ACS report provides new insights into local shops
The Association of Convenience Stores has published its first ever Local Shops Report which provides new insights about the people who run convenience stores, the products they sell and the services they offer to their communities.
The report reveals that 77% of stores are owned and operated by small business owners, many of whom are attracted to the sector as they feel it is a good way to set up a business for the first time.
It also found that local shops are major source of employment offering in excess of 372,000 jobs across the country with a quarter of employees aged between 16 and 24. It is also a sector where families work together with more than 60% of independent retailers employing at least one other member of their family.
In addition, local shop owners were found to be ethnically diverse with 48% citing themselves as Asian British. There was a significant variation by region with 89% of London retailers citing themselves as Asian compared to 13% in the South West.
Never Miss a Retail Update!The shop owners were also found to work long hours. 60% of retailers surveyed said they worked longer than 50 hours per week and 31% said they took less than 10 days holiday a year.
ACS chief executive James Lowman explained: “This report provides new insight into the vital role that local shops play to the economy. The sector attracts entrepreneurs and gives them an opportunity to grow if they are willing to work hard. It is also a diverse industry reflecting modern Britain.
“It is also a large industry accounting for a fifth of the grocery market and a vital source of employment for people of all ages, providing flexible local jobs for young people starting work through to older people supplementing their income.”
“This report is a must read for anyone wanting to understand the role that the local shop plays in today’s society of economy.”
Priti Patel MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Small Shops Group said: “This new report shows that the local shops present in every constituency are not only a valued community service but an important national industry. It is an industry that supports and attracts entrepreneurs of all ages and backgrounds, provides vital employment opportunities and is constantly evolving and innovating in the offer it if providing to consumers.
“As a champion of small shops in Parliament, I am keen to promote policy that will make it easier for these businesses to invest and grow. We should never take for granted the hard work and contribution made by small shopkeepers up and down the country as they are the backbone of our economy.”
The full Local Shop Report is available at www.acs.org.uk/research
