One in seven independent retailers plans to invest in new chillers this year, according to an exclusive survey for Convenience Store.
The poll of 200 independent retailers, conducted by The Knowledge Store, reveals that 14% plan to invest in chillers this year - almost half of those who intend to introduce new equipment in 2007. The survey also showed that 9% intend to add new shelving and 2% are planning either a full refit or store extension this year.
A quarter of retailers will be introducing new services in 2007 - 12% expect to install a payment terminal such as PayPoint or Payzone and 6% hope to add a cash machine.
Alcohol is the top performing category for retailers, with 54% citing it as their number one area last year. Confectionery is top for 14% of retailers.
Alcohol and confectionery are tipped to top the tables again this year, but retailers seem less confident about tobacco. The number expecting that category to perform best has dropped from 12% to 10% in 2007.