The idea that any retailer can conjure up 1,000 sites on which to open convenience stores seems wildly optimistic ­ even if the retailer concerned is Tesco. But don't dismiss the idea out of hand, because Tesco is deadly serious about this. In fact, it has been trying for almost four years to expand its Express concept by opening standalone c-stores. The reason for its dogged determination to grow in this area is simple enough to understand: changing lifestyles and buying patterns mean the operators of big stores need to think the unthinkable and follow their customers into more convenient shopping formats. And if the City analysts are right, Britain's top supermarket operator believes the convenience channel could provide it with a £2.8bn sales opportunity. That's still tiny when compared with Tesco's overall sales, but it does represent more than 14% of the current value of the convenience market as measured by IGD. Scary stuff ­ particularly if you happen to be one of those independent traders who finds Tesco opening up shop across the road from you. But nobody should throw in the towel just yet. Leaving aside the obvious headaches that Tesco will have finding sites ­ just ask Sainsbury how difficult it is ­ independents should take heart from the fact Britain's top multiple still hasn't quite got the hang of small store retailing. Long checkout queues and half empty shelves are hardly convenient. But the anecdotal evidence suggests that's what shoppers are often faced with at their local Express store. Sure, this probably means the format is too successful for its own good. On the face of it, that's a nice problem for a retailer to have, unless, of course, you need to protect a strong consumer franchise that does not allow you to over-promise and under-deliver. And that's something smaller retailers could exploit while they still have the chance. By improving their ranges, particularly in fresh, and by maintaining high customer service levels, they really can compete. Honest. {{OPINION }}

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