More than 800 retailers expected to attend Bestway Retail Showcase

Bestway Retail has announced that its Retail Showcase 2024 will take place at the Coventry Building Society (CBS) Arena on 15 May.

More than 800 retailers are expected to attend this year’s event. This will include retailers from Costcutter, best-one, Bargain Booze and Extra Local symbols and fascias, as well as retailers who are considering joining the Bestway Retail group.

There will be 140 suppliers exhibiting, and retailers can enjoy interactive events, experiential zones, and food tastings, incorporating ‘perfect serve’ masterclasses, cocktail-making and pairing sessions to help them drive customer engagement. There will also be presentations on best practice and the opportunity for retailers to participate in workshops.

In addition, there will be exclusive deals for retailers to take advantage of, and the chance to win £1,000 store credit, with two runners up winning £500 each.

This year’s event features a new Innovation Zone, introduced to help retailers increase profit, improve sales and reduce costs. Here, retailers will be able to access the latest category insights from 150+ leading convenience and off-licence suppliers, experience a VR walk round its ‘best in class’ Bargain Booze in a convenience store, and see the latest innovations and sales and margin driving opportunities.

As digital platforms grow in importance, the latest equipment and technology to help retailers reduce costs (e.g. labour, energy and environmental), will be on view, as well as the latest security technology.  The Pop-Up Shop designed to minimise closure periods during refits (which is available for hire for public/corporate events) will be on display for retailers to view.

Bestway Wholesale’s managing director Dawood Pervez says: “The Showcase is a major investment into our retailer estate but is one which we know our retailers value as it supports their future growth and profit.

“We’re there to share ideas, learn from each other and build new relationships in a friendly, community and convivial atmosphere. It’s just one example of the value-add that Bestway Retail offers as the champion of the independent retailer.

“It’s often hard for independent retailers to find time to discover the latest trends and insights to support their business but here’s a real opportunity for them to look ahead and identify great new products and services from suppliers, whilst sharing ideas with like-minded independent business owners, who inevitably face the same challenges.

“Undoubtedly, this will be one of the most exciting events in the industry calendar.”

After the Retail Showcase will be a themed party where retailers will be able to enjoy food, drinks, and entertainment as well as a retailer raffle.