Spending in convenience stores drops by almost 6%

Consumer spend in symbols and independents dropped by almost 6% in the run-up to Christmas and beyond, according to new data. 

The figures, released by Kantar, show a 5.8% change in the 12 weeks to the end of January compared with the same period last year,

This sits in contrast to discount chain Lidl, which saw a rise of 7.4% and online retailer Ocado, whose year-on-year sales increased by 11.3%. 

Indies to compete more with supermarket convenience stores

Convenience retailer Co-op also returned to growth, with sales rising 0.8%. January sales were, however, buoyed by fresh fruit, vegetables and salad with low and no alcohol drinks also seeing an 7% upturn across multiples and independents. Non-branded product also rose 5.4%. 

Nathan Ward, business unit director for usage and out-of-home at Kantar. said: “Over a quarter of take-home food and drink in January is chosen with health at least partially in mind, as shoppers tell us they want to eat less processed food and drink in January and feel the benefit of fibre and vitamins. Protein products pulled their weight at the tills, too, as demand for bars, bites and drinks boosted spend on sports nutrition products.” 

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