As the saying goes, change is the only constant. In a world of constant change, those who adapt are the ones who flourish. Also, adaptability is not just about embracing change; it's about leveraging it as a springboard for innovation and progress.
Such technologically enabled progress can be seen at the One Stop Carlton store where every aspect, right from procurement to inventory to marketing and customer care, is a tech-enabled marvel in itself.
Retailer Priyesh Vekaria told Asian Trader how he was always clear and determined to establish a store that is par excellence when he got the place in 2018.
His parents run a store in Salford and he had seen retailing up and close before he left the nest to pursue a law degree. After spending about 10 years in policing, he decided to come back to retailing and buy a store of his own.
He said, “Following a law degree and 10 years in the police, I was drawn to the retail industry as both my parents had successfully run a shop for over 30 years. Drawing on what I learnt from them, my own experiences growing up and the transferable skills from my law and police backgrounds, I enabled my own store with the right set of tools, automated systems and tech-help, including reliable partners like One Stop.”
Vekaria feels running an automated store gives him more time and energy to focus on his customers, without worrying about things such as the daily cash and carry runs, or the extra early morning starts.
Retailer Priyesh Vekaria
“It was probably family time that was sacrificed when I was growing up but now being the father of a young daughter myself, I want to spend more time with her. Automated systems like automatic stock ordering and planograms help us to keep a track of my inventory, check the orders and any manual adjustments if required.”
Since he does not hop from depot to depot in search of the best prices and discounts and is a “happy One Stop partner”, he feels he has more time to run the business and understand the needs of his customers.
“We are no longer striving for the biggest margin we can possibly achieve but rather focusing on volume sales with the right products for the customer. One Stop gave us the point of difference we were looking for, which is a wider range and products that customers really wanted, including the provision of more fresh and chilled lines. One Stop also supported us with the deliveries, which was a big deal to us at the time as previously these were hit and miss.”
Another of the store’s attractions is its carefully curated food to go section, especially “Lush Slush by Professor Slush”, a copyright innovation by Vekaria himself.
“I came up with an idea to keep alcohol slush for adults. When I did not find a suitable supplier, I developed this on my own after multiple permutations and combination to find the just right mix. It was only meant for our local customers, but thanks to social media and national press coverage, word spread and now we get customers coming from far distances just for this slush," he told Asian Trader.
Pictures taken at One Stop Carlton Convenience, Manchester. 26/05/23
The idea inspired other retailers too who often come to him to seek advice, he said.
Vekaria also makes good use of social media, especially to attract younger generations.
He explained how he uses the store’s Facebook page for formal notices and updates about what he is doing in the community such as outreach projects while he uses Instagram in more of a hybrid way- both for the corporate messaging with a twist of fun.
Tik Tok is for “pure fun” and for connecting with the local community, particularly the younger customers.
“Tik Tok is good. It gives us better tools and better reach too, which is great for the business. We have younger customers who see our posts trending on social media and come in seeking those products,” he said.
Another tech-wonder of One Stop Carlton is its delivery vehicle. The store has a vinyl wrapped delivery vehicle which has its own QR code to promote the service in a ‘click’.
“We pioneered the concept so when the vehicle was doing its deliveries and anybody noticed it, they just took a picture, which got them straight onto our delivery page. As everyone has a smart phone nowadays this provides another quick way for customers to get their shopping from our store.” he said.
Being raised in a retail family, Vekaria understands well the importance of community. The store also keeps a life-saving defibrillator kit for whoever is in need.
Despite the rising retail crime rate and cases of violence against shop staff in the country, One Stop Carlton store has not faced rise in such cases.
“My police background has trained me how best to deal with confrontation and difficult situations swiftly and efficiently. Coupled with the fact that is a close-knit community, we don’t get much trouble.”
He explained that whatever shoplifting the store faces, it broadly falls into two categories- the financially strained people who are stealing to feed their family and the repeat offenders who are usually drug addicts.
“We ask people who need support to not steal and rather pick what they want and come to the till where we can figure out how much we can wave off or give for free. But for the latter group, we don’t hesitate in confronting and overpowering them before seizing the products from them.”
Vekaria is certainly a tech-savvy next-generation retailer who knows how to take his convenience store forward with innovations and automation, making it into a destination store.
“We need to be ready to adapt when and where necessary. Trends change and we want to be at the forefront of these,” he said.
A leading independent retailers association has applauded Barnsley Council's support package for local businesses, calling on other councils across the UK to follow suit with similar measures.
Bira, the British Independent Retailers Association, praised the council's £5 million initiative offering 100 per cent business rate relief for qualifying retail, leisure and hospitality businesses from April 2025 to March 2026.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said, "We strongly applaud Barnsley Council for this exemplary initiative that directly addresses the mounting challenges facing our high streets. This is exactly the type of support that independent retailers desperately need in the current economic climate.
"We are now calling on councils across the UK to follow Barnsley's lead and implement similar support packages. If there is a surplus of business rates income, that surplus should be returned to businesses in this way.
