As we approach the year’s end, it is fitting that the content of this edition looks ahead with some positive predictions for the convenience sector in 2009 and beyond. As James Walton, chief economist at the IGD, succinctly put it: “The news is good, in parts.”

Value, for one, is here to stay. Find out how it will impact convenience, according to TNS Worldpanel and Planet Retail. But value alone is not sufficient to retain customers. Discover how the Australian convenience store market leverages its strengths in customer service to drive sales and how Statoil Norway promotes customer loyalty via club schemes and fresh food innovations. Read how Mills Group in the UK has transformed its business from a news agency into a full convenience store operation and how it continues to evolve.

Environmental issues are here for the long term too. Take a look around Tesco’s award-winning eco Express store in our new Airplay C-TV feature and read how sales of local foods are benefiting small food stores.

Elsewhere, Scott Annan, director at convenience consultancy, srcg, takes us on a East-West convenience store tour, pinpointing latest developments in two vibrant markets, Turkey and Tokyo. And Mintel predicts the hot product trends for 2009: Lavender chocolate and cactus toast anyone? Click on the headlines to find out more. Crystal ball gazing has never been so convenient.