The cost of living crisis is disrupting trade for convenience stores, new data has shown.
According to the latest Convenience Tracking Programme by Lumina Intelligence, the top-up missions and impulse purchasing traditionally seen across the sector are in decline, with both down one percentage point in the 12 weeks to 18 September.
The report highlighted the impact on top-up missions of shoppers trading out of convenience in search of more competitive prices at supermarkets and discounters.
Temptation was becoming less influential among shoppers as they prioritised essential grocery items, also affecting impulse purchasing.
The report said, however, that effective in-store marketing could help prompt purchase.
Overall, the proportion of convenience shoppers fell three percentage points to 62%, highlighting how they are purchasing from larger supermarkets or discounters more to manage less disposable income during record inflation.
Average spend also fell 7.3% to £6.58, but basket size remained the same, driven by consumers trading down and opting for less expensive items.
“We are continuing to see the cost of living crisis impact shoppers behaviour across a number of channels,” said Lumina Intelligence insight director Blonnie Whist.
“It is particularly interesting to note the decline in shoppers of a top up mission which has historically been the heartland of convenience. Retailers need to ensure that they are championing the value for money message to combat the shopper perceptions of a price premium within convenience.”
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