The Voice of Independent Retailers
Melissa Wisdom
New broom at Juul
17th October to 13th November 2025
Volume 37 No. 970
KP Snacks
Maestro of Munch
Spooky
Hoo-ha Halloween
Diwali
Lights, warmth, sales!
91
Royal Mail to rebrand thousands
of convenience stores
Diwali
Cocktails and RTDs
29
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5 NEWS
Leader: Turn on the lights
Royal Mail to rebrand thousands of
convenience stores
Generational smoking ban threatens Labour’s
grip
Majority of shoppers back body worn cameras
to protect staff
Food trade deal to be implemented within a
year – EU trade chief
Government announces plans for communities
to reclaim high streets
Guest column: The vanity of vodka – we can
make it work harder
Guest column: Beyond Christmas – Why the
Golden Quarter matters more than ever
17 NEWS FEATURE: The age of
artificial retail
Artificial intelligence has started sweeping
through the convenience sector, although it
has yet to prove its cost-effectiveness
22 SPECIAL FEATURE: The
store that never sleeps
Are vending machines the next big leap for
convenience retail? Mo Razzaq tells Pooja
Shrivastava why he is betting on it
24 OUT AND ABOUT
See what’s been happening in Grocery Land
this month – plus gossip and rumours
26 RETAIL CORNER: Fiercely
independent, fiercely local
At this Hereford store it is less about sales and
more about giving the village a healthy and
sustainable lifestyle
29 FEATURE: DIWALI
With a well-curated stock and smart displays,
you can turn this Diwali into a festival of sales
44 AWARD-WINNER
INTERVIEW
2024’s Symbol Retailer of the Year, Kersheaup
Vagadia, has proven that with local knowledge
and a hot food revolution, convenience can
beat off any competitor
50/54/68/82/86
BIG INTERVIEW
Joanne Thomas, the new General Secretary of
shopworkers’ union Usdaw, talks about rights,
crime and community - and how the union
intends to improve life for retail workers
As Bestway Wholesale celebrates 50 years,
Asian Trader asked its MD Dawood Pervez
to look back – and forward – and give us his
thoughts about what’s next for convenience
Parfetts joint MDs, Guy Swindell and Noel
Robinson, on what makes the wholesaler tick
and where it is headed next...
Asian Trader sits down for a pow-wow with
Stuart Graham, Head of Convenience and
Impulse at KP Snacks, to find out what’s in
store for snacks
The MD of UK Juul Labs, Melissa Wisdom,
explains the mission behind the new JUUL2
range and what the vape sector needs to do next
58 ME AND MY BRAND – STG
Prianka Jhingan explains the long-lasting,
sophisticated appeal of Signature Action, as
cigarillos
capture a larger and larger share of the market
61 FEATURE: TOBACCO & RYO
Tobacco products and accessories remain an
important source of category revenue for indies,
and despite government plans, the situation is
unlikely to go change any time soon
75 FEATURE: PMPs
For quality and value, PMPs are a shopper’s
dream, power-tools for the retailers to fight the
EDLP fight with the mults and bring footfall
in-store
91 FEATURE: COCKTAILS & RTDs
Retailers should make the most of this
c-channel secret weapon and discover the fizz
that RTDs and cocktail concoctions can add to
your sales
101 FEATURE: HALLOWEEN &
BONFIRE NIGHT
Learn from the scare-season experts how
convenience retailers can turn fright night into
bright profits
17th October to 13th November 2025
THE VOICE OF INDEPENDENT RETAILERS
VOLUME 37 NUMBER 970
People are at the heart
of JTI UK, our way of
working celebrates people’s
differences and creates a
sense of belonging for all.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities
workplace, and we are committed to becoming
a fully inclusive business.
JTI UK is a proud partner of the Diversity and
Inclusion in Grocery programme, a GroceryAid
initiative committed to supporting retailers and
suppliers and advancing Diversity and Inclusion
throughout the industry.
JTI UK wishes you a
HAPPY DIWALI
2025
NEWS
17 OCTOBER 2025 ASIAN TRADER 5
When Amazon opened its first
UK grocery store 2021, it chose
a site in London for a cash
ier-free store that heralded a
major assault on Britain’s
$290 billion food market.
It closed in 2023 and this
week the group said it planned
to shut its remaining 19
Amazon Fresh stores – a
failure that highlights the
brutal economics of UK food
retail, and how one of the
most powerful retailers in the
world may still be feeling its
way on how to compete
globally in groceries.
Last year, it also dropped
Amazon Fresh delivery in five
cities but still serves over 100
UK towns and cities, including
London, Birmingham and
Manchester. It also ended its
own grocery delivery service
in Germany.
Amazon’s announcement
does not impact its more than
60 Amazon Fresh stores and
more than a dozen Amazon Go
stores in the United States or
its over 539 Whole Foods
Market locations across the
US and Canada, the company
said.
Amazon UK shutters all “Just
Walk Out” concept stores
Turn on the lights
he evenings are growing darker, earlier, and winter is
coming. At Asian Trader we are turning on the lights and
turning up the heat to make everything welcoming and
warm for our Diwali issue – a tradition now of many years’
standing, when we try to give our readers a bumper issue with
greetings and best wishes from well-loved names in the sector.
Diwali offers everybody the chance to relax and enjoy
hearth, home and family, and to forget about the cares of the
outside world for just a short while. And we hope that this
bumper issue will go a little way towards helping and adding to
the festive atmosphere.
Among the traditional crop of big interviews for this issue
we have some real scoops – Juul MD Melissa Wisdom to tell us
about the big launch of the new Juul2 range; The guys at
Parfetts with all their latest news and plans for 2026; Stuart
Graham, who bravely stepped into Matt Collins’s shoes at KP
and is killing it; Dawood Pervez of Bestway on 50 years of
wholesaling; and Joanne Thomas, the new General Secretary
of the shopworker’s union, Usdaw, to talk about workers’
rights, among other subjects.
We’ve also a whole load of great features, from Halloween and
Diwali, to PMPs and RTDs, to satisfy your appetites for market
info and news about what’s best to stock on your shelves.
So please, enjoy, but also remember that rust never sleeps,
as they say – by which we mean the powers-that-be in West
minster and Holyrood continue to pass legislation that
threatens the livelihoods of hard-working retailers and
manufacturers.
The recent ban on BOGOFs and other promotions, as part of
the rolling, never-ending HFSS regime, while mostly affecting
the mults still heralds the beady eye of government scanning
all sectors, convenience included. Rebecca Tobi of The Food
Foundation rang the bell when she commented, “Looking
ahead, price discounts and promotions remain a glaring
loophole in the current HFSS restrictions” and made the “Will
nobody think of the children?” argument, universally
deployed by lobbyists.
Meanwhile, north of the border, MSPs are already talking
about drafting laws to force plain packaging on vapes, limiting
the health benefits of quitting tobacco by stopping potential
vapers from seeing what’s on offer. And this despite new
evidence of a damaging political cost to Scottish Labour if it
enforces the generational ban on tobacco sales.
Over in the USA the Federal government has just shut down
(again) as wrangles over funding reassume their now nearly
annual crisis. But perhaps a shut-down of government in the
UK might not be a bad experiment to try – it would get the
legislators off the backs of the “hard-working people” they are
always talking about.
After all, Belgium had no government for nearly two years
between 2018 and 2020 (breaking the record from 2010-11)
and it didn’t damage the country. Maybe we really should give
it go here for a bit.
And in the meantime, for the duration of Diwali, we can at
least pretend.
Royal Mail’s owner
has bought a mul
ti-million-pound
stake in another firm,
which will see
thousands of
convenience stores
rebranded.
International
Distribution Services
(IDS), the firm which owns the
postal service, has concluded a
purchase of 49% of shares in parcel
company Collect+, with part of
the deal meaning about 8,000
stores will now be branded Royal
Mail.
It means high street stores will
sell postage over the counter and
customers can pay bills in person
rather than only online.
The deal, worth £43.9m, will
also see self-service kiosks
installed in some shops next year,
extended opening hours including
weekends and evenings – plus
retaining the normal operations of
Collect+, which include sending
and returning parcels from other
carriers.
Collect+, which has a network
of more than 14,000 locations
made up of newsagents, conveni
ence stores, supermarkets and
petrol stations, was bought out by
PayPoint in 2020.
PayPoint said IDS’s investment
values the business at £90m and
sets it up for future growth.
IDS’s investment in the parcel
network follows its decision to
pull back on letter deliveries.
Alistair Cochrane, Royal Mail’s
chief executive, said: “The launch
of the Royal Mail Shop brand
creates a new and improved high
street destination for all of our
customers’ parcel needs in one
location.
“This investment is one of the
ways we’re making Royal Mail
more convenient.”
Royal Mail is expected to
ditch second-class letter
deliveries on Saturdays and
change the service to every
other weekday, across the UK,
starting from July next year.
Collect+ deal allows for paying bills in-person,
OTC postage
Royal Mail to rebrand thousands
of convenience stores
NEWS
6 ASIAN TRADER 17 OCTOBER 2025
Food inflation held steady
in September after seven
consecutive months of
rises, according to the
latest figures.
Food inflation was
unchanged at 4.2% year on
year in September, against
growth of 4.2% in August.
This is above the 3-month
average of 4.1%.
Fresh Food inflation was
unchanged at 4.1% year on
year in September, against
growth of 4.1% in August.
This is above the 3-month
average of 3.8%. Ambient
Food inflation was un
changed at 4.2% year on year
in September, against
growth of 4.2% in August.
This is below the 3-month
average of 4.5%.
Commenting on the
figures, Helen Dickinson
OBE, Chief Executive of the
British Retail Consortium,
said, “Food inflation held
steady after seven
consecutive months of
rises but increased labour
and energy costs continue
to push up input prices.
“Households are
finding shopping increas
ingly expensive. The
impact on retailers and
their supply chain of both
global factors and higher
national insurance and wage
costs is playing out in prices
for consumers.
“The new packaging tax,
set to take effect in October,
will put further upward
pressure on inflation.”
Food inflation holds steady
after rising for months
The vanity of vodka – we
The vanity of vodka – we
can make it work harder
can make it work harder
Nick Gillett is
Co-founder
and Managing
Director of
successful
spirits
distributor
Mangrove Global, as well as
an industry expert and
commentator. In his column
for this issue, Nick explains
how to make your vodka
range really zing
I would bet my life that there’s not a
booze shelf out there – off trade or
on trade – that doesn’t have at least
one variety of vodka upon it. Vodka
is the biggest spirits category in the
world by volume but isn’t it, well, just
a little bit dull? There’s absolutely no
doubt there are some great brands
doing exciting things but compared
to other categories, you have to look
quite hard to find them. Here’s how
to inject some excitement into your
in-store vodka range …
You probably stock a staple
vodka or two that you know will
always sell. But where’s the
excitement in that? Trialling an
independent brand or two, at a more
premium price point, will bring some
interest to the range and perhaps
even encourage an upgrade. There
are some great British producers
doing good work in this space, like
East London Liquor Company, FAIR,
and Portobello Road Distillery. And
some of these brands are bringing
sophisticated flavoured varieties
too, such as Toasted Coffee Bean
vodka from Portobello Road – an
other good way to expand and
diversify your in-store range.
Beyond that, we’re seeing a huge
uptake in ready-to-drink and
ready-to-serve products (expected
to grow at a volume CAGR of 6% up
until 2027) – covering the full
spectrum from premixed cans
through to premixed cocktails. If
your customers like convenience,
RTDs are worth trying out, and
remember to keep them cool so
they’re ready to sip. Mick Jagger
said, “There are no absolutes in life
– only vodka,” but that doesn’t mean
we can’t do a little more with it!
One in five Scots say that they
are less likely to vote Labour if
the generational smoking ban
goes ahead, compared with only
one in 11 who are attracted by
the policy, according to The
Freedom Association
According to a new opinion
poll, Labour’s dominance of
Scottish politics is imperilled by
the Government’s bid to phase
out smoking.
Labour holds 36 of the 57
Westminster seats in Scotland,
but in the latest opinion polls it
trails the SNP and is being
challenged for second place by
Reform UK.
The survey conducted by
Whitestone Insight for The
Freedom Association finds that
6% of Scots are somewhat less
likely to vote Labour if the ban
goes ahead and that 14% are
much less likely to do so. This
compares with 6% somewhat
more likely to back the party
and 3% much more likely.
The equivalent figures for
the UK as a whole in a previous
poll are 14% less likely to vote
Labour and 10% more likely –
suggesting the ban goes down
particularly badly with Scottish
voters.
The generational smoking
ban is part of the Tobacco and
Vapes Bill currently before the
House of Lords. It means that
anyone born after 2008 will not
be able to buy tobacco legally.
Initially only teenagers will by
affected but in time people in
their twenties, thirties and so
forth will be banned from
smoking.
