Impulse sales to grow as hospitality reopens, says Bestway boss

Convenience stores are likely to see impulse and alcohol sales grow as hospitality opens, Bestway managing director Dawood Pervez has predicted.

Speaking on The Wholesale Company’s ‘Wholesale – Road to Recovery’ webinar on 31 March, the wholesale boss outlined potential convenience trends as pubs and restaurants gradually open amid the easing of lockdown restrictions.

He said: “Pubs will be able to serve customers outside, but the throughput will be limited by the number of pubs who have an outdoor space. [The footfall] will be a gradual increase as people gain confidence.

“What does this mean for retail? In the short term, alcohol sales will be relatively strong in retail, especially with the Euros [football tournament]. As people start going to high streets and parks, there will be a transition towards instant and impulse consumption.

“There is a large amount of cash saved from people not spending money, but there is still anxiety in relation to economic wellbeing. Value will still be important.”