LONDON -- The 2015 edition of the United Kingdom’s Association of Convenience Stores’ Local Shop Report provides a comprehensive look at the convenience store sector, including a deep and wide ranging look at the people who run, work and shop in the U.K.’s local c-stores.
With a slightly larger independent-retailer based—75% of its 51,500 stores are run by independent retailers, compared to 63% of the U.S.’ 152,800—it may come as little surprise that 25% of U.K. c-store retailers work more than 70 hours per week, and one in five take no annual holiday, according to a new study.
Here are some other highlights from the study:
- The convenience-store sector is continually expanding. There are 51,524 local shops in mainland U.K., up from 50,747 in 2014.
- The local shops provide flexible employment for thousands of people. In 2015, the convenience sector employs over 407,000 people, with 69% working less than 31 hours per week.
- Sales are ever-increasing. The total value of sales in convenience stores was £37.7 billion (about $57.94 billion U.S.) through April 2015, with a 5% overall growth in annual turnover compared to last year.
- Convenience stores are an active part of their local community. Eighty-three percent of independent retailers have engaged in some form of community activity over the last year.
- Convenience stores are an entrepreneurial platform. Three quarters of local shops are run by small business owners, and over seven in 10 retailers are the first in their family to own or run a convenience store.
- Customers love shopping at their local store, Eighty-three percent of the public visit a convenience store at least once a week, with 25% of customers visiting at least once a day.
Click here to download the complete report.
The 2015 Local Shop Report is developed with help from research organizations such as him! Research and Consulting, the Institute of Grocery Distribution, Nielsen, ComRes and William Reed Business Media with new research designed and commissioned by ACS.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.