A Leicester retailer has been chosen as one of the faces of a major new national campaign by Coca-Cola, honouring the powerful role that corner shops—and the real people behind them—play in Britain’s communities.
Sunita Aggarwal, who took over the running of her family’s SPAR stores in Wigston, Leicester Central, and Hackenthorpe following the tragic passing of her husband during the Covid-19 pandemic, is one of just six business owners selected to front the campaign. Titled The Bosses, the initiative includes a poignant short film and photographic series celebrating everyday resilience, leadership, and the human stories behind the counter.
Picture: Sunita Aggarwal
Directed by multi-award-winning filmmaker Ross Bolidai and shot by photographer Serena Brown, the campaign will see Sunita’s story featured in a micro-documentary and her portrait displayed across Leicester as part of Coca-Cola’s 125-year celebration of being sold in Great Britain.
The film tells the moving story of how, in the wake of Raj Aggarwal’s death in April 2020, Sunita stepped up to run the family’s three stores with little preparation or experience. After supporting Raj behind the scenes for 25 years, she found herself at the helm overnight—juggling her grief with the demands of managing staff, ordering stock, and overseeing finances.
“It was overwhelming,” Sunita reflects. “But there was no time to stop. I had to keep going—for our family, our employees, and our community.”
In the years since, Sunita has not only kept the business going but built on its foundations. Her son has since joined the business, and together the family are working to honour Raj’s legacy and ensure the stores continue to serve as vital community hubs.
Her commitment to giving back has remained unwavering. Sunita and her family have raised more than £250,000 through annual charity events, supporting local NHS hospitals, grassroots initiatives, and struggling retailers. She’s also become a vocal advocate for women in retail, championing causes through her involvement with the ACS Women’s Independent Retailer Network and Women in Convenience.
Through training sessions, public speaking workshops, and mentoring, Sunita now empowers a growing network of female store owners to take leadership roles in their own communities.
As part of the Coca-Cola campaign, she is joined by other independent retailers from across the UK, each spotlighted for their unique contribution to local life. New data commissioned by Coca-Cola reveals that 34% of Brits consider their corner shop an essential part of daily life, with 23% saying they rely on them more than any other retailer.
“Corner shops are often underestimated,” says Sunita. “They’re not just businesses—they’re places where people come for support, connection, and community.”
Dusan Stojankic, Vice President and General Manager of Coca-Cola GB & Ireland, adds: “Through ‘The Bosses’, we’re celebrating the people who form the backbone of our neighbourhoods. Sunita’s story is a powerful example of resilience, community spirit, and modern leadership.”
As part of the initiative, Sunita will nominate a local cause to receive a five-figure donation, further extending her impact beyond the shop floor.
