C-Store Shoppers Keep Coming Back for More

JERSEY CITY, N.J. -- New research from the United Kingdom-based IGD indicates convenience stores are drawing repeat customers on a regular basis. Specifically, IGD’s Small Store Shopper report found that 17 percent of customers who shop at convenience stores do so at least once a day.

On average customers make three visits to a c-store a week, with 59 percent making the trip twice a week, according to International Supermarket News. "Convenience stores are clearly popular and this trend is set to continue," said Joanne Denney-Finch, chief executive of IDG. "We predict the market will be worth £42.6 billion by 2015, up a third from its current value. The main consumer trends that will contribute to this growth include a growing population, less meal planning, more people missing meals at home and a desire to shop locally."

The Small Store Shopper report also found that 35 to 54 year olds and those consumers from AB socio-economic groups are more likely to use convenience stores to buy alcohol and something for their evening meal, while 15 to 24 year olds and those consumers in the CDE socio-economic groups are more likely to shop at c-stores for cigarettes and other tobacco products. The latter group is also likely to buy lunch and snacks from c-stores.

"As more and more people live in urban areas nearer convenience stores, retailers and their suppliers need to ensure they are aware of the changing profile of their catchment area. And they will have to adapt their product range and merchandising accordingly," Denney-Finch said.

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