New Zealand is the only
country in the world to try to
phase out smoking this way and
it ditched the policy after just
one year.
The Freedom Association
poll found that the Scottish
public backs the ban in theory
but opposes it in practice.
Scottish voters would rather quit Labour than cigarettes
Generational smoking ban
Generational smoking ban
threatens Labour’s grip
threatens Labour’s grip
NEWS/COMMENT
HAPPY
DIWALI
FROM ALL OF US AT BOOKER
NEWS
8 ASIAN TRADER 17 OCTOBER 2025
A large majority of shoppers are
supportive of body worn
cameras on retail staff, claims a
recent study, suggesting a
changing outlook on the
devices increasingly used to
deter shoplifters in convenience
stores.
A nationwide study by
body-worn camera company,
HALOS, has found that
two-thirds (68%) of the public
believe the primary reason
businesses should use body-
worn cameras is to protect retail
staff from abuse, and 60%
believe the cameras help deter
antisocial behaviour in busy
public settings like supermar
kets or train stations.
In a sign of shifting attitudes,
almost a third (31%) also value
their role in capturing evidence
during disputes.
More than half of UK
consumers say body-worn
cameras make them feel safer,
while 44% admit the presence
of one would make them
reconsider how they act.
And while the technology is
becoming more common across
public spaces, it isn’t always
front of mind. Just over a third of
people say they’ve never
noticed a body-worn camera in
action – suggesting that for
many, the cameras are doing
their job quietly, without
disrupting the atmosphere.
Only one fifth say they feel
uncomfortable when they do
spot one.
It was reported last year
Lincolnshire Co-op has issued
body cameras to staff following
a rise in abuse by customers at its
99 food shops and 44 pharma
cies. Poundland staff are also
now wearing body cameras.
The cameras have been
introduced after a six-month
trial. They are worn on the chest
and activated by the flick of a
switch, and customers are able
to see themselves being filmed
on a forward-facing screen.
Customers witnessing crime wave endorse security measures
Majority of shoppers back body-
Majority of shoppers back body-
worn cameras to protect staff
worn cameras to protect staff
Asda is introducing elec
tronic shelf edge labels
(ESLs) to 250 of its largest
and busiest Express
convenience stores,
following a successful trial
earlier this year which
demonstrated increased
efficiency.
The retailer has part
nered with VusionGroup,
alongside Renovotec and HL
Display, to implement the
technology, which is designed
to simplify store operations
and free up staff time. The
move will see more than
700,000 ESLs installed across
its Express estate, replacing
the need for manual price
updates.
During a three-month
pilot at Asda’s Oxford Road
Express store in Manchester,
colleagues were able to spend
more time supporting
customers, replenishing
shelves and managing
deliveries rather than
updating paper labels. Each
site will see around 2,800
labels introduced.
The digital labels can also
display allergen information
via QR codes alongside cost,
weight and unit pricing,
offering shoppers clearer
product information at
shelf-edge.
The rollout comes as Asda
pushes ahead with its Express
store expansion, with up to 20
new locations planned before
the end of the year, starting
with Castleford next week.
Each new site will be fitted
with ESLs from day one.
Asda Express rolls out electronic
shelf labels in 250 stores
Cyberattack halts
Cyberattack halts
Asahi shipments
Asahi shipments
A cyberattack on Japanese beer
giant Asahi has halted shipments
from its breweries and there is no
resumption in sight, the company
warned, fuelling fears of shortages.
Asahi Group, producer of
Japan’s most popular beers, said it
had “experienced a system failure”
owing to a cyberattack that forced
the suspension of orders and
shipments of various beverages -
including its flagship Asahi Super
Dry.
“No immediate recovery of our
system is in sight at the moment.
Ordinary shipments remain halted,”
said a spokesperson.
Tesco lifts profit outlook
Tesco lifts profit outlook
Tesco has raised its 2025/2026
profit guidance after gaining
customers with competitive
prices.
Adjusted profit is now expect
ed to reach between £2.9 billion
and £3.1 billion, up from a previous
forecast of £2.7 billion to £3 billion,
Tesco said in a statement.
Increased competition in the
UK market had led Tesco to lower
its guidance, and Tesco used
lower price offers in the face of
competition, such as matching
prices of German-owned dis
counter Aldi.
First half net profit fell 9% to
£950m while revenue grew 3.6% to
around £36 billion.
Scoot partners
Scoot partners
with Just Eat
with Just Eat
Booker has started the national
rollout of a new last-mile delivery
partnership between Scoot and
Just Eat.
The new service will give
Booker’s symbol retailers – includ
ing Premier, Budgens, Londis and
Family Shopper – the option to offer
fast, reliable grocery delivery
without needing to manage their
own fleet or drivers. With 80% of
customers now wanting same-day
or on-demand delivery, Booker’s
symbol retailers will benefit from
direct integration with Just Eat’s
technology and courier network.
The first store – Budgens
Buckingham Park in Aylesbury –
went live on 4 September.
Visit
depot
Visit
bestwaywholesale.co.uk
Visit one of our depots www.bestwaywholesale.co.uk/depot-locator
or shop online at: www.bestwaywholesale.co.uk
FROM ALL OF US AT BESTWAY,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT.
NEWS
10 ASIAN TRADER 17 OCTOBER 2025
September’s end marks more
than autumn’s arrival—it
signals the start of the Golden
Quarter, the most commer
cially significant period in
retail. For independent
retailers, this isn’t simply
about Christmas shopping. It’s
about capitalising on a
continuous wave of celebra
tions, from Halloween
through Diwali, Bonfire Night,
Black Friday, and into the New
Year festivities. Each event
brings fresh opportunities to
connect with customers and
drive revenue.
Understanding this extend
ed celebration season is
crucial. Consumer spending
patterns have shifted dramati
cally. Shoppers now spread
their purchases across
multiple occasions rather than
concentrating solely on
Christmas. This creates
numerous touchpoints where
independent retailers can
shine, offering curated
selections and personalised
service that larger chains
simply cannot match.
Preparation separates
success from missed opportu
nity. The retailers who thrive
during this period are those
who plan their stock, promo
tions, and communications
now. Consider your product
mix carefully—are you
catering to all the celebrations
your customers observe?
Halloween costumes, firework
night gifts, Diwali decora
tions, and Christ
mas essentials all
deserve space in
your planning.
