The convenience sector has continued to demonstrate growth both in store numbers and sales over the past year, the latest research from the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) shows.
The number of convenience stores on the UK mainland has grown more than 1.5% from 50,747 to 51,524 – equivalent to a net growth rate of more than two shops per day, according to the 2015 Local Shop Report.
Sales are up 5% to £37.7bn and average spend has climbed from £6.13 to £6.45. Multiple convenience chains have enjoyed the biggest sales growth, up 13.1%, followed by Co-operatives, 7.3%, symbol groups 3.9%, non-affiliated independents 0.5% and forecourts 0.1%.
The value that the convenience sector adds to the economy in “Gross Value Added” – is just over £5bn, according to the report.
Categories that have enjoyed the biggest surge through convenience stores year on year are non-food, household, health and beauty and alcohol.
Couples with young children are the fastest growing shopper profile up from 19% in 2014 to 23% this year while those who shop most days or every day have increased 3% to 39%.
The report also found a healthy increase in the number of jobs in the convenience sector, up almost 5.5% from 386,710 to 407,743.
The convenience sector’s key role in the heart of the communities its shops serve is highlighted for the first time. Some 83% of convenience stores were involved in local activities such as collecting for charity, sponsoring local teams and providing support for local events over the past year.
The South West proved the most engaged region where 90% were involved in community activity, closely followed by Scotland, 87% and Wales 86%. London was the least engaged with 71% involved in community activity.
James Lowman, ACS chief executive, said the report demonstrated the sector was continuing to adapt to meet customers’ needs.
“By diversifying their offering in store and the service they provide, they have firmly established themselves at the heart of their communities.”
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