Sales growth for independent retail despite coronavirus

Nearly two-thirds of convenience stores have experienced growing sales due to the coronavirus, according to a recent ACS report.

The trade group’s new survey of 87 respondents representing nearly 5,000 stores revealed the Covid-19 divide.

Despite the reports of growth, one in four stores said their sales had “decreased to a large extent”.

Responses were more uniform on the impact on supplies and opening hours.

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Only 2% of respondents claimed their supply had not been affected and 79% said opening hours had been cut.

The data also revealed 68% of sites were now offering home delivery – more than double the number providing the service before lockdown.

In total, the report claimed 600,000 deliveries are completed every week by convenience stores, however, Bestway claims this could be as high as one million.

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Despite a majority reporting sales and basket spend growth, issues remained around government support.

Only 50% of respondents had received their Covid-19 small business grant worth up to £25,000 per site.

ACS chief executive James Lowman urged stores to use the support provided to them by the government.

“There are thousands of stores that have seen business drop significantly because of where they are, so it’s essential those businesses take advantage of the government support available to them,” he said.

Find out more on our coronavirus information hub for retailers