The area is considered to be low to middle income, but Simon doesn’t feel this affects what people choose to buy. The store provides off-street parking, on-street options, and is well served by public transport—all of which make it a convenient stop for locals and commuters alike.

What’s Selling?

Top sellers include cigarettes—thanks to the store’s commitment to sticking to RRP prices—alongside sweets, confectionery, sandwiches and, increasingly, beer. The introduction of a Beer Cave last year has been a game changer, driving a noticeable rise in alcohol sales.

Powered by ShopMate

The team are big fans of ShopMate, describing it as “user friendly and flexible—perfect whether you want to go in-depth or just keep things simple.” They especially value the support they receive from ShopMate’s tech support team and love that “everything a store needs is right there.”

Lakeside Stores makes full use of ShopMate’s Back Office system alongside the Memor handheld scanner to keep their stock levels accurate and their shelves full. Back Office is their go-to for day-to-day stock management. It allows them to monitor sales trends, review stock levels in real-time, and manage deliveries efficiently. From generating orders to tracking what’s selling well, the system helps the team stay in control without needing to spend hours poring over paperwork.

Complementing this, the Memor scanner adds speed and flexibility to the process. The team use it to quickly scan products during deliveries, spot-check shelves, and carry out stock counts without needing to be tied to the till or office. It’s particularly useful for ordering on the move—staff can walk the aisles, scan items that are running low, and build accurate orders directly into OrderMaster.

The store received in-person training from ShopMate’s Sales Manager Adam, which helped the team quickly get up to speed with how to get the most from both tools. The combination of a powerful Back Office and the convenience of Memor has allowed them to manage stock more efficiently and reduce errors, ultimately ensuring better availability for their customers.

Customer First

Lakeside Stores has invested heavily in both customer service and customer engagement. They make a point of employing local people and training the team to offer a friendly, personal experience—often greeting customers by name. A tidy, well-stocked shop and good range are seen as essential, alongside standout features like the Beer Cave. Promotions are mainly driven by Booker deals, and the store has recently upped its online presence with Facebook, TikTok and even a dedicated social media team to manage content.

A Retailer’s Mindset

When asked what gives them an edge, the team point to service, community connections, and the overall store environment. Their top tip for other retailers? “Work smarter, not harder! Utilise your team, delegate responsibilities, and aim for a good work/life balance.”

It’s clear that Lakeside Stores is more than just a shop—it’s a well-run, community-minded business that blends solid retail know-how with a personal touch and modern tools like ShopMate.