Your storefront
and digital presence
must work in
harmony. Window
displays should evolve
throughout the quarter,
reflecting each celebration
whilst maintaining your brand
identity. Meanwhile, social
media offers the perfect
platform to showcase gift
ideas, behind-the-scenes
preparations, and the personal
stories that make independent
retail special. Consistency
across both channels amplifies
your message and keeps your
business front-of-mind.
The Black Friday debate
continues, but there’s no
single right answer. Some
indies embrace it; others
create alternative campaigns
that resonate more authenti
cally with their customers.
What matters is having a
strategy that feels genuine to
your brand. Perhaps it’s a
“Support Local Weekend” or
exclusive member previews.
The key is standing out, not
simply following the crowd.
Customer experience
becomes paramount during
busy periods. When footfall
increases, so does the opportu
nity to convert browsers into
loyal customers. Train your
team to manage the rush
whilst maintaining the
warmth and expertise that
defines independent retail.
Small gestures—gift wrap
ping, product recommenda
tions, or simply remembering
a regular customer’s prefer
ences—create the memorable
moments that build lasting
relationships.
Cash flow management
deserves particular attention
during this period. Whilst
revenue increases, so do costs.
Stock investment, additional
staffing, and marketing
expenses all require careful
planning. Bira’s resources and
advice lines can provide crucial
support in navigating these
financial considerations.
The Golden Quarter
represents more than com
mercial opportunity—it’s
when independent retailers
demonstrate their irreplacea
ble role in communities.
You’re not just selling
products; you’re helping
customers create memories,
celebrate traditions, and find
the perfect gifts for loved ones.
As we embark on this
crucial trading period, I wish
every independent retailer
across Britain a successful and
rewarding Golden Quarter.
Make it count.
This month, in his regular column, Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre explores
why independent retailers must seize every moment of the Golden Quarter
- a season of multiple celebrations that can define the year’s success.
Beyond Christmas –why
Beyond Christmas –why
the Golden Quarter
the Golden Quarter
matters more than ever
matters more than ever
Asda store fined for
Asda store fined for
unsafe food
unsafe food
Asda stores in Huyton, Merseyside
has been fined by the local council
for selling unsafe food.
The case follows inspections of
the Asda Superstore in 2024 and
20 March 2024 by an Environmen
tal Health Team, when officers
found 59 items of food on sale
after the use by date had expired.
Asda Stores Ltd appeared
before Liverpool and Knowsley
Magistrates’ Court and pleaded
guilty to six charges of breaching
the Food Safety and Hygiene
(England) Regulations and was
fined £130,000 with additionally
£11,000 in costs to the Council.
FareShare unites with
FareShare unites with
Felix Project
Felix Project
FareShare is joining hands with
The Felix Project to form a bigger
organisation with greater national
impact.
By combining FareShare’s 30
years of nationwide reach and
strategic partnerships with Felix’s
London expertise, the two will be
able to pool resources, create
more collaborative and efficient
ways of working and be part of a
stronger, joined-up solution to
tackling food waste across the UK.
Through its 17 independent
partners, FareShare works with the
food industry to rescue good-to-
eat surplus food and get it to over
8,000 charities nationwide.
Go Local Extra opens in
Go Local Extra opens in
Southampton
Southampton
Independent retailer Ashish Gajjar
has launched the first Go Local
Extra in Southampton, marking a
milestone in Parfetts’ south of
England expansion.
The new 1,600 sq ft Palmerston
Road store opened recently, before
Parfetts unveiled its first cash and
carry depot in Southampton.
Working with Parfetts’ develop
ment team, Ashish has converted a
heritage building that was previous
ly a local store catering mainly for
students into a modern conveni
ence store that serves local
residents, students and visitors.
Ashish has six other conveni
ence stores in Southampton.
By Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira
(British Independent Retailers
Association)
Wembley Stadium Industrial Estate, First Way,
Wembley, Middlesex, HA9 0TU
T: 020 8903 8181
E: [email protected] • W: www.dhamecha.com
Happy
Diwali
NEWS
12 ASIAN TRADER 17 OCTOBER 2025
An agreement struck between
Britain and the EU in May to
reduce friction on the trade of
agricultural produce could be
implemented within a year
with “good political will,” EU
trade chief Maros Sefcovic told a
conference on Thursday.
Sefcovic was responding to a
question by the Ireland and NI
head of Marks & Spencer’s, who
called for speedy adoption,
citing persistent challenges to
its Irish operations impacting
the retailer’s confidence to
invest there.
May’s sanitary and phy
tosanitary (SPS) deal, part of a
wider reset in UK-EU relations,
will reduce paperwork and
remove routine border checks
on plant and animal products
moving between the UK and
EU, while maintaining high
food standards.
The deal is yet to be imple
mented as details are still being
negotiated.
“Based on the trust we have
rebuilt over the last years, I’m
convinced that we can proceed
with the SPS negotiations very
quickly. We are now very well
advanced in getting the
mandate from the member
states to do that” said.
“Probably the most optimis
tic assessment would be that we
can, we can do it in less than a
year, if there is a good political
will.”
While a separate 2023 deal
covering trade between Britain
and Northern Ireland has been a
“game changer” for M&S,
importing food into EU-mem
ber Ireland remains very, very
complex, adding substantial
costs, cutting the product range
and leading to higher food
waste, the country head Eddie
Murphy said.
“We could fill Croke Park
with all the paper we’ve been
filling in,” Murphy said,
referring to the 82,000-seat
Dublin stadium.
UK and EU close to inking agreement to cut import-export red tape
Food trade deal to be implemented
Food trade deal to be implemented
within a year – EU trade chief
within a year – EU trade chief
The Bestway Group has
reinforced its legacy of
giving, raising millions for
charities through its
flagship Ascot Race Day
The Bestway Foundation,
the charitable arm of
Bestway Group, has donated
£250,000 to the British
Asian Trust, further
cementing Bestway’s
reputation as one of the UK’s
most philanthropic business
groups.
The donation was
presented at Bestway Group’s
Head Office in Park Royal,
London, by The Lord
Choudrey CBE SI Pk,
Chairman of Bestway Group,
alongside members of the
Bestway Board including
Group Chief Executive, The
Honourable Haider
Choudrey, and Dawood
Pervez Managing Director,
Bestway Wholesale Limited.
The funds were raised at
Bestway’s 32nd annual Ascot
Charity Race Day – one of
the UK’s most successful
corporate charity events.
Since 1994, the Race Day
has raised millions of
pounds for more than 30
charities, supported by over
800 of Bestway’s business
partners, suppliers and
colleagues each year.
