The proportion of UK consumers that used convenience stores increased +5.1ppts to 63% in the 12 weeks ending 3 April, according to the Lumina Intelligence Convenience Tracking Programme.
The increase was driven by sporting events, such as the Six Nations and Formula One, as well as more shoppers being out and about after eased Plan B restrictions.
Despite the increase in penetration, during the same period visit frequency, spend and basket size all declined. Average visit frequency declined -8.4% to 2.6 times per week, basket size fell -2.3% to 2.8 items per trip, and spend -11.8% to £9.33 per visit.
With the Consumer Prices Index rising by a further +0.7% in February 2022, shoppers are visiting convenience stores less frequently, buying fewer products and restricting their spending when they shop, amid financial uncertainty and a fear of even higher prices in future.
In-store purchases have seen a boost of +4ppts in the past 12 weeks, after eased Plan B restrictions and shoppers returning to their pre-pandemic habits. In-store shopping accounted for 91.5% of all convenience store occasions. The in-store boost has come at the expense of delivery and click-and-collect, which declined in share by 3ppts and 1ppt, respectively, in the past 12 weeks.
The top up (distress) mission has seen the strongest growth in missions share of occasions, up by +1.2ppts. More shoppers are out and about and back to workplaces, with drink-to-go occasions increasing by +1ppt, contributing to lower spend and basket size. Treat-led occasions have also increased by +1ppt, driven by seasonal events including Valentine’s Day and the run-up to Easter.
Senior Insight Manager at Lumina Intelligence, Katherine Prowse, said: “As we face into this rising cost of living crisis, consumers will become more cautious on how and where they spend their money. This is already evident, with spend, frequency and basket size all declining in our latest 12-week period. However, the increase in penetration provides retailers with a big opportunity to demonstrate the value that they offer to a wider audience. If they can demonstrate this, alongside their fantastic community spirit, then the opportunities to grow during challenging times will present themselves.”
