Edinburgh retailer spotlights the role of convenience stores across the UK
EDINBURGH retailer Sophie Williams has been chosen as one of six stars of a new major campaign from Coca-Cola, highlighting the important role that convenience stores play in their local communities.
Sophie, who helps to run Premier Broadway Convenience Store alongside her parents in the Oxgangs area, will feature across a sleuth of marketing activity across the UK including a new portrait and docu-series shot by multi-award-winning director Ross Bolidai and National Portrait Gallery photographer Serena Brown.
The short film spotlights Sophie’s multi-generational story of family, community and resilience and how she has worked with her parents – Dennis and Linda – to further the legacy of the Oxgangs store.
This will include how Dennis and his parents first started the store in 1983 and how it has become a cornerstone of its local community over the years. It also tells the story of how Dennis met Linda at the cash and carry and how the duo went on to build something more meaningful beyond the business.
Now Sophie is set to bring fresh energy into the store via her viral TikTok videos and social media platforms, whilst carrying on a legacy set down nearly 42 years ago as a community hub for the area. Sophie’s community work was also recognised at the Scottish Grocer Awards 2024 when her efforts saw Premier Broadway take home the Community Retailer of the Year gong.
Alongside the micro-documentary, Sophie will also be prominently displayed on out-of-home advertising spots across Edinburgh, signifying the importance of corner shops and their owners to their local communities as Coca-Cola marks 125 years of its products being sold in Great Britain.
Sophie said: “For over 41 years, Premier Broadway has been more than a store; it’s been a cornerstone of our family and community. Our passion goes beyond transaction, embodying a belief that the shop does not just belong to us – but to everyone it serves.
“As we join Coca-Cola’s latest campaign, we are reminded of the dedication my parents have shown since 1983, and the legacy we continue to build in Edinburgh.
“Their expertise, combined with my fresh perspective, social media presence and innovative ideas, ensures our commitment to keeping the store vibrant for future generations to enjoy.”
Dusan Stojankic, vice president and general manager of Great Britain & Ireland at Coca-Cola, said: “We’re proud to be celebrating 125 years since Coca-Cola was first served in Great Britain, and with 97% of our products sold here manufactured and bottled here, we’re invested in local communities.
“‘The Bosses’ series is an ode to that, celebrating the businessmen and women ushering in a new era for the vastly underestimated corner shop. We’ll continue to champion and mentor community retailers far into the future, and hope they continue to find a sense of camaraderie through our network.”
