Home Comment and Interview

Comment and Interview

SGF: “Prepare for the worst”

C-STORE owners who have faced the challenge of a supermarket or discounter moving into their area told other retailers what to look out for...

Whole new world

It’s a new year and for many retailers their resolution for 2017 will be to open a new shop or revitalise an existing one....

Enveloped by success in Maryhill

WHEN ST Georges Post Office and Spar in Maryhill opened its doors four years ago, more than a few locals were taken aback, surprised...
The main bakery fixture at Spar, Hillfoot Road in Ayr takes a prime position in Aisle 1 of the store. Wrapped bread and loose rolls take up the first section of the fixture. As consumers make their way down the aisle they pass morning goods in the second fixture section. The substantial local popularity of cake means those products take a large space in the third segment. To make way for the cakes, Spar-branded part-baked bread and world breads are merchandised in a free-standing display unit at the start of the fixture, and the products do well there. The main fixture ends with bake-off products.

Award profile – Bread and Bakery of the Year Award 2014

Winner: Spar, Hillfoot Road, Ayr Bread and Bakery of the Year Award 2014 – in association with Kingsmill. Interview with Kevin Rarity, store manager, above left,...

Awards profile – Best New Store Award

Winner: Bourtreehill Supermarket, Irvine Ayrshire Sponsored by: Barr Soft Drinks

SG profile: The Corner Shop, Crossgates

This Fife-based retailer has been on a remarkable journey, opening two stores since 2015.
SGF public affairs adviser John Lee.

Pain but no gain from plain packs

Westminster surprised many when it said it would look again at plain packaging on tobacco. In Scotland the powers that be are ready to...

Spirits move bears fruit for Kopparberg

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

Heart of the village

Established in September last year, Booth’s General Store in Carmunnock is a business with one foot in the past that may point the way...

Awards Profile: Licensed Retailer of the Year

Winner: Doonfoot Day-Today, Ayr Supported by: Pernod Ricard UK

First class package

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...
students at a party

Autumn brings a fresh chance

The middle of September signals the start of freshers week: when swathes of young people head off to university and get ready for four years of (allegedly) hard work.
Stirling University

Saving town centres – it’s not all about retail

Out-of-town shopping centres have played a part in the sorry state of many Scottish town centres. But so has out-of-town everything else. Town centres...
pmi presentation

SG Convenience Conversations: Innovate and thrive

In its first Convenience Conversation of 2018, Scottish Grocer invited a select group of leading retailers and representatives to a discussion on innovation.

Staying on top of AE pensions

Compliance essential as contributions increase
Raza Rehmen

Drawing on real retail experience

Skwishee managing director Raza Rehman on building a slush brand from the ground up