Asif Ashraf, Smartways and MHouse Solutions

Asif Ashraf founded the symbol store chain Smartways in 2013. It has since grown to include 11 stores. He also owns and runs EPoS...

Awards profile – Merchandising award 2014

Winner: Spar Thornliebank Merchandising Award winner 2014 – in association with P&G. Interview with Allan Coupar, assistant manager Store details Symbol: Spar Size: 2,500 sq ft Opening hours: 7am – 10pm...
Natalie Lightfoot

Coolness as a virtue

In Baillieston, east Glasgow, the selling power of frosty temperatures is well understood by retailer Natalie Lightfoot

Sweet dreams – awards profile

Our winners: Life and times Linda and Dennis Williams, owners, Broadway Convenience Store, Oxgangs, Edinburgh – Scottish Grocer Tobacco Retailer of the Year 2013 –...

Barry Hanif, independent store, Day-Today and Nisa

Barry Hanif has been a full-time retailer for three years and is the owner of three stores: an independent in Falkirk; a Day-Today in...

Awards profile: Dairy Award

Winner: Day-Today Bourtreehill Supermarket, Irvine Supported by: Lancashire Farm Dairies

Spirits move bears fruit for Kopparberg

Neil Robinson offers his views on how the Swedish cider brand has fared since expanding into spirits

New directions – Faraz Iqbal, Linktown Local Kirkcaldy

We ask some of Scotland’s young c-store retailers about their businesses and the key issues of the day. Linktown Local in Kirkcaldy has been completely...

Awards profile – The Dairy Award (Independent Store) 2016

Winner: Spar, Renfrew The Dairy Award (Independent Store) Sponsored by: Müller
TennentsCan

SG opinion: Minimising MUP’s impact on stores

Tennent’s brand owner Norman Loughery offers insight on policy

Focus on the future

Interview with Saleem Sadiq, owner of Spar, Paisley Road, Renfrew The winner of the Retail Technology Award 2015 – sponsored by the Retail Data Partnership Winner details Size:...
Shopkeeper Asif Mohammad stands outside his convenience shop next to a hand written sign about energy prices.

Act on energy or shops will shut

As soaring energy costs threaten viable businesses, Scottish business owners have been sounding the alarm over electricity price hikes.
barbara-henderson

No stopping food to go

Barbara Henderson has seen the Scottish food to go market transform. Now, she reckons change is coming to c-stores .
Chris Shead, channel directory for grocery, Pernod Ricard.

Prepared to serve

As Pernod Ricard UK launches its Christmas campaign focused on helping retailers increase sales of popular cocktail and mixer ingredients, Scottish Grocer spoke to channel director for grocery Chris Shead about the opportunity the category represents.

Speaking up for forecourt retailers

GORDON Balmer, the new chief executive of the Petrol Retailers Association, has taken charge of the organisation at a turbulent time.

Minimum hits £6.70

Government agrees 3% increase in NMW from October THE UK’s minimum wage will rise by 3% to £6.70 an hour, for the full adult rate,...