Latest data from the Lumina Intelligence Convenience Tracking Programme shows the proportion of shoppers visiting convenience stores increased to 58% over the 12 weeks to 17 October compared to 49% in the previous three-month period.
During the same period, shoppers visited convenience stores more frequently, up 4% to 2.8 times per week on average and, despite a 3% decline in average basket size, basket value increased by 21%, from £8.58 per trip to £10.38.
Versus the previous 12 weeks, the proportion of convenience store occasions that were delivered increased by 2ppts in the latest period, from 5% to 7%. Click & collect also saw a slight uptick of 0.2ppts, as in store declined by 2ppts, from 93% to 91%.
Planned top up remains the top mission within convenience, accounting for 23% of all trips. Newsagent missions increased by 2ppts to 21%, driven by older demographics becoming less risk-averse due to the rollout of booster vaccines.
The proportion of shoppers purchasing on impulse increased by 1ppts during the 12 weeks, to account for 56% of purchases. ‘It was on promotion/special offer’ increased as a reason for impulse purchasing, with consumers eager to utilise promotions. Out of the top five categories bought on impulse, Chilled foods (including milk) saw the most substantial increase of 1ppt.
PMP purchasing increased to 48%, driven by monetary concerns due to the price increases for fuel, food and electricity. Chilled Foods (including and excluding Milk) saw a 1ppt increase, as more shoppers used the convenience channel for top-up shops in the period.
Katherine Prowse, Senior Insight Manager at Lumina Intelligence, commented: “A real positive for UK convenience is the large increase in spend per trip and the increased frequency. The decrease in basket size indicates that either shoppers are opting for more premium products or prices have increased – we expect a combination of the two.
“Delivery continues to be an opportunity for retailers to widen their shopper catchment area, despite restrictions easing and great movement of people. More convenience stores are working with the likes of Deliveroo and Uber Eats, as well as start-ups including Snappy Shopper and Getir to boost their delivery offerings.”
NAM Implications:
- Key issue is the extent to which your convenience business aligns with these stats.
- Your call re significance of the difference/s and action required…
