The Association of Convenience Stores’ Women’s Independent Retailer Network (WIRN) came together at Mondelēz International in Bournville on Friday 6th March 2026 to celebrate International Women’s Day.

The event marks five years of the WIRN, a group started by Sarah C Johnson, Head of Retailer Engagement at ACS to bring together women from within the independent convenience store sector, to network, grow relationships, and support one another through shared experiences and professional growth. 

The celebration was kindly hosted by Mondelēz International in Bournville, with Susan Nash from Mondelēz International stating: ‘ At Mondelēz International, we are delighted to celebrate International Women’s Day with the ACS women’s network group. The day has been both exciting and educational, and it’s been a pleasure to celebrate this very talented group of female retailers and learn about their experiences of working in the sector.” 

Suzanne Greenwell, Business Unit Controller at Molson Coors said: “To all the Women on International Women’s Day remember how valued and appreciated you are.”

The day included inspirational talks and a visit to the Cadbury Archives, where we showcased a special exhibition of ‘ Women at Cadbury’,. This celebrates some of the female figures that played a vital role in the growth of the Cadbury brand. 

If you are an independent convenience store or forecourt retailer and would be interested in joining the ACS WIRN, please contact Sarah C Johnson on [email protected]