The contribution of forecourt and other convenience stores to the Welsh economy is highlighted in a report presented to the nation’s parliament, or Senedd, in Cardiff yesterday.
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) stresses the role small outlets play as community hubs, job creators, and local investors in its 2024 Welsh Local Shop Report. The findings from the study include that local shops in the principality are behind more than 28,000 jobs and generate £2.9 billion in revenue. The report also concludes that 87% of independent retailers have engaged in community activity in the past year, and 88% of stores accept contactless payment.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Local shops in Wales are essential job creators, providing local, flexible, and secure employment for over 28,000 people in communities across the country. Despite ongoing challenges for all businesses in recruiting and retaining colleagues, the convenience sector remains established as a long term, secure career path.
“Wales’s 3,000-plus convenience stores remain well placed to support their customers through a diverse range of products and services, helping consumers manage their money and making a really positive impact in the communities that they trade in. We believe that the Welsh Local Shop Report sends a clear message about the continued importance of convenience stores.
The Welsh Government has announced a new £20m Future Proofing Fund for businesses in retail, hospitality and leisure worth between £5,000 and £10,000 to spend on energy efficiency improvements. The ACS says convenience stores in Wales have invested a total of £48m in their businesses over the last year, the majority of which is funded from their own reserves.
Lowman added: “After the energy price shocks of the last year, we strongly welcome the announcement of new grant funding for local shops and other businesses to be able to make their businesses more sustainable and energy efficient in the future.
