As the recession forces record numbers of pubs out of business, independent retailers are racing the mults to convert the best into convenience stores.
Five pubs in the UK are closing every day and independent retailers are seizing the opportunity to turn them into a different kind of local community service.
"Pubs can make great c-stores because they are right in housing estates or at the end of terraces, often have car parks and are the right size," said Costcutter MD Nick Ivel. "They are a significant opportunity for us as we look to increase our store estate."
James Hall, business development controller at Bestway's Best One, agreed pubs make great c-stores. "We have taken on one pub in Eccles which was converted into a Best One and is doing well. I wouldn't be surprised if we see more independent retailers seize the initiative," he said.
"You can pick them up quite cheaply because they haven't worked as pubs and you don't have to pay for goodwill."
But he cautioned many former pubs need a great deal of work to convert, and may also need a change in planning consent.
Ravinder Singh Bhambra bought The Traveller's Rest in Sheffield in December which he is converting into his second Premier store.
"I am having to spend nearly £250,000 renovating the building - it only has half a roof as the lead has been stolen," he said. "But it's a great building, with a car park, on a main road, and I think it's going to make a great c-store."
Andrew Newton has recently converted his second pub into a Nisa Local c-store and fish and chip shop in Birmingham. "In this area pubs are closing down and c-stores are making a comeback," he said.
The biggest challenge is the resources of the mults. "The question is whether Tesco will be able to react quickest to the opportunity and turn them into Tesco Expresses before independent operators buy them," said one retailer.
And it's not just Tesco. Domino's Pizza has also declared its intention to open take-aways in former pubs.
Five pubs in the UK are closing every day and independent retailers are seizing the opportunity to turn them into a different kind of local community service.
"Pubs can make great c-stores because they are right in housing estates or at the end of terraces, often have car parks and are the right size," said Costcutter MD Nick Ivel. "They are a significant opportunity for us as we look to increase our store estate."
James Hall, business development controller at Bestway's Best One, agreed pubs make great c-stores. "We have taken on one pub in Eccles which was converted into a Best One and is doing well. I wouldn't be surprised if we see more independent retailers seize the initiative," he said.
"You can pick them up quite cheaply because they haven't worked as pubs and you don't have to pay for goodwill."
But he cautioned many former pubs need a great deal of work to convert, and may also need a change in planning consent.
Ravinder Singh Bhambra bought The Traveller's Rest in Sheffield in December which he is converting into his second Premier store.
"I am having to spend nearly £250,000 renovating the building - it only has half a roof as the lead has been stolen," he said. "But it's a great building, with a car park, on a main road, and I think it's going to make a great c-store."
Andrew Newton has recently converted his second pub into a Nisa Local c-store and fish and chip shop in Birmingham. "In this area pubs are closing down and c-stores are making a comeback," he said.
The biggest challenge is the resources of the mults. "The question is whether Tesco will be able to react quickest to the opportunity and turn them into Tesco Expresses before independent operators buy them," said one retailer.
And it's not just Tesco. Domino's Pizza has also declared its intention to open take-aways in former pubs.
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