C-store sales growth doubles

Figures from Mintel show convenience sales will grow by almost 8% in 2020, compared to the 3% achieved last year.

The significant increase in food and drink consumed at home as a result of Covid-19 will see the convenience store market increase from £44.1bn in 2019 to an estimated £47.5bn in 2020, this is despite the hit to ‘on-the-go trade’ such as items eaten out-of home, including those for breakfast and lunch. This rate of growth is outperforming the wider grocery sector, which is expected to grow by around 6% in 2020.

However, while Brits flocked to local stores during lockdown, such a peak in demand will not continue into 2021 – particularly if social distancing measures continue to be relaxed and consumer budgets are squeezed further – Mintel says. It estimates a decline of -3.9% in the market in 2021, as it rebalances before reaching more consistent lower growth through to 2024 (of 2-3%) when the market is forecast to reach £49bn. Overall, 94% of convenience store users – or almost 80% of all internet users aged 16+ – use a convenience store at least once a month.

Nick Carroll, associate director of retail research, said: “The shift to localised shopping during the peak of Covid-19 has benefited the convenience sector, driving larger-basket demand and sales as consumers necessarily shopped more in their local communities. Longer-term, the importance of convenience stores within these communities and consumers’ desire to support them will only be reinforced – providing a solid platform for convenience retailers to build upon.”

“Not all aspects of the sector, however, are benefiting. On-the-go food and drink, for example,  is a significant part of convenience trade and has naturally been constricted by lower levels of public movement and more working at home since the lockdown. In particular this has impacted convenience stores in travel hubs. However, this decline in sales has been offset by more spending on in-home food and drink as shoppers look to shop closer to home.”

In addition, the research finds that 80% of convenience store shoppers agree convenience stores provide essential services to neighbourhoods. However, tapping into the community spirit requires a two-way relationship, as 54% of shoppers agree that it is important that convenience stores give back to the local community.

Mintel also reports a growing awareness of people wanting to support neighbourhood businesses, as today, 25% of consumers say they are now shopping more with local businesses due to Covid-19.

Carroll added: “A major long term positive of the crisis will be how the ‘essential’ status of convenience stores in communities will be reinforced. Localism and a more internal looking consumer base was a trend far before Covid-19, but naturally confined to local areas, consumers have become more aware and engaged with their communities. Combined with this is a growing realisation of the need to support small business owners, which much of the symbol operators, such as Nisa or Spar fall into.”