56 ASIAN TRADER 19 SEPTEMBER 2025
INTRODUCTION
SYMBOL, FRANCHISE & FASCIA SUPPLEMENT
help retailers grow sustainably,
backed by a network that
champions local sourcing,
shopper insight and long-term
success.”
Meanwhile, Jamie Davison,
Retail Director at Bestway Retail,
says that with everyday low
pricing, regular consumer
promotions that rival the
multiples (Costcutter three
weekly and best-one four
weekly), award-winning
own-label ranges, and your own
personal business development
manager – it’s no wonder retailers
continue make the switch to
Bestway Retail.
“Bestway Retail is becoming
the symbol group of choice for
retailers looking to take their
stores to the next level and be
renowned for value, range, and
affordability,” says Jamie.
He says that Bestway Retail
encourages entrepreneurs to run
their business independently,
meaning they have more
flexibility compared to other
symbol agreements.
“Bestway Retail
is proud to offer
one of the most
attractive reward
programmes in
independent
retail, where
committed
members can
earn up to a
five per cent
rebate as a best-
one store and
up to six per cent as a Costcutter
store.
“Importantly, the terms and
conditions for joining our symbol
group are simple, intuitive and
require no hoops for retailers to
jump through.
Finally, Bestway remains the
biggest independent wholesaler
supplying the independent retail
market and has the industry
knowledge and personnel in place
to drive success.”
For SPAR Scotland’s Brian
Stratton, an enumeration of
advantages paints a picture of
an offer that’s difficult to
refuse: “We run high-impact
campaigns throughout the
year, backed by digital, social
and in-store activation,” he
says. Recent examples
include Frozen Fortune, Win
With Every Goal and Big Deals of
Summer, all designed to engage
shoppers, reward loyalty and
increase frequency of visit.
SPAR Scotland stores also
benefit from hyper-local digital
activity and campaigns, Spotify,
radio ads and PR, all tailored to our
regional audiences. Each
campaign is fully supported with
POS, promotional calendars and
store engagement materials.
Retailers also gain access to
exclusive marketing toolkits and
digital services via a marketing
team based in Dundee, ensuring
stores can activate campaigns
easily and consistently across
platforms.
He says that the effort is
focused on delivering consistent
value and profitability during
challenging trading conditions.
“Our promotions programme
continues to offer market-leading
deals while protecting retailer
margins, something our
customers increasingly rely on.
“We have rolled out Electronic
Shelf Edge Labels (ESELs) across
our 114 SPAR
Scotland
company-owned
stores, helping
reduce
operational
pressure. We
have also
strengthened
our tech
infrastructure
through tools
like Relex
demand planning, improving
availability and supply chain
forecasting.
“Retailers are supported from
day one, with dedicated business
managers and access to business
planning tools. In addition, the
Scottish SPAR Guild enables
knowledge-sharing and ensures
every retailer’s voice is heard,
helping build resilience and drive
sustainable growth.
Straiton says that at the heart
Key trends in grocery that
retailers really need to know
Jamie Davison, Retail Director at Bestway
Retail closely monitors what is happening in
the convenience store sector and has identified
several key trends shaping it in 2025:
AI is increasingly being utilised
to enhance various aspects of
convenience store operations,
including security, inventory
management, and customer
service. Retailers implementing
AI are finding ways to increase
efficiency and streamline
operations.
Consumers are showing a
growing preference for healthier
food options. Convenience stores
are responding by expanding
their selection of fresh produce,
organic products, and nutritious
ready-to-eat meals to meet this
demand.
Environmental sustainability is
becoming a significant focus,
with retailers adopting eco-
friendly practices such as
reducing plastic usage, offering
recyclable packaging, and
sourcing products from
sustainable suppliers. These
initiatives align with consumer
values and contribute to
environmental conservation.
The adoption of advanced
technologies, such as cashierless
checkout systems, is
transforming the shopping
experience. These systems aim to
reduce wait times and improve
efficiency, although some
implementations have faced
challenges.
There is a notable trend
towards enhancing foodservice
options within convenience
stores. This includes offering
freshly prepared, made-to-order
meals and a variety of ready-to-
eat options to cater to consumers
seeking quick and convenient
dining solutions.
What could c-store
retailers improve on?
Technological Integration – In an
era where technology
significantly influences shopping
behaviours, integrating advanced
solutions can streamline
operations and
enhance customer
experiences.
Additionally, expanding online
ordering and delivery platforms
can cater to the growing demand
for convenience.
Healthier Product Offerings
– With increasing consumer
awareness of health and wellness,
expanding the range of healthier
food options is essential. This
includes offering fresh produce,
organic products, and nutritious
ready-to-eat meals. Collaborating
with suppliers to source high-
quality, health-conscious items
will meet customer expectations
and promote well-being.
Store Ambiance and Layout –
Creating an inviting store
environment encourages
customers to spend more time
shopping. Investing in modern
store designs, efficient layouts,
and appealing displays can
enhance the shopping
experience. Features such as
dedicated fresh food sections,
comfortable seating areas, and
clear signage can make stores
more attractive and user-friendly.
Sustainability Initiatives –
Consumers are increasingly
valuing sustainability.
Implementing eco-friendly
practices, such as reducing plastic
usage, offering recyclable
packaging, and sourcing products
from sustainable suppliers, can
align operations with customer
values and contribute to
environmental conservation.
Community Engagement
– Strengthening ties with local
communities fosters loyalty and
trust. Participating in community
events, supporting local charities,
and sourcing products from local
producers can enhance a store’s
reputation and customer base.
Tailoring store offerings to reflect
local preferences and needs
demonstrates a commitment to
the communities they serve.