Rekz Afzal operates a community fridge and cabinet initiative at his store, RSA Your Local Shop in Paisley town centre. The initiative offers support for Paisley residents struggling with food poverty by providing access to produce, prepared meals and household essentials.

SG Profile: C-store support

Paisley retailer Rekz Afzal made waves on social media with his community fridge. Six months later the initiative is going strong
Jagtar Lalli

Jagtar Lalli, Premier and Day-Today

Jagtar Lalli is the owner of two convenience stores – the Premier in Kilmaurs and the Scottish Grocer award-winning Day-Today in Hamilton Street, Saltcoats. How...

Tailoring a service for convenience

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
Uzair Ali

New directions

We ask some of Scotland’s young c-store retailers about their businesses and the key issues of the day. Since taking on his father-in-law’s store last...

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 – Sustainable retailer of the year 2014

Winner: Mitchells, Market Place, Inverurie Sustainable Retailer of the Year - Sponsored by Resource Efficient Scotland Interview with Keith Whyte, owner. Store details: Size: 2,500 sq ft Opening hours:...

Always look for positives

SG INTERVIEW GLASGOW- based wholesaler JW Filshill triumphed in the Scottish Wholesale Achievers awards programme in February, winning every category that it entered and taking...

Awards profile – Technology & Digital Engagement Award

Winner: Family Shopper, Blantyre Sponsored by: The Retail Data Partnership and Zapper
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...

Dairy to differ

THE story of Day-Today, Wallyford is one of a constantly evolving store in the hands of a man who just won’t take ‘no’ for...

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: Bakery Retailer of the Year (independent store)

Winner: Giacopazzi’s, Milnathort Supported by Warburtons

Forecourt has plenty in the tank

IT’S a busy time at Spar Euro Garages Lomondgate, located on the main road from Glasgow to Balloch, as tourists flock to the shores...
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.

Living the local dream

Facing a major challenge when Aldi opens nearby, Dennis and Linda Williams are examining their business, stressing its local character, boosting chilled, offering everyday...
Natalie Lightfoot

Coolness as a virtue

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