Forecourt operators looking to expand their services could consider adding Post Offices and pharmacies to their ever-broadening diversification strategies, after consumers placed these at the top of their wish lists for community services.
That’s the verdict from a poll conducted by the Association of Convenience Stores, which saw 2,000 UK consumers surveyed at the start of the summer.
Shoppers placed pharmacies, Post Offices and convenience stores in the top-three most vital services for communities, with pubs, bars and restaurants said to bring positive community contributions.
While wine bars are unlikely to be a natural fit for the forecourt, some sites already feature Post Offices. And while POs show potential for growth, a move into pharmacies would be more of a new venture for the sector.
With urban parking becoming ever more difficult and expensive as councils continue to crack down on cars, the easy access and parking facilities typically found at forecourts could see operators benefit from the high street’s loss.
The research comes from the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), which also found parcel collection, lottery, bill-payment facilities and cashpoints to be well regarded. Those surveyed looked least favourably on pawnbrokers, vape shops and fast-food outlets coming to their local areas.
The ACS’ chief executive, James Lowman, said his organisation’s research “provides a blueprint for the kind of services that people want”.
