Convenience store spending rises in Q3 as Brits stay home

Brits are staying loyal to convenience stores during the coronavirus outbreak despite having the freedom to shop further afield, according to research by PayPoint.

This is based on data collated from its UK network of 27,500 local convenience retailers from July to September.

Average shopping basket spend rose across the three month period to £8.14, a rise of 10% over Q2 2020 (£7.39) and an 11% spike on the same period last year (£7.32). This has been spurred by trends such as the ‘big night in’, home improvement and extra time spent with kids during the school holidays.

Nick Wiles, CEO at PayPoint, says: “Across the summer, the majority of Brits were able to shop wherever they liked after lockdown restrictions were lifted. However, many continued to frequent the local convenience stores they became so reliant on earlier in the year.”

“What’s interesting is how shopping habits have changed during the past three months, with convenience stores becoming the source of items for all the family, whether that’s a special night in, keeping kids entertained or making improvements to homes.”

“Data provided by our PayPoint One electronic Point of Sale platform can help retailers plan for, and react to, these trends,” he concludes.