The Association of Convenience Stores report highlights contribution of local shops in Wales

Llanrwst shops

Original by Talking Retail: The hub for grocery retail - http://www.talkingretail.com/category-news/industrynews/acs-report-high…

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has announced the launch of its 2017 Welsh Local Shop Report, highlighting the contribution that convenience stores make to the Welsh economy.

 

The report revealed that Welsh convenience stores generate £309m in sales, employing 25,000 people.

Key findings from the report include:

  • 57% of convenience stores in Wales operate as an isolated store, with no other retail or service businesses close by
  • Convenience stores have invested more than £53m in their businesses over the last year on store improvements
  • 89% of independent retailers in Wales have engaged in some form of community activity over the last year, making Wales the most engaged region in the UK in terms of community activity

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Convenience stores in Wales are the cornerstones of their communities, with over half operating as the sole store in the area, providing vital services such as Post Office services and other staples such as mobile phone top up and lottery.

“Local shops contribute to local economies by creating 25,000 jobs, and to their local communities by collecting money for charity, supporting community events and sponsoring local sports teams.

“We call on the Welsh Assembly Government to support small shops in Wales, particularly through giving more shops full or partial business rate relief.”

Janet Finch-Saunders, shadow secretary for local government and chair of the Cross Party Group on Small Shops said: “Together with our other SMEs, small shops help to make up 99.9% of private sector business in Wales, and the Welsh government must seek to support them using the variety of tools at their disposal, including – crucially – business rate relief.

“With my Welsh Conservative colleagues, I will continue to call for an urgent review into business rates in Wales, and for an increase in the rateable value at which businesses are eligible for such relief, from the current £6,000 to £12,000 for full relief, tapered up to £15,000.”