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  • Alice Dolling
    Blog

    Can c-stores compete in food to go?

    2019-10-31T14:26:00Z

    HIM’s Alice Dolling discusses where the convenience channel fits in to the £21bn UK food-to-go market. 

  • HIM
    Blog

    A fad for the future?

    2019-05-14T11:37:00Z

    This cashier-less c-store trial is a bold move from Sainsbury’s, but will have not been made on a whim. 

  • ACS
    Blog

    Why reporting crime is crucial

    2019-05-02T15:42:00Z

    It is key that we take this opportunity to highlight the cost of crime not only in terms of financial loss, but its human impact, writes ACS chief executive James Lowman.

  • SGF chief executive Pete Cheema
    Blog

    Growing concerns

    2019-04-02T11:38:00Z

    ATM closures and bank restructuring are causing issues that need addressing, Pete says.

  • HIM_Blonnie
    Blog

    In search of new flavours

    2019-03-25T14:03:00Z

    UK shoppers want their boundaries to be pushed and to experiment with new flavours, and this appetite has extended into world foods and spices, writes HIM’s Blonnie Walsh.

  • Premier Wharfedale Hull
    Blog

    Don't stereotype shoplifters

    2019-03-19T11:58:00Z

    Over the years we’ve discovered shoplifters like disguises, writes Hull-based Premier retailer Sam Coldbeck.

  • Champs
    Blog

    Food to go sales boost

    2019-03-11T14:23:00Z

    It is now 15 months since Aldi opened up right next door to our store, and so we are now getting meaningful comparison figures with sales from last year as we are into our second year of trading alongside them, writes Edinburgh-based Premier retailer Linda Williams.

  • ACS
    Blog

    Ready for digital tax returns?

    2019-03-04T12:20:00Z

    The government is introducing Making Tax Digital reforms as part of a long-term plan to help businesses keep on top of their tax affairs, and in principle that makes complete sense, writes James.

  • HIM
    Blog

    Tapping into food to go

    2019-02-21T15:14:00Z

    Food to go has long been considered a growth opportunity for c-store retailers. With the total food-to-go market set to be worth £21.2bn in 2019, the opportunity for growth has certainly not changed, writes HIM’s Chloe Kent.

  • headshot
    Blog

    Return the consultation

    2019-02-21T15:03:00Z

    Now that the government has published its consultation document about a deposit return scheme for drinks containers, the convenience industry can start to work out how much it is going to cost it. While the proposals are officially subject to consultation, some form of legislation was inevitable from the moment ...

  • ACS
    Blog

    Reporting retail crime

    2019-02-05T15:35:00Z

    If retailers stop reporting crimes when they take place there’s a danger that forces will see theft as even less of a priority over time, says James.

  • HIM
    Blog

    Future thinking

    2019-01-23T15:07:00Z

    Zoe Jag-Nathan discusses HIM’s latest future of convenience report.

  • Pete Cheema
    Blog

    Silver linings

    2019-01-21T14:56:00Z

    There are several key indicators which mean that year 2019 could be a profitable one for convenience stores.

  • ACS
    Blog

    State influence

    2019-01-21T14:51:00Z

    There are two areas of consumer behaviour that the government is looking to influence in 2019 and which will have a direct impact on convenience stores: plastic bag use and diet choices.

  • headshot
    Blog

    The year ahead

    2019-01-08T15:31:00Z

    At first glance, it seems like as an industry we will have more challenges than opportunities to deal with in the coming year but, then again, that has probably always been the case.

  • ACS
    Blog

    Focus on energy drinks

    2018-12-12T10:39:00Z

    Store owners should debate selling energy drinks to children with their community, says James.

  • HIM
    Blog

    Digital ordering

    2018-12-12T10:27:00Z

    It is vital that suppliers embrace and invest in B2B e-commerce and are knowledgeable as to the key guiding principles, says HIM’s Chloe Kent.

  • Sam Coldbeck
    Blog

    Every little helps

    2018-11-28T11:38:00Z

    Making your business more sustainable can be good for the planet and your pocket, Sam argues.

  • Alice Dolling
    Blog

    Beyond price

    2018-11-19T12:18:00Z

    With multiple players now in the market, it will be very important for discounters to start to differentiate themselves beyond price and value to have that competitive edge, says HIM’s Alice Dolling.

  • ACS
    Blog

    Self promotion

    2018-11-19T12:09:00Z

    The sector clearly needs to shout more about its benefits to the community, James believes.