Once again, Janet Finch-Saunders, Assembly Member for Aberconwy, and Chair of the Cross Party Group on Small Shops, was delighted to host the launch of The Welsh Local Shop Report 2019 and secure support for convenience stores from Members on both side of the political divide.

Following the event Janet said:

“It is a pleasure working with cross-party AMs and the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) to stand up for the 2,923 convenience stores in Wales.

“The report shows clearly why supporting shops is so important, as it found that convenience stores in Wales provide almost 23,000 jobs to local people, have generated sales of around £2.5billion over the last year, and invested over £44million in Wales.

“For rural constituencies like Aberconwy the importance of listening to retailers is essential as 62% of these stores are situated in local areas.

“More so, convenience stores are cornerstones in our communities, as in addition to providing services and items essential to everyday life, 81% engaged in some form of community activity in the past year.

“Given the mammoth contribution made by shops to Wales, I am delighted that a quarter of my colleagues chose to sign my statement of opinion welcoming the findings of the report and recognising the valuable role of convenience stores.

“Hopefully, we will be able to build on this cooperation so to ensure that the interest of businesses are not overlooked by the Welsh Government. Indeed, this is essential as 83% of stores are owned by independent retailers – who are generally less able to weather economic changes”.

ENDS

Notes:

Statement of Opinion: Recognising the value of convenience stores

The Welsh Local Shop Report 2019

Welsh Convenience Stores Invest £44m Over Last Year, Provide Almost 23,000 Jobs

Photo:

Janet at the launch of the welsh local shop report