The 2026 Welsh Local Shop 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
