Celebrating the women that make a change in retail
This article contains paid-for content from Snappy Shopper
Interview with Asiyah Javed, store owner at Spar Alloa Road
- How long have you worked in Scotland’s retail sector, and what led you to your current role?
I’ve worked in Scottish convenience retail for more than a decade but I’ve been in stores since I was a child, as my parents had shops.
I started my career in the multiples, which was great for building my skillset and experience.
What drew me and my husband, Jawad, into this sector was the opportunity to build something from the ground up that directly served our local area.
- Tell us about your own success story, positive experiences, examples of leadership etc.
During the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent cost-of-living challenges, we realised our elderly and vulnerable neighbours were struggling. So we put together and delivered thousands of free care packages containing essentials.
We are also very active in the local community, partnering with charities, the elderly and care homes.
- What is the best thing about working in your industry?
Convenience retail places you right at the beating heart of a community. I get to know my customers by name, I watch their families grow and I hear their stories every day.
Seeing a customer leave the store with a smile, knowing you’ve provided a service they rely on, is incredibly rewarding.
- What challenges have you faced as a woman working in the industry?
Early on, one of the biggest challenges was simply having my voice heard and my business acumen taken seriously in rooms full of men. You often feel like you have to prove yourself twice as much to get half the respect.
Additionally, balancing the intense, 24/7 demands of running convenience stores with family life and motherhood is a constant juggling act.
It has driven me to be a visible advocate for women in the sector, showing that female leadership brings invaluable empathy, multi-tasking and community focus.
- Who have been the most influential people in your career so far, and what did you learn from them?
My parents and grandparents instilled a fierce work ethic in me, alongside deep-rooted values of charity and community care. They taught me that success means very little if you aren’t bringing others up with you.
Working with Jawad has taught me the importance of a true partnership, knowing when to lead, when to listen, and how to balance each other’s strengths and weaknesses in a high-pressure environment.
- What advice would you give a young woman starting out in Scotland’s retail sector in 2026?
Convenience retail is changing and there are brilliant examples of women leading the way. Your perspective is exactly what the modern retail sector needs.
Know your worth, be unapologetically ambitious and build a strong network of mentors. Don’t be afraid to lead with empathy; kindness and commercial success are not mutually exclusive. Finally, if you champion your community, they will champion your business.
- Any career insights you would like to share?
Adaptability is everything. The retail landscape is constantly throwing curveballs, whether it’s supply chain disruptions, economic shifts or new technologies.
Treat your team like extended family. If you invest in their wellbeing and development, they will take pride in your store, and that directly translates into an excellent experience for your customers.
Nurture relationships and the business will thrive.
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