Almost two-thirds of convenience store customers believe food and drink prices are increasing because of Brexit.
Some 61% said Britain’s decision was causing inflation in c-stores, according to shopper research consultancy Him.
Its annual Convenience Tracking Report quizzed more than 20,000 shoppers in c-stores across Britain from February to April this year.
It found only 34% were satisfied with prices in stores, down 15% from 2014. Shoppers were least satisfied with hot drink prices (17%), down 8% from 2014.
Though Him said shoppers were split in their preference of how the industry should react to inflation, most (46%) would prefer price increases, compared with everyday low prices with no promotions (36%) or product shrinkage (18%).
And Him warned retailers were “facing a battle” as shoppers were becoming harder to please with a greater demand for an “in-store experience”.
The survey found for the first time “ease of shop” was the most important factor for shoppers when using convenience stores, followed by staff friendliness, product availability and cleanliness.
Hot drinks, luxury items, and quality of fresh meat and fish were ranked as the least important.
“A good in-store experience will demand investment, and with the immense pressures retailers are facing this can be difficult to justify,” Him said.
“However, getting the basics right can mean huge benefits for both retailers and suppliers.”
Shoppers making impulse buys has declined by 4% since their peak of 18% in 2015, the survey revealed.
It found 28% of people were impulse-buying items on promotion compared with 43% in 2015, though temptation has risen from 23% to 32%.
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