Coca-Cola has unveiled a new documentary series paying tribute to c-store owners who remain at the “heart of local British retail”.
Directed by multi-award winning filmmaker Ross Bolidai, the series highlights the “unique character and cultural importance” of Britain’s beloved corner shops.
It brings six retailers into the spotlight to celebrate their “resilience, personality and pivotal role in community life”, said the soft drinks giant.
Featuring family dynamics, personal stories and community spirit, the series aims to inspire shoppers to see the real people behind the counter in new ways.
The series can be viewed here.
The film and photography series, entitled The Bosses features some well-known faces:
- Sunita Aggarwal, Spar, Leicester
- Bobby Singh, BB Nevison, Pontefract
- Keith Tomes, Costcutter, Swanage
- Sophie Williams, Premier Broadway, Edinburgh
- Kaual Patel, Nisa Local, Catford
- Bay Bashir, Go Local Extra, Middlesbrough
C-stores have thrived, with over a third (34%) of Brits saying their corner shop is an essential resource in their everyday life, according to research by Coca-Cola.
The research also suggests the current boom in local shopping is being driven by Gen Z shoppers, who spend more at their local store than any other age group.
As part of the campaign, Coca-Cola has also revealed ‘The Bosses’ portrait series by National Portrait Gallery photographer Serena Brown.
The ‘high-fashion’ style images feature the six retailers and their families, celebrating their “commitment, heritage, know-how and personality”.
From raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for local charities, acting as an unofficial department of the Citizens Advice Bureau and fixing church roofs, to launching Women in Retail groups and running for mayor, the series’ protagonists have proven themselves pillars of the local community, said Coca-Cola.
‘The Bosses’ portrait series will feature in OOH/DOOH advertising in and around each store owner’s local community, and will also include social media and national and regional PR.
The campaign comes as Coca-Cola marks 125 years in Great Britain. To celebrate, the company is “giving back” to the bosses and communities featured in the series, issuing each with a five-figure donation to invest in local projects.
Stephen Moorhouse, general manager of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) GB, said: “Local retailers are more than just shopkeepers; they are community builders, and often the first to lend a hand when it’s needed most. This series is about recognising their dedication and celebrating the value they bring, not just in economic terms, but in the trust, care and connection they foster every day.”
Sunita Aggarwal said: “Resilience means finding unexpected strength and meeting challenges head-on. After my husband’s sudden passing, I was thrust into running our corner shops alone. Through resilience, I found my voice, stepping out to lead and empower women in our community.
“I am proud to be working on a campaign with Coca-Cola that challenges perceptions of corner shop owners and highlights their role as vital community hubs. Together, we’re redefining leadership and proving that corner shops are the heart of our neighbourhoods.”
Bobby Singh said: “My roots are in Punjab, but my home will always be in Yorkshire. The community of Pontefract is of huge importance to myself and my family, and I’m proud to celebrate 41 years of serving it.
“Coca-Cola’s new campaign not only showcases the hard work and dedication of corner shop owners like myself, but shines a light on the importance of local convenience stores to their communities. I am hugely proud that our BB Nevison Superstore – founded on humble beginnings by my late father – continues to provide Pontefract with the essentials and support it needs, and will continue to do so for years to come.”
Keith Tomes said: “I’m proud to continue my family’s history of serving the people of Swanage. We’ve been here for over 100 years and we hope to be here for 100 more. My father ran the store with hard work and dedication for many years, and I do my best every day to live up to his legacy.
“This campaign by Coca-Cola is all about recognising the impact that a small business like ours can have on the local people who depend on it. It’s true to say that the Tomes family store is part of the fabric of Swanage, and I’m especially proud that my sons Chris and Darren are finding their own ways to give back to the community too.”
Sophie Williams said: “For 41 years, Premier Broadway has been more than a store; it’s been a cornerstone of our family and community. Our passion goes beyond transaction, embodying a belief that the shop does not just belong to us – but to everyone it serves.
“As we join Coca-Cola’s latest campaign, we are reminded of the dedication my parents have shown since 1983, and the legacy we continue to build in Edinburgh. Their expertise, combined with my fresh perspective, social media presence, and innovative ideas, ensures our commitment to keeping the store vibrant for future generations to enjoy.”
Kaual Patel said: “Catford is home, and I’m proud to be in a position not just to provide my local community with their daily essentials, but to give something back too.
“What this campaign with Coca-Cola will show people is that running a convenience store is a privilege, and also a responsibility. We’re where we are today because of the loyalty of the people of Catford – and now it’s my job to do everything I can to support the people, the businesses and the community around me.”
Bay Bashir said: “I’m honoured to be playing a part in Coca-Cola’s campaign, which challenges the outdated perceptions of what it means to be a corner shop owner – and recognises my family’s hard work and dedication that goes into running our store, each and every day.
“Small, independent retailers like myself play a huge role in our local communities, and Coca-Cola’s campaign is a brilliant tribute to the legacy we all have a part in building for our families for generations to come.”
Director Ross Bolidai commented: “Shooting these documentaries with Coca-Cola was a real pleasure. We got to the heart of British communities and were honoured to be trusted with stories like the challenges of immigrating to the UK and grief, but also the triumphs of their businesses and communities.
”The films are raw, emotive and stunningly honest. We think we know our local convenience shop owners, but do we really know them? We hope this series gives the nation a glimpse into the people behind the counter.”
No comments yet