How flexibility, value and innovation can future-proof your c-store today

Today’s c-store shoppers want much more than just a convenient location. Success in a fast-changing market means they expect speed, choice, value and a seamless experience – while retailers need reliable supply, margin support and access to new revenue streams.

Budgens, part of the Booker Group, has responded with a future-facing model built around three core pillars: choice, price and service. With a format that adapts to everything from compact urban sites to larger community stores, Budgens empowers independent retailers to tailor their offer to local demand – without being constrained by rigid frameworks or high entry costs.

Crucially, Budgens isn’t just a supplier – it’s a partner. Through operational support and long-term commercial planning, the brand is helping retailers meet the moment: staying competitive, profitable and connected to the communities they serve.

More than a fascia

Retailers are increasingly choosing partners that offer more than just a fascia. The future of convenience lies in genuine support structures: zero-barrier entry models, local marketing investment and enhanced food-for-now and food-for-later offers.

Budgens has embraced this model. With over 440 stores across the UK, ranging from high-street sites to neighbourhood hubs, it aims to deliver scalable, accessible and supported retail.

Digital convenience, delivered

Rapid grocery delivery is fast becoming a core shopper expectation. Yet many independents have struggled with the complexity and cost of offering it.

That’s where Scoot, Booker’s rapid grocery ordering platform, is making a difference. Now live in multiple Budgens stores, Scoot enables retailers to confidently enter home delivery.

Through the app customers can order same-day or scheduled deliveries. Retailers manage their own pricing and range, while Scoot handles payment, orders and customer service. Deliveries are fulfilled by the store or trusted partners like Just Eat.

Driving value without compromise

With ongoing cost-of-living pressures, value matters more than ever. But in convenience, value must come with quality and ease.

Budgens retailers deliver strong value through programmes like Everyday Low Pricing (EDLP), Mega Deals and the Fresh 4 offer – running year-round to ensure consistency.

Backed by full POS kits, tailored marketing, and even roadside and digital signage, these initiatives help retailers present offers clearly and professionally.

“We’re attracting shoppers from surrounding towns”

Chris Navaretnam from Budgens Wantage highlights how its retailer support is making a difference: 

“We wanted to be a one-stop-shop for the community and we certainly feel that we’ve achieved that with the support we got from Budgens.

”Thanks to the store’s wide range of products we’re attracting shoppers from various other surrounding towns and not just Wantage. We have shoppers who stop in for a quick food and drink-to-go solution, but also those who’re doing their weekly grocery shops! Budgens had the right package – especially when it came to our striking open-plan kitchen, tempting customers to treat themselves to freshly baked pastries, quality coffees, freshly squeezed orange juice, freshly made breakfast wraps, pizza slices, toasted paninis, hotdogs and more.”

Flexible formats for real-world stores

One of the key ways symbol groups can support growth is by offering flexibility in how stores are set up and evolve. Budgens stands out in this vital area, with store formats ranging from 1,500 to 5,000 square foot, adaptable to urban, rural, high-street or community locations.

Critically, the zero-cost entry model, with no joining or weekly fees, lowers the barrier for retailers looking to switch or expand. That accessibility has helped fuel growth, especially in previously underserved areas.

The ‘Fit for the Future’ programme further supports new and existing retailers by offering tailored advice on layout, merchandising, compliance and profitability. This ensures stores aren’t just opened, but optimised for long-term success.

Food for now, food for later

Consumer trends continue to favour convenient, quality food offers: both for immediate consumption and take-home occasions. Budgens stores are evolving rapidly in this space, with dedicated zones for coffee, meal deals, hot food-to-go and branded solutions including Costa Coffee and Rollover Hotdogs.

The ‘Good to Go’ zone and Cooks Range offer options across all dayparts – supporting the rise in hybrid working, impulse missions and the demand for healthy snacking alternatives.

For retailers, this means greater footfall and higher basket spend, particularly when paired with digital screens, fresh merchandising and pre-packed meal solutions.

With over 1,800 fresh and frozen lines now available, Budgens retailers are better equipped than ever to meet the needs of modern shoppers. Stores cover comprehensive missions from tonight’s dinner to a healthy lunch on-the-go or freezer essentials for the week ahead.

This growing range includes everything from high-quality produce, deli meats and fresh bakery, to seasonal fruit & veg, frozen ready meals and innovative healthier snacks – helping stores deliver on freshness, choice and value.

New lines are continually being introduced based on consumer data and feedback from retailers. This ensures Budgens stores remain relevant, competitive and able to respond quickly to emerging trends.

Crucially, the Retail Team is on hand to support stores in bringing these ranges to life. The team offer tailored guidance, merchandising best practice and actionable insights to help drive footfall, basket spend and customer loyalty.

Smarter retail through technology

Technology investment is no longer optional for modern convenience stores. Budgens retailers benefit from free EPOS systems (terms apply), access to AI-driven analytics, and partnerships with providers like Veesion, Reliance Protect and Facewatch – helping tackle theft and improve operational oversight.

In-store radio, digital signage and inventory tools add to the toolkit, allowing retailers to modernise the shopper journey while improving staff efficiency and margin control.

Community connection, loyalty and trust

In a fast-paced, digital-first world, local stores remain vital hubs of community life. Budgens retailers prioritise community engagement: going beyond simply operating in towns and cities.

Through Booker, retailers can access initiatives like:

● Food waste partnerships with FareShare and Too Good To Go
● Free waste collection for cardboard and polythene
● Ethical and local product ranges that reflect community values

Budgens also supports visibility with personalised POS kits and hyper-local promotions tied to seasons, local events and customer needs.

This combination of local relevance and national support helps Budgens stores stand out – not just as places to shop, but as true community partners.

Retail-ready for 2026 and beyond

As the convenience sector faces inflation, regulation and digital disruption, retailers need more than just supply – they need strategy. This includes freedom to adapt their offer, plus the backing to deliver it well.

Budgens’ blend of flexibility, value-led innovation and hands-on retailer support presents a compelling model for what convenience retail can look like in 2025 and beyond.