Local shops are lifelines for communities across Wales

ACS report shows vital role of convenience stores during pandemic

Source: ACS

ACS’ ‘2021 Welsh Local Shop Report‘ has revealed the vital role that convenience stores play in the lives of customers and communities across Wales, particularly to those who may be more isolated or vulnerable.

Findings from the ‘2021 Welsh Local Shop Report’ show that over the last year convenience stores in Wales have invested over £30million in their businesses to ensure that they can continue to provide essential products and services to their communities, including cash machines (73%), bill payment services (77%) and a Post office (29%).

Local shops have worked tirelessly to ensure that they can continue to feed their communities safely and effectively during the pandemic, findings from the report revealed that one fifth of Welsh convenience stores offer a home grocery delivery service to their customers.

Key findings from the '2021 Welsh Local Shop Report' include:

• Wales has more shops per head than any other part of mainland UK, with 63% of stores trading in rural locations
• Convenience stores in Wales generated over £2.8bn in sales last year
• 88% of independent retailers engaged in some form of community activity over the past year
• The average customer visits their local store around 4.20 times per week
• 42% of stores operate in isolated areas with no retail/service businesses close by

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Local shops have acted as lifelines for communities in Wales and this has been particularly evident during the coronavirus pandemic as retailers have adapted and expanded their services to ensure that they can continue to feed their communities, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.”

The full report is available for download.