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.
NearSt and Grosvenor have just released a world-first study showing how showcasing retailer's inventory to local shoppers in Google helped to attract more customers and drive in-store sales to London's luxury retailers.
An eclectic homeware shop based in South East London, ed specialises in Scandinavian homeware, gifts and unique items from all around the globe. Owner, Dan Rigby and the team at ed pride themselves in stocking beautiful lifestyle brands including Broste, Madam Stoltz, Neal’s Yard Remedies and Annie Sloan.
THREAD is an independent fashion shop based in Columbus, United States. The owner Miranda Boyle opened the shop in 2012, having always had love for fashion. Now, not only is THREAD the place to go to browse big and up-and-coming designers, their large glass doors, outside patio and relaxed environment make it the perfect place to unwind and socialise - coffee and wine available on them!
Located in Suffolk’s rural countryside, Clare Pharmacy is a family-run independent business with community at its heart. As part of the Alphega Pharmacy group, owner Nicholas Smith prides himself on constantly upholding a local, friendly service. After taking over his family’s business in 2007, Nick has built up a pharmacy dedicated not only to working with the NHS and other healthcare providers but also widening the store’s extensive range of health and beauty items.