ACS Welcomes British Brands Group Research
17 Sep 2007
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), the campaigning voice of over 33,000 local shops, has welcomed research which shows that a significant proportion of consumers are not being catered for in the current grocery market. The study highlights the need for the Competition Commission to further investigate the effect of market concentration on consumers.
‘Consumer Shopping Wants and UK Grocery Retailing’, produced by the British Brands Group, shows that four distinct groups, which account for 26.5% of the population, are not having their needs met by supermarket shopping. These groups include the elderly, those without a car, wealthier shoppers, people of ethnic origin and single parents with dependent children.
The research particularly highlights the importance of convenience stores in providing access to grocery shopping, especially for those who are unable to reach supermarkets.
The groups surveyed also highlighted fears that the continued expansion of supermarkets would lead to the closure of independent shops, and a reduction in choice.
Responding to the research ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “This is a crucial piece of research which challenges the view that supermarkets bring nothing but benefits for consumers. More than a quarter of the population are not having their needs met by the structure and competition of the current grocery market.
“This study warns the Commission and commentators against sweeping conclusions that treat consumers as a homogenous, car borne group. Rather, as this study shows, a large proportion rely on a much broader retail mix and, where that is failing, their interests are undermined.”
James Lowman added: “Now is the time to act to ensure that the choice and diversity which these consumers need is available. This research proves that the Competition Commission must take steps to ensure there is a healthy grocery market for all consumers."
Contact:
Shane Brennan Public Affairs and Communications Manager
ACS
01252 515001 / 07921 372978
Rachel Lawson Communications Co-ordinator
ACS
01252 515001
Michael Saxton Grappa
020 7602 9222
Notes to Editors:
1. ACS is the convenience store champion, helping local shops thrive through lobbying, insight, information and commercial services.
2. The research can be found at: http://www.britishbrandsgroup.org.uk/upload/File/Grocery%20needs%20summary%2097.pdf.
3. The research found that only one in six respondents questioned actually bought their shopping in one trip.
4. 94% of the ethnic group, 92% of lone parents, 88% in the wealthy group and 78% in the older group think it is good to have a local convenience store nearby.
‘Consumer Shopping Wants and UK Grocery Retailing’, produced by the British Brands Group, shows that four distinct groups, which account for 26.5% of the population, are not having their needs met by supermarket shopping. These groups include the elderly, those without a car, wealthier shoppers, people of ethnic origin and single parents with dependent children.
The research particularly highlights the importance of convenience stores in providing access to grocery shopping, especially for those who are unable to reach supermarkets.
The groups surveyed also highlighted fears that the continued expansion of supermarkets would lead to the closure of independent shops, and a reduction in choice.
Responding to the research ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “This is a crucial piece of research which challenges the view that supermarkets bring nothing but benefits for consumers. More than a quarter of the population are not having their needs met by the structure and competition of the current grocery market.
“This study warns the Commission and commentators against sweeping conclusions that treat consumers as a homogenous, car borne group. Rather, as this study shows, a large proportion rely on a much broader retail mix and, where that is failing, their interests are undermined.”
James Lowman added: “Now is the time to act to ensure that the choice and diversity which these consumers need is available. This research proves that the Competition Commission must take steps to ensure there is a healthy grocery market for all consumers."
Contact:
Shane Brennan Public Affairs and Communications Manager
ACS
01252 515001 / 07921 372978
Rachel Lawson Communications Co-ordinator
ACS
01252 515001
Michael Saxton Grappa
020 7602 9222
Notes to Editors:
1. ACS is the convenience store champion, helping local shops thrive through lobbying, insight, information and commercial services.
2. The research can be found at: http://www.britishbrandsgroup.org.uk/upload/File/Grocery%20needs%20summary%2097.pdf.
3. The research found that only one in six respondents questioned actually bought their shopping in one trip.
4. 94% of the ethnic group, 92% of lone parents, 88% in the wealthy group and 78% in the older group think it is good to have a local convenience store nearby.