The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has praised the work that local shops in Wales do in their communities as part of the launch of the 2024 Welsh Local Shop Report.
The report, launched on Thursday in the Senedd, revealed that 87 per cent of independent retailers in Wales engaged in some form of community activity over the last year.
During the launch, the ACS has engaged with members of the Welsh parliament on the role that convenience stores play in communities across Wales and emphasised the importance of local shops not just as community hubs, but also as local investors and job creators.
The convenience sector in Wales generates over £2.9 billion in total sales and creates over 28,000 jobs, according to the report.
The Welsh government have announced a new £20m Future Proofing Fund for businesses in retail, hospitality and leisure worth between £5,000 and £10,000 to spend on energy efficiency improvements.
Convenience stores in Wales have invested a total of £48m in their businesses over the last year, the majority of which is funded from their own reserves.
“Local shops in Wales are essential job creators, providing local, flexible and secure employment for over 28,000 people in communities across the country. Despite ongoing challenges for all businesses in recruiting and retaining colleagues, the convenience sector remains established as a long term, secure career path,” ACS chief executive James Lowman said.
“Wales’ 3,000+ convenience stores remain well placed to support their customers through a diverse range of products and services, helping consumers manage their money and making a really positive impact in the communities that they trade in. We believe that the Welsh Local Shop Report sends a clear message about the continued importance of convenience stores.
“After the energy price shocks of the last year, we strongly welcome the announcement of new grant funding for local shops and other businesses to be able to make their businesses more sustainable and energy efficient in the future.”