"It's not only fair but makes economic sense for local communities.
"The triple impact of rising costs, cuts to business rate relief, and increased employer National Insurance contributions has created a perfect storm for retailers.
"Barnsley has shown leadership by listening to its business community and taking decisive action. Every council in Britain should be examining how they can replicate this model," he added.
Bira, which works with over 6000 independent businesses nationwide has consistently campaigned on business rates reform as part of its commitment to revitalising and preserving high streets.
Earlier this month, Bira pointed to BRC Consumer Sentiment Monitor's "worrying picture" saying that these figures represent a concerning trend for high street retailers.
Jeff Moody, Commercial Director for Bira, said, "These figures align with what our members are telling us - over 57 per cent of independent retailers surveyed by Bira reported feeling somewhat or highly unconfident about business prospects for the remainder of Q1 2025, with 56 per cent expressing the same lack of confidence for the rest of the year.
"With consumers actively looking to reduce spending and seeking out cheaper alternatives, independent retailers face significant headwinds.
"This situation is exacerbated by the upcoming cost increases set to take effect from April, including higher National Insurance contributions, National Minimum Wage rises, and Business Rates increases," Moddy said.
Bira has been at the forefront of championing the cause of independent traders and shopkeepers across Britain. Its campaigns cover a wide spectrum of issues such as retail crime, business rates, fair legislation and overall reduction in the regulatory burden.
Fujitsu, the maker of the software behind the wrong conviction of hundreds of sub post masters in Britain's biggest miscarriage of justice, has been asked to make an "interim payment of at least £300 million" to cover the compensation paid to Post Office Horizon scandal.
Labour peer Lord Beamish called on a debate in House of Lords on Thursday (27) on the progress of the Post Office Horizon compensation scheme and of the contribution of Fujitsu to the compensation of victims.
Stating that Fujitsu not only covered up the fact that Horizon system was full of bugs and could be remotely accessed but also took an active part in the prosecution of sub-postmasters, Lord Beamish slammed the Japanese firm for "hiding behind the public inquiry".
"At the public inquiry and the Commons Select Committee, Mr Patterson (Paul Patterson, the director of Fujitsu in the UK) said that he apologised to the sub-postmasters and that Fujitsu would make a contribution to compensate victims.
"As of today, no money has been paid by Fujitsu to victims and this is a company that is still making multimillion-pound profits from government contracts.
"It said that it was not going to bid for new contracts, but what it is doing is extending existing contracts. That is happening at the same time as the taxpayer is paying out nearly £600 million in compensation to victims, and many victims are still waiting for compensation."
Apart from calling on Fujitsu to cough out £300 million as interim payment, Lord Beamish also demanded that the Government should bar Fujitsu from taking part in any future contracts if major change has not taken place.
Conservative peer Lord Arbuthnot of Edrom supported the proposal, noting that while Fujitsu had acknowledged its "moral obligation," it was ultimately the taxpayer who was bearing the financial burden, amounting to hundreds of millions.
He said, "The noble Lord, Lord Beamish, suggested £300 million; £700 million would be less than half the cost that the taxpayer is currently estimated to bear.
"If it does not do that, why should the Government offer it further extensions of its existing contracts, still less grant it new contracts?"
Labour peer Baroness Elliott of Whitburn Bay also expressed her support for the proposal, asserting that it was time for Fujitsu to take responsibility and contribute to the compensation fund.She urged all parties involved to act as swiftly as possible to ensure that all victims of the scandal received the payments they rightfully deserved.Conservative peer Lord Polak emphasized the need for the Government to provide clear and transparent communication to claimants about the claims process, ensuring they understood what to expect and the timeframe involved. He agreed with Lord Beamish’s suggestion of a £300 million contribution from Fujitsu but argued that the company should match the amount already covered by the taxpayer, acknowledging that while it was a significant sum, it was a necessary obligation.
Parliament was told that if the Japanese tech giant was an individual it would be facing years if not decades in jail for its active part in the Horizon IT scandal which saw sub postmasters “maliciously prosecuted”.
The firm continued to enjoy lucrative extensions to government contracts bankrolled by the public while the taxpayer funded payouts to victims of what is believed to be Britain’s biggest miscarriage of justice, Westminster heard.
Hundreds of sub postmasters were wrongly convicted of stealing after Fujitsu’s defective Horizon accounting system made it appear as though money was missing at their branches.
The Post Office also forced at least 4,000 branch managers to pay back cash based on the flawed data. Some victims were sent to prison or financially ruined, others were shunned by their communities, and some took their own lives.
Residents of Ferndown have raised concern as supermarket giant ASDA is planning to open an Express store on Wimborne Road East, next to a family-run convenience store.
According to the local reports, the store owner of SAM Convenience Store in Ferndown has expressed deep concern for the future of her family-run business as supermarket giant ASDA prepares to open an Express store next door.
Ahalya and her husband Lucky, who have operated the store for the past three years, fear the arrival of ASDA could force them out of business.
