Dr Lindy Sharpe was invited to give a presentation at the Responsible Retailing Forum organised by the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) in Leicester on 15 May.
Dr Sharpe gave a presentation on the FRC project ‘Engaging Retailers in Healthy Retail Initiatives’. This project involved looking at how small, independent local retailers, such as the owners of convenience stores or the managers of small symbol group shops, can boost the quantity of fresh, healthy foods they sell. The research found that interventions work best when they are simple, free, and do not take up much of the shopkeepers’ scarce time and involve community outreach, showing that local shops can promote health at the centre of communities; while also aligning with the retailers’ business plans.
Research from the project will be published in the form of an evidence paper and as a Guidance Note for local food practitioners later this year.
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) is a membership organisation representing over 33,500 local shops, supporting them through lobbying, advice and networking opportunities. The Responsible Retailers Forum is an event organised by the ACS to offer members the opportunity to hear from policy makers, retailers and other stakeholders about the latest compliance issues affecting the convenience sector as well as emerging policy issues.
