Convenience retailers in Scotland have invested £94m in their businesses in the last year, an increase of 52% on the previous year’s figures, according to the latest Scottish Local Shop Report, which highlights the crucial contribution that the convenience channel makes to the country’s economy.
The number of Scottish convenience stores was up 49, to 5,220, and the number of people employed by the sector had grown to an impressive 55,000, revealed The Scottish Local Shop Report 2024, which was launched at the Scottish Grocers’ Federation’s (SGF’s) Annual Conference in Glasgow today.
Scottish stores excelled in customer relations, with 38% of consumers surveyed knowing the people running and working in their local shop very or quite well, compared to just 30% of consumers sharing the same opinion UK-wide, according to the Association of Convenience Stores’ Community Barometer, which was cited in today’s report.
The report also indicated that Scottish convenience retailers appeared to be taking more advantage of online wholesaler platforms in the last 12 months, with only 44% claiming not to use them, compared to 63% in the previous year’s report.
In addition, the stats showed that while 35% of Scottish independent retailers offer home delivery, just 13% offer the service via a third party app – a vast contrast from the UK-wide Local Shop Report, which showed that 34% of UK independent retailers offering home delivery do so through third party apps.
SGF Chief Executive, Dr Pete Cheema OBE said: “I’m delighted to launch our annual report once again at our yearly flagship event, in Glasgow.
“The contribution of convenience stores and retail over the past few years cannot be overstated, despite the very difficult and challenging circumstances facing many in convenience retail. Staff and local shop owners across Scotland continue to play an indispensable role in both the Scottish Economy and for people in their communities.
“SGF’s Local Shop Report provides a key insight into the convenience store sector, the vital services our industry provides and the unstinting work of many of those who are employed in our trade.
“The information gathered in the report clearly make the case for targeted support from government, and a more joined up approach to regulation, for our key industry. So that we can continue to deliver for our local economies and communities.”
Compiled in collaboration with the Association of Convenience Stores, the Scottish Local Shop Report has shown the positive impact that convenience stores in Scotland have on people’s lives, not just as essential grocery businesses, but as job creators, community hubs and beacons of entrepreneurship.
Across the UK, the convenience sector contributed more than £10.8bn in Gross Value Added and over £9.4bn in taxes, in 2023/24.
