Retailers on the Frontline: Meet Raj

Here at Payzone, we’re very proud of our retailers, as many have gone above and beyond to
help their vulnerable customers.

That’s why we’ve launched our brand new Retailers on the Frontline Awards. We’ve been
visiting some of our retailers to say thank you in person, and present them with a gift
voucher as a small token of our appreciation.

We also thought it was a great opportunity to share some of the fantastic work that Payzone
retailers have been doing within their communities.

Meet Raj

Located in Lower Higham Road in Gravesend Kent, is Bob’s Convenience Store. Popular
within the community, the store has been run by Raj for the last two years. His relative, Raja,
helps to run the store too and usually does the evening shift.

So, what has Raj been doing since the outbreak of coronavirus?

When COVID-19 took hold in the UK, Raj knew he had to do something to support the local
NHS. He decided he would do this by organising donations of PPE to help with the shortage.
He encouraged his customers to help by putting a poster up about his plan in the window.

Raj was also concerned for the vulnerable people within his community. So, he decided to
set up a food bank collection point in-store to support those who are struggling.

Raj has been extremely busy throughout the pandemic, as local people still rely on the store
to top-up their gas, electricity and phones. He’s ensured that Bob’s Convenience Store has
remained open from early in the morning, to late at night so that his customers have access
to everything they need.

Even before the outbreak of coronavirus, Payzone was aware of the brilliant customer
reviews that the store receives.

‘Staff at Bob’s Store on Lower Higham Road, Gravesend, are always friendly and extremely
helpful.’

When Payzone went to thank Raj for his hard work during the pandemic, it was clear to see
why he receives such high praise from his customers.

Many elderly customers visit the store and Raj seems to know them all by name. From
speaking to the customers, Raj’s personable approach to customer service is what keeps
people coming back.

“He’s smashing.” Said Rosemary. "He knows all of his customers and is always asking after
my family. He even puts products aside for me for when I’m next visiting the store.”

“My store has always been busy.” Commented Raj. “Customers regularly come to the store
to top-up their gas and electricity, especially since British Gas came to Payzone. Other
transactions I do a lot of in-store are mobile phone top-ups and customers wanting to pay
the Dartford Crossing charge.”

When Payzone asked Raj about his family, he laughed and said (with his arms out wide),
“This is my family.” Of course, he was referring to all his loyal customers.

Raj is a brilliant retailer and an absolute credit to Payzone and all of his customers.

To Raj and all those who work at Bob’s Convenience Store, thank you.