Mental health is a hot topic, but just because we’re now more open to its effects on our daily lives, there’s still uncertainty around how to best assist those we know in dealing with it, and it can become more tricky if issues occur at work. This episode of the Convenience Mix podcast takes a look at the services available for retailers to help their staff facing mental health or other wellbeing issues. Our guests are Mandi Leonard, GroceryAid’s welfare director, who ‘s responsible for the charity's welfare strategy and delivery of its programmes of emotional, practical and financial support for grocery colleagues across the industry. Julie Dennis, head of inclusive workplace strategy at the ACAS - the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service - whose job is to build an inclusive culture that drives engagement and performance. Retailer Natalie Lightfoot, who on top of running a successful convenience store, is an ambassador for Women in Convenience, a co-founder of the new Retail Family online safe space, and an independent board director for the ACS. We’ll be considering factors that can have a negative impact on yourself or your staff, the key first steps in dealing with these, and what some of the signs are to spotting issues around mental health or other social pressures in the workplace. We’ll also be asking our guests how they’ve dealt with instances in their own careers, and hearing tips on dealing with issues arising from mental health issues at work.

Summer is heating up and so is the convenience sector, according to three leading independent retailers who join us on this episode. From BBQ essentials and unexpected bestsellers to brands that have nailed NPD this summer, our guests share what’s flying off shelves and how consumer behaviours shift with the weather. Of course, we had to cover the viral Labubu craze sweeping the UK market. Retailers share their thoughts on the popular plush toys and weigh in on the issue of counterfeit stock. To finish, our guests pitch their dream NPDs. Joining us this episode are: • Sonny Saini, Barnes Pantry, south-west London • Atul Sodha, Londis Harefield, Uxbridge • Julie Kaur, Jules Convenience, Telford

Vaping – particularly when it comes to retail in the UK – has never been more of a hot topic. Our latest podcast looks at how it is fluctuating wildly as a result of things like changes in legislation, challenges from the black market, health issues and more are continuing to affect convenience retailers – and also how the industry might develop and respond.

What does it really mean to be a female in the convenience retail industry? In this episode, Spar retailer Sunita Aggarwal and One Stop retailer Nathalie Fullerton share their raw and honest experiences. From shocking bigotry to gender bias, we unpack the most difficult moments and why the industry can't afford to ignore it any longer. In this episode, we explore: Gender bias We speak to independent retailers about their experiences of gender bias and what changes they need to see from the industry. What support is out there? Find out what support exists for women retailers and where it's still falling short.   How can suppliers help? Hear how suppliers are encouraged to use their influence to champion gender equality in a male dominated industry.

​What role does community engagement play in the success of local retailers? In this episode, we explore how connecting with the local community can boost business, create customer loyalty and make a positive impact. From charities to supporting local suppliers, we’ll discuss initiatives that indies can benefit from. We’re joined by Kate Carroll, head of Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally charity, who shares the benefits of giving back. Chris Tomes, 2024 Community Retailer of the Year and manager of Costcutter Swanage, explains how his store has become a community hub through charity work and local involvement. Plus, Leon Swanwick, TYS Retail’s area manager of Nisa stores across Peterborough, Orton, Stilton and Stamford, offers advice for retailers looking to become more involved in their local area.

Creating a strong social media and online presence is vital for retailers. In an age where digital engagement can make or break a business, mastering these tools is more important than ever. That’s why we’ve spoken to marketing expert Sarah Ellis. Ellis is the marketing director for A.F. Blakemore and in this episode, she offers valuable insights and tips to help retailers boost their online impact. Drawing on from the digital world, Ellis also speaks in light of challenges faced by retailers and what opportunities they can bring.  

Crime within convenience has reached drastic levels with record numbers of incidents taking place in stores. In this episode of the Convenience Mix, we look at the impact of crime on independent retailers and how it is affecting them and their staff. Spar retailer Chloe Taylor-Green discusses how verbal abuse from customers while Costcutter retailer Abdul Majid is experiencing a rise in opportunistic shoplifting at his store. 

The announcement that the government is to ban disposable vapes sent shockwaves through the retail industry. A category that has helped many retailers through some tough times, we're now looking at a future without disposable vapes. The Convenience Mix speaks to the Association of Convenience Stores' director of communications Chris Noice about what impact the proposed ban will have on retailers, while The Grocer's technology editor George Nott analyses the effect on suppliers and how the overall vape category might move forward.

The Convenience Mix is back for a very special episode dedicated to the rising cost of living crisis. In this episode, our experts look at the impact of the rising cost of living on shopper behaviour across the UK convenience retail market. We share tips on how retailers can mitigate the challenges around rising costs, the government support that is needed and how wholesalers can and are working with retailers and suppliers. We also here from two special guests to get the view of wholesalers and retailers on how they are dealing with the pressures of trading in the current economic climate – Dawood Pervez, Managing Director at Bestway Wholesale and independent retailer, Chaz Chahal.

Episode twelve – Brexit: Where Are We And What's Next? - sees our experts look at the impact of Brexit on the UK convenience sector, both short and long-term. Since the UK decided to vote to leave the EU back in 2016, the issue has dominated headlines and remained on top of business agendas. The situation has changed so many times since the referendum and even at the start of 2022, the parameters for trading changed again. To help provide some clarity on where the UK is at in terms of trading with its EU neighbours, we also hear from chief executive of the Cold Chain Federation Shane Brennan...

Episode eleven – UK Convenience Retail in 2022 – sees our experts look to the year ahead and highlight three trends, using the Lumina Intelligence Future of Retail 2022 Report, that we believe will impact UK convenience retail in 2022 and beyond. These trends are La Dolce Vita - the demand for treating during recessionary periods, Radical Transparency - consumer/brand relationships going beyond the transactional and Net-Hero - the rise of sustainability-led consumers and the demands they place on retailers. Throughout, we hear from sector leaders, including David Charman of Spar Parkfoot, Chris Noice of ACS, Michael Fletcher of The Co-op and Anila Anwar of Costcutter Sandy Hill Road...

Episode ten – The Recipe For Plant-Based Success – sees our experts unpick the ever-growing trend towards plant-based consumption. How much has the plant-based category grown in recent years? Has this been impacted by the pandemic? What exciting products have hit the market recently? Where should retailers start when entering the plant-based category? What are the opportunities this Christmas, particularly with turkey shortages hitting headlines? We also catch up with Thea Brook, Founder of The Brook: Plant-Based Feasting. Thea discusses the growth of plant-based, why it is so important to driving footfall, the different options available to retailers when merchandising the category and her advice for retailers starting out in the plant-based category...

Episode nine - Stocking Up For Christmas - sees our experts tackle the upcoming festive period. One of the most important trading periods for the convenience sector, however it hasn't come without its challenges over recent times. 2020 saw Christmas plans thrown out the window, as travel restrictions were imposed at the last minute and some regions entered local lockdowns. With shoppers keen to make up for lost time, we analyse the opportunities for convenience this coming Christmas. How do we expect shoppers to behave? What are the key categories to be stocking? How will the HGV driver shortage impact supply? When do we expect to see shoppers start purchasing food and drink for Christmas? We also catch up with Susan Connolly, Sales & Marketing Director at Connolly Spar to understand her plans for the festive period and her expectations versus a very different 2020...

Episode eight - A Healthy Approach To HFSS - sees our experts analyse the upcoming HFSS legislation that is due to be implemented in October 2022. What store types does the legislation apply to? What challenges are on the horizon? What are the opportunities for retailers and brands? How might suppliers react to the legislation? What support and teamwork is necessary? Our hosts also discuss the introduction of new legislation to protect retail workers in Scotland and challenge why similar measures have not been introduced in England, Northern Ireland and Wales...

Episode seven - Reviving Food To Go - sees our experts turn their attention on food to go within UK convenience retail. They analyse the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the UK food to go market, the potential impact that new HFSS legislation could have, the differences in shopper behaviour between city centre and suburban locations and best-in-class examples from across the sector. We also discuss the surprise announcement that Sainsbury's has decided to close down its wholesale business...

Episode six – Tech in Convenience: What's Next? – sees our experts focus on the role of technology within the UK convenience retail market. What technology should every convenience store retailer be using? How can technology be tailored to a variety of different budgets? What are the challenges and opportunities posed by tech enhancements across the sector? In addition, we are delighted to be joined by Richard Inglis, Director of Parkview Retail Ltd. Richard owns three Welcome stores in Southampton and shares his experiences of using technology within his stores...

Episode five – Sustainability: Being Green in 2021 – sees our experts focus on the ever-growing trend towards sustainability and the expectations that shoppers place on grocery retailers to play their part. Within this episode, we discuss the advantages and barriers of refill stores, veganism, deposit return schemes, 10p carrier bags and the impact of the pandemic on sustainability. In addition, we are delighted to be joined by Michael Fletcher, Commercial Director at The Co-op. Michael discusses the importance of sustainability at The Co-op and the different measures that they have introduced....

Episode four – Caring For The Community – sees our experts focus on community engagement and the opportunities available to convenience store retailers. Convenience stores are often at the heart of local communities, so they know what the key issues are and, more importantly, how they can help. In this episode, we look at the benefits of stepping up community engagement and are delighted to be joined by 2020 Community Retailer of the Year at The Convenience Awards, Faraz Iqbal of Premier Linktown Local to discuss the important work he does in his local area.

Episode three – Low2No Alcohol: The Untapped Opportunity – sees our experts take a deep dive into the growing low and no alcohol category. Is Low2No the future of drinking? How far can the category go? Where do the opportunities lie for convenience store retailers? What do shoppers want to see from the category? What are the barriers to purchasing the category? As well as sharing their own views and experiences, our experts are joined by Daniel Woolfson, Food & Drink Editor at The Grocer and Chris Miller, Chief Operating Officer at JW Filshill to get a holistic view of the category and how retailers, manufacturers and wholesalers are adapting.

Episode two – Delving into Delivery – sees our experts unpick the convenience store home delivery trend. How have retailers embraced home delivery? What challenges have they had to overcome? Which categories offer the biggest opportunities? Will delivery continue to grow post-lockdown? What can we expect for the future of convenience store home delivery? They also speak exclusively to Amrit Pahal of Nisa Local High Heath, an independent retail with a thriving delivery offering to get his perspective and opinion