Shoppers spending more in convenience stores and visiting more often, says analyst

By Éilis Cronin in Industry News 5th November 2021

The latest data from Lumina Intelligence shows that shoppers visited convenience stores more often in the three months to 17 October and spent more when they did.

Compared to the previous three months, customers visited 2.8 times per week on average and despite a 3% fall in basket size, basket value increased by 21%, from £8.58 per trip to £10.38.

Planned top up remains the top mission within convenience, accounting for 23% of all trips.

Newsagent missions increased by 2ppts to 21%, driven by older demographics becoming less risk averse due to the rollout of booster vaccines.

Katherine Prowse, senior insight manager for Lumina Intelligence, said: “A real positive for UK convenience is the large increase in spend per trip and the increased frequency.

“The decrease in basket size indicates that either shoppers are opting for more premium products or prices have increased – we expect a combination of the two.”

“Delivery continues to be an opportunity for retailers to widen their shopper catchment area, despite restrictions easing and great movement of people.

“More convenience stores are working with the likes of Deliveroo and Uber Eats, as well as start-ups including Snappy Shopper and Getir to boost their delivery offerings.”