Opportunities in convenience
Convenience remains the best place for suppliers and brand to innovate and be creative. That’s brilliant for c-store owners and a great opportunity to get rewards from supplier investment. Independent retail is wide, where multiple grocery is narrow, and suppliers and wholesalers care about our channel and want your business to flourish. It’s a fantastic sector to work in.
Challenges
The cost of employing colleagues is going to go up in 2025, with increases in the National Living Wage and employer National Insurance contributions. For c-store owners this may mean employing fewer people or offering fewer hours and doing more themselves, which add to the pressures they already face. Shoplifting and abuse continue to be challenges, and while the Government has pledged to tackle it, the day-to-day reality of retailers is one of constant threats and lost stock – with minimal police response. Supply chain costs will go up in 2025 and retailers need to be think about how to mitigate these.
What to expect in 2025
At a recent FWD event our chairman Dawood said wholesalers are “dream makers”, helping entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and realise their ambitions. We will continue to add value for our retail customers, through great service and advice to retailers so they can capitalise on opportunities for growth.
Trading conditions will be tough in 2025 with costs rising across the supply chain, But local stores who understand their customers and deliver consistently great service will thrive.
No comments yet