HIM sees major 2014 festive opportunities for local shops and CTP figures show how Scotland is different
COULD 2014 end with a particularly strong Christmas season for c-store retailers? Well, hot on the heels of its news that c-stores had seen an increase in consumers making planned top-up shopping visits, leading industry market analyst HIM Research & Consulting reckons it has identified major festive opportunities for convenience outlets.
Using consumer information from its HIM Christmas Eyes and Ears study, the researcher said: “Only 12% of UK adults plan to buy all of their Christmas food and drink in one big shop this year, leaving a huge opportunity for convenience stores to attract seasonal top-up shoppers.
“And they’re valuable shoppers; 42% say they’re likely to trade up to more premium brands over Christmas.”
The researcher found that the most likely category to see shoppers make Christmas purchases in c-stores were: chocolate; crisps, nuts and snacks; wine; soft drinks; and beer.
A study from another researcher Shoppercentric, concerned with wider Christmas shopping, (see page 10) also found consumers say they would shop around, with many in Scotland expecting to visit stores offering click and collect services.
Other analysis from HIM has shown significant national and regional differences in c-store shopping patterns across the UK.
The researcher found that one in every three visits to a convenience store in London is to buy food to go. But in Scotland, it says, just 13% of convenience shoppers are buying food to go, with footfall instead being driven by top-up or news and magazine shopping.
“Our research re-affirms the real need for both symbol groups and suppliers to be aware of the clear regional differences when forming their convenience strategies,” said Katie Littler, insights and communications director at HIM.
