ACS ‘strongly’ encourages retailers to host local MPs in their stores

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) is encouraging retailers to invite their local MPs to visit their stores.

These visits would highlight the important work retailers do for their communities and share what support they need from the government, said the ACS.

At the end of last month, Cambridgeshire-based retailer Amit Puntambekar invited his local MP Ian Sollum to his store. They discussed Amit’s experience with retail crime and his invaluable contributions to the community.

The visit began with an introductory chat as well as a store tour, before an in-depth discussion of the following areas:

• Operational costs and challenges
• Ongoing incidents of shop theft and violence
• The importance of investing time into developing staff
• The importance of relationship building with regular customers

“We’re glad to see MPs engaging with our retailers to listen to their concerns and show their interest in local issues affecting the convenience sector,” said James Lowman, chief executive of the ACS.

“We strongly encourage everyone to continue to conduct these store visits, as it is important to show real-life examples of local issues that affect your business so you can get the support you need.”