Founded by His Majesty
King Charles III in 2007, the
British Asian Trust is a
diaspora-led international
development organisation. It
focuses on creating large-
scale, sustainable change
across South Asia in areas
such as education and
livelihoods.
Bestway Foundation £250,000
donation to British Asian Trust
Co-op holds firm after
Co-op holds firm after
cyberattack
cyberattack
Co-op has reported a £206m revenue
hit from a major cyberattack in the
first half of 2025, with profitability
also dented by around £80m. The
group said its strong balance sheet
enabled it to keep investing in
growth.
Group revenue for the 26 weeks to
5 July 2025 came in at £5.48bn, down
2.1% year on year from £5.60bn.
Excluding the cyber impact, revenues
would have risen 1.5%.
“Our balance sheet strength and
the magnificent response of our
53,000 colleagues enabled us to
maintain vital services,” chair Debbie
White said.
Allwyn scoops Snappy
Allwyn scoops Snappy
Shopper award
Shopper award
Allwyn, operator of The National
Lottery, won “Brand Campaign of the
Year” at the Snappy Shopper Summit,
held in Glasgow.
The award was in recognition of
Allwyn’s National Lottery Scratch
cards campaign for Father’s Day. This
featured across a suite of Snappy
Shopper assets and promoted
Father’s Day Gifting to home delivery
customers – achieving a 47% increase
in sales.
This concept will now be
replicated for future seasonal gifting
opportunities. The accolade comes
as nearly 200 independent National
Lottery retailers are now selling
Scratchcards online through the
Snappy Shopper platform.
Vodka ad pulled for
Vodka ad pulled for
targeting minors
targeting minors
TikTok and Facebook posts for vodka
brand Au Vodka ad have been banned
by the UK’s advertising regulator for
targeting under-age teenagers.
The Advertising Standards
Authority (ASA) investigated a
complaint about the ad, claiming it
was inappropriately aimed at people
under 18.
Under advertising rules, ads for
alcoholic drinks must not be directed
at people if more than 25% of the
audience is under 18.
Further, people shown drinking or
playing a significant role in ads for
alcoholic drinks must not seem to be,
under 25.
Wishing you
a successful
& prosperous
Diwali
For a brighter future
join Parfetts – visit
www.parfetts.co.uk
to find out more
NEWS
14 ASIAN TRADER 17 OCTOBER 2025
The government has launched a
major initiative to breathe new
life into struggling high streets
and community spaces,
handing local people unprece
dented powers to shape the
future of their neighbourhoods.
PM Keir Starmer, unveiling
the Pride in Place programme on
25 September, described as a
record investment in communi
ty renewal that will support
more than 330 towns and cities.
The wide-ranging package of
measures is aimed at reversing
years of decline in local centres,
giving residents and councils
the tools to take back control of
boarded-up shops, derelict pubs
and abandoned businesses.
Among the headline reforms
are:
Community Right to Buy –
enabling residents to purchase
and revive treasured local assets
such as pubs, libraries and parks.
Stronger compulsory
purchase powers – allowing
communities to acquire
long-neglected shops and
business sites, with potential
for redevelopment into
housing, health centres or new
retail opportunities.
New planning powers – giving
councils the ability to block
unwanted retail uses, including
betting shops, vape stores and
so-called “fake barbers,” in areas
where such outlets are already
concentrated.
Community-led spending –
funding will only be approved
where local groups, clubs and
organisations have been
actively involved in deci
sion-making.
Communities Secretary
Steve Reed said the reforms
would put local people in the
driving seat after years of
decline.
“When people step out of
their front doors, they see
shuttered pubs and fading high
streets,” he said. “Yes,
communities have been
stretched – but they haven’t
given up. The government is
putting power into their hands
so local people decide how best
to restore pride in their
neighbourhoods, not us in
Westminster.”
Claims ‘Sweeping new powers’ will allow locals to take action
Government announces plans for
Government announces plans for
communities to reclaim high streets
communities to reclaim high streets
InPost UK has apologised
for recent delays, citing a
“software integration
issue”, after second-hand
shopping app users
complained on social
media, thus giving host
convenience stores
clarity on the situation.
Several users were
revealed outrage in
Facebook posts discussing
the delays in the parcel
services by InPost UK,
particularly after the merger
with Yodel.
Some claimed that drivers
had struck, hence the delays.
One wrote, “They have
merged and I have been
informed by my local Spar
that they were told by
current and previous drivers
that some drivers have
walked out over contracts.
“I have messaged Inpost
to ask if this information is
true but they have chosen
to stay silent/ignore my
message. Either way
parcels are not being
collected from lockers (I
have 2 waiting currently
in my area which have
been there for 4 days!).
“The Spar that takes
parcels near me told me
that when they reach
capacity, parcels are removed
from store but they can’t
promise when delivery will
be made.”
The post had more than
100 comments with different
users sharing their delay
stories.
InPost apologises to
furious users for delays
AB InBev tie-up
AB InBev tie-up
with Netflix
with Netflix
AB InBev has signed a global
partnership with Netflix that will see
its beer brands align with some of
the streaming platform’s biggest
titles and live events.
The brewer said the deal was
“unprecedented in global reach and
scale,” with activations planned
across its international portfolio.
The move aims to bring together
beer and entertainment “through
shared passions like sports, food,
music, and comedy.”
Co-marketing campaigns
around some of the platform’s most
popular titles, including UK-based
The Gentlemen, alongside consum
er activations, limited-edition
packaging, and digital promotions.
PayPoint BankLocal
PayPoint BankLocal
tops £1m deposits
tops £1m deposits
PayPoint has announced more than £1
million has already been deposited
through its new BankLocal service
just weeks after its launch.
The partnership with Lloyds
allows customers to deposit up to
£300 per day in cash at over 30,000
PayPoint stores nationwide using a
simple barcode.
With 99.5% of the population liv
ing within a mile of a PayPoint
outlet, it strengthens the role of
convenience stores as community
hubs where customers can access a
range of services – from parcel
collections and bill payments to
mobile top-ups and gift cards.
Morrisons cuts prices on
Morrisons cuts prices on
650 essentials
650 essentials
The mult unveiled a wave of price
cuts across more than 650 grocery
and household lines, ramping up
competition for independent
convenience retailers ahead of the
key pre-Christmas trading period.
The supermarket says reductions
average 18% and covers a wide range
of products — from chicken breast
fillets, rice, pasta and fresh vegeta
bles to laundry pods, olive oil and
cold and flu tablets. Enchilada kits
and other cupboard staples also
feature in the cuts.
