Growth in essential services at forecourts is mirroring demand in neighbourhood stores, as customers are buying more non-fuel products to help with the cost-ofliving crisis.

The ACS forecourt report released last week revealed non-fuel sales at petrol stations had reached £4.9bn this year, up annually from £4.8bn. Forecourt store owners have also invested £11,700 in improving their sites over the period.

Increases in demand for non-fuel services also reflected the investment, as nearby customers are relying on forecourts more for essentials. The number of forecourts selling wood and other domestic burning fuel almost doubled from 24% to 47% as energy costs boomed. Delivery services also became more popular, with 22% delivering groceries compared to 17% in 2022, and 11% delivering newspapers (compared to 8% in 2022).

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “The best forecourt retailers often outperform their convenience counterparts on the impressive range of services and technology that they incorporate into their offer for customers.”

Nisa managing director Peter Batt added: “The ACS report shines a light on the growing importance of forecourts in the convenience retail universe. As the traditional fuel-and-go offering dwindles, forecourt retail is evolving to suit a more dynamic shopper mission with bigger basket sizes, a more comprehensive food-to-go offering and better choice of quality food and beverage offerings.”

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