‘The status quo is not an option anymore’ – The Convenience Shop CEO David Tabone

The Maltese retail landscape is undergoing a quiet revolution, with David Tabone, the new CEO of The Convenience Shop, at the helm of one of its most recognisable brands. With 26 years of industry experience – from distributor leadership in Cyprus to reshaping Malta’s convenience sector – Mr Tabone is implementing his blueprint for the company’s future, punctuating his vision with candid reflections on leadership, sustainability, and the need for change.

Mr Tabone’s mandate is precise: The Convenience Shop must evolve to remain relevant.

“My long-term vision is to be the leader in modern retailing in Malta,” he states.

“Times are changing. Things need to change in retailing in Malta. Maintaining the status quo is simply not an option anymore.”

His perspective is shaped by shifting consumer expectations.

“People want convenience outlets more than ever, but they also demand good value,” he notes, stressing the need to balance accessibility with sustainability and innovation.

Sustainability goes beyond “tick-box” gestures

For Mr Tabone, sustainability is an operational necessity, not merely a marketing strategy.

“When it comes to sustainability, it’s about examining everything – from our supply chain to packaging to the products themselves,” he explains. “Customers today base their choices on the sustainability of what they buy.”

The company is taking tangible steps, including establishing a sustainability committee and publishing its first sustainability report next year. However, Mr Tabone emphasises authenticity: “The crucial thing is that we don’t just tick boxes. We must embed sustainability into our culture and truly live by these principles.”

Technology as a catalyst of change

The CEO views technology as a means to enhance – not replace – human interaction. “We’re fortunate to be operating in this era,” he says. “Businesses that harness technology will thrive… There’s so much potential for retailers to innovate.”

He highlights specific advancements: “We need to embrace these technologies, whether it’s self-checkouts or AI-driven loyalty apps. Improving our digital presence is essential.” His objective? “To give customers what they want, where they want it, at a price they’re happy with.”

Leadership means trusting your team to deliver

Mr Tabone’s leadership approach combines decisiveness with collaboration. “I’m a collaborative leader, but I’m also decisive,” he remarks. “I set the vision. I communicate it. Then, critically, I trust my team to execute it in the best way possible.”

He is determined to break down traditional hierarchies: “The days of The Convenience Shop being a top-down organisation are over. We must become more agile, by empowering every team member to contribute.”

His success at Tryfon Tseriotis Ltd. in Cyprus – where the company was ranked among Europe’s “Top 100 Great Places to Work” – informs this philosophy. “We built that business not just for profit, but by ensuring every employee had a voice,” he shares.

With over 100 outlets across Malta, Mr Tabone sees localisation as a key advantage. “Customer preferences vary from one town to another,” he observes. “We must adapt our approach by listening to our customers and delivering what they need.”

Mr Tabone acknowledges challenges like rising costs and supply chain pressures but remains focused on action. “We’re navigating rising costs while meeting customer expectations,” he says.

“The challenges are like in every other industry,” he admits.

“We’ve got to navigate rising costs – be it supply chain costs or labour cost increases. In our particular business, global food price increases.” These pressures hit especially hard in Malta’s import-dependent market. Yet he remains focused on balanced solutions: “We need to address our price model without ignoring the need for profitability.”

His approach blends pragmatism with optimism: “It’s time to be bolder, be more innovative. We need to embrace change, not resist it. That’s what we’re about.”

“I’ve had to manage many complex changes throughout my career,” he reflects, drawing on past experience. “I say these things having been there, done that. Knowing it is possible, as difficult as it may seem.” For Mr Tabone, progress hinges on this realism: “If it was easy, everyone would do it.”

“Our greatest opportunity lies in our presence – we’re rooted in every community across Malta. We must capitalise on that strength.”

As the interview concludes, Mr Tabone distills his mission: “Creating win-win scenarios for everyone – suppliers, distributors, staff – that’s the only way. I wouldn’t know how to do it differently.”

This interview forms part of the Digital 50 Business Leaders project. These high-profile interviews are exclusively featured online at MaltaCEOs.mt, highlighting 50 distinguished conversations with business leaders, CEOs, and emerging entrepreneurial talents. Through these discussions, we aim to showcase the remarkable journeys, achievements, and successes of Malta’s business leaders.

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