News

The Competition and Markets Authority have confirmed that they are investigating the anticipated acquisition of Nisa Retail by the Co-Operative Group.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has reiterated its concerns about measures included in the Automated and Electric Vehicles Bill to force large fuel retailers to provide electric vehicle charging. The Automated and Electric Vehicle Bill had its Second Reading in the House of Lords on Tuesday.

ACS is calling on staff working in convenience stores to complete the 2018 Colleague Survey, with 20 shopping vouchers worth £50 up for grabs in a prize draw for those who fill out the survey.

The findings of the Colleague Survey will inform ACS’ research projects and engagements with Government. The survey will provide data on staff recruitment, job satisfaction, personal commitments, training and development and more.

There are now less than two weeks until the the old paper £10 note is removed from circulation. The notes will cease to be legal tender on March 1st 2018.

The new polymer £10 note was issued on 14 September 2017, features Jane Austen and is 132mm x 69mm. The current paper £10 note features Charles Darwin and is 142mm x 75mm.

The Association of Convenience Stores is delighted to announce the line-up of speakers that have been chosen to present at the Technology Showcase on 20^th February at the Library of Birmingham. Showcasing some of the newest technology in the sector, the ACS Technology Showcase aims to provide insight into a rapidly changing sector and enable retailers to understand how technology can be used to improve and grow their business.

We had a really great day in Cardiff last week, launching the Welsh Local Shop Report which gives all the facts and figures on the contribution that our members make to communities and the economy in Wales.  It’s a really positive story: more store per head than any other part of the UK, 25,000 jobs, £49m of investment, and a higher proportion of that going into providing essential services like post offices and free-to-use ATMs.

ACS chief executive James Lowman will share insights from the c-store sector with specialist deli and farm shop operators at Fine Food Show North, the three-day trade show at Harrogate’s Yorkshire Event Centre in February.

Lowman will join a panel of retail experts including ex-Selfridges buyer Scott Winston and food regulation lawyer Gaile Walters of LawBites for a free, two-hour retail workshop, Q&A and mentoring session.

Convenience stores in Wales have invested over £49m in improving their businesses over the last year, according to new figures released by the Association of Convenience Stores today.

The ACS 2018 Welsh Local Shop Report outlines the huge contribution that convenience stores in Wales make to their local communities, as an employer, and to the Welsh economy.

On February 20^th ACS will be hosting the Technology Showcase and HostedOne2Ones at The Library of Birmingham

The Technology Showcase provides an exclusive insight into the new and exciting innovations which retailers can use to improve their customers’ shopping experience and help to the day to day running of their store. Click here to book your free place.

ACS has condemned a move from LINK, which has today confirmed that it will reduce the interchange fee for card transactions by 5p over the next four years.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Banks have been cutting back their own branch networks, and now they are reducing the interchange fees that fund the network of ATMs provided by retailers and private companies in places that banks have abandoned.  We are concerned that this will lead to a reduction in the number of ATMs, and their reach and accessibility for all types of communities.