A chance to clean up

Lots of companies regularly donate to charities and so it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd. But if there’s one thing that really grabs people’s attention, it’s when you take a hands-on approach to making a difference.

So if you want to show your community how much you care by doing something positive to improve the local area, then why not enter our competition?

Convenience Store is teaming up with Keep Britain Tidy and confectionery giant Wrigley once again to offer one lucky retailer the chance to head up a litter pick of their store front and surrounding area. We’ll turn you into a local hero as we all take to the streets, armed with bin bags and litterpickers, showing local residents that your store takes pride in its parade.

We’ll share news of the litter pick outside your store with the local media too, to help you get the best possible press coverage and ensure that everyone in the area knows what an asset you are to the community. And in addition, Wrigley will make sure your confectionery displays are bulging with a generous selection of free stock.

Last year Convenience Store, Keep Britain Tidy and Wrigley worked with Derbyshire retailer Dee Sedani to help clean up the area surrounding his One Stop store in Matlock. The event was so successful that Dee’s staff are asking him to organise another one. “Staff enjoyed being out and about; it was a nice change from the store and they’ve even asked to do it again,” he says.

The litter pick provided a good opportunity for Dee and his team to meet their customers outside of the store environment and enabled them to make a good impression on the local authorities.

“We were saying hello to members of the public, and the local councillor - who does a weekly litter pick - appreciated the help,” he says.

Another positive about organising a litter pick is that it is a low cost way of making a big impact on residents, notes Dee. “We’re not pumping money into the community, but at least we can keep the area tidy by cleaning up. I would definitely encourage people 
to enter the competition; it’s a no-brainer. Litter picks are simple, effective and the right thing to do.”

Clive Sheppard, who owns eight forecourts and a Spar store as part of the Chartman Group, is also a previous winner. He and his team took to the streets with Wrigley, Keep Britain Tidy and several members of the local community, including local school kids and Exeter Lord Mayor Rob Newby. “The litter pick was great for us, it worked really well,” says Clive. He claims that it gave his store an opportunity to engage with locals. “We are part of the community and we need to be connected. Getting involved in this competition is an opportunity that’s there on a plate for you. We got good publicity from it in the local paper, too.”

And what started as a one-off event has left a lasting legacy. “We have done several litter picks since the first one with Wrigley and Keep Britain Tidy. When I go to Spar Magdalen Road where we did the first litter pick I notice that it’s cleaner than it used to be. Maybe we’ve done something to contribute by making people much more aware.”

So what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us and give your store the chance to shine - both inside and out!