Independent Retail News

Independent Retail News is a monthly publication designed specifically for owners and operators of small grocery stores in the UK, particularly those with fewer than ten locations. This magazine, which is a sibling publication to TalkingRetail, began its journey in 1981 under the name Independent Grocer and rebranded to Independent Retail News in 1995. The magazine is dedicated to advocating for the interests of independent retailers, and many have come to depend on it for valuable insights and support in managing their businesses.

National, Trade/B2B

English

Magazine

Outlet metrics

Domain Authority

Ranking

Global

#418895

United Kingdom

#36081

Food and Drink/Food and Drink

#156

Traffic sources

Monthly visitors

Articles

Preston shop gets sales ban and staff fines for underage vape sales

3 days ago | talkingretail.com | Tony Corbin

Lancaster Magistrates’ Court made the Restricted Premises Order following an application to the court by Lancashire County Council’s Trading Standards service. The premises was operated until recently by a company known as Sweet Shop 136 Ltd., trading under the name of PR1 Euro Mini Market. The Order follows that company’s conviction in January 2025 for six offences of selling vapes to under-18s during Trading Standards’ test purchasing exercises.
New SKE vape range: more details revealed

3 days ago | talkingretail.com | David Shrimpton

The range includes eight new devices spanning pod systems, refillables and advanced reusables. The SKE Bar – a new pre-filled pod system with same flavour profile as the SKE Crystal Bar – is out now, as is the SKE 600 Pro. The new products include a refreshed logo design on-pack to help differentiate them from the old disposable devices. They were unveiled during the Vaper Expo show in Birmingham this weekend.
Snappy Shopper partners with Purpl to offer disability discount

3 days ago | talkingretail.com | Tony Corbin

Through the collaboration, eligible Purpl members will receive a 25% discount on their first online grocery order via Snappy Shopper, available through the app and website. The offer includes same-day delivery (within 30–60 minutes) or click and collect at selected local retailers. Additionally, all Purpl users will benefit from three months of free delivery during the trial period.
Retailers see April sales rise but brace themselves for new costs

3 days ago | talkingretail.com | Tony Corbin

in Industry News UK total retail sales increased by 7% year on year in April, against a decline of 4% in April 2024, according to the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor. This was above the 3-month average growth of 2.9% and above the 12-month average growth of 1.4%.
PayPoint partners with Roblox to expand digital gaming voucher offering

3 days ago | talkingretail.com | Tony Corbin

Roblox invites its community to explore, create and share endless unique experiences. The company’s vision is to reimagine the way people come together– in a world that’s safe, civil, and optimistic. The partnerships will see retailers across the PayPoint network now offering customers the option to purchase Roblox digital gift code vouchers from over 30,000 stores.
Independent retailers in Scotland welcome delay to 'latte levy'

3 days ago | talkingretail.com | Tony Corbin

The Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) had warned that adding a charge of at least 25p to every disposable drinks cup, regardless of the material used, would be bad for business and would not achieve the government’s aims of cutting cup waste. When the move was first proposed, the Fed’s national president Mo Razzaq, who runs Premier Mo’s in Blantyre, said the move would give retailers no incentive to use cups made from recycled materials.
Mini profile: Glasgow retailer invests in store transformation

3 days ago | talkingretail.com | Tony Corbin

Store owner Raheem Ali Razaq has invested significantly in a full refit that includes a redesigned store layout, enhanced product range, and modernised in-store branding. Key improvements include striking new internal graphics, a 3D fascia, and bold window vinyls. A major part of the revamp is the increased presence of Co-op own brand products throughout the store.
Warburtons expands gluten-free range

4 days ago | talkingretail.com | Johanna Thomson

Following the launch of Warburtons’ Gluten Free Soft White Pittas in 2024, the Gluten Free Soft Brown Pittas deliver on the same quality, and have a soft, fluffy texture. High in fibre these Soft Brown Pittas are fully gluten, wheat and milk free and are Cross Grain certified. The Gluten Free Seeded Tiger Bloomer is also gluten, wheat and milk free.
Nordic Spirit adds new flavours

4 days ago | talkingretail.com | Johanna Thomson

Available now for independent retailers and symbol groups, the new Raspberry, Tropical Mix and Forrest Berries flavours feature a quicker and stronger flavour release, alongside increased moisture content. The packaging and pouch size has also been changed to be more convenient for the user. Bruce Terry, portfolio brand manager at JTI UK, commented: “Consumers in this space are seeking bolder flavour experiences and greater variety from nicotine pouches.
Swizzels celebrates 70 years of Refreshers with launch of new chew bar

4 days ago | talkingretail.com | Johanna Thomson

Featuring a mango and pineapple flavour, it reflects the growing popularity of fruity flavours, the new product retains the unique, fizzy sherbet centre. The latest addition to the Refreshers single confectionery line-up is vegan-friendly. Each 18g bar is available to wholesalers in price-marked boxes of 60, with an RRP of 20p. The Refreshers Countlines range includes the original Lemon Chew Bar, as well as strawberry, sour apple and cherry cola variations.