As a third generation shopkeeper, Nishi Patel has experienced first hand the ever-changing local retail scene. The 2021 Convenience Conference Rising Star of the Year finalist, Nishi and his family have owned bricks and mortar shops for over 40 years.

Situated in Melton, Icon Music is the go-to place for all things music: selling everything from instruments and gifts to merchandise and printed music. Icon's owner, Tom, is always on hand to provide a friendly service for his customers, offering both product advice and a rehearsal room where tuition is available. There is also an instrument repair service available on site.

Independent designer specialists, Michael Stewart Menswear opened their doors in 1967, providing the people of Selby with quality designer clothing, coupled with exceptional service. Owner Richard Blackburn and manager Sam Dennis pride themselves on stocking high end designer brands, including Paul & Shark, Barbour, Hugo BOSS, Tommy Hilfiger, just to name a few. 

Parkview Retail’s Co-op Welcome convenience stores in Southampton have been serving the local community and its visitors for 20 years. Having won multiple convenience retail awards such as ‘Best use of technology', they’re always keen to be at the forefront of new tech and find ways they can best serve their customers.

Winner of the 2019 IWC Northern Ireland Wine Merchant of the Year, KWM Wines & Spirits has a thriving online business and a “strong bricks and mortar presence” in Northern Ireland’s Kilkeel. Brought to life in 1994, owner Andrew Imrie has built up KWM Wines & Spirits with a strong focus on quality, customer satisfaction and impeccable staff knowledge, giving him a very “well-established reputation in the area”. 

The Challenge

Social media platforms are playing an increasingly important role in shopping journeys, with 15% of Facebook users now saying they use the platform to look and shop for products.