January 2020

ACS Outlines Support for Scottish Protection of Shopworkers Bill

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to a call for views launched by the Scottish Parliament Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee on the Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) Bill.

The Bill aims to increase protection for retail workers by:

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ACS: Environment Bill Must Account for Local Shops and Communities

The Government has confirmed that it will re-introduce the Environment Bill to Parliament, kick starting debate on the introduction of a deposit return scheme, reform of the PRN System and a new levy on single use plastics. 

ACS has warned that the legislation will pose operational challenges for local shops, especially around the details of a deposit return scheme which would require retailers to take back drinks containers in stores. ACS is working closely with Defra to shape the proposals.

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Book Your Place at Summit20!

Summit20 is an unmissable event for anyone involved with the convenience sector, bringing together retailers, suppliers, and industry experts from around the world to explore the successes and challenges of the industry and discuss new ideas retailers can walk away with.

This year's event, taking place on March 31st at the Vox in Birmingham, will focus on two of the biggest questions facing the convenience sector in the future, looking at whether convenience stores are primarily food retailers, and how the role of colleagues is changing in store.

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ACS Announces 2020 Technology Showcase Finalists!

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is delighted to announce the finalists chosen to present at the upcoming Technology Showcase.

Taking place on 5th February in Birmingham, the event will bring together retailers and suppliers to hear first-hand about the latest innovations in technology which retailers can use to improve their customers’ shopping experience or help them with the day to day running of their store.

The finalists for the 2020 Technology Showcase, who will present their innovations to an audience of leading retailers on the day are:

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Book Now: ACS’ Dementia Friends Regional Training!

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is working with the Alzheimer’s Society to create 25,000 Dementia Friends in the convenience sector to help customers, colleagues and communities affected by dementia.

As part of the campaign, ACS is running a number of regional face-to-face training events which are free for members to attend.

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Book Now for ACS’ Trip to EuroShop!

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is organising a trip for retailers to EuroShop, the world’s number one retail trade fair, taking place in Messe Dusseldorf from 17th – 20th February.

EuroShop provides retailers with the chance to see the latest innovations in the sector, upcoming trends and the chance to network with international industry professionals. The event brings together 2,300 exhibitors from over 60 countries.

The show explores eight key areas, including:

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ACS Urges Retailers to Prepare for the Upcoming Menthol Ban

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is reminding retailers about the upcoming ban on the sale of menthol cigarettes which comes into force in less than four months.

The European Union Revised Tobacco Products Directive (2014/40/EU) makes it an offence for manufacturers to produce menthol cigarettes and retailers to sell menthol cigarettes from 20th May 2020.

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ACS: Police Funding Must Focus on Violence in Local Shops and Communities

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has called for the police chiefs and the government to make tackling violence a top priority. ACS has also warned that new figures from the Office for National Statistics’ annual Crime Survey for England and Wales vastly underestimate the level of shop theft - which is linked to violent incidents.  

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Take Part in the 2020 Colleague Survey!

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is calling on people working in convenience stores to provide their views on employment in the sector as part of the 2020 Colleague Survey.

The survey explores colleagues’ experiences of working in the sector, looking at the pressures they face, career paths, other commitments and the benefits of working in the convenience sector.

Now in its fifth year, the ACS Colleague Survey:

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Book Your Place at ACS’ Technology Showcase!

Book your place at ACS’ Technology Showcase taking place on 5th February in Birmingham.

ACS' Technology Showcase will bring together retailers and suppliers to hear first-hand about the latest innovations in technology which retailers can use to improve their customers’ shopping experience or help them with the day to day running of their store.

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