Two thirds of convenience stores have enjoyed increased sales since the onset of the coronavirus crisis, although a significant minority have missed out.
This is the one of the key findings from the latest Association of Convenience Stores annual Local Shops Report, published today.
The report also found the boost was driven by increased basket spend rather than an influx of completely new shoppers. Basket spend was up 77% on average while more than half (57%) of shopkeepers saw a decrease in footfall.
ACS also highlights a major shift to online groceries within the c-store sector with 600,000 deliveries made every week by convenience stores.
The stores that have struggled during the crisis have primarily been thus located in now deserted town centres and transport hubs.
“When the UK went into lockdown in March, millions of people turned to their local shops to help keep them going with essential groceries and services. Retailers have done a stellar job of adapting and developing their businesses to keep up with demand, with no greater example than the incredible growth in home deliveries,” said ACS chief executive James Lowman.
Over the last year the convenience sector has generated £44.7bn in sales, up 11% on the previous 12-months.
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