Responsible retailing is at the heart of what independent retailers do every day. Across the country, thousands of family-run shops provide essential services, create jobs and support their local communities. They do this while navigating rising costs, changing legislation and the pressures of running a small business.
Most independent retailers take their responsibilities seriously. They sell age-restricted products responsibly, carrying out age checks and following the correct procedures. Our members do not sell illegal cigarettes or illicit vapes under the counter, unlike rogue traders who undermine legitimate businesses, damage the reputation of the high street and put consumers at risk.
The new Tobacco and Vapes Act, which includes the generational tobacco ban and new restrictions affecting the sale of vaping products, brings with it further changes. Retailers must understand what is required of them and prepare for these changes. Here at the Fed, we have an important role to play in keeping members informed and helping them to understand their obligations. We want a level playing field where responsible retailers are supported and those breaking the law face appropriate action.
But responsibility goes well beyond the products that we sell over the counter. Retailers also have a part to play in protecting the environment, from providing appropriate electrical waste recycling and take-back arrangements to preparing for the UK’s deposit return scheme (DRS), which is due to launch in October 2027.
The Fed is working to help members understand the scheme and prepare for its introduction. We want independent retailers to be ready to participate positively, with clear guidance and practical arrangements that work for smaller businesses.
There are everyday responsibilities, too. Safety must be taken seriously, whether that means following local restrictions on disposable barbecues during periods of high fire risk, or making sure food is labelled correctly. Natasha’s Law strengthened allergen information requirements for food prepacked for direct sale, helping customers make informed choices and protecting those living with food allergies.
Fed members are also employers. They provide valuable local jobs and build relationships with their staff, often working alongside them on the shop floor. As changes to the Employment Rights Act are introduced, small businesses need clear information, time to prepare and practical support to understand their responsibilities. Protecting employees matters, but we must also recognise the pressures that additional requirements can place on smaller employers.
Perhaps one of the most important aspects of responsible retailing is the contribution independent shops make to their communities. Our members support local charities, take part in civic activities and help people who may otherwise feel disconnected from their neighbourhood. They are familiar faces who know their customers, look out for vulnerable people and provide services that larger businesses cannot always replicate.
At the Fed, our focus is on helping members make business easier, ensure they understand their responsibilities and can adapt to change. Responsible retailing should not simply be about ticking boxes or complying with legislation. It is about doing the right thing for customers, staff and the communities we serve.
Independent retailers want to run successful businesses, but they also want to be trusted, valued and recognised for the contribution they make. That is something worth protecting.
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