The 2015 Local Shop Report has revealed the vital contribution that local shops make, both to the UK economy and the consumers who rely on them.
Published today, the report offers new information about the value that local shops provide their communities, as well as key information about the entrepreneurs that run stores, their staff and the market as a whole.
Key findings from the report include:
ACS has urged the government to include small businesses in the upcoming carrier bag charge in England after new figures show the nationwide scheme has reduced usage by 71% in Wales.
The report, released by the Welsh Government, also revealed that since the mandatory 5p charge for all single-use carrier bags was introduced in 2011, 87% of retailers said the charge either had a neutral or positive impact on their business, while 74% of consumers are supportive of the charge.
ACS has responded to a consultation on the introduction of a tobacco retailer register in Wales, opposing the Welsh government’s plans to introduce a national retailer funded tobacco and e-cigarette register.
The proposed register would cost retailers £30 per store and £10 per additional store to register to sell tobacco products.
There is just one week to go until the exclusive launch of the latest installment of ACS’ flagship research project, ‘The Local Shop Report 2015’on 9th September in Manchester.
ACS chief executive, James Lowman, will be unveiling the key findings of the fourth edition of the ACS Local Shop Report. One Stop’s Franchise Director, Andrew King and Scotfresh’s Managing Director, Shaun Marwaha, will be part of a panel of experienced retailers uncovering the effect the report’s findings will have on the convenience sector.
The spending limit of contactless payment transactions has risen to £30 from today (1st September).
Previously, contactless spending was limited to purchases up to the value of £20 per transaction. Contactless payment allows shoppers to pay for goods or services by tapping their debit or credit card onto a card terminal without having to input their PIN. Contactless payment has become increasingly popular amongst consumers, with contactless spending in the UK increasing by 560% in the last year alone, according to MasterCard.
