GAP Convenience Distribution trade show attracts hundreds of retailers

A total of 90 suppliers engaged with hundreds of forecourt operators and convenience store retailers at G.A.P. Convenience Distribution’s 2026 trade show.

Growing from 2025’s event, the two-day exhibition was held at the CorpAcq Stadium in Manchester for a third consecutive year.

Suppliers showcased products from car care to confectionery, drinks to snacking, toys to technology, and leisure to non-food consumables.

Included in those exhibiting were G.A.P. subsidiary businesses Marine Supplies Direct, Straight 2 You, and Car & Caravan, with G.A.P. core brands Brookstone, Brookline, and Unipart taking centre stage in the company’s display area.

On-the-day deals were offered to retailers to drive sales, triggering a strong day of business.

Steve Pugh, general manager of G.A.P. Convenience Distribution, which is part of the Alliance Distribution Group, said: “Each G.A.P. trade show we try and build on the ever-higher bar achieved in the previous year, and I think 2026 we have succeeded in reaching a new height again.

“It was fantastic to welcome so many of our customers to the trade show, speak to them about the opportunities we have, and learn more about some of the challenges they are experiencing in the market.

“Attendance from forecourt operators and dry site retailers was up 50% on last year which is a superb result. We also managed to incorporate even more of our valued suppliers this year too and we thank them for the support of our trade show.

“In a nutshell, our 2026 event meant more suppliers had the opportunity to meet with more customers. It was a win-win scenario, and I am delighted with the results.”