What does winning at The Convenience Awards mean to retailers?

With just over a week to the deadline to enter The Convenience Awards 2022, if you’re not sure about entering, hear from some of our previous winners about what winning one of the top awards in the industry means to them.

Spar Parkfoot’s David Charman picked up the top prize of Convenience Retailer of the Year 2022. He explains how winning the award meant so much for his entire team. “2020/21 was a difficult year for all of my staff and this is a fantastic reward for them. We’ve really focused on what the customer wants and we’ve tried hard to give them that, and we’ve also tried to make sure that the site runs safely and carefully throughout everything that’s happened over the past year.”

Managing director of Spar UK, Louise Hoste, echoed this sentiment. “It was fantastic to be shortlisted for this highly competitive awards ceremony and tremendous to see Spar Parkfoot named Convenience Retailer of the Year. Our stores have worked tremendously hard over the last year, so it is fantastic for them to be recognised for their innovation and forward thinking.”

Booker is no stranger to awards either, with its Premier fascia winning The Shoppers’ Favourite Convenience Fascia in 2020. Sales director Stewart Fenn said it was massive for the business. “Being crowned The Shoppers’ Favourite Symbol Group last year was a huge achievement and one that we are so proud of, considering the challenges that the industry and our retailers have faced throughout the pandemic.”

In 2021, Premier didn’t go home empty-handed, picking up The Shoppers’ Favourite Convenience Fascia for Impulse Categories. Sales director Martyn Parkinson said the fact that shoppers decided this category made it extra special. “The Convenience Awards are a true reflection of the very best from across UK convenience retail as they are voted for by shoppers - which truly makes them both unique and very special.

“Last year Premier was delighted and really proud to be crowned The Shoppers’ Favourite Convenience Fascia for Impulse Categories. It was also great to see MJ’s Premier win Customer Delivery Store of the Year. Can’t wait for 2022!”

Nisa also picked up some top categories in 2021. Tout’s won Large Convenience Store of the Year. Retail director Rob Tanner praised the team across the business. “We felt immensely honoured to win Large Convenience Store of the Year in 2021. We have the most fantastic team who work so hard everyday to give the best possible customer experience; always striving to deliver the warmest and friendliest care whilst maintaining the sharpest operational standards, so it was amazing to have their achievements recognised nationally. Winning this award really gave us the opportunity to celebrate together and feel proud of the work we all do together.”

Nisa retailer Amrit Singh of H & Jodie’s won Community Retailer of the Year and Retailers’ Retailer of the Year. He urged retailers to get involved. “People should definitely enter The Convenience Awards. It’s an opportunity to put your team, your store and your community on the map. It’s such a great feeling to be recognised by the industry and we were over the moon to win two awards last year. It shows that the hard work you’re doing is paying off.”

Brought to you by the three leading brands in the sector: Convenience Store, Lumina Intelligence and The Grocer, there are 14 self-entry categories for retailers to enter including the new Community Initiative of the Year category which celebrates ideas and innovations from retailers that have helped their local area.

Deadline for entries is 11 April 2022.

ENTER THE CONVENIENCE AWARDS NOW!