Blakemore’s Nick Rose told Retail Express that retailers need to invest to succeed. Retail Express asked three independent retailers: Have you made any investments in your store this year?

We’ve extended the shop and had a complete refit this year – it’s a brand new build. It’s paid off because things are now much more consistent. The shop looks more welcoming, and rather than cramming things onto the shelves we have the space for everything we need. Having more space means we can have more lines – we’re as good as the supermarkets.

Mosi Patel, Family Shopper Broadoak, Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester

I’m looking into joining a symbol group next year. I’ve been talking about it for a long time, but my lease is coming up for renewal so the timing seems right. I think the days of traditional newsagents are limited, so we have to look towards the convenience format. Retailers need to diversify, and I think that investing in convenience is the way forward.

Kamal Thaker, Stop Shop News, Edgware, Middlesex

I invest to make sure everything I have in the store is the best it can possibly be. If something breaks, replace it – don’t leave it broken. People expect those standards in every area of the store. If your shelving’s not up to scratch, people are going to assume that the stock on it’s not either.

Justin Fenn, Kwik Save, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk