Celebrating the women that make a change in retail
This article contains paid-for content from Imperial Brands
Interview with Natalie Lightfoot, store owner at Londis Solo Convenience, Baillieston
- How long have you worked in Scotland’s retail sector and what led to your current role?
I moved to Scotland 19 years ago with the sole purpose of opening a convenience store with my brother. The outlet was operating as a video store and within 6 months they had renovated the outlet and had it up and running. She now runs the store with her husband Martin and their “work family”
- Tell us about your own success story, positive experiences, examples of leadership etc.
The first 10 years of trading was quite challenging and I felt like I was constantly in “fight or flight” mode.
I decided to enter a competition at this stage with the Londis Group, which proved to be a real turning point in the future success of the business.
I won the competition and was awarded a whopping £50,000, which allowed me to invest in the shop and implement my ideas and vision.
As sales and confidence grew, I started to network and get involved in groups such as Women in Convenience. The support that these groups provide for female retailers was invaluable and I now support and share my expertise with other women in retail.
Winning the Scottish Grocers Awards 2025 Industry Achievement honour was a very important milestone in my career.
- What is the best thing about working in your industry?
It’s definitely the people – from helping the community with focused events to our work family – and knowing that a small store can still make a massive difference.
- What challenges have you faced as a woman working in the industry?
The challenges facing women in retail today include expected weakness, underestimating what we can achieve and still being overlooked as the owner.
Perception has improved from 19 years ago but could be better, especially as 33% of convenience stores in Scotland are currently owned or managed by women.
- Who have been the most influential people in your career so far, and what did you learn from them?
The most important influential person in my career and was my mum, who sadly passed away last year.
She struggled at times as a single parent but instilled great values, morals and a strong work ethic that I uphold every day. Education was very important to mum – so I went to university, which gave me the business acumen to help me succeed.
Mum’s motto was to “never give up” which has helped me through some tough times. She also worked in retail for many years and taught me the massive importance of customer service.
- What advice would you give a young woman starting out in Scotland’s retail sector in 2026?
My main advice would be to network and find support groups for advice and assistance in all areas of the business. I wish I’d done that from the beginning and not waited 10 years. Realise you are not alone.
- Any career insights you would like to share?
Don’t limit yourself simply because you might run a small store. Be innovative and experiment with new ideas, such as home delivery.
Keep raising your profile, never stop listening and learning, build a good social media presence and treat people how you would like to be treated.
Most importantly, work with companies and brands as they really support your business!
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