Consumers believe that offering value for money is the main area where convenience stores need to improve, according to a new research study.

The Forward to the Future survey found that 74% of shoppers think that improved value for money would make them use c-stores more, ahead of better promotions and deals (53%) and relevant ranges and products (53%). The findings contrast with a parallel survey of retailers, who believe that the areas in which they need to make the biggest improvements are locally sourced products, food to go, and fresh and chilled lines.

Consumers rate c-stores highly for customer service, speed of service and community involvement, and would like to see c-stores become specialists in top-up shopping and provide more evening meal solutions.

Only 19% of consumers say c-stores are moving with the times, compared with 60% of retailers who feel their store is fully up to date.

The survey was commissioned by the National Convenience Show and the ACS, and was carried out by HIM. The full results were revealed at this week’s ACS Summit, held on March 27 in Birmingham.

Source

David Rees