Convenience Store wishes to offer its deepest condolences on the passing of independent retailer Nila Patel of One Stop Millbrook Mini Mart, Greater Manchester.
Nila passed away on 2 February at the age of 45 following a brain haemorrhage. She, and her husband Suresh, had dedicated over 23 years to retail.
In a post on LinkedIn, One Stop retailer Dee Sedani paid tribute to Nila. “It is with the greatest sadness that I share this post with the network that an amazing person Nila Patel has passed away. For those that knew her and worked with her, would have known that she was a very kind and caring person,” wrote Dee.
“I spent a lot of time with Nila and her husband Suresh helping them and mentoring her, and for that time I spent with her I admired the passion she had.”
Many others took to LinkedIn to express their condolences and share heartfelt tributes.
Natalie Lightfoot of Londis Solo Convenience described Nila as “one of retail’s treasures”. “Nila supported and advocated for our Retail Family. Kind and caring to check in on me regularly and she always cared deeply for all our friends,” said Natalie.
Arshpreet Sohal, owner of One Stop Gothering Stores, said he was deeply saddened to hear the news: “I met Nila Patel as we were starting a new journey together, and for those who knew her, her passion, positive attitude, and willingness to learn and find solutions truly stood out.
”It is heartbreaking that her journey ended far too soon. My sincere condolences go out to her family, and my thoughts are with Suresh, who should be incredibly proud to have shared life with such a strong and inspiring partner.”
Sophie Williams of Broadway Convenience Store said: ”Absolutely heartbroken and rocked by this sudden tragedy. Nel was a one of a kind woman and retailer and she is going to leave a huge hole in all of our hearts. Sending all the love and light to Nila’s family and friends. Thank you for being my friend. RIP Nila.”
In a statement paying tribute to Nila, the Federation of Independent Retailers said: “Nila was widely admired within the independent retail community, known not only for her professionalism as a retailer, but for the compassion, care and integrity she brought to her business, her local area and those around her.
“Her passing has come as a profound shock to colleagues, customers and the wider retail community, and leaves a sense of loss that feels both cruel and deeply unfair.”
Nila was named Community Champion of the Year at the 2025 Fed Awards, in recognition of the tireless work she and her family undertook to support people in need.
Judges described her store as “more than just a shop – a hub of kindness, creativity and community”, praising initiatives ranging from providing free fruit for schoolchildren to fundraising for local charities and supporting homeless people through Manchester-based organisation Don’t Walk Past.
“The award marked a particularly meaningful moment for Nila,” the Fed said. “After nearly 24 years in retail, she entered an awards programme for the very first time, encouraged by the achievements of fellow women retailers; Julie Kaur, Amy Sohal and Sunita Aggarwal. Her passion for community work, and her pride in what she and her team had built, shone through in the remarkable detail of her award entry.”
The Association of Convenience Stores said: “Nila was an ACS ambassador, an active member of ACS’ Women’s Independent Retailer Network, an outstanding retailer, and a universally-respected and much-loved member of the convenience sector and community.
“Nila’s sudden passing will shock her fellow retailers and the whole industry.”
No comments yet