Sales of sandwiches and coffee continue to rise, and news this week that Greggs, the bakery chain, plans to open 600 new stores at the rate of more than one a week from next year demonstrates confidence in consumer demand. Interestingly, the stock exchange-listed company says it will fund the £300m it expects to spend on expansion out of its cashflow!

It is a useful reminder to convenience store and newsagent operators to check that they are not neglecting local demand. Coffee sales, in particular, offer attractive margins and are easy to provide.