45
SGF highlights true cost
of NLW and NI hikes
Chocolates and
Confectionery
Spring Cleaning
21
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4 NEWS
Leader: Making a stand
SGF highlights true cost of NLW and NI hikes
Commons clears Tobacco and Vapes Bill
Ministers: sell remaining stock of single-use
vapes now
Bean shortages stir up 25% hike for coffee
prices
Bestway commits to support Costcutter
retailers
‘Awful April’ for consumers as food inflation
rises
New report reveals financial struggles of
retail workers
Shrinkflation hits Easter chocolate prices
Guest column: Chancellor’s statement was
bad for business
Guest column: April and Beyond – Practical
Steps for Independent Retailers
10 NEWS FEATURE: Price of
Survival
As wages and tax hikes pile on the pressure,
c-store retailers across the country spoke to us
about a system that is leaving them behind
14 WORLD OF WHOLESALE
A regular round-up of news and views in the
wholesale sector
15 “NOT” TWITTER
The best observations and comments from
retailers (and friends) on the ground
16 MOVERS AND SHAKERS
Keeping up with the latest industry moves
and promotions
17 DATA CART
Your at-a-glance guide to the big issues in the
sector
18 AWARD-WINNER
INTERVIEW
Asian Trader’s 2024 Independent Retailer of
the Year worked his way up before bursting
onto the convenience scene as a wildly
successful entrepreneur
21 FEATURE: CHOCOLATES
AND CONFECTIONERY
Treating is still top of mind with consumers
despite the rise in cocoa prices, and there is a
rush to both value and quality, NPD and retro,
to preserve the experience
32 MUST STOCK
The latest product news
36 SPIRITS
Consumers are enjoying their spirits like
never before, but less often straight and old-
fashioned. Instead, long drinks, cocktails and
mocktails, RTDs and exotic distillations are
colouring the bar-shelves
44 RETAIL CORNER: Just
pure connection
Success at this convenience store isn’t built on
flash but on familiarity and trust, says Pooja
Shrivastava
45 FEATURE: SPRING
CLEANING
The weather is warming up and suddenly we
can see dust motes in the rays of sunshine:
the spring-cleaning season has arrived, so
prepare yourself to clean up on household
sales
50 CLASSIFIED
52 GUJARATI
Responsible Retailing and In-store Services
18th April to 1st May 2025
THE VOICE OF INDEPENDENT RETAILERS
VOLUME 37 NUMBER 962