UK retailers are optimistic about the future, prepared to invest in new shop fittings and product ranges and are embracing convenience trading more than ever before, according to new research findings from Convenience Store.

The reader survey, based on more than 500 responses, shows 80% of small food stores now class themselves as ‘convenience stores’, the highest figure since C-Store’s launch 20 years ago. Sales of C-Store readers are expected to increase by an average of 9.2% next year.