When you've been in the retail game as long as I have, you learn that great businesses aren't just about technology—they're about people. And nobody understands this better than Rav, an independent retailer in the West Midlands, UK and VoCoVo customer.
I've known Rav for a few years, and if there's one thing I've learned, it's that he's not just a business owner—he's a community champion. Running four Nisa convenience stores isn't just a job for him; it's a calling, and as Rav says himself, "he was born on the till!" He's the kind of retailer who knows his customers by name, anticipates their needs and takes real pride in his local community.
When we first discussed doing this interview, I had no idea what to expect; I’d never done anything like this before, but I knew it would be something special. Rav isn't the type to get excited about tech for tech's sake. He's pragmatic, sharp, and laser-focused on what really matters: his team and his customers.
Before VoCoVo, Rav's stores were like many small retailers: teams working hard but often feeling overwhelmed, trying to manage stock, serve customers, and prevent loss without a seamless way to communicate. Often having to shout across the store - and even try walkie-talkies for a while was challenging to say the least.
Team members would struggle to coordinate, share critical information, or respond quickly to challenges. Whether it was a potential shoplifting incident, a stock issue, or simply needing an extra pair of hands, communication was fragmented and inefficient.
What makes VoCoVo different though, isn't just the technology—it's how it puts people first. These aren't just headsets; they're communication lifelines that understand the heartbeat of a small business. For Rav, it meant his team could:
“Just before the pandemic, we got VoCoVo Headsets in which changed loads of things for us, but the one thing I remember most is that I feel we’ve saved having another member of staff in. Because if the communications are better, two people working don’t need a third to go run around and do things” - Rav Garcha.
But here's the real magic: these headsets do more than save time. They build team spirit. They create a sense of connection. In Rav's stores, his team isn't just working—they're collaborating, supporting each other, and feeling genuinely connected.
I've seen this firsthand. It's not just about technology making a process smoother—it's about technology that makes people feel more empowered, more supported, and more engaged in their work.
“The market's changed and as independent retailers, it’s our job to be more nimble, more flexible and find where we fit. We now have to ... find new products that we can sell...for example, in the summer, we managed to find some Prime blankets! Just find the weird, sell the weird, get the next weird!” - Rav Garcha.
What struck me most during our interview was how VoCoVo Link isn't just a product—it's a solution that truly understands independent retailers. These aren't massive chain stores with hundreds of impersonal employees. These are businesses built on relationships, community, and personal connection.
“It’s a new world, from products to people, and every day is a school day; hence, going back to the beginning [of the interview], there’s no typical day” - Rav Garcha.
Want to see how one retailer completely transformed his business communication? Our full interview with Rav is more than just a tech story—it's a human story of innovation, connection, and community.
Trust me, you don't want to miss this.
Grab a coffee, settle in, and watch how technology can truly make a difference.
Aaron
