Comment and Interview | Scottish Grocer & Convenience Retailer

Tailoring a service for convenience

8 January 2021

There is no shortage of delivery options for retailers at the moment, with tech firms and entrepreneurs responding to the surge in demand for home delivery last year

Debbie and Andy Townsend (above) moved from Birmingham to Laide five years ago and took over the local Post Office and forecourt. In a small community, many miles from the nearest supermarket, they are relied on for a lot more than the average corner shop, but have risen to the challenge of meeting the needs of their customers.

Best Laide plans

1 August 2017

A village shop, Post Office and petrol forecourt, Laide Post Office can boast a lot. Andy and Debbie Townsend moved to the area, in...

First class package

1 October 2016

Winner: Whitburn Post Office and Costcutter Post Office Retailer of the Year - sponsored by The Post Office Interview with Teresa Hill, owner. Winner details Store trading area: 1,700...

Alison Weatherhead & Sarah Ingles Carlyle

Keeping abreast of immigration rules

1 March 2022

From 6 April, new changes to UK right to work checks announced by the Home Office will come into force, but what does it mean for employers?

In the first Convenience Conversation of 2019, Scottish Grocer invited a group of retailers, suppliers and EPOS firms to Kirkcaldy to talk food to go and impulse. Discussion centred around how c-stores can position themselves to make the most of this valuable market .

May 31 was the World Health Organisation’s 2013 No Tobacco Day. One of the world’s biggest tobacco companies wonders if anti-smoking lobbyists have properly thought through the issues

Be careful what you wish for

4 July 2013

May 31 was the World Health Organisation’s 2013 No Tobacco Day. One of the world’s biggest tobacco companies wonders if anti-smoking lobbyists have properly...

Focus on the future

3 February 2016

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:...

Asif Ashraf, Smartways and MHouse Solutions

24 July 2015

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

Wendy Morrell, second right, and her husband Malcolm, second left, receive the 2013 Merchandising Award, run in association with P&G, at the 2013 Scottish Grocer Awards presentation event.

Awards profile – Merchandising award 2013

8 April 2014

Our winner: life and times Wendy Morrell – Scottish Grocer Merchandising Award winner 2013 – in association with P&G Store details: Symbol: Best-one Size: 800 sq ft Opening...

Now is the time to work together

1 August 2013

There has been no shortage of official analysis of the horsemeat incidents that took place in Europe earlier this year. A variety of reports...

A lot of bottle

8 September 2016

Awards profile – beer retailer of the year Winner: Best-one @ Brownlie’s, Biggar Beer Retailer of the Year 2016 - sponsored by Tennent’s Interview with Bruce and Donna Morgan,...

SGF wants Govt support for Police Scotland as shoplifting hits record high

27 August 2025

The Scottish Grocers’ Federation is calling for long-term support for Police Scotland to tackle retail crime after the latest Scottish Government figures show a deluge of shop theft devastating local businesses and risking the safety of retail workers.