Signs of optimism among local shops
The number of local retailers considering making investments in their stores has increased, according to a survey conducted by the Association of Convenience Stores.
In a rare sign of economic good news, the ACS Voice of Local Shops Survey found that over the last three months the number of retailers considering investing in their existing store or buying new stores has risen to 36%, an increase of nearly a third. In addition, the number of retailers intending to increase the number of paid staff hours in their business has nearly doubled to 23%.
ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “Current trading conditions are tough, but with an important trading summer ahead independent retailers are showing signs of optimism and thinking about their long term sustainability.”
The survey also showed an increase of over a quarter in the number of independent retailers reporting a sales lift in the past three months. However, there was a marked difference between retailers in the south of England (27%) and those in the North (18%) who have experienced an increase, with the majority of local shops still reporting flat or declining sales.
Never Miss a Retail Update!Crime remains a particular problem for local shops with 91% having been the victim of shop theft and more than 21% having experienced an increase in crime levels. Also, three out of four retailers said they have experienced some form of verbal abuse or physical assault in the past year.
Lowman added: “Crime remains a fact of day to day life for too many local shops. Hard working retailers at the heart of their communities should not have to deal with criminal activity with such frequency, and it is up to the Government to enforce tougher penalties for offences against shop workers.”
