With deep community ties and a strong focus on quality, the Dorset-based store continues to grow under the leadership of Adam and Managing Director, Andy Dike.
Triple award recognition
Adam and his team’s standout achievements at the 2024 Retail Industry Awards saw Dike & Son awarded not one, but three awards: Drinks Retailer of the Year, Chilled Retailer of the Year and Independent Retailer of the Year (over 6,000 square feet). These achievements reflect the store's commitment to the local community, excellence in customer service, product range and innovation.
Judges of the awards described the Stalbridge store as ‘Absolutely impeccable – a one-off superstore with a clear passion for community retailing. Dike & Son scooped this year’s final award for independents thanks to its expanded range, immaculate store standards and unwavering support for local producers. New this year were energy-efficient chillers, EV charge points and more solar panels, as well as a new picnic aisle featuring cooked meats, pies and quiches. The retailer expanded its range of Dike’s Kitchen home-made salads in response to customer trends towards healthier eating and is now making its own desserts. Judges were impressed with its huge ranges of beers, wines and spirits, as well as its support for good causes through Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally charity. All of this adds up to a fantastic shopping experience that provides range, quality and value for its local community, and also makes the store a destination for foodies and tourists.’
And Andy Dike said: “These awards reflect the huge amount of hard work put in by all of the team over the past year, and we are absolutely thrilled to have excelled in so many areas. This fantastic news has given us a massive boost."
Family foundations
The Dike & Son store has an area of 23,000 square feet, over 80% of which is dedicated to retail space. Established in 1851, the family-run business has deep roots in the local community and prides itself on giving customer service centre stage. With a team of 85 committed staff, many of whom have worked at the store for over 30 years, Dike & Son offers the complete shopping experience, including a full-service café, home delivery, click and collect and fresh, local produce.
Rooted in community
Adam describes Dike & Son as more than just a supermarket – it’s a community hub. The store’s wide aisles, personal service and longstanding customer relationships create an atmosphere where people feel comfortable shopping and connecting. Customers often pop in for a quick purchase but leave after a friendly chat with staff or fellow shoppers.
During the pandemic, the store became a vital resource, described by locals as a “comfy pair of slippers” that made people feel safe and supported. The café, in-store bakery and outside catering services – covering weddings and other events – exemplify the store's innovative approach and uniqueness. Meanwhile, its loyalty card system, passed down through generations, reinforces the store’s role in the local community.
Focused on sustainability
Dike & Son is also making significant strides in sustainability. Recent investments in solar panels and energy-efficient chillers and freezers demonstrate the store’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint. The store is also exploring electronic shelf-edge labels to minimise paper waste and improve efficiency. In its fresh produce section, Dike & Son has long-adopted a ‘naked’ approach to packaging, reducing the use of plastic and opting for compostable bags. From recycling all plastic and cardboard to offering compostable carrier bags, Adam’s focus on eco-friendly practices aligns with the store’s commitment to both the environment and its customers.
Partnered with Nisa
A founding member of Nisa, Dike & Son has enjoyed the flexibility and support of Nisa’s network for decades. Adam highlights how the Nisa partnerships allow the store to offer a competitive range of products while maintaining the independence to stock local and unique items. ‘If we can buy it from Nisa, we do,’ says Adam, praising Nisa for strong service levels, fair pricing and reliable deliveries. Co-op’s award-winning own-brand products and Nisa’s Fresh Rewards rebate scheme further boosts the store's profits.
Nisa’s Fresh Rewards rebate tool shows real-time spend data for both the ambient and chilled/frozen categories, categorised by rebate-eligible purchases. Retailers can now track their spending against rebate targets, ensuring they achieve the highest possible rebate each quarter. It’s also integrated with OCS to streamline ordering.
An eye on the future
In addition to its sustainability initiatives, Dike & Son has recently added a build-your-own-hamper feature to its website and introduced regular premium wine tasting events, keeping customers engaged with unique experiences. These forward-thinking efforts further establish Dike & Son as a retail innovator, making it clear why Adam and his team’s triple win at the Retail Industry Awards was so well deserved.
Ready to take your store’s offering to the next level like Adam? Speak to your RDM or our Store Development team to see how we can help you grow.