Spar’s like-for-likes increased 5.2% in the three months to July as consumers stay in more and indulge in treats.
Total sales at the convenience store chain rose 8.1%, up from the 6% increase in the previous three months.
Spar’s UK managing director Jerry Marwood told The Telegraph: “Convenience stores have been outperforming the overall grocery market and that hasn’t diminished in the recession. People are going out less and so are treating themselves when they are staying at home. Often it’s a last-minute decision to buy a bottle of wine, some snacks or a ready meal from a local store.”
Verdict consulting director Neil Saunders said that convenience stores are benefiting from changing consumer trends and a step up in operational standards, forced by Tesco, Sainsbury and the Co-op’s expansion into small neighbourhood stores.
“Symbol groups have realised they have got to up their game in terms of product mix, the way stores are designed and the professionalism of the service,” he said.
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