RETAIL’S BEST asks “Is faceless convenience designing people out of retail?”
Published on: Mar 25, 2026
Retail’s Best Roadside Retail returns on 14 May, uniting leaders representing nearly half of the UK’s fuel forecourts to debate a key question: Is faceless convenience designing people out of retail?
There are 8,279 fuel forecourt sites in the UK and almost half of these will be represented on 14 May when around 200 forecourt operators and independent retailers, representing around 4,000 sites between them, come together for the next instalment of Retail’s Best Roadside Retail.
Retail’s Best’s network of independent retailer-business leaders represents some of the UK’s most prominent roadside retail locations. This year’s retailer-led panel discussion will debate the question: ‘Is Faceless Convenience Designing People out of Retail?’
Moiz Vas, Founder of Retail’s Best explains: “This is an important topic to discuss and it’s sure to be another lively retailer-led debate. Fuel Finder will increasingly direct drivers to the cheapest pump price. But the decision doesn’t end there. Because once they’re off the road – convenience decides where they stop, what they spend and whether they come back.
“And that’s where the real question begins. As roadside retail becomes more automated, more frictionless, more efficient ….
“Are we designing people out of the experience? Or simply redefining where human value truly sits?”
Michael O’Loughlin, a respected figure in the industry with extensive retail experience, returns to chair the panel discussion.
Retail’s Best will be bringing together some of the very best in the industry to share ideas and knowledge – helping shape the industry of the future.
Are you an innovative supplier, progressive retailer or petrol dealer interested in taking part in Retail’s Best? Register your interest by going to: https://retailsbe.st/register
For more information, go to www.retailsbest.co.uk
