1 in 20 million- Story 2

As we continue spotlighting 20 stories of extraordinary community action from our Co-op Wholesale partners, today’s feature is all about Retail Family.
Running a convenience store is hard work. Long hours, legal responsibilities, HR pressures, anti-social behaviour, theft and the day-to-day demands of running a business can take their toll. It can also be lonely, with few people who truly understand the unique challenges retailers face.
That’s why Neil Godhania and a small group of independent retailers created Retail Family: a confidential space where retailers support each other through the highs, lows and everything in between.
Neil explains:
"What started as a small WhatsApp group has grown into something much bigger, with a real focus on collaboration, knowledge sharing and supporting independent retailers across the industry.
Between the five founding members alone, there’s more than 100 years of combined experience spanning independent retail, FMCG, field operations and people leadership. If one of us doesn’t know the answer, someone else almost certainly will.
We support each other in the good times as well as the challenging; behind every one of those conversations is a retailer who simply needed someone to listen."
That small WhatsApp group is now a nationwide community. Every Monday, retailers join a free online call to share experiences, talk honestly about challenges and make sure no one feels alone. More than 620 retailers have joined these sessions, all voluntarily, driven by care for the people behind independent retail.
Retail Family is completely free to join and is open to anyone working in, or supporting, the independent retail sector. By registering, members receive weekly reminders about the Monday evening calls, updates on upcoming events and opportunities to connect with the wider Retail Family community.
Sometimes, all it takes is one conversation with someone who truly understands what you're going through to make a difficult day that little bit easier.
From wellbeing events to meet-ups like Retail Family Day at Old Trafford, this brilliant group is strengthening connections across the UK and reminding retailers that they're part of something bigger.
If you’re a retailer that would like to become part of the Retail Family community, register today via the Retail Family website https://retailfamily.co.uk/ or scan the QR code below.

This is what 1 in 20 million looks like: retailers going above and beyond for each other, not just their communities. 

Story 2 of 20.

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