Talking Retail Live 2026 at the Kia Oval brought together some of the most respected voices in convenience retail, and one thing was clear from the outset: This is a sector that doesn’t stand still.
Despite economic pressures, rising operational challenges and evolving consumer expectations, independent retailers continue to adapt, innovate and lead from the front. And for brands, the opportunity to support them- and grow alongside them- has never been more important.
Here are our key take outs from the day:
Across the opening panel, there was cautious optimism. For some, it had been a strong year. For others, more challenging than expected. But the common thread? Retailers need to be more focused, more strategic, and more intentional in how they operate.
The response to ongoing pressures, whether economic, operational, or regulatory has been to “knuckle down”:
Challenges like theft, illicit trade, and recruitment continue to impact stores. But the mindset shared was clear: as business owners, control what you can and keep evolving.
One of the strongest themes throughout the day was a shift in how “value” is defined. Yes, price still matters, but it’s no longer the full story.
Retailers spoke about value as:
Some of the most forward-thinking retailers are going beyond simply stocking products by creating immersive in-store experiences, particularly around NPD launches, and working closely with brands to bring products to life.
For brands, this is a clear opportunity:
➡️ Support retailers with activations, not just listings.
Retail success is increasingly data-led, but grounded in real human understanding.
Retailers highlighted:
Shoppers today are more informed than ever, particularly around health and wellbeing, and expect stores to reflect that in what they are selling.
The takeaway is simple:
➡️ Relevance drives loyalty.
Perhaps the most powerful thread running through the entire event was the role of the retailer as a community hub.
From supporting local suppliers and producers, to contributing to food banks, schools and local initiatives, independent retailers are deeply embedded in their communities.
And that connection matters.
As one retailer put it: “Nothing is more rewarding than raising someone else in your community.”
For brands, this presents a huge opportunity:
➡️ Partner with retailers in ways that strengthen their community role, not just their sales.
A more serious note came from discussions around illicit tobacco, vape and nicotine products. The scale is significant and growing.
Retailers were encouraged to:
With further regulation on the horizon (including licensing and display rules), proactivity will be key.
The low and no alcohol category has evolved rapidly and is now a major growth opportunity.
Key insights:
But there are still barriers:
For retailers:
➡️ Start small, create visibility, and talk to customers about what they like. Sample products with them
For brands:
➡️ Help simplify the category and support trial (e.g. multi-buy formats)
One of the most practical sessions focused on a simple but often overlooked principle: “Core before more.”
Retailers were reminded to:
With 6 in 10 purchase decisions made in-store, clarity and simplicity are critical.
Price-marked packs (PMPs) remain a balancing act, but continue to play a key role in:
From food-to-go and “meal for tonight” solutions, to sustainability and community integration, the convenience store is evolving quickly.
Retailers who are succeeding are those who:
The future isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing the right things better.
If there was one message that cut across every session, it was this: Retail works best when it works together.
Because in a landscape full of challenges, collaboration is what unlocks growth.
Talking Retail Live 2026 reinforced something we see every day at *shopt by working closely with both retailers and brands: The independent retail sector is resilient, adaptive and full of opportunity.
For brands, the message is clear:
➡️ Be faster to support
➡️ Be closer to store-level needs
➡️ Deliver value that goes beyond the product
And for retailers:
➡️ Stay focused, stay relevant, and keep your community at the centre
Because that’s where real growth happens.
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