The move is supported by a
national media campaign across TV,
print, digital and in-store.
southern.coop/what-we-do/welcome
May your Diwali bring
peace, light and prosperity
Monday 20 October
NEWS FEATURE
17 OCTOBER 2025 ASIAN TRADER 17
rom forecasting orders to flagging
potential shoplifters, AI has entered
the aisles of British convenience stores,
forcing retailers to upgrade and adapt but also
to weigh its promise of progress against the
price of trust.
For years, British convenience stores were
run with intuition and the fruits of experi
ence. Pearls of wisdom passed on from
generations and real-world experience gained
behind the till gave retailers a kind of sixth
sense, a different kind of
intelligence that helped them
navigate supply issues,
compliance and safety, and
enabled shrewd guesses at
changing consumer habits.
Now, a different kind of
intelligence is entering the
store, one powered by
algorithms, sensors, and silent
cameras that claim to see
what human eyes might miss.
Convenience retail might
look old-school, but innova
tion has never been far
behind. Today, a wave of AI
tools claims to fix almost every pain point
the retailer ever faces.
Like, new-age AI-powered electronic point
of sale (EPOS) systems that trigger automatic
reorders when stock levels run low, removing
the need for manual checks. Tools from
companies like Trax use AI image recognition
on shelf cameras to monitor product
availability and ensure proper placement in
real time.
MHouse claims to analyse historical sales
data, seasonal trends, and even external
factors such as weather or local events to
forecast demand accurately, ensuring the
right products are stocked at the right time.
Voice-driven assistants like Vox act as Siri
for retail, letting store owners ask for pricing,
promotions or range advice and receiving
instant, evidence-based suggestions.
Some classic examples are seen being used
by bigger cousins as well. Sainsbury’s has
invested in AI forecasting as part of its £1
billion cost-saving plan. Waitrose uses AI to
schedule deliveries and track food trends;
even Tesco now relies on AI to optimise
Artificial intelligence has started sweeping
through the convenience sector, although
it has yet to prove its cost-effectiveness,
Pooja Shrivastava discovers.
use forecasting models built off our EPOS data
provided by Epositive from Nisa retail. They
help predict demand for key lines by factoring
in seasons, events and even weather trends,
so our orders are more accurate and shelves
stay full.
“We also run pricing and range reviews
through AI to highlight slow movers and
suggest better-value substitutes.
“Customer insight has been another plus,
we can see which products are often bought
together and use that for better displays or
promotions. AI also pulls daily sales summa
ries so the team gets a quick view of what’s
performing or running low,” Selvaratnam
said.
No area of retail has embraced AI faster
than security. As shop theft and violence
surge across the UK, demand for smart
surveillance has exploded.
AI-enabled systems now watch live CCTV
feeds, detect concealment, scan body
language and alert staff in real time. Names
like Veesion, x-Hoppers and Retail AI are fast
becoming familiar.
Both Vekaria and Razaq vouch for Retail
AI, both for in-store audio as well as anti-theft
alerts.
Vekaria shared, “On the
security front, our store uses
Retail AI, which uses facial
recognition, behavioural
analysis, and automatic
number plate recognition to
identify suspicious activity
in real time.
“When it detects
potential theft, it triggers
smart audio deterrents and
logs the incident with
multi-angle video evidence,
including footage of the
theft, discarded stock, and
The age of artificial retail
deliveries and inform buying
decisions.
For independents, the same
tech is starting to trickle down,
offering a chance to level the
playing field without the
corporate budget.
Real-time users
For Manchester-based One Stop retailer
Priyesh Vekaria, AI is now very much an
integral part of how he
operates his business.
“We use a range of
artificial intelligence-driven
systems across multiple
aspects of our store opera
tions, and they have become
central to how we manage
security, compliance,
availability, and customer
engagement.
“These are not surface-
level tools. They are fully
integrated into our opera
tional model, and the impact
has been significant.
“The single biggest game changer has been
the smart audio network. This system allows
us to run bespoke audio across the store, from
branded promotional campaigns to retailer
messaging and security deterrents, all
controlled through a single dashboard,”
Vekaria told Asian Trader.
AI also helps him identify fast-moving
lines, forecast demand surges and monitor
promotions. Even age-restricted sales are
assisted by AI at the till.
“It supports compliance
quickly and accurately,
especially during late-night
trading,” he adds.
Meanwhile in south
London, retailer Benedict
Selvaratnam has also started
to rely heavily on AI.
He said, “We have started
using a few AI tools at
Freshfields Market to make
day-to-day operations a bit
sharper.
“For buying and stock, we
Priyesh Vekaria
Benedict Selvaratnam
NEWS FEATURE
18 ASIAN TRADER 17 OCTOBER 2025
offender exit.
“Evidence packs can be uploaded directly
to the police, which has drastically reduced
the manual workload for the team.”
Meanwhile, Razaq feels that Retail AI is
proving to be a boon at his store.
“The introduction of AI technology has
brought significant benefits to our business. It
has made our store more secure, reduced
theft, and helped us foster a safer and more
welcoming atmosphere for both staff and
customers.
Our staff does not have to spend most of
their time on monitoring and security, and
eventually, they can focus more on customer
service and operational tasks.
“There was, of course, a cost involved in
setting it up, but it’s already paid off through
reduced losses and smoother day-to-day
running.”
Meanwhile, Dartford-
based retailer Nishi Patel is also
testing Retail AI but admits it’s
still “work in progress.”
“It does work, it just needs a
bit of management,” he said.
“Give it another few months,
it is going to be working
perfectly in the shop. It comes
with music and advertising,
which is great.”
“It’s more about the
customers knowing that we
have something like this in the shop as it acts
as a deterrent,” Nishi told Asian Trader.
Words of caution
From predictive ordering to anti-theft
analytics, AI’s promise is dazzling. But its
pitfalls are equally real.
A recent GlobalData survey of 2,000 UK
shoppers found that 35 per cent feel uncom
fortable with facial recognition, while 26 per
cent dislike VAR-style tracking cameras in the
store.
According to Aliyah Siddika, retail analyst
at GlobalData, convenience stores are at a
higher risk of “alienating customers”.
“The challenge of balancing implementa
tion of visible deterrents without eroding
margins or losing sales will require conveni
ence retailers to adopt less intrusive meas
ures,” she said.
The risk isn’t just theoretical. Tech after all
tends to glitch and when that happens, the
accountability is most likely to fall on the
retailer facing the customers.
In May, a shopper in Greater Manchester
was escorted out of two Home Bargains
branches, twice , for something she never did.
