The Cross Party Group on Small Shops has met to explore the Welsh government’s retail vision and how small shops are contributing to the to the regeneration of the retail sector in Wales.

The meeting was chaired by Vikki Howells MS and attended by a number of independent retail trade associations.

During the meeting, the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) government relations director Edward Woodall highlighted the vital role local shops play in communities across Wales and to the Welsh economy, outlining the issues these businesses are currently facing, including rising energy bills and employment costs.

Woodall said: “Local shops are playing a key role in helping customers manage their money as they navigate the cost of living crisis. By shopping in local shops, consumers are shopping little and often, using a range of services in one place, and saving money on fuel by walking to stores.

Shoppers limit spending to £30 as cost-of-living crisis bites

“Convenience retailers are committed to helping their communities through the cost-of-living crisis, despite the ongoing cost-of-trading crisis they’re currently facing. We will continue to engage with the Welsh government on their retail vision to help shape the action plan to ensure that it reflects the issues faced by local shops in Wales.”

According to the Welsh government’s website, the plan aims to provide: “Better pay and conditions, greater job security, improving career progression and a commitment to creating a skilled future workforce are at the heart of a new vision to revitalise Wales’ retail sector.”

An action plan will be released in the coming months, more information is available here,

The ACS’ Cost of Trading Report is available here.

Read more cost-of-living crisis news and advice for retailers