Three-quarters of consumers find the price of convenience store foods too expensive compared to larger supermarkets, while 45% struggle to find affordable food in convenience stores, research reveals.
The survey of over 2,000 UK adults by consumer champion Which? shows that 51% of those who rely on convenience stores at least once a week are struggling financially with the cost-of-living crisis – compared to 35% of consumers overall.
More than half (57%) of consumers believe having more budget ranges in stores would help, the survey reveals.
Which? is now calling on supermarkets to improve the availability of essential budget options in their convenience stores so consumers, especially those on a low income, are not paying over the odds for everyday essentials because they cannot get to a larger supermarket store.
Separately, Which?’s monthly consumer insight tracker found that trust in the groceries industry dropped in May to the lowest it has been since November 2014, with a confidence score of just +36, a drop of 32 points since the previous high of +68 in May 2020.
Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said: “Trust in the groceries industry has fallen to a nine-year low – with many consumers telling us they feel ripped off by high convenience store prices. People should not have to pay over the odds for everyday essentials just because they struggle to get to a large supermarket.
“While the whole food supply chain affects prices, supermarkets have the power to do more to support people who are struggling, including ensuring everyone has easy access to basic, affordable budget ranges at a store near them, including smaller stores for consumers who rely on these.
“Supermarkets must also provide transparent pricing so people can easily work out which products offer the best value.”
