More retailers and more orders at United Wholesale Scotland trade show

United Wholesale Scotland (UWS) has delivered the most successful trade show in its history, with retailer attendance increasing by 34% and sales value rising by 39% compared with last year.

Held at the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow, the 2026 Day-Today & usave Trade Show involved 95 suppliers, and orders placed during the show reached nearly £900,000.

UWS has set out ambitions to reach £500 million in sales by 2030, alongside further growth of its Day-Today and usave estate, continued investment in symbol stores, and development of a new depot in 2027.

Chris Gallacher, managing director of United Wholesale Scotland, said: “This was our biggest and most successful trade show to date, and the results demonstrate the strength of the partnerships we have built with both our retailers and suppliers.

“Our ambition now is to build on that momentum. We are seeing strong growth in both Scotland and London and continue to invest across every part of the business, from our depots and delivered operation to the ongoing development of our Day-Today and usave symbol groups and our digital.

“As we work towards our £500 million sales ambition, our focus remains firmly on sustainable growth and creating even greater opportunities for our retailers and supplier partners. That continued investment, combined with the strength and reach of our business, makes United Wholesale Scotland the perfect partner for growth – both now and for the future.”

Digital transformation remains a central part of UWS’s strategy, with the business positioning its estate as a platform through which supplier partners can increase brand visibility, improve in-store execution, and activate campaigns across a growing independent retail network.

UWS now has 150 digitally-enabled black fascia stores in Scotland and 20 in London, while a further 53 black fascia stores are pending digital rollout.

The business also expects 28 new stores to join Day-Today by the end of 2026. In addition, 21 existing green Day-Today stores have been converted to usave, with a further 37 green stores still to be converted to the black fascia format.

UWS believes the continued investment will create a stronger platform for brands to connect with independent retailers and shoppers at scale, while enabling faster campaign activation and greater in-store visibility for supplier partners.

A Scottish-themed Trade Show dinner included the 2026 Day-Today Awards, recognising retailers that have demonstrated outstanding performance and store execution.

Day-Today Vansdorf Way was crowned Best Overall Day-Today Store.

Other awards were presented to Beeches Road for Best Licensed Retailer, Day-Today Catrine for Best Impulse Retailer, Day-Today Anniesland for Best Vape & Tobacco Retailer, and Day-Today Haddington for Best Community Retailer.

Supplier awards were also presented to Imperial Brands, Phoenix 2 Retail, Coca-Cola, AG Barr, AB InBev, Princes, Red Bull, Diageo, Cruzcampo and AU Vodka.

The event also marked the debut of Baggsy, the new Day-Today mascot, who will feature at future store launches, community events and depot visits.

UWS also donated £5,000 each to the Tartan Army Children’s Charity and the Sunshine Appeal.

The wholesaler has confirmed plans for events in both London and Glasgow next year.