Staff claimed she had been flagged by
facial-recognition software Facewatch as a
suspected shoplifter.
After repeated emails and queries, the
shopper later discovered that her image had
been added to Facewatch’s retail watch list,
due to which she was being flagged as an
offender.
The company acknowledged the incident
but also stressed that its technology had not
malfunctioned, but it was “human error”,
thus shifting the accountability on the retail
staff.
The UK’s leading civil liberties campaign
group Big Brother Watch is ringing alarm bells
due to rise in such cases.
Jasleen Chaggar, Legal and Policy Officer at
Big Brother Watch, explained to Asian Trader,
“By subjecting thousands of innocent
members of the public to biometric identity
checks, live facial recognition turns its
shoppers into suspects by default and puts
them at risk of being misidentified, black
listed and wrongly accused of theft.
“It is completely disproportionate that
customers should be confront
ed with intrusive surveillance
when doing something as
everyday as buying groceries.
“Far from protecting shop
workers, live facial recognition
will put them at increased risk
of abuse and violence by
requiring them to intervene.
Grocery stores should
prioritise the rights of its
shoppers and staff over
misplaced promises of
security.”
AI at crossroads
One thing is clear, AI is here to stay and shows
the way forward.
Convenience retailers across the UK are
taking notes, making their minds from where
to start off with.
Pontefract-based independent retailer
Bobby Singh said, “We are still in the process
of doing our due diligence, exploring how best
to apply it and ensure AI works effectively for
our particular setup.
“It certainly seems to be the way forward,
and we’re keen to understand how AI can be
implemented in a way that genuinely adds
value and efficiency to what we do.”
For Cambridgeshire-based Nisa retailer
Amit Puntambekar, the need lies in a better
forecasting system.
“I think in the future EPOS providers will
start using smarter APIs that will help with
ordering and forecasting. That could be
hugely beneficial for all retailers,” he told
Asian Trader.
In Northamptonshire, retailer Vidur
Pandya is also ready to dive in.
“I am more interested in consumer
tracking to see how I can improve offering and
range to customers and from crime preven
tion side from customers as well as from
staff,” he said.
In Greater Manchester, retailer Mos Patel
too is curious though he remains somewhat
unconvinced by AI’s magic.
“We have tried asking AI for ordering
advice, but it doesn’t really understand
shopper behaviour in the current climate.
“With the challenges, we can’t commit to
investing in new hardware or software purely
because of the upfront cost.
“I do believe tools like digital shelf labels
could help in the future, but with footfall
already down, automating too much would
just make existing staff less productive,” Mos
told Asian Trader.
Early adopters like Selvaratnam, Vekaria
and Razaq, meanwhile, are upbeat about the
results they are seeing.
Since using these tools, Selvaratnam has
seen around a “25 per cent” reduction in stock
wastage in his store, improved cash flow, and
much faster reporting.
Vekaria echoed similar thoughts, “Overall,
artificial intelligence has delivered tangible
financial benefits through revenue growth,
shrinkage reduction, labour savings, and
operational efficiency.
“The smart audio network has elevated
our promotional capabilities, while the
security and analytical tools have strength
ened the backbone of the business. It is not
flawless, nothing in retail ever is, but it is a
leap forward in how we protect our teams,
engage customers, and grow sustainably.”
Razaq is hopeful that AI will help cut costs
in the future, not just in security but in other
areas too.
“It has the potential to take over repeti
tive, time-consuming tasks like monitoring
stock levels or tracking product performance,
which could save on labour hours and reduce
waste. It can also help us better understand
what customers want and when, so we can
order smarter and keep the right products on
our shelves.
“I see it as something that won’t replace
people but will make their jobs easier and
more focused. For a local, independent store
like ours, that kind of support can make a
huge difference in staying efficient, competi
tive, and connected to our community,”
Razaq said.
Nishi also has high hopes for what AI can
accomplish for his generational family
business.
“I would like to see some innovation to cut
down energy costs like fridge temperature
controllers, for age verification. The sky is the
limit if you start thinking about it. But AI
should be more about saving money rather
than being an added cost.
“However, I don’t want to leave every
thing on AI; people still want the personal
touch,” Nishi concluded.
It is evident that AI may soon predict our
next purchase, price it perfectly and stop it
being stolen. Time will only tell whether it
will be the next evolutionary step in retail or a
costly gamble.
Nishi Patel
FEATURE
PROMOTIONAL
20 ASIAN TRADER 17 OCTOBER 2025
ondon, 18 September 2025 – United
Wholesale Scotland (UWS) today
marked a historic milestone with the
official opening of its brand-new 82,000 sq
ft cash & carry depot in Rainham, London.
The launch represents the company’s first
expansion beyond Scotland, signalling its
commitment to supporting and empower
ing independent retailers and caterers
across the UK’s most competitive whole
sale market.
“This is a monumental moment for
independent retail and caterers across
London,” said Asim Sarwar, Chairman of
UWS. “Rainham is just the beginning of
our journey in England, and we are here to
deliver the same innovation, investment,
and customer focus that has made us the
market leader in Scotland.”
A Launch Like No Other
The Rainham launch drew an exceptional
turnout of customers and suppliers, many of
whom described the event as unlike any
other depot opening. Guests were treated to
live entertainment from DJs, acrobatic
performers, and a special appearance by
artist Apache Indian, while enjoying
exclusive promotions, competitions, and
complimentary food.
Stephen Cheetham of Unitas Wholesale
commented: “I’ve been in retail and
wholesale for many years and have seen
some fantastic launches, but this was
something completely different. UWS has
rewritten the rule book when it comes to
launching a depot.”
Investment and Innovation
The Rainham depot is UWS’s fourth site and
its largest investment outside Scotland. A
multi-million-pound refit transformed the
site in just three months into a modern,
tech-enabled hub designed to meet the
needs of London’s diverse retail landscape.
“This depot looks spectacular,” said Chris
Gallacher, Managing Director of UWS. “We
lead the way in Scotland, and it was vital that
we bring that same level of innovation and
energy to London. It’s safe to say we’ve
delivered.”
The depot stocks more than 10,000
product lines, mirroring the range available
at other UWS sites while introducing
tailored local ranges to meet London’s
unique market demands.
