The 2012 Olympics may be taking place in London, but that’s a lot closer to home than they’ve been in generations, and with the Olympic Torch spending almost a week in Scotland next month as part of its country-wide tour, we look at how retailers can use the event to boost their work in the community, and raise revenues in the process.

Our series of retailer roundtables in association with P&G’s ShelfHelp programme continues this month with a trip to Turnberry to speak to some of Ayrshire’s leading local retailers.

We also take a look at some of the technical innovations that could become a major part of your business in years to come

With the recent launch of Natural American Spirit cigarettes, we follow the product from the tobacco fields to a Scottish convenience store.

In this month’s SLR our newstrade project with News International draws to its conclusion, while our biscuits project with Burton’s Biscuits Co starts heating up.

With summer around the corner, we take a major look at how you can boost takings during barbecue season, while we also examine crisps and snacks, chocolate, biscuits and cider. Also in this issue, we speak to 2011 Scottish Local Retailer of the Year, review the recent SGF Conference, ask if upselling is ingenious or irritating, take a look at the local retailing scene in Prestwick, as well as provide all the latest industry and product news and much much more.