Value sales in convenience stores (excluding tobacco and its alternatives) was down by 2% across the sector in 2024, with this figure falling to -6% when you factor in the category.
However, the data from TWC’s SmartView Convenience does show that the confectionery, soft drinks and food-to-go categories are in value growth across the sector, with average spend per unit also increasing by 1% in 2024.
These figures come from an EPOS sales data sample of 5,000 stores reflective of the market structure including both unaffiliated independents and wholesaler-supplier symbol fascias.
Read more: Morrisons wholesale arm partners with TWC for insight platform
Further insight shows branded products outperforming own-label sales in the sector, with alcohol sales under-performing at Christmas (versus the performance over the rest of the year) with TWC putting this down to the promotions offered by other operators (e.g. retail multiples) during December; as well as changing consumer habits and the fact that the comparative period in 2023 included two less trading days on the run up to New Year’s Eve (4 w/e 29.12.23).
The 5,000 stores surveyed include Booker’s Premier and Londis; Bestway’s Best One and Costcutter; Nisa; and the Unitas facias. Data is extrapolated to represent the entire GB independent market (excluding Spar) of around 30k stores and is also geographically representative.
