According to new research conducted by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), “Britain’s corner shops are enjoying a resurgence – with nearly a quarter of consumers (23%) depending on them more than any other retail outlet.

The research comes in the wake of Coca-Cola celebrating its 125^th anniversary in Britain, while recognising the crucial role played by convenience stores as a retail partner, as well as providing a vital service to local communities.

Convenience is one of Coca-Cola’s most longstanding and important retail channels, with the CCEP portfolio delivering more than £317m-worth of sales in convenience in the past year.

The research further highlighted the enduring nature of convenience stores, especially post Covid-19 pandemic, with more than a third (34%) of Britons saying their local convenience store is an essential part of their daily life. The survey also revealed that, on average, people now visit their local convenience store five times a month, spending an average of £14.90 per visit.

Additional research conducted by Coca-Cola within the convenience retail community showed that 43% respondents (among a sample set of 2,000 individuals) felt that competition from larger supermarkets and online retailers was the biggest challenge for retailers when it came to managing their store.

To stay competitive, more than half (54%) have taken steps to improve the in-store experience they offer, while more than a third (36%) now offer online delivery.

Convenience retailers are also tapping into new platforms and services to remain competitive such as parcel pick-up/drop off, expansive grocery ranges, ATM access and home deliveries to support vulnerable customers as well as enhanced social media presence.

CCEP says this evolution in the convenience store landscape underscores a shift towards more personalised and accessible retail experiences, reinforcing the importance of ‘localness’.

Rav Garcha, owner of six Nisa stores in the Midlands and the Portsmouth area, said: “Local shops have become a great support system for communities across the country, and I’m proud to be one of the people doing this today.

“Being a convenience store owner is full of many challenges, but is also extremely rewarding. From building lasting relationships with customers to connecting with fellow retailers all over the country, we share every part of our lives with these people, and don’t take for granted the customers that literally put food on our tables, clothes on our backs and provide us with means to provide for our families.”

Stephen Moorhouse, general manager of CCEP in GB, said: “Convenience stores have been at the heart of their communities for generations, and Coca-Cola has proudly stood alongside them throughout that journey.

“As we mark 125 years of Coca-Cola in Great Britain, this research highlights the resilience and adaptability of local retailers – many of whom are finding new ways to meet evolving shopper needs.

“At CCEP, we’re committed to supporting these vital businesses, helping them grow, innovate and continue serving as a lifeline to the communities they know so well.”

James Lowman, chief executive of the ACS, added: “Convenience store owners’ super-power is their adaptability. It’s one thing to be close to your community and to understand what they want, and it’s another thing again to invest in delivering those products and services. Without these entrepreneurs taking risks and working all hours, thousands of communities would be without the essential services that make them tick.”

With a legacy spanning 125 years in GB, The Coca-Cola Company is committed to supporting the local “bosses” at the heart of local communities, and in the coming months will spotlight the convenience retail entrepreneurs that continue to evolve their businesses to help refresh Great Britain.

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