News / Voe shop rated among top 100 UK stores
A POPULAR small independent shop in Voe, Shetland has been named one of the best convenience stores in the UK.
Tagon Stores was among 100 shops named by a business development programme for independent retailers, the Independent Achievers Academy (IAA).
The top 100 list is said to celebrate “both the excellence and the diversity of independent retailing across the UK”. Entrants are judged on 12 “core principles” of retailing including customer service and innovation.
Tagon Stores owner Scott Preston said: “The recognition of our position as a top 100 UK independent retailer comes after almost three years of hard work by our team.
“As anyone who has worked in retail will tell you, it’s not just stacking shelves and being behind the till. Our staff have been key to ensuring that Voe is a great place to shop.”
The Prestons took over the store in January 2012, at a time when there were no staff and the shop was owner-operated. Since then the team has grown to a group of 12 staff working between five and 45 hours a week.
A floor refit and other minor improvements are to be carried out by G&S Flooring in the first week of October. Almost all of the improvements made to the shop have involved the use of local contractors and suppliers, Preston said.
“Local suppliers are a vital part of the business and a prime example of why the small shops don’t need to hire Hercules planes for their stock when the boats are cancelled,” he said, in reference to supermarket giant Tesco’s much-trumpeted stunt in December 2012.
“Our main supplier Hughson Brothers are able to provide us with over 75 per cent of the stock requirements, which means that we are not only supporting jobs internally but externally within the Shetland community.”
Managing director of Newtrade, which compiled the list, Nick Shanagher said the way people shop has “changed forever and consumers are finding great local retailers help them save time and money”.
“Our list of the top 100 recognises the hard work that retailers and their staff are putting in all over the country,” Shanagher said. “We are lucky to be able to showcase what great local retail looks like, which helps family businesses to further develop and compete to serve their local communities.”
The top 100 provides a “long list” for judging stores in 12 different categories, with the final shortlist to be announced on 6 October followed by an awards dinner in London on 26 November.
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