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 2025 and 31 March 2026 are eligible to enter.

Soft drinks continue to be a key driver of growth in modern convenience retail, appealing to a wide variety of shoppers and meeting a broad range of consumption occasions. Success in this category relies on offering a strong core range of bestselling lines, supported by relevant NPD and a clear focus on emerging shopper trends. Judges will be looking for retailers who demonstrate excellence in selecting the right range, delivering impactful promotions, and merchandising soft drinks in a way that maximises visibility and sales.

Awards judges are 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. This award has two prizes, one for city store operators and one for rural store operators.

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 is 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.

Award judges will be seeking single or multi-site operators who have excelled during the transformation of the roadside retail environment from traditional filling stations to multi-purpose, destination sites. At the same time, they must demonstrate how they are a key part of the local community around them.

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.

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 influencers on the sector are the people who play their part in it – as owners and entrepreneurs, managers and educators, activists and innovators.

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

Alternatives to traditional tobacco products have become a runaway success for many Scottish convenience stores, as retailers tap into the high adult consumer demand for these newer forms of nicotine use. As more and more adult smokers make the switch to nicotine pouches, vapes and heat-not-burn devices, the smokeless alternative category is set to grow in importance for Scotland’s retailers.

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 has two prizes, one for single store operators and one for multiple store operators.

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.