Vaping has been a runaway success for many Scottish convenience stores, as retailers tap into the high margin opportunity that this category provides. As more and more adult smokers make the switch to vaping, the category is set to grow in importance for Scotland’s retailers.

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

Home delivery has emerged as a key driver of sales and margin growth for many convenience retailers across Scotland. And as competition heats up in the delivery sphere, this award recognises retailers who go the extra mile without sacrificing on standards.

This award recognises that innovation is crucial to community retailing and that Scotland has some remarkably innovative convenience retailers. This 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.

Entrepreneurs see opportunities and follow them through. They have vision, show initiative, work with confidence and they are the driving forces of their industry. Scottish Grocer and JTI are looking for an individual running a business or businesses in Scottish independent retailing who shows those qualities, seeks new opportunities, works to achieve bold goals and delivers success.

Staff are the lifeblood of any business. Without their skills, determination and quality, achieving business targets would be almost impossible. Your staff provide something special and here is the chance to thank someone for their dedication, ideas and hard work.

The UK tobacco category continues to be a significant element of the Scottish retail mix. Tobacco shoppers visit more frequently, therefore, tobacco remains a catalyst for impulse purchases from other categories, such as snacks and drinks.

Soft drinks are integral to modern convenience retailing operations due to the diverse range of shoppers they appeal to and relevance to different consumptions occasions. Judges will be looking for stores that score highly on getting the range right, running impactful promotions and merchandising their soft drinks effectively.

Sustainability is now a key consideration for shoppers. It’s also high on the agenda for all forward-thinking retailers, as sustainable practices help to safeguard our future both ecologically and economically. By taking steps to reduce carbon footprint, cut back on waste, and tackle litter, many of Scotland’s convenience retailers play a valuable role in their community.

Running a symbol store is an exciting and rewarding opportunity, with agreed standards to implement as a manager while retaining individual ownership or accountability for the store.

This award is split into two categories:
Single store operator
Multiple stores operator

This award recognises the best new-build c-stores (including transformations of buildings previously used for other purposes) and the best major refurbishments that have changed all or most of an existing store and have introduced new fixtures and equipment. Scottish c-stores that opened or relaunched between 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023 are eligible to enter.

Bread and bakery is a category that has been rising in popularity and diversity in recent years – with the need to cater to a variety of consumer demands, such as a desire for healthy options as well as indulgent treats. This award will be presented to a retailer who uses their loaf to create an outstanding bread and bakery section to tempt shoppers.

This is an award for an individual who has made his or her mark on Scotland’s independent trade, for the benefit of all. With Scotland’s convenience retailing trade constantly evolving to rise to new challenges, the most important influences on the sector are the people who play their part in it – as owners and entrepreneurs, managers and educators, activists and innovators.

Many independent retailers now work in conjunction with symbol groups, food-to-go brands, fuel companies and more. For this award, we view an independent retailer as a business such as a c-store or forecourt store – operating up to three stores – where the owner is directly involved in the day-to-day operation and management of the store(s) and is, ultimately, the main decision maker. The store(s) may operate under their own name or under a symbol or fascia.

Scottish Grocer is looking for a retail business that can clearly demonstrate how it engages with, empowers and supports its community, making an especially strong and effective contribution to its local area.