The Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) has announced the finalists for its 2024 Store of the Year, with the winners to be declared at next week’s Connect 25 Awards Dinner.
Featuring two categories – Corporate Store of the Year and Independent Store of the Year – the annual awards celebrate innovation, exceptional customer service, and the unique qualities that set stores apart.
Theo Foukkare, CEO of AACS, said these stores lead the way in excellence, and AACS is proud to celebrate their commitment to their communities.
“The AACS Store of the Year finalists showcase the highest standards of creativity, shopper experience, and operational excellence in Australia’s convenience channel.”
The finalists for the Corporate Store of the Year are BP Caboolture North and 7-Eleven Bowen Hills. The finalists for Independent Store of the Year are X Convenience Hindmarsh, APCO Café 24-7 Warrnambool, and SUPPLY Boorooma.
Corporate Store of the Year Finalists:
- 7-Eleven Bowen Hills: A standalone convenience store in Brisbane’s inner north-east, opened in August 2024, just 3.2 km from the CBD. Offering more meal options throughout the day, the store features hot chicken and chips, pizza slices, sushi, onigiri, bake-in-store pastries, and dairy and alternative milk coffee machines, alongside its traditional range. It also stocks an expanded selection of groceries, including American candy, frozen foods, health and beauty products, and cleaning essentials.
- BP Caboolture North: This site is a next-generation travel centre that underwent a major transformation in 2024 to redefine the roadside experience. The redesign introduced a high-energy, modern convenience store with an expanded Wildbean Café, featuring barista-made coffee and a curated selection of fresh food. Upgraded seating and enhanced trucker amenities ensure a comfortable visit, making bp Caboolture North more than just a fuel stop—it’s a destination offering quality, convenience, and exceptional service for Queensland travellers.
Independent Store of the Year Finalists:
- X Convenience Hindmarsh: Open 24 hours, this site in Adelaide is designed to meet the needs of local businesses and passing traffic with a modern, customer-focused experience. Offering everything from traditional convenience items and grocery essentials to exclusive brands like Burger X, Down Dog, and X Desserts, the store caters to all occasions, from lunch and dinner to late-night snacks. With a clean, modern design, clear sightlines for easy navigation, a large mezzanine seating area, and a dedicated drive-through lane, convenience is at the heart of the store.
- APCO Café 24-7 Warrnambool: Originally opened by Ron and Margaret Anderson in 1970, has been transformed into a modern, welcoming space with a fresh architectural design and an expanded food offering. Customers are greeted by warm wood tones, greenery, and a panoramic café area featuring award-winning barista-made coffee and views of Warrnambool’s famous breakwater. The store offers a diverse selection of fresh, made-on-site food, including sandwiches, sushi, salads, and sweet treats. With over 90 per cent of food prepared fresh on-site and a menu that includes iced coffees, shakes, and hearty roast dinners, APCO Warrnambool is more than just a service station—it’s a local favourite where customers can relax, refuel, and unwind.
- SUPPLY Boorooma: Developed by The Dunn Group and opened in November last year, SUPPLY Boorooma is a premium 24-hour one-stop shop catering to the growing local community. Featuring a modern, sophisticated fit-out, the store aligns with bp for fuel and Balmain Coffee Company to enhance its premium feel. It houses a full IGA Local Grocer and IGA Liquor store, offering rewards through bp and IGA across five checkout points, along with a full NSW Lotteries service. Fresh food options include daily made sandwiches, wraps, sushi, fruit, and yogurt cups, plus made-to-order chicken and schnitzel burgers for heartier meals. Strongly supporting local suppliers, SUPPLY Boorooma is deeply connected to the community.
The overall winner from these categories will compete on the international stage, showcasing Australian excellence in convenience retailing.
The winner will be announced at the AACS Connect 25 Awards Dinner to be held at Crown Towers in Melbourne on 27 March.
To stay up to date on the latest industry headlines, sign up to the C&I e-newsletter.