It’s that time again—The Convenience Awards 2025 are just around the corner, and with them comes the opportunity to showcase your store’s excellence in the convenience retail industry. Whether you’re a seasoned entrant or a first-timer, getting your entry just right can make all the difference. Here’s how you can give your store the best chance of standing out and grabbing that coveted award.
1. Start Early – Don’t Leave It to the Last Minute
It’s tempting to procrastinate, but trust us, starting early gives you a serious advantage. The earlier you begin, the more time you’ll have to gather your thoughts, collect supporting materials, and refine your entry. Rushing at the last minute can lead to missed opportunities, such as leaving out crucial details that could make your store shine.
2. Focus on the Right Categories
Entering every category might seem like a great idea, but it’s better to focus on those that best reflect your store’s strengths. Spend time understanding each category and choose the ones where you can truly excel. A well-prepared entry in a few categories is more likely to impress the judges than a scattergun approach.
3. Understand the Questions
Before you start answering, take a step back and really think about what’s being asked. The judges are looking for detailed and relevant information, so make sure you understand the questions and prepare your answers accordingly. Structure your responses to highlight the most important points clearly and concisely.
4. Gather Strong Supporting Material
Supporting materials can be the difference between a good entry and a great one. Whether it’s testimonials, images, or evidence of community work, make sure you have plenty of high-quality material to back up your claims. For example, if you’re entering the Community Retailer of the Year category, collect testimonials from community members and showcase your involvement in local projects.
5. Show Off Your Store – High-Quality Images Are Key
A picture is worth a thousand words, and in this case, it could be worth an award. Ensure that the images you submit are of high quality and truly represent the best aspects of your store. Whether it’s the layout, product displays, or customer service areas, make sure your store looks its best.
6. Don’t Hold Back – Be Confident
The competition is fierce, so don’t be shy about showcasing everything that makes your store special. Include all the information you think could help your entry stand out. Be confident in what you’ve achieved and let that confidence shine through in your application.
7. Get Recording – Videos Add a Personal Touch
New for 2025, you can now submit videos as part of your entry. This is a fantastic opportunity to give the judges a more personal insight into what makes your store unique. Grab your phone and start filming—whether it’s a walkthrough of your store or a testimonial from a satisfied customer, a video can bring your entry to life.
8. Proofread and Polish
Before hitting that submit button, give your entry one last read-through. Better yet, have someone else read it too. A fresh pair of eyes might catch something you missed or suggest an improvement that could make all the difference. You want your entry to be as polished and error-free as possible, so don’t skip this step.
9. Leverage MPOS Solutions
For convenience store owners looking to streamline operations and enhance customer experience, integrating MPOS solutions could be a game-changer. Whether it’s speeding up transactions or managing inventory more efficiently, showcasing how you use technology like MPOS in your store could give you an edge. If you’re already using such systems, don’t forget to highlight their benefits in your entry.
10. Submit Before the Deadline – 3rd September
Finally, don’t forget that the deadline is Tuesday, 3rd September. Mark it in your calendar and aim to submit your entry well before then. A late submission could disqualify you, so make sure everything is ready in advance.
Why Enter?
Celebrate Your Achievements: The Convenience Awards are the perfect opportunity to showcase your hard work and celebrate with your team.
- Gain Recognition: Winning an award or even being a finalist puts your store on a par with the best in the industry, opening up new opportunities.
- Network with Industry Leaders: The awards ceremony at Victoria Warehouse, Manchester, is a great place to meet and learn from the industry’s top professionals.
- Build Awareness: Winning can significantly boost your store’s profile, attracting new customers and building loyalty among existing ones.
- Boost Staff Morale: Recognition for hard work can do wonders for your team’s motivation and pride.
- Media Coverage: Winners benefit from coverage in leading industry publications like Convenience Store, Lumina Intelligence, and The Grocer.
Entering The Convenience Awards 2025 is more than just a competition—it’s an opportunity to celebrate your store’s achievements, gain recognition, and boost your profile in the industry. So, what are you waiting for? Start preparing your entry today and give your store the chance to shine!
