Edinburgh retailer stars in Coca-Cola campaign

An Edinburgh retailer has been chosen as one of the stars of a new campaign by Coca-Cola, which celebrates 125 years of the famous drink being sold in Great Britain, hand-in-hand with local retailers.  It spotlights the role that corner shops – and the people behind the counter – play in their local communities.

Sophie Williams, who runs the Premier Broadway store, in Oxgangs, alongside her parents, is one of six business owners from across the country that will feature in the campaign, including a new portrait and docu-series shot by multi-award-winning director Ross Bolidai and National Portrait Gallery photographer Serena Brown.

The short film reveals Sophie’s multigenerational story of family, community and resilience. Sophie’s parents – Dennis and Linda – built their shop through decades of change, serving their neighbours for 41 years. Now, Sophie – a former theatre professional – is stepping into the spotlight. 

As well as starring in her own micro-documentary, Sophie’s face will be on display on advertisement spots across Edinburgh, signifying the importance of corner shops and their owners to their local communities.

Sophie said: “For 41 years, Premier Broadway has been more than a store; it’s been a cornerstone of our family and community. Our passion goes beyond transaction, embodying a belief that the shop does not just belong to us – but to everyone it serves.

“As we join Coca-Cola’s latest campaign, we are reminded of the dedication my parents have shown since 1983, and the legacy we continue to build in Edinburgh. Their expertise, combined with my fresh perspective, social-media presence and innovative ideas, ensures our commitment to keeping the store vibrant for future generations to enjoy.”

Dusan Stojankic, vice president and general manager of Great Britain & Ireland at Coca-Cola said: “We’re proud to be celebrating 125 years since Coca-Cola was first served in Great Britain, and with 97 per cent of our products sold here also manufactured and bottled here, we’re invested in local communities. ‘The Bosses’ series is an ode to that, celebrating the businessmen and women ushering in a new era for the vastly underestimated corner shop.

“We’ll continue to champion and mentor community retailers far into the future, and hope they continue to find a sense of camaraderie through our network.”

Coca-Cola is also donating a five-figure sum to a local cause nominated by each ‘boss’ showcased in the series.   

https://www.coca-cola.com/gb/en/social/uk-local-stories

Photography by Serena Brown, of Sophie Williams