At first glance, the immaculately presented and crafted new Storrd store in London’s Camden, which opened last month, might not seem the kind of place you’d associate with financial challenges or the menace of legislative confusion.
In fact, it seems calm, beautifully stocked and generally trouble free.
However, managing director Rachel Andre (below left), speaking to Convenience Store in advance of the chain’s expansion across 2026 in London, says she’s well aware of the problems this and other branches might face this year.
“It’s hard to remember a time as tricky as this for businesses and consumers. Every time we turn on the news there seems to be a new challenge to think about!”
So you might well wonder, why launch a new set of stores, in this industry, and in such trying times? Andre is realistic: “As a new business, this is a tough set of conditions to launch into, but we know some of the most successful businesses launch in times of economic uncertainty.”
Andre adds that, in fact, the difficult circumstances most retailers are now aware of could act as a focus for Rachel and her team: “It naturally focuses the direction and decision-making, which means you’re poised to ride the wave of growth when things do turn around.
”We’re embracing data-led decisions and a mindset of flexibility so we can face the headwinds…”
“We’re also embracing data-led decisions and a mindset of flexibility so we can face the headwinds as best as possible. We know there will be opportunities to further build a loyal customer base if we can stay true to our price positioning as well as the communities we serve.”
As with many retailers Convenience Store has spoken to, it will be costs that will affect the business the most. “For Storrd, we’re focused on trying to control costs with our suppliers to avoid passing them on to customers as we want to keep our value proposition.
Of course, retail’s challenges are not just specific to Andre’s emerging chain. And unfortunately, they’re numerous. “We foresee ongoing volatility of supply chain which may affect what we can offer in our stores - specifically around fresh and seasonal produce.
“We also see an ever sharper knife-edge balance of labour costs in the business which many retail businesses are already looking at solutions for. Our store staff are a core part of the retail experience we’re trying to create, so we’re investing in more tech to improve operational efficiency so they can spend more time with customers.”
Finally, the rumoured u-turn on business rates from the Government for pubs only hasn’t gone unnoticed by Andre. She hopes retailers will be heard, above all else, when voicing their concerns. “The Government needs to understand that these rates don’t just affect the economy, they affect local neighbourhoods in a big way.
“With the high street due a revival due to trends in the market, it’s disheartening to see the Government take this route, but we’re going to be positive and fly the flag for independent businesses across the grocery sector.
“The high street is a core part of British culture and needs to be supported.”
“The high street is a core part of British culture and needs to be supported. While there have been some positive steps for pubs, it’s still a very difficult climate. We hope c-stores are granted the same attention as pubs and more is done in the future.”
You can now secure your tickets to the Convenience Awards 2026!
Join us on 11 March in Liverpool to celebrate the entire convenience community.
See this year’s finalists and book your seat here.
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