2026 Impact Awards Winner: Yellow Stores

SUPPORTING EMPLOYEES

9/8/2026

For the independent convenience retail chain Yellow Stores, the key to scaling a business across British Columbia and Alberta isn’t just about logistics—it is about the people behind the counter. With a workforce exceeding 100 employees, the company has transformed its growth strategy into a vital support system for newcomers, students and first-time workers seeking stability in the Canadian market.

The initiative, centred on creating inclusive workplaces, prioritizes long-term career arcs over entry-level turnover. By providing mentorship and operational training, Yellow Stores has seen numerous employees transition from front-line roles into supervisory and management positions. For those who reach leadership milestones, the company extends health benefits to their entire families, bridging the gap between employment and long-term community integration.

“You are the key to our success” was the motto at the company’s recent annual general meeting, where store managers were recognized for their localized expertise. Each individual’s name was placed on a symbolic key to celebrate the important role they play in the company’s growth and success.

Management maintains that front-line staff understand the customer base better than anyone, involving them directly in decision-making and operational improvements.

The impact of these efforts is evident across the company with strong employee retention, successful internal promotions and highly engaged store teams.

As the chain continues its expansion, the focus remains on internal promotion and diversity. By linking business success to employee well-being, Yellow Stores is proving that supporting the professional and personal health of newcomers is not just a corporate value—it is a competitive advantage in the retail landscape that strengthens company culture and the communities in which it operates.

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New in 2026, CSNC invited leaders of winning organizations to answer two questions.

What is the core “why” behind your initiative?
How does this initiative align with your broader business goals?

"When Yellow Stores began expanding, we realized that growth isn't measured only by the number of locations you operate—it's measured by the number of people who choose to grow with you. That became the driving force behind our employee-first approach. Retail is often viewed as a place to work temporarily, but we wanted to change that perception. Our vision was to build an organization where people could build careers, gain confidence and see a future for themselves. We wanted every employee to know that their contribution matters and that their voice is heard. One lesson we've learned over the years is that the best ideas rarely come from the boardroom—they come from the people serving customers every day. Our front-line teams understand our customers, our communities and our operations better than anyone else. By listening to them and giving them opportunities to lead, we've created a culture built on trust, accountability and shared success. That philosophy continues to shape every decision we make. For us, investing in people has never been a separate initiative—it is our business strategy. As we continue to expand across Western Canada, we know that maintaining a consistent customer experience depends on having engaged teams who genuinely care about their stores and the communities they serve. By creating an environment where employees feel respected, empowered and recognized, we've built a culture where people take ownership instead of simply completing tasks. That ownership translates into stronger customer relationships, better operational performance and leaders who are developed from within rather than hired externally. Perhaps the greatest business benefit has been scalability. A people-first culture has allowed us to grow while preserving the values that define Yellow Stores. Every new location is strengthened by experienced leaders who pass those values on to the next generation of employees, creating a cycle of continuous development that benefits our team, our customers and our business."

- Vikram Bhown and Tejbir Singh, owners of Yellow Stores

eft to right: Ratanjot Luthra; Navdeep Singh; Vikram Bhown; Tejbir Singh and Karandeep Singh.

READ ALL ABOUT THE 2026 WINNERS HERE

Winners are also featured in the September/October 2026 issue of Convenience Store News Canada

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2026 Impact Awards Winner: Yellow Stores

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