ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has launched the 2026 Welsh Local Shop Report today in the Senedd, highlighting the importance of the 3,000+ convenience stores in Wales and the role they play in communities across the country.
The report reveals that local shops in Wales are the most connected to their communities of anywhere in the UK, with findings showing that 88% of convenience stores in Wales have engaged in some form of community activity over the last year, compared to a UK-wide average of 80%.
Convenience stores in Wales are facing into major challenges to deal with the rising cost of trading, including increases in their business rates, dealing with the impact of retail crime, and the uncertainty of an upcoming Deposit Return Scheme. The 2026 Welsh Local Shop Report highlights the resilience of local shops in Wales, who have nonetheless invested over £50m in their businesses over the last year.
Key figures from this year’s report include:
- Welsh local shops provide over 24,400 secure, local jobs to their communities
- 38% of these stores are isolated with no other retail or service business close by
- 63% of local shops in Wales are located in rural areas
- 96% of colleagues working in local shops in Wales have a permanent employment contract
ACS chief executive Ed Woodall said: “The Welsh convenience sector has once again proved its resilience in providing secure, flexible jobs and acting as an important service provider for customers to access the products and services they need daily. We're keen to continue engaging with the new Welsh government to urge further support for retailers on the cost of trading so that they can continue to act as community anchors locally.”
At the launch in the Cardiff today (14th July), ACS is meeting Members of the Senedd, including members of the new Welsh Government, to outline the support that local shops need to thrive. This includes more fundamental business rate reform, certainty over the future of the upcoming Deposit Return Scheme, and better reporting and response to incidents of retail crime.
You can download the 2026 Welsh Local Shop Report here
For any questions about the report or wider ACS research, please contact [email protected]