United Wholesale Scotland Ce
London Launch with Opening
New 82,000 sq. ft site
marks UWS’s first move
into England, setting
a new standard for
wholesale in the UK
FEATURE
PROMOTIONAL
17 OCTOBER 2025 ASIAN TRADER 21
lebrates Landmark
of Rainham Depot
Supporting Independent
Retailers
The new site is also a springboard for
UWS’s symbol group expansion, with 10
stores already in the pipeline to launch
under the Day-Today and Usave fascias by
the end of October, and a further 30
conversions planned shortly after.
“There’s something for everyone here,”
added Anshu Chandra, Commercial
Director of UWS. “Whether it’s a quick
top-up shop, full delivered service, or
joining one of our symbols, we are flexible
and scalable – supporting retailers of all
sizes.”
A dedicated Rainham-based sales team of
five will strengthen UWS’s relationships on
the ground, expanding both collect and
delivered services.
Focused on the Future
While the Rainham opening represents a
landmark step, UWS remains focused on
long-term growth.
“Our priority is growing the business
sustainably across the UK,” Gallacher
concluded. “Right now, our full attention
is on supporting our customers in
Scotland and London, delivering the best
possible value, service, and experience.”
About United Wholesale Scotland
United Wholesale Scotland (UWS) is
one of the UK’s leading wholesale
businesses, operating cash & carry depots
across Glasgow, Falkirk, and Grange
mouth, with Rainham marking its first
English site. The company supplies over
10,000 product lines to independent
retailers, caterers, and hospitality business
es, while supporting over 500 symbol stores
under the Day-Today and Usave fascia’s.
With a focus on innovation, investment, and
customer-first service, UWS continues to set
new standards in wholesale.
SPECIAL REPORT
22 ASIAN TRADER 17 OCTOBER 2025
ritain’s convenience retailers are no
strangers to long hours but veteran
retailer Mo Razzaq believes the
future of 24-hour retailing doesn’t
lie in tired staff or late-night shifts. It lies in
steel, sensors, and smart vending.
With labour costs rising and also energy
bills, Mo is betting big on automation. His
latest experiment is two gleaming vending
machines outside Premier Mo’s Blantyre in
Glasgow. Early results are in, making him
beam with pride.
Speaking to Asian Trader, Mo shared the
thought process behind the installation of the
machines.
“The idea of getting vending machines is
about serving our customers even when we
are closed.
“We were aware that our customers were
looking for basic supplies when out of hours
and this turned out to be a very cost-effective
way to remain 24 hours available without any
additional energy or labour costs.
“I am surprised to see that even in the day
time, people are increasingly using vending
machines who have come with just grab-and-
go mission,” he said.
So, what is inside these machines?
Forget the image of dusty crisps and flat
cola. Razzaq’s units, supplied by Sielaff UK,
look more like compact man-less convenience
stores in miniature form
Razzaq revealed, “The idea then was to put
in products that our customers buy the
most. I was aiming to catch the
market for customers who were
looking for basics in the night
when everything is closed, but
in a cost-effective way.
“A close look at the
demographic of the night
Are vending machines the next big leap for
convenience retail? Mo Razzaq tells Pooja
Shrivastava why he is betting on it
time customers helped me decide what to
keep in the machines. Like, there are people
going to work who were looking for snacks at
night.”
Constant trial and error is the key.
“We basically try and test constantly to see
which ones are selling more and which ones
are not. We removed the ones not performing
very well and reintroduced some other lines,”
he said.
Razzaq’s two vending machines contain
more than just crisps and cola.
Razzaq explained, “In one of the machines,
we have put household items. So there are
items like condoms, pregnancy test kits,
sanitary kits and baby wipes.
“I realised that with condoms, people were
a bit hesitant to buy them inside the store and
with the machines, and they can do it
discreetly without interacting with any of the
staff members.
“The same goes for pregnancy kits test.
Baby wipes, too, sell like hot cakes.
“The sanitary range is also quite a hit. We
are offering the same at an affordable range of
79p, which is below cost price.
“Our store is in a deprived area; ‘period
poverty’ is very much a thing here. So we have
put the price to really a low of 79p so that it’s
affordable for every woman. It’s the same
price as in the shop.”
The rest of the space is dedicated to food
and drinks.
Giving a peek into the machines, Razzaq
said, “We are selling a lot of Pringles.
Our individual cakes, small loaves
of bread, the medium Warbur
tons and pints of milk are also
selling well.
“We have many food-to-go
items as well, like pies, sausage
rolls, crisps, the Peperami range,
Russell’s burgers, sandwiches
and wraps.
“The machine also has M&Ms,
Maltesers, Haribo bags, Swizzles sweets and
bags of Galaxy – as well as bigger bars of Dairy
Milk and KitKat.
“And then there are drinks. The machines
have a very wide range of drinks right from
Tropicana, Chocomel, two types of Costa
coffee, cans of Coke and Pepsi Max.
“The bestselling item from the machine is
energy drinks and water as well as confection
ery items. Also, I am surprised to see the sale of
sandwiches from the machine.”
Challenges and Concerns
Since having automated vending machines
outside a convenience store is a fairly new
concept, Razzaq revealed that he is facing
some teething issues as well.
Turns out running an unmanned outlet
bring its own puzzles.
He said, “We faced some problems in the
payment gateway. Since in the store, we do not
sell energy drinks to under 16s and the
machine has a wide range of those, we need to
find a payment provider who would grant that
sale to the cardholder of someone more than
16 years of age only.
“I am still trying to sort this out.”
And what about vandalism? Razzaq shrugs,
saying innovation always comes with risk.
“I am obviously concerned about it but we
already have the washing machines and
lockers outside the store. I have CCTV
coverage in the area but at the end of the day,
one has to take the risk to grow,” he said.
It’s just a couple of months since the two
machines were installed but Razzaq is already
planning to add a third hot food-to-go
machine very soon.
“I am thinking more on the lines of a pizza
machine. I can see many people working night
shifts like taxi drivers and ambulance drivers.
Nothing is open in the nighttime.
“If we can give a quick option of a hot meal
like a pizza or a sandwich, it would be a great
addition,” he said.
Future present?
For Razzaq, the vending project is about more
than sales; it’s about proving independents
can adapt quickly to shifting shopper habits.
“One needs to innovate to grow,” he said.
“If one does not want to open the store until
very late, yet catch the night-time sales,
vending machines are one of the best ways.”
With plans for hot food and everyday
emergency items, Razzaq is clearly seeing
vending machines as a practical extension of
the store. Thinking of expansion and more
tailored offers, Razzaq’s store is quietly
sketching out what the 24-hour convenience
store of the future might look like – always
open but still unmistakably local.
The store that never sleeps
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Happy Diwali
to all the Asian Trader Readers!
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