Exclusive: Convenience and conscience go hand in hand at this West Yorkshire c-store

There are more than 40,000 convenience stores across the country but there are only a few among those who have stood apart and created a unique brand value, thus gaining loyal shoppers as well as a huge respect in the community.

Evolving from the crowd of ordinary and run-of-the-mill stores is BB Nevison Superstore & Post Office in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, a store that has transcended into a community hub. This place isn't just a store; it's a buzzing hive of activity where people gather not just for daily needs but for also all sorts of events that keep the community buzzing.

Whether it is Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s or even a new product launch, Pontefract’s BB Nevison Superstore knows how to turn a calendar date into a celebration. Additionally, the store has also developed into a help centre where the residents in need are directed and connected with relevant help groups and charities.

In a candid conversation with Asian Trader, store owner and seasoned retailer Bobby Singh talked in detail about his love for retail as well as for the community.

Singh said, “When your heart is in the right place, people see that. I have grown up in retail and I love the community that I am part of. Love and respect are mutual things and that’s the case and has been here forever. I am grateful that I can do something for my community.”

Particularly around Christmas, BB Nevison Superstore starts buzzing with activities like Santa's Grotto, choir and community parties. For the people of Pontefract, the store has become a must-visit place to hang out with friends and the rest of the community to soak in the Christmas spirit.

Other events like Valentine’s Day or even a new product launch make the store buzz with excitement, thus bringing a flush of new footfall.

BB Nevison Superstore's Bobby Singh with family

Singh said, “Our events make us stand out against the competitors. Even if there is a new product launch, we take it to the next level, giving our customers amazing experience.

“The store has been involved in many launch events that saw great brand support, and great POS. The customers were floored. I really appreciate brands and makers and am happy that I can welcome them into our stores.

“All this collectively has transitioned the shop from the normal convenience store to a destination store where shoppers come from far off places too to just see what's new happening and thus soak in the experience too and not just for the convenience factor,” Singh told Asian Trader.

Another unique aspect of BB Nevison Superstore is its heavy and active involvement with the community on multiple levels.

The store runs a food bank, often organises cloth donation drives and directs people who need help to the relevant help groups.

Singh said, “It's been an ongoing process wherein we support different food banks. And it's been a long-lasting relationship where we have been donating food and setting up collection points for them. And we've done all sorts of projects together.”

The store has an in-store “support box” where locals who are suffering financially, lately due to cost-of-living crisis, can discreetly ask for help. Once they get in touch via the box, Singh then coordinates with agencies such as Citizens’ Advice and local food banks to make sure the person gets the needed support.

“Through these initiatives, the whole focus has been to help our community where the help is needed. Rather than doing a onetime charity, we try to help them in a long-term way so that they can go forward and live their lives.”

The store recently has conducted a collection drive for donations of old clothes to support Help The Homeless group.

"We try and have different focus areas, so we change focus from time to time. We still direct people to right groups whether they want to donate or seek help.”

As expected, during Covid-19 lockdown, Singh went beyond his call of duty, especially to support the elderly in the community, emerging as “a real-life superhero”.

He has given away bags of free food to families in need during lockdown, set up a delivery service at his own expense, let people have tabs who are short of money and pitched in wherever he can with free giveaways. His efforts were eventually recognised in the Yorkshire Big Thank You Awards 2020.

"I am part of this community and have a great respect and connection with them. And its a two way street- we also get a lot of love, respect and support from the community,” he said.

Singh likes to be the boss and a master of his business. He likes to do things his own way and that’s why he has not associated the store with any symbol group yet, thus having the freedom to shine in his own unique light.

"We get deliveries from all the big suppliers out there, but we are truly independent. I do believe that this aspect gives the store the freedom to have its own identity.”

The store has a thriving Food-to-go section which Singh has plans to expand further.

“We have expanded some sections and reduced some which were not performing well. I believe the main thing is to maintain consistency. The quantity can go up or down sometime, but the quality must always be maintained and that’s for me a key factor in retail,” Singh concluded.

Pontefract’s BB Nevison Superstore is a clear and stellar example of how a local store can be transformed into epicenters of excitement and goodwill. Sales will obviously follow.