Pontefract retailer Bobby Singh of BB Nevison Superstore was highly disturbed when he discovered regular customers shoplifting. Rather than report them to the police, the compassionate retailer recognised that they had turned to crime out of sheer desperation due to the cost of living crisis, and he put them in touch with a foodbank.
Sensing that there may be a wider issue, he promptly set up an in-store support box whereby customers could contact Bobby confidentially and seek help if they were struggling to make ends meet. Within two weeks it had received four requests for help and this has continued to grow at an alarming rate as rising costs mean more and more people are feeling the pinch.
After initially assisting people with immediate concerns over food, Bobby decided to develop the service to help people find long-term solutions. “You can help them out with a meal, but for me it was about trying to get them help so that they could carry on living and they can have some kind of structure in their life where they’re not struggling and they can gain all the help that is available,” he told Convenience Store.
And so the support box evolved into a full pledge of support. “We got Pontefract Foodbank involved and, through them, we’ve got other professionals involved free of charge, such as Citizens Advice, where they can advise people on their finances and [personal] infrastructure,” he says.
A dedicated phone number was set up for those in need of advice, which Bobby has shared with customers in store and online.
Since starting the initiative in October, Bobby has helped over 100 customers. “We’re in three figures now and, unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to be getting any better,” he says. Offering people a simple way to reach out for help in confidence has been key to the scheme’s success, claims Bobby. “For some people it’s their pride, and for some people it’s about having that access to someone they can talk to who can help,” he says. “We’ve just tried to make a channel [of communication] through their community store - trying to give them guidance to make a difference and help them out.”
Bobby claims that, as the heart of the community, convenience stores are especially well placed to offer such a service. “A convenience store is not just a shop, it’s where people come in every day and they share experiences and celebrations, and they also share problems,” he says. “Customers get to know you and feel as though you are their friends and the majority of people feel comfortable to talk to me, it’s all part of the role.”
He is keen for other retailers to follow his lead and offer a similar service. “I think it would be a good idea if other retailers can take that on board and more people can get that support and we can help more people who are struggling,” he says.
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