Okay, that headline could probably be classed as hyperbole but Scotland’s convenience sector is in formidable shape. As I write this the first day of the SGF Conference has just concluded and tomorrow we’ll be treated to the thoughts of RBS Chief Economist Stephen Boyle and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon – among others.
That such esteemed figures from the world of business and politics now have convenience retail firmly on their radar shows how perceptions of the industry have changed. This is down to a number of factors – along with the hard work carried out by the likes of the SGF is the dedication of retailers themselves. What was once a sector seen as a place to pick up milk, newspapers, cigarettes and sweets is now a soaring example of entrepreneurial excellence.
This year’s conference has already made me positive for 2016 (I know, I know, we’ve still got Christmas to get out the way, but still). Every retailer I’ve spoken to (bar the very odd exception) seems uncharacteristically upbeat. There’s less chat about Tesco this and Aldi that, and more chat about what their plans are for next year and beyond.
As delegates will know, a Scottish Local Shop report published by the SGF and ACS was available at the conference and, among reams of interesting data, it revealed that 75% of local shops in Scotland are run by small business owners, with 65% first generation retailers. Even better: 16% of those owners are 30 or under, which certainly highlights the bright future for the sector.
Many of these small business owners, young and old, were at the conference, where the break-out sessions provided exactly the sort of inspiration we hoped they would when we began to plan them. From e-cigs, to sustainability and providing a healthier range for consumers, these are all areas where local retail has learned to adapt.
Before the conference kicked off, I had a conversation with Joanna Casonato – winner of Scottish Local Retailer of the Year. We were discussing her learnings from the NACS conference in Las Vegas, which she won a trip to at the SLR Rewards. She spoke about learning how to use data smartly with the sort of passion that retailers used to reserve for category management. It was another sign that retailers are becoming more progressive and realising that they have to think smart if they want to really differentiate themselves from the competition.
Clever use of data is one way to do this – diversifying into specialist areas such as hot food, great coffee and non-food are other ways. So we’re still going to be slapped about by Government and our pals in Brussels, but these challenges aren’t ever going to go away. As we learned at the SGF Conference inspiration and aspiration are as important as hard work to build a store fit for purpose in the 21st century.
Kevin Scott, Editor
