Award Winning Indepedent Retailer

Thamesmead Town Centre's The Front Page newsagents won an award for ‘Effective Ranging' at the Independent Achievers Academy Awards 2010, last Thursday, at an awards bash held at London's Grange St Paul's Hotel.

The gala dinner, which was attended by wife and husband team of The Front Page, was hosted by Dragons' Den star Theo Paphitis, who told the captive audience: “Britain is a nation of small business people; all the skills of running a shop are the perfect skills for running any business. I was told the big stores would quickly put me out of business when I started Ryman but now I have 240 shops, because there's more to retaining than price-there's service, there's quality and above all, there's community.”

The Front Page owner, Ushi Vithani agrees: “We were one of the first three shops to open in Thamesmead Town Centre on 7 November 1987.

“We have won 13-14 awards over the years and stood the test of time and I think that's down to our customers, who we have got to know very well over the years. Without them and without the staff, who put a lot of effort in, we wouldn't be here. This really is an award for everyone.”

Theo went on to say: “The next five years are going to throw up more opportunities for people like me and you (independents) than in all our lifetimes. It's our time.”

The Effective Ranging award focuses on national bestsellers, with a small amount of space set aside for new likes which will satisfy shoppers and maximise sales. The Front Page set out as an everyday newsagent, selling newspapers, magazines and tobacco but now also stock cards, gifts, helium balloons, offer passport size photos, Oyster top ups, Lottery tickets, a Post Office and more!