Introducing the NEW Outstanding Independents Awards Canada program
In the dynamic landscape of Canadian convenience retail—a sector boasting approximately 22,000 stores—a quiet, powerful force drives success and anchors communities: the independent operator. Indeed, most convenience stores—a significant 58%— are helmed by single-store owners, dealers and franchisees. These valuable entrepreneurs play a key role in the success of the convenience channel, as well as communities large and small from coast to coast to coast.
With that in mind, Convenience Store News Canada is proud to launch the Outstanding Independents Awards Canada to shine a light on single-store owners and small operators (1-20 stores) making a big impact, despite their smaller size and more limited resources.
This new-to-Canada annual awards program in partnership with parent company, Ensemble IQ, will recognize excellence in tenacity, innovation, differentiation, customer loyalty, profit-generating initiatives and more.
Why independents matter
Independent operators possess a unique combination of agility, local knowledge and personal dedication. They understand a community's specific needs, often acting as hyper-local anchors that provide essential goods and services, fostering a sense of belonging and familiarity that people cherish.
However, independent operators also face unique challenges and, in recent, have been closing at an alarming rate. The last time Canada’s convenience industry saw growth in total store count was 2016, according to the Convenience Industry Council of Canada. Since then, the country has lost nearly one in five convenience locations—a 20% decline nationwide. The toll has been felt most acutely in smaller towns, which account for one-third of all closures.
Independent operators are the hardest hit. In 2023 alone, 680 independents closed their doors, a loss of almost two stores every day.
In 2021, independents represented 64% of all c-stores; today, while still the majority, that share has slipped to 58%. That shift carries serious implications, as independents are disproportionately present in rural and remote communities. When these independents shutter, residents are forced to travel long distances for basic items such as milk or fuel.
With smaller scale and more limited resources, these entrepreneurs must be exceptionally tenacious, innovative and differentiated to compete effectively. Their stories of overcoming hurdles and making a big impact across Canada deserve to be told and celebrated.
Introducing the OIAC
With this critical perspective in mind, the Outstanding Independents Awards Canada program will recognize those who stand out in areas critical to modern retail success:
- Tenacity and Business Growth: Recognizing the grit required to thrive against larger competitors.
- Innovation and Differentiation: Celebrating the adoption of new technologies, unique store designs, and inventive business practices.
- Customer Loyalty and Service: Honouring those who go above and beyond to deliver exceptional value and create a preferred shopping experience.
- Community Contribution: Highlighting the operators who actively contribute to the betterment of their local areas through donations, local event involvement, and volunteerism.
Call for nominations
Nominations are now open: We encourage self-nominations and submissions from supplier and distributor partners. The process is straightforward:
How to enter:
Submit an essay (maximum 500 words—bullet points and other languages are welcome) that outlines the outstanding accomplishments, initiatives, and community contributions of an eligible independent retailer.
Entries should focus on:
Entries should focus on aspects such as:
How is the business unique?
What about the store design, merchandise assortment and/or services offered make that store(s) stand out in the market?
Why do customers prefer shopping there rather than at competitors?
In what ways does the operator deliver exceptional customer service?
In what ways does the operator provide exceptional value to customers?
How does the operator embrace innovation?
How does the operator contribute to the betterment of their community (i.e., donations, local event involvement, volunteer time)?
How does the operator conduct an ethical business practice ensuring compliance and safety measures for their staff and customers?
There is no fee for entry, and no limit to the number of entries an individual can submit.
Key Dates: Nominations must be received by February 6, 2026. Winners will be notified mid-February.
Recognition and celebration
Winning retailers will receive significant exposure, being spotlighted in the May/June 2026 issue of Convenience Store News Canada, the All Convenience Newsletter, and featured online at CCentral.ca. Additionally, winners will receive:
- Rights to the Outstanding Independents Awards Logo and a store window decal.
- Top winners will be selected to receive a two-day pass to The 2026 Convenience U CARWACS Show, including the Industry Dinner, Conference and Trade Show.
- One OIAC winner will be recognized as a grand prize winner and presented with an education sponsorship for a family member or a donation to a charity of their choice.
- Complimentary one-year membership to the Convenience Industry Council of Canada.
Small Operator Summit
The celebration culminates in May 2026 with a Small Operator Summit, featuring a virtual awards presentation. The Summit will be open to all independent operators across Canada and will include keynotes, panel discussions, and the formal awards ceremony, providing a platform for knowledge sharing and inspiration across the independent convenience community.
Championing the OIAC
While CSNC has the largest reach of independents across Canada, we are partnering with leading organizations to help drive awareness and entries. In turn, we are delighted to announce two organizations have joined as Founding Partners of the Outstanding Independents Awards Canada.
FOUNDING ASSOCIATION PARTNER: Convenience Industry Council of Canada
The Convenience Industry Council of Canada (CICC) is the national voice of the convenience industry, representing retailers, distributors, and suppliers from coast to coast. CICC advocates on behalf of members, builds strategic partnerships, and promotes policies that strengthen the businesses serving Canadian communities every day. Whether it’s through government relations, training resources, or industry insights, CICC is committed to supporting the success and sustainability of the convenience channel.
Members will help drive nominations across Canada and to receive the reciprocal recognition as the national association supporting independents through this program.
FOUNDING PARTNER: JTI-Macdonald Corp.
JTI-Macdonald Corp. (JTI-Canada) is one of the oldest companies in Canada. Founded in 1858, JTI-Canada employs a team of talented professionals, who drive success with passion and purpose, partnering with chain and independent convenience retailers across Canada to drive results and strengthen the channel. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ont., with manufacturing facilities in Montreal, Quebec and administrative offices across Canada, JTI-Canada is a community where innovation meets tradition and has a strong legacy of championing convenience retailers.
If you would like to get involved as a Founding Partner or Award Sponsor please contact SVP Sandra Parente: [email protected]
As independents face mounting pressures, this is an opportunity for the entire convenience industry to unite to celebrate, support and strengthen the retailers and entrepreneurs who help keep Canada’s communities connected.