Young entrepreneurs often face unique challenges when entering the retail industry. Nathan Whiteside, a third-generation news agent has not only navigated these challenges but has thrived, achieving remarkable success as a One Stop franchisee. In a candid conversation, Nathan shared his journey and vision for the future.
The Whiteside family name has been recognised in the Welsh towns of Rhyl and Prestatyn since the 1970s, with Nathan’s grandfather Sam Whiteside (former President of the National Federation of Retail Newsagents) instilling strong retail values into his son Phil, who then passed down this tradition to his son, Nathan.
As staples in the community the Whiteside’s support and sponsor many local groups, such as grassroots football teams, school netball teams, a local boxing club, local foodbanks, and other charitable events, such as when their Rhyl store raised £1,000 for the Alzheimer’s Research UK Rhyl Fundraising Group.
Formerly running their stores with a symbol group, the Whiteside family accrued decades of traditional early morning cash-and-carry runs ahead of long shop floor hours, which led Nathan to consider a new path for the business, in the form of One Stop Franchise.
“One Stop changed it all for us. The full infrastructure, along with the brand power, completely changed the dynamic. Before we were fighting for the trust of new customers, but with the One Stop sign the automatic trust of a respected brand pulls those customers in.”
“As a symbol group, it was difficult coming across promotions and getting the right price. Meal deals didn’t exist, good value products didn’t come along often and holding stock from the cash and carry was a constant challenge.” Nathan stated.
25% of retail entrepreneurs are 30 years old or under, a recent Association of Convenience Stores report revealed. Nathan, part of that demographic, is from a generation of new independent retailers approaching the sector with fresh eyes and ideas, unafraid of taking businesses in new directions. When asked to advise other retailers of all ages, Nathan shared “If you’re young, before you have kids, work morning until night. Don’t be afraid to take risks. Don’t be afraid to invest money. Turnover doesn’t come for free. Consider every new avenue.”
Nathan operates two One Stop Franchise stores and since being at his latest has welcomed two children into the world. He has free time to raise his family and thinks of the stores “less as a child, now, but like a brother.”
The future is bright for Nathan, as he sets his sights on spending less time behind the shop counter. “It’s time to network and see what else is out there. It’s the way forward now.” Alongside continuing to build his family’s name in the retail industry, Nathan is preparing for his father’s retirement and fully taking over the business – and one day, handing that very business over to his children.
