Get a retail refresh designed to boost sales

The c-store channel never stands still – which means fascias need to constantly innovate to stop retailers jumping ship. And that’s where a strategic refresh is so important. By stepping up to the plate with a refreshed offer, brands can show customers, and retailers, that they mean business.

“2024 was a significant year for best-one with a complete review of the business and a number of pilots, culminating with a full and formal refresh of the brand, the proposition and our operations and support services to retailers,” explains Jamie Davison, retail director at Bestway Retail.

“In the past year, the biggest challenge best-one faced was navigating the ongoing impact of rising costs, which directly impacted consumer spending patterns and store footfall,” he says. “This prompted us to drive transformation rapidly to remain competitive and relevant in our communities. In response, we launched an impulse and value-led targeted strategy focused on enhancing our ‘Best Deals’ promotions, expanding our ‘Best-In’ own-label range and improving price perception across key categories.

“The ‘Best-In’ range now has over 300 SKUs and offers generous margins of over 30% in key retail categories, with smaller case sizes to aid retailers’ cash flow and stock holding. This allows us to deepen relationships with both customers and independent retailers by prioritising affordability without compromising quality.”

The company also leveraged data insights more effectively, enabling stores to tailor stock to local demand and reduce waste, explains Davison. “Additionally, we accelerated the rollout of digital solutions, including our e-commerce support and EPOS integrations. These innovations are already enhancing performance and will continue to do so across 2025 and into 2026, as value-conscious shopping becomes more entrenched. This experience has not only strengthened our network but has laid the foundation for sustained growth in the year ahead.”

Futureproofed by fresh tech

As the UK convenience landscape continues to evolve, best-one is positioning itself to lead impulse and value-led, underpinned by a leading licensed offer, notes Davison. “We recognise that today’s consumers demand both affordability and quality, alongside convenience that fits into increasingly busy lifestyles,” he says. “In response, we are doubling down on strengthening our own-brand offer, enhancing promotional activity and supporting retailers with tailored category and range planning based on local demographics and data insights.

“We’re investing in technology to futureproof our stores, from enhanced EPOS capabilities to ecommerce integrations and home delivery partnerships to ensuring retailers can meet the growing demand for frictionless shopping experiences, while also investing into the best-one B2B website for enhanced functionality and launching the best-one B2B App. The most significant overlooked opportunity is community connection with personalisation at scale.

“While others focus on price or tech, we equip independent retailers to act on local trends and become indispensable to their neighbourhoods. The 2024 brand refresh delivered a major proposition relaunch, expanded support teams and a new retailer support centre, while also launching a ‘Food To Go’ brand, enhanced digital tools including an app and improved cash and carry accessibility. By empowering retailers with the right tools and insights, best-one is uniquely positioned to grow share in 2025, not competing solely on price, but offering convenience that’s truly local, responsive and relevant.”

^{NB: This article was originally published in The Grocer’s Guide to Franchise & Fascia 2025 supplement}