanding Achievement of the Year award, which was collected by British Retail Consortium’s chief executive Helen Dickinson, on behalf of all grocery retailers.
She said: “We already know we have a world-leading grocery industry, but from convenience stores to supermarkets and online grocers, every single person in every one of these businesses – stores, distribution centres, drivers, support centres, and everyone in between – has shown indomitable spirit in the face of huge challenges posed by the pandemic.
“You went above and beyond. You ensured customers and colleagues stayed safe. You ensured everyone got the food that they needed. You looked after vulnerable people. You scaled up your businesses, doubled up your online capacity, you were and still are truly in the frontline of the pandemic. You should be very proud of everything you’ve done.”
In the Independent Retailer of the Year category, Londis Caterways & Post Office, Horsham, West Sussex, was named best store in the up to 1,200sq ft category.
The Retail Industry Awards judges were impressed with the 12% uplift in sales and said of owner Amish Shingadia: “This is a retailer who really understands what he’s doing. He is young and enthusiastic and has a genuine grip on the commercial side of the business.”
In the 1,200sq ft to 3,000sq ft category, MJ’s Store, Premier, Royton, Lancashire, took top honours. Justin Whittaker and family, who run MJ’s Premier, have grown sales by more than 40% in the past two years. “The store standards are amazing; Justin doesn’t miss a trick anywhere,” one Retail Industry Awards judge said.
The 3,000 to 6,000sq ft award was secured by Spar Eat 17, Walthamstow, London, in one of the closest-ever three-way contests in the history of the awards. “This is a fantastic store driven by a passionate and innovative team,” said one judge.
In the over 6,000sq ft category, JC Stewart, Magherafelt, Country Londonderry, took the trophy home. The judges described JC Stewart as a “stand-out store” offering fabulous quality and an amazing own-brand range.
Mulkerns Eurospar, Newry, County Down, picked up Independent Community Retailer of the Year, the store also picked up the Most Sustainable Retailer Initiative of the Year- Independent award. The Retail Industry Awards judges loved Mulkerns’ Zero Waste Wednesdays and its “huge range of sustainability initiatives”.
The Forecourt Retailer of the Year – Independent award went to Parkfoot Spar, West Malling, Kent.
Londis Caterways and Post Office, Horsham, West Sussex, was also named Post Office Retailer of the Year. A judge said: “Exceptional example of great retail fully integrated with post office services. The community engagement is stand-out and the business takes full advantage of the latest technology.”
In addition, Mulkerns Eurospar was selected as Food-to-go Retailer of the Year and JC Stewart, Magherafelt, Country Londonderry scooped Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year.
The Best Use of Technology – Independent award was presented to RaceTrack Pitstop Autoport Services, Premier, Glasgow. The judges praised the “great use of digital media”, which they said “transforms the look and feel of the store”.
There were also wins for Ash’s Shop, Nisa Local, Fenstanton, Cambridgeshire (Chilled Retailer of the Year), Costcutter Chislehurst, Kent (Drinks Retailer of the Year), and Budgens Arbury, Cambridge (Most Improved Store).
There were individual awards for George Hayworth, Co-op (Trailblazer of the Year), Spar Kexborough’s Clare Hale (Store Manager of the Year), and Mulkerns Spar Jonesborough’s Enya McAteer (Newcomer of the Year).
Symbol/Franchise Group of the Year went to Nisa in an extremely close vote, but the Retail Industry Awards judges felt Nisa had been “rejuvenated under the light of Co-op ownership, while a trusted own-label range has driven retailer sales and margins. It’s very impressive from top to bottom,” the judges said.
And Convenience Retailer of the Year was awarded to Co-op thanks not only to a financial performance that included a 1.9% increase in like-for-like sales, but also in recognition of its innovation and leadership across many areas.
