Is Tesco 24-hour trading decline an opportunity for you?

Tesco’s decision to cease 24-hour trading in another 30 stores could present independent retailers with a new sales opportunity.

That was the message from industry leaders at the ACS Local Shop Report launch as news of Tesco scaling back on all-night stores broke.

“It’s down to location, but if the opportunity is there, retailers should try to do it, said John Kinney, retail director at Today’s Group.

Amanda Jones, chief operating officer at Bargain Booze owner Conviviality, said a lot of franchise stores will open later as a result, but she warned that for some, longer opening hours may not work.

“There’s a risk with the increasing costs needed for additional labour,” she said. “We hear of many shops being forced to cut hours because of wage costs and margins.”

Last month, Tesco extended hours in several London stores to coincide with the launch of the capital’s night tube service.