March 2023

The Association of Convenience Stores has warned that almost 7,000 independently owned local convenience stores could be at risk of closure if the Chancellor doesn’t act in the Budget to target further support on energy costs.

Content provided by f'real:

f’real, the leading self-serve milkshake brand in the UK, has announced the addition of a game-changing new flavour to its range of tastebud-tantalising frozen drinks. Super sweet and in a baby blue hue, Bubblegum will burst onto the blend-it-yourself beverage scene this spring.

Unique to the UK and available to f’real stockists from mid-March, Bubblegum is set to follow in the footsteps of USA-exclusive and non-traditional flavour Cotton Candy – one of the brand’s best-selling flavours Stateside.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is reminding retailers in Scotland about the resources available to help them understand and prepare for the deposit return scheme which is being introduced in Scotland in August this year.

ACS has published comprehensive guidance on the Scottish scheme and a set of frequently asked questions on the details of the scheme in Scotland and elsewhere in the UK.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is calling on convenience retailers to share their experience of retail crime over the past 12 months by taking part in its 2023 Crime Survey.

The survey looks at the impact that retail crime has on local shops and colleagues, looking at the number of incidents and the cost that these incidents have had on the business.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Crime is one of the biggest concerns for our sector and has a significant and long-lasting impact on the businesses, colleagues and communities involved.

Entries are now open for ACS’ Technology Showcase, taking place at Everyman Broadgate in London on 16^th May.

ACS’ Technology Showcase focuses on the latest technological developments and explores how these products and services can help with the day to day running of a convenience store. The Showcase looks at all aspects of what’s involved in running a local shop and how technology can enhance the experience, from streamlining store operations to influencing customer behaviour.