What we discovered when we surveyed prices in 6 different shops

What customers want

We asked five customers what they like about and want from c-stores. Here’s what they said:

What we like about our local independent stores

“Budgens is the best in terms of value when it comes to pricing. Although the food is great quality, the prices are very reasonable in comparison to those in other convenience stores where the food may not be of the same standards”
Jennifer Duggan

“Nisa has reasonable prices and I generally prefer convenience stores over the supermarkets like Sainsbury’s Local because I sometimes find their food overpriced. The products in these smaller stores are still good quality so I don’t see the point in going elsewhere.”
Claire Worrick

Three lessons for your store from fans of supermarket c-stores

Customers want great prices: “Sainsbury’s Local have the best prices because their own brand food is very reasonable. I often find deals that mean I can get my food even cheaper than the already-low prices.”
Olivia Miller

Customers want good quality: “My Sainsbury’s Local provides good quality food for really good prices. I will often the same products at a higher price in my local convenience stores. I’d say Tesco Express stores have similar standards.”
Jay Davis

Customers want great deals: “Sainsbury’s is the best place to go for good value food. The prices are good because they have deals like two for £2 and other discounts, so you get big packs of crisps and things for low prices.”
Tom Howden

Your say: How we shout about great value in our stores

Knowing independent retailers have great deals available, we then asked two store owners how they make sure customers know about the competitive prices they offer.

“Social media plays a key role. With 700 followers, we post varied and relevant content three to four times a week so as not to bombard customers, but to inform them of our prices and any offers taking place. On a Monday morning, for example, we will post a picture of a coffee and a bagel to entice customers to come in for their morning coffee.”
Samantha Coldbeck, Premier Wharfedale, Hull

“We make sure customers are informed about prices with clear labels and we check no labelling mistakes are made as it is not good when customers come to the till and don’t know what something costs. When advertising a special offer, we may post to Facebook or write on the chalkboard outside the store. We currently have a homemade sign in front of our cider display to inform customers of special offers."
Paul Mather, Sherston Post Office, Malmesbury