Raj Aggarwal Award: Shropshire retailer named first-ever winner

The award, which is designed to celebrate exceptional community retailing, was created in memory of independent retailer Raj Aggarwal, who died from Covid-19 in the early stages of the pandemic last year.

Kaur, who runs a c-store just north of Telford with her husband Joey, was also named as one of the Independent Retail News Unsung Heroes earlier this year.

She has played a vital role in her local area, providing home deliveries to customers, leading local fundraising efforts and supporting other retailers.

The Raj Aggarwal Award was judged by a panel that included Jonathan James of James Retail and Avtar Sidhu of St John’s Budgens in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, as well as Aggarwal’s wife and owner of Spar Wigston, Sunita Aggarwal.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Throughout the pandemic, Julie has gone above and beyond to support her customers and fellow retailers; she has made the local community feel like her family and friends.

“This is a well-deserved award and we would like to congratulate Julie for the outstanding contribution her store has made to the local community.”

The other finalists were: Nico Ali from Tasa Shops in Jarrow, South Tyneside, and Sophie Williams from Broadway Convenience Store in Edinburgh.