News

A new trophy marking the legacy of independent retailer Raj Aggarwal is to be awarded to retailers who have been exceptional in community retailing and helping their fellow retailers.

The trophy was presented to Raj’s widow Sunita Aggarwal by Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman in recognition of Raj’s incredible contribution to his local community and his tireless efforts in sharing ideas and helping other retailers to improve their businesses. 

Entries are open for ACS’ Innovation Showcase, taking place virtually on 25^th November.

ACS’ Innovation Showcase is the unique chance for retailers and suppliers to come together to explore the latest products and services set to transform the sector.

Suppliers can enter for a chance to demonstrate their product to a group of the UK’s leading convenience retailers.

ACS has welcomed additional funding for police forces and local councils to step up Covid-19 enforcement, calling for support for retailers and colleagues facing abuse in stores.

The additional £60m, split between police forces and local councils, is intended to help ensure that people are complying with the Covid-19 restrictions, especially in high risk areas. In addition to extra police on the streets, the funding is intended to provide support to local enforcement officers, stewards and marshals who are helping communities and businesses to follow the guidelines.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) and FWD (the Federation of Wholesale Distributors) have written a joint letter to Financial Secretary to the Treasury Jesse Norman MP, calling on the Government to provide urgent clarity on the status of tobacco forestalling restrictions. 

Ordinarily, the tobacco forestalling regulations are in place to ensure that retailers do not stockpile products and take advantage of lower duty rates. As there is no formal Budget statement planned this year and no planned duty increase, there is confusion over the status of the regulations. 

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced a series of new restrictions to try and tackle the spread of Covid-19.

Speaking today, the First Minister stated that from this Friday, the following will apply across Scotland (October 9^th):

Content supplied by Nurture Brands: 

Nurture Brands has joined the ACS to accelerate growth in the UK convenience channel, offering the sector a portfolio solution for shoppers seeking healthier, plant-based and sustainable brands. 

The Association of Convenience Stores has welcomed a letter from Welsh Environment Minister Lesley Griffiths, calling on chief constables across to ensure that there is proper support for the 3,000 convenience stores in Wales when dealing with Covid-19 restrictions.

ACS has announced that Commercial Director Paul Chamberlain has decided to leave the organisation, departing in March 2021.

Content supplied by Muume Connect:

Introducing Muume Connect, your very own branded mobile app available for IOS & Android devices.

2020 hasn’t been the greatest of years, but it has highlighted one key factor – communications is of vital importance.

Poor communications can leave your customers confused (is it a rule of six, am I eating out to help out, what country can I go on holiday to…..) however, with Muume Connect, you can really make a difference a keep your customers updated on all sorts of news.

Book your place at the convenience and local shop sector’s pre-eminent political event, the ACS Heart of the Community conference!

There is now only one week until this year’s conference, taking place virtually on 13th October, which will bring together convenience retailers, industry experts and senior policy makers to explore how the latest political agenda and legacy of Covid-19 will impact convenience store businesses now and into the future.