Love *shopt Winter 2026 Event!

Where brands and retailers shared thoughts and ideas in two-way conversations.

The Love *shopt Winter Event brought together independent retailers and leading FMCG brands for a day that was practical, honest and genuinely collaborative.

With retailers in the room alongside Mars, Suntory, PepsiCo, Magnum Ice Cream and Asahi, the focus was clear: What actually works in convenience retail, and how brands and retailers can do better together.

One retailer captured the spirit of the day perfectly:

“These brand/retailer conversations are the *shopt USP.  At most brand events retailers get told about their plans, whereas shopt facilitates real discussion.”

What the day looked like

The event blended insight with interaction:

• • A relaxed meet-and-greet with lunch to kick things off
  • A brand panel with Suntory, Mars and PepsiCo
  • A mini trade show, with retailers rotating around brand stands in small groups
  • A retailer panel hosted by Atul Sodha, grounded in real-world shop floor experience

And, of course, goody bags packed with fabulous merchandise and products from the brands.

Brand panel: key themes retailers cared about

Core still drives growth when it’s done well
Brands were clear that hero SKUs, strong shelf placement and core range optimisation remain the backbone of category performance. Major partnerships, rebrands and sponsorships are all designed to keep those core lines relevant and visible.

NPD needs proper backing
From energy and RTDs to confectionery and gum, new product development performs best when supply, ATL and in-store execution are aligned. Retailers responded strongly to hearing how brands are supporting launches- not just what’s launching.

Value is more than price
In a cost-of-living environment, value is increasingly about availability, relevance and ease. Quick commerce and rapid delivery were highlighted as growth areas, particularly around major sporting moments, alongside better in-store visibility and POS that works in small spaces.

Retailer feedback matters
Field sales teams and constant feedback loops are shaping innovation, fixtures and activation- with brands openly sharing how retailer insight is influencing what comes next.

Retailer panel: real insight for 2026

Hosted by Atul Sodha, the retailer panel grounded the conversation in lived experience.

Retailers shared:

• Which categories are performing best right now, including energy, food-to-go, functional and value-led lines
• How shopper behaviour is becoming more mission-led, making layout and visibility critical
• The small operational changes that are quietly protecting margins

The panel also tackled the disposable vape ban, acknowledging the challenges around compliance and customer communication, while also exploring the opportunity to rethink high-value space behind the till.

When it came to promotions and pricing, the message was consistent:
Keep it simple, visible and easy for shoppers (and staff) to understand.

Why the Love *shopt event matters

What stood out most was the tone of the day. This wasn’t about brands presenting to retailers- it was about listening, questioning and learning together.

That’s where better ranging, stronger launches and more profitable partnerships start!

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Your feedback and experiences shape the content we create, so don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or topics you’d like to see covered! hello@shopt.co.uk