Our judging panel for The Convenience Awards 2022 had a tough job deciding upon this year’s winners. Find out why they picked the winners for each category.
Community Initiative of the Year: Citizens Advice Bureau Bus: H & Jodies Nisa Local, Walsall
The Citizens Advice Bureau bus was widely praised by the judging panel and the store’s work in facilitating a gateway for the community to interact with politicians and gain access to local charities for advice made it a worthy winner of Community Initiative of the Year.
Community Retailer of the Year: Sweeney’s Budgens, Wendover
Judges were blown away by the owner Dary Sweeney’s efforts to help his local community with strong charity initiatives and offering work experience to the local Academy. The work done to encourage the community to help those suffering in Afghanistan and the Ukraine were also highly praised.
Convenience Rising Star of the Year: Hazel Ridge, Bassett’s Londis, Weymouth
Hazel’s enthusiasm and passion for her role was highly praised by the judging panel as well as her work on growing the entire store’s business. Her ability to think outside the box and trial new ideas make her a star for the future in the convenience sector.
Customer Delivery Store of the Year: Premier Heyside Mini Market and Post Office and Family Shopper, Broadoak
The scope of this delivery service impressed the judging panel, particularly the focus on the business’ food to go offering. The retailer’s willingness to invest in the service including the modified vehicles and promotional tactics to build up customer loyalty made this entry deliver above the competition in this category.
Food to Go Store of the Year: Mulkerns Eurospar, Newry
When a judge exclaims that they want to buy their food to go at a store, you know you’ve got a winning entry. Slick, innovative and professional were just three of the terms used to describe Mulkerns. No stranger to winning this award, the store’s range and professional management of the category make them a worthy category winner.
Independent Convenience Store of the Year: Premier Singh’s Teynham, Sheffield
An extensive refit has paid dividends for the Singh family and the introduction of a Refresh section, beer cave and vape station offer a point of difference for the store. Judges praised them for utilising their space carefully and the Singhs Drop delivery service.
Large Convenience Store of the Year: Mulkerns Eurospar, Newry
Strong sales growth and constant innovation helped Mulkerns win the Large Convenience Store of the Year category. The judging panel praised the team’s engagement with customers, online offering and overall store standards.
Multiple Managed Convenience Store of the Year: Spar Longton, Preston
The store’s fresh displays and butchery counter came in for particular praise by the judges for this category. It also won out on design, training standards and support for the local community as well as overall high standards for the store.
New Store/Refit of the Year: Bells Supermarkets of Habberley, Kidderminster
An emphasis on constant communication with customers before and during the refit as well as a willingness to innovate impressed the judging panel for this category. The additions of American candy, a vape section and a No and Low offer shows that the retailer is willing to take chances with his store.
Sales Colleague of the Year: Lisa James, Beddau Spar Store, Pontypridd
A fifteen-year veteran of the business, Lisa is involved in every aspect of the store including recruitment, delivery and the foodservice departments. Lisa was described as an amazing member of staff that is loved by customers and staff at all levels and is a true asset to the business.
Small Convenience Store of the Year: Londis Pollard Street, Manchester
Packing a lot into a small space, the team of Londis Pollard Street were praised for their customer engagement and strong category management. Its location means it benefits from big passing trade on match days but they make the most of it with a great range that they constantly keep a forensic eye on to ensure not an inch is wasted.
Sustainability Retailer of the Year: Welcome Brockenhurst, Hampshire
Judges praised the amazing work with local suppliers that has made real progress on improving sustainability as well as the initiatives that go over and above those its franchise group. Its communication to shoppers was also highly commended by the judging panel.
Retailers’ Retailer of the Year: Nishi Patel, Londis Bexley Park, Dartford
Nishi was praised by judges for getting involved in community projects and also continuing to invest and develop his store. His work with the local rugby club earned him significant praise as did his range review which led to the introduction of lucrative new categories. Nishi’s work on social media to promote his store has also made him a TikTok legend.
Convenience Retailer of Year: Premier Singh’s Teynham, Sheffield
Boasting some huge wins within key areas including drinks, vaping and food to go as well as building strong connections with local suppliers to ensure they retain quality and freshness on a daily basis are just some of the reasons why this store as won Convenience Retailer of the Year. Its work in the community and willingness to innovate as well as making the best use of the space available set it apart from the competition and make it a worthy winner.
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