High street convenience stores on the rise, data shows

Convenience stores on UK high streets have risen in number by 3%. 

New data from mapping agency Ordnance Survey, analysed by the BBC, shows a rise in independent convenience stores from March 2020 to 2022. 

Grocery prices rise by 1.7% according to latest Kantar data

There are around 1,600 new stores (3% increase). Supermarkets, organic and speciality food stores rose by similar numbers. 

The success of food comes despite doldrums elsewhere in retail. Overall, there are 9,300 fewer shops than before the pandemic. 

Read more advice for independent convenience retailers