Buyers seek out convenience and forecourt offers
BUSINESS property adviser Christie & Co has reported a strong demand for convenience stores and forecourt locations from buyers across the trading environment.
As part of the firm’s Retail Market Review 2026 report, Christie & Co has identified both convenience stores and forecourts as stand-out business models which continue to demonstrate adaptability despite the high operating costs, labour challenges and regulatory changes.
Christie & Co has said it recorded a 26% increase in offers on retail businesses in the first half of 2026 when compared to the same time period the previous year.
During the first half of the year, the firm sold more than 100 retail businesses, averaging four transactions per week. And when it came to the convenience store market in particular, independent owner-operators were the dominant buyers and accounted for 65% of acquisitions completed by Christie & Co.
When it came to the forecourt sector, demand has been driven upwards by the evolution of sites to turn them into broader retail destinations including options such as food-to-go outlets, parcel lockers and EV charging facilities.
Despite market confidence remaining high across the board, Christie & Co did note that retailers continue to face ongoing difficulties across the market which have had an impact on retailers including rising crime levels, regulatory changes such as the Tobacco & Vapes Act and staffing shortages across the sector.
However, when it comes to moving forward the firm specified that growth within the convenience market is likely to be dominated by the demand for food-to-go, home delivery, parcel services and community-led retailing. When it comes to forecourts, Christie & Co noted that investments would be best placed in EV charging facilities where appropriate and an “enhanced convenience offer” to drive up value.
Steve Rodell, managing director – retail & leisure at Christie & Co, said: “The confidence we are seeing from purchasers reflects the essential role that both convenience stores and forecourts play within communities and infrastructure across the country.
“These businesses continue to benefit from strong local customer loyalty, and increasingly diverse revenue streams that extend beyond traditional retail and fuel sales.
“Looking ahead, we remain optimistic about the outlook for both subsectors. Whilst challenges undoubtedly remain, particularly with several major new initiatives and regulations set to impact operators in the coming months, the market fundamentals underpinning convenience retail and forecourts are as strong as ever.”
