Local shops diversifying services to meet customer needs
A new study has revealed that many convenience store owners would like to reintroduce services such as grocery home delivery, as well as embrace the future with in-store Wi-Fi and online shopping services.
The Association of Convenience Stores’ Voice of Local Shops survey of 1,100 store owners found that almost a quarter said they would like to start home delivery grocery services for their customers. While 43% of those surveyed said they provided home delivery for older and more vulnerable customers, one in four said they offered a complete home grocery delivery service.
In addition, many stores were keen to embrace modern technology with one in seven looking to offer an online click and collect service. Additionally, close to one in ten wanted to encourage customers to spend time in store by offering in-store Wi-Fi, while more than one in 20 wanted to offer a full online shopping service.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Local shops succeed by meeting the needs of their customers, whether that is older and more vulnerable customers who get a real benefit from home grocery delivery or more technologically savvy customers who want to be able to browse online while they shop.
“By offering a diverse range of services, independent retailers have established a point of difference that separates them from their competition and makes them invaluable to their customers.”
