No two c-stores are absolutely alike and the term ‘convenience store essential’ can mean different things to different people. Scottish Grocer visited two very different retailers to find out what goods and services they couldn’t do without.
ABDUL Rashid can point to three essential components that have made his business what it is – a great range, support from his wholesaler and a good relationship with his customers.
Range-wise, Salina Mini Market, in New Stevenston, North Lanarkshire, offers a lot more than its exterior suggests, but local people haven’t always known that.
The decision, in 2014, to move the village Post Office from its central location to Salina Mini Market faced criticism from a number of residents. But it has proved to be a benefit both to the store and to many locals who never shopped there before.
“We had a good business anyway, but the Post Office has brought in a lot of new local customers who just walked past us for decades,” said Abdul.
“They didn’t know how much we sold here. They saw the shop from outside, thought it was just a small corner shop and never came in. Then when they came in to use the Post Office, they saw inside the shop for the first time and picked up a basket.
“Now they know what they can buy here and that we do a lot of special offers, they keep coming back even when they’re not using the Post Office.”
Another key to the success of Salina Mini Market has been the good relationship Abdul has fostered with Bestway Batleys over the years. As well as making five trips a week to the cash & carry, he’s a keen participant at the wholesaler’s seminars and a multiple prize winner.
“They’ve been a real help to us,” he said. “I’ve been a Batleys customer since they opened in Cambuslang and I’ve never had a problem with them. I’ve got more of my stock sitting at the cash & carry than in my store. If I buy a palette but I don’t have the room, they’ll keep a hold of it. They won’t do it for everyone, but I never go to any other cash & carry, so they look after me. They see their business the same way I see mine – you’ve got to look after your customers.”
Abdul has owned Salina Mini Market (named after his daughter Salina) since 1989, but it was his wife’s father’s shop before that. That means his family is very well known in the community, which he says has been very good to them.
In return, he has tried to give back to the community, supporting local charities and sports teams, as well as keeping prices down.
“Every shopkeeper needs to think about their own pocket but I really try to think about the customer’s pocket. It’s essential to do everything you can for them,” he said.
“Shelves must never be empty and if somebody wants something you should try get it for them. A customer recently asked me for WD-40, which we don’t have in stock. So I just let him borrow my own can, which was good enough for him.
“That’s the way you’ve got to be if you want customers to keep coming back.”
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My ‘must stocks’ – Abdul Rashid
THERE’S little doubt that, as with many other c-stores, soft drinks are a standout category for Salina Mini Market, especially Irn Bru, which has been on promotion for five years.
Hardware and household items have also brought a steady stream of sales over the years, at high margin – with the added benefit that items like light bulbs and puncture repair kits don’t have sell-by dates.
However, since the Post Office was added, sales of grocery items have done very well, particularly Best-in’s range of tinned meats.
“They’re cheaper than the brands, they’re good quality and very popular with customers,” said Abdul.
