The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has published its 2026 Welsh Local Shop Report at the Senedd, highlighting the importance of the over 3,000 convenience stores in Wales and the often vital role they play in the communities there.
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 the country have engaged in some form of community activity over the last year - compared to a UK-wide average of 80%.
However, store in Wales are also still facing the same issues retailing in all parts of the UK, with factors such as the rising cost of trading, increases in business rates, the impact of retail crime and the uncertainty of an upcoming Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) - which has particular significance in Wales.
The report goes on to highlight the resilience of local shops in Wales, who’ve invested over £50m in their businesses over the last year alone, it shows.
Other key figures from the report include the fact stores in Wales provide over 24,400 secure, local jobs to their communities, with 96% of colleagues working these doing so via secure, permanent employment contracts.
The locations of many stores was also of significance, with 38% being isolated with no other retailers nearby. 63% of smaller stores in Wales are also located in rural areas, making them key to members of the communities they serve.
ACS chief executive, Ed Woodall (left), 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 they can continue to act as community anchors locally.”
At the launch in the Cardiff today, the ACS is also meeting Members of the Senedd, including members of the new Welsh Government, to “outline the support local shops need to thrive,” it said.
This includes more fundamental business rate reform, certainty over the future of the upcoming DRS, and better reporting and response to incidents of retail crime.
The new report can be read in full at the ACS website here.
No comments yet