Apart from the store owner, the community has also rallied in to oppose the upcoming Asda Express store in their neighborhood.
When news broke of ASDA’s plans, more than 400 residents signed a letter to the council opposing the development. The letter, submitted by regular customer Val Wilkinson, highlights the community’s desire to protect independent businesses like SAM Convenience Store.
Wilkinson, who frequently visits the store to buy newspapers, spearheaded the effort to oppose ASDA’s arrival.
“I wrote to the council on [Ahalya’s] behalf and said that I didn’t think it was a good idea having it there,” Val explained. “They provide such good services to us. I’m really upset about it opening next door, to be honest. I just hope they can keep on going.”
Talking to a local publication, Ahalya revealed they are already struggling to stay afloat, and the prospect of competing with a major chain like ASDA has left them feeling “scared” for their livelihood.
“People here are very angry because they don’t want another chain store in the area.
"The town centre already has Tesco, Marks and Spencer, and other big chains,” Ahalya said. “We don’t need one more. Our business is going down, and we don’t want to go. We can’t leave.”
She also expressed her gratitude for the community’s support, noting that customers even brought her a copy of the letter to show their solidarity. “When people found out ASDA was coming, they gave us huge support,” she said.
In March 2024, the shop window was damaged by a suspected BB gun pellet, and last week, roadworks severely impacted trade.
“We lost some of our regular customers during the roadworks,” Ahalya said. “The road in front of our store was closed for a week, and we lost £500 a day. It’s been very difficult.”
As ASDA moves forward with its plans, Ahalya and Lucky remain determined to fight for their business. With the backing of their community, they hope the council will reconsider the development and protect the future of independent stores like theirs.
In its aim to support independent retailers, wholesaler giant Booker has unveiled a new guide, pulling together a range of in-store -services to help retailers ‘make more and save more’.
The guide, known as Added Value Services (AVS) Guide, contains over 25 Booker exclusive deals across a range of services, including parcel collection with InPost, drinks machines with Costa and Calippo Burst and home delivery solutions.
Retailers could save over £50,000. The guide is available to all Booker’s symbol group retailers. It is also now accessible online via the wholesaler’s website.
Colm Johnson, Booker’s Retail Managing Director, said, “As part of our ongoing commitment to help retailers save more and make more, we are pleased to bring our retailers a new Added Value Services Guide.
"We have brought together a range of recommended suppliers to support all their in-store needs, and negotiated a number of preferential exclusive rates for Booker retailers, including how they can utilise the benefits of being part of a Group.”
Booker's AVS guide comes close in heels with another New Product Development Guide, showcasing Booker’s new group exclusives and first-to-market offerings.
Released earlier this month, Booker's NPD Guide covers over 125 new products. It also contains all activities available to the symbol group retailers, including a range of food, drinks and household essentials; Easter ranges; and low/no alcohol products which continue to remain popular with consumers.
Booker's NPD guide aims to help retailers to differentiate themselves from their competitors and prepare for the Spring season ahead.
Booker has been creating buzz in the retail side. Recently, the wholesaler announced the launch of a brand-new ordering platform Scoot, exclusively for its symbol group retailers to help them deliver local groceries to their customers’ doors, in as little as 30 minutes.
Scoot facilitates the processes of ordering, payment, and picking processes, leaving the retailers solely responsible for organising the delivery, whether they handle it in-house or use third party.
The new platform is currently piloting in Budgens Abridge with the aim to pilot another three stores in February and March. The platform will be phased out more widely to Booker symbol group retailers – across Budgens, Premier, Londis and Family Shopper from April 2025.
Cereal Partners UK & Ireland is voluntarily recalling 14 specific batches of Nestlé Frosted Shreddies due to a risk that pieces of hard sugar may be found in the product.
This issue affects Nestlé Frosted Shreddies 500g with batch numbers:
42850952 (expiry date 07/2025)
42860952 (expiry date 07/2025)
42870952 (expiry date 07/2025)
42880952 (expiry date 07/2025)
42890952 (expiry date 07/2025)
42900952 (expiry date 07/2025)
This issue also affects Nestlé Frosted Shreddies 40g box in the Nestlé Box Bowl Mixed Cereals with following batch codes printed on the 40g box:
42913451 (expiry date 06/2025)
42923451 (expiry date 06/2025)
42933451 (expiry date 06/2025)
43173451 (expiry date 07/2025)
43183451 (expiry date 07/2025)
43193451 (expiry date 07/2025)
43203451 (expiry date 07/2025)
43233451 (expiry date 07/2025)
No other batches of Nestlé Frosted Shreddies, Nestlé Shreddies varieties or other Nestlé Breakfast Cereal products, are affected.
Nestle stated, "Consumers are requested not to eat any product with these batch codes.
"Prior to disposing the product, please take a photo of the batch code, which can be found on the top of the pack and contact our consumer services team through the contact us form on our website https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/contact or by phone on 0080007890789 to receive a refund.
"Safety and quality is our first priority and we apologise for the inconvenience caused."