Along with the weekly big shop, the coronavirus pandemic has heralded a resurgence of another once feared-to-be-endangered species – the local shop.

During the lockdown, convenience stores have thrived. That is not surprising in light of all the restrictions on movement that lockdown brought, but perhaps retail is destined for a new age of localism.

The rise of neighbourhood shopping has been as steep as Scafell Pike and was highlighted by the most recent stats from grocery market monitor Kantar.

The data, covering the 12 weeks to May 17, revealed a stonking sales surge at convenience businesses. At the Co-op, revenues leapt almost 31% and it claimed a market share of 7% – a proportion it last held right back in 2011.

“‘Good’ local shops could retain between 25% and 30% of the business they have gained during the lockdown”

At independent and symbol food stores, the figures were even more breathtaking. Sales rocketed 63% to give them a market share of 2.5%, a figure last achieved more than a decade ago.

Their performance certainly resonates. Since lockdown, heeding the stay at home advice, I haven’t been able to visit a big supermarket once but have been entirely reliant on the local Co-op, a couple of specialist food stores such as the butcher and the newsagent/Post Office. And an excellent job they have done, providing everything from essentials to treats and high-quality locally sourced meat.

It’s a big shift in shopping habits. Departing Sainsbury’s boss Mike Coupe put it succinctly to Retail Week in his final interview as chief executive.

Coupe observed: “We’ve seen a return to the 1970s and the way my grandmother used to shop – local greengrocers, butchers, delis are all doing incredibly well, and local convenience stores near to where people live are doing incredibly well.”

Looking after shoppers

The big question is whether the change in habits will persist, or disappear along with lockdown restrictions.

Veteran convenience retailer John Heagney, co-founder of specialist consultancy C-store Collective, believes shoppers’ experience of local stores during the emergency will result in permanent changes.

He expects “good” local shops – and he emphasises that word – will retain between 25% and 30% of the business they have gained during the lockdown.

Industry data he sees indicates that independents have held their position beyond the period covered by Kantar.

They were helped by a sunny late May bank holiday but he says that throughout the crisis “local shops have built trust, risen to the challenge and looked after shoppers”.

Because the lockdown has lasted so long, he believes it will be “habit-forming”. Indies are adapting by enhancing their stores by, for instance, increasing their chilled and fresh offers.

Unique strength

The travails of the pub and restaurant industries also look likely to create opportunities for neighbourhood retailers. Hospitality businesses’ later emergence from lockdown and social distancing requirements will present particular challenges, meaning people are likely to continue to dine at home more than in the past – a habit that should continue to drive c-store sales.

The great stay-at-home will also herald other shifts as remote working becomes more prevalent after lockdown ends than it was before. That may hit previously highly profitable convenience locations such as railway stations but benefit those based in the heart of communities.

“It’s been c-stores’ finest hour… The nation of shopkeepers stepped up to the plate”

During the pandemic, independent retailers have, like their bigger counterparts, built and launched new home shopping services, prioritised the vulnerable and played their full part as key workers.

Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman tells me: “Convenience has been in steady growth for some time, so this experience will have built on growing recognition of the value that local shops bring in terms of products, services and community role. I think customers will value security, resilience and community more after this crisis, and those are areas where good convenience stores score well.”

It’s been their finest hour, just as it has been for big players such as Tesco and Morrisons.

The nation of shopkeepers stepped up to the plate. Independents now have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure and strengthen their unique place on the high street.