The UK tobacco category continues to be a significant element of the Scottish retail mix. The average spend of a tobacco shopper is double the average shopper’s (£12.58 vs £6.05)*. In addition, we know that 43%* of baskets in a convenience store contain a tobacco product, and that, on a monthly basis, tobacco shoppers are contributing almost £63k* to an individual store - with over £13k* of this being on purchases other than tobacco. Therefore, tobacco remains a catalyst for impulse purchases from other categories, such as snacks and drinks.

* HIM! CTP Spring 2018 - Shopper Survey

As shopper lifestyles get busier, food to go continues to grow, and a significant number of Scottish retailers are now discovering the size of the FTG opportunity.

This award will recognise a retailer who has taken food to go and turned it into a real talking point for their store, driving footfall and boosting basket spend.

Judges will be on the lookout for a retailer with a thorough understanding of the store’s clientele and an innovative offer that’s tailored to meet shoppers’ needs.

Family is at the heart of many of the best retail businesses across Scotland, and whether it be a traditional grocer that’s served the local community for generations or a new venture that’s making great strides, there’s no question these stores offer something shoppers want and can’t get from corporate competitors.

This award will recognise a family-run operation that has successfully carved out its place in a competitive market place by demonstrating outstanding commitment to best practice across the board - a well-run business with values at its core, friendly staff, and which serves its community well. .

The modern post office franchise is designed to work in convenience stores, with an open-plan layout and a small counter that sits next to the retail till, and many Scottish retailers are taking up the opportunity to play their part in providing crucial services to customers and communities throughout the country.

Are you our Post Office Retailer of the Year?

This is an award for an individual who has made his or her mark on Scotland’s independent trade, for the benefit of all. Scotland’s convenience retailing trade has undergone huge change in recent years and the near future promises much more of the same.

The most important influences on the trade are the people who play their part in it – as owners and entrepreneurs, managers and educators, activists and innovators.

The innovation award recognises that innovation is crucial to community retailing in Scotland and that the country has some remarkably innovative convenience retailers. The Innovation Award will be presented to a store, retailer or retailing company that has shown new thinking and/or imaginative application of existing best practice to improve the service offered to customers and improve commercial performance.

Convenience stores and convenience store companies in Scotland are eligible to enter the Innovation Award.

Entrepreneurs see opportunities and follow them through. They have vision, show initiative and work with confidence. And they are the driving forces of virtually every industry.

Scottish Grocer and JTI are looking for an individual running a business or businesses in Scottish independent retailing who shows those qualities, who actively seeks new opportunities, works to achieve bold goals and delivers success.

British American Tobacco & Scottish Grocer are looking for Scotland’s Community Retailer of the Year – a retail business that engages, empowers and supports their community, making an especially strong, effective contribution to its local area.

The key to success in this category comes from recognition that your store has made a significant mutually beneficial contribution to its local community.

Beer, wines, spirits and other drinks play a major role in many Scottish local stores. However, drinks is a category that needs careful attention and care. We’re looking for a retailer who provides a great drinks service and who does so creatively and responsibly.

Are you our Licensed Retailer of the Year?

Scottish Grocer and Nisa are on the hunt for the best staff member in Scotland. Staff are the lifeblood of any business. Without their skills, determination and quality, delivering business targets would be almost impossible. We know your staff provide something special and here is the chance to thank someone for their dedication, ideas and hard work. We want to hear why your employee is Scotland’s Employee of the Year.

Entry is open to staff members below the level of store manager.

We’d like nominators (store owners or managers) to give us:

• A short introduction to your nominee – including his or her full name, their role in the business and their history in the store.

• Your reasons for the nomination. Tell us what makes your employee special.

Judges visiting short-listed entrants will be looking for:

• Enthusiasm for the job, the business and the customers it serves.

• Examples of dedication and hard work.

• Excellent awareness and implementation of all responsible retailing requirements.

• A real interest in retail and in making the best of the business through key retailing skills and activities such as merchandising and customer service.

• Enthusiasm for self-improvement through training and development, and keenness to help others develop their skills.

• Evidence of ‘going the extra mile’ to make something work well.

• Evidence of a special relationship with the store’s customers.