NEWS FEATURE
10 ASIAN TRADER 24 JANUARY 2025
s we leap into 2025, the conveni-
ence retail sector is bracing for a
year filled with both challenges and
opportunities.
Rising operating costs, the end of a
high-margin product line, and a wave of new
legislative restrictions paint a
demanding picture for this year.
Yet, in true entrepreneurial
spirit, convenience retailers not
only stand firm but are also
ready to innovate, expand and
thrive.
Asian Trader got in touch
with some of the leading
convenience retailers and
despite the impending changes
directly afecting the business,
the mood in the sector is found
to be upbeat and positive.
Plans for product line
expansions, store refits, and strategic
innovations are already set in motion,
showcasing the resilience and creativity that
define this industry.
For Londis Solo Convenience store owner
Natalie Lightfoot, the mantra for 2025 is
“work smarter, not harder”. Her 620-square-
foot store thrives on its one-hour home
delivery service, a unique ofering amidst
neighbouring supermarket competition.
“Over the last five years, I have been
building up the delivery side of my business,
and I want to further increase my delivery
sales share, which is at 40 per cent at the
moment.
“However, it’s quite labour intensive.
Considering the upcoming rise in wages, I will
be streamlining this side more. That’s going to
be my top thing this year,” she
says.
“I need to work smarter,
not harder. I will also be
focusing on improving tech in
my store like getting headsets
for my staf.”
The Glasgow-based retailer
is also planning to alter the
layout of the store to adjust
more freezers so as to increase
the frozen food lines.
In Dartford, retailer Nishi
Despite market changes, legislative
obstructions and economic headwinds, the
convenience channel is all set and ready to
face 2025, says Pooja Shrivastava
amazing new innovations planned like
anti-theft system and some more technology-
based improvements.”
In south London, retailer Benedict
Selvaratnam is aiming to expand the market
presence of Freshfields Market, both locally
in Croydon and through its brand-new
e-commerce website.
The retailer is also planning to enhance
customer experience by ofering a “luxurious
yet afordable” shopping atmosphere this
year while introducing innovative packaging
and operational processes for
e-commerce.
Selvaratnam is also set to
target Asian grocery
segments this year to further
diversify the store’s range,
considering the growing
consumer demand for ethnic
and niche food products.
He is also seeing a greater
emphasis on sustainability,
including eco-friendly
packaging and carbon
footprint reduction as a rising
trend in the convenience
sector.
Meanwhile, retailer
Priyesh Vekaria in Manchester, who has
worked closely with the likes of Nestle,
Phillip Morris, and Walkers in the past year,
aims to focus on further strengthening
relationships with suppliers to bring new
product developments (NPDs) directly to the
convenience sector.
“What I am hoping for this year is suppliers
working more closely with us for the launch
of NPDs directly to the convenience stores,”
he says, adding that some of the big names are
willing to work right alongside convenience
retailers.
“Such events and activations work greatly
From hurdles to hustle
Patel is also planning to boost the delivery
side of his business this year apart from
building on his success in tracking trends
through social media.
“We try to stay ahead of the curve when it
comes to trends by keeping a keen eye on
TikTok and Instagram. We will
be adding more of Japanese
sweets and drinks and Ameri-
can candies. We are also
collaborating with a chocolate
company in London to get
some exclusive stock for
Valentine’s Day,” he tells Asian
Trader.
Innovation isn’t limited to
products. In Hampshire,
retailer Imtiyaz Mamode plans
to upgrade his Wych Lane
Premier Store with layout
changes to accommodate new
product lines, all while eyeing
even a potential symbol
group switch.
He said, “We have decided
to change a bit of the layout of
the shop so that we can stock
more lines of products. We
will discontinue some
non-performing ones and add
some more potential ones.”
Popularly known as
“TikTok retailer” for his
knack for identifying viral
trends, Mamode aims to
introduce a cotton candy
machine this year in his store,
potentially a UK-first for
convenience.
Elsewhere, in Glasgow, for
retailer Girish Jeeva 2025 will
be all about investing in his
human resources and
technology.
“Our top priority for 2025 is
to focus more on our team and
benefits for them,” he says.
“We want to focus on
developing their skills further
and create a core team so we
can remotely run our stores.
“We also have some
Benedict Selvaratnam
Girish Jeeva
Nishi Patel
Natalie Lightfoot