Local shop workforce in Wales is committed and secure, says ACS annual report

The Welsh Local Shop Report, produced by the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), found that there were 25,000 convenience store staff in Wales, working at nearly 3000 stores. One in five of those staff has been in the business for more than 10 years and 18% under a year.

The report added that local shop staff in Wales are notably diverse in age. One in five (21%) are 16-24, while one in six (14%) are over 60.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Local shops in Wales are essential job creators, providing local, flexible and secure employment for over 25,000 people in communities across the country.

“Despite challenges in the employment market, we’re pleased to say that less than one in five people working in local shops have been there for less than a year. This is a long term, secure career path.”

The report also underlined the community commitment of convenience stores. It found that 83% of retailers engaged in some kind of community activity in the past year.

Welsh convenience stores now generate £2.7bn a year in sales, with 82% accepting contactless payments and the sector investing £35m in their businesses in 2021.