The UK’s rural shops have invested over £315m over the last year, introducing services like contactless payment, in-store bakeries and Post Office counters to meet the needs of customers in rural areas. The 2018 Rural Shop Report, released today by the
Convenience store retailers have made record investments in their business over the last three months ahead of expected price rises in the New Year and despite rising costs, according to new research from the Association of Convenience Stores. Over the last
The 2016 Local Shop Report has revealed the essential role that convenience stores play in the modern retail landscape, with stores more relevant than ever before in consumer’s lives. Published today by the Association of Convenience Stores, the report demonstrates
The latest ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) Investment Tracker shows that local shops have invested £600m in their businesses over the past 12 months, including a record £181m in the last quarter. However, investment levels per store are down compared
Figures released as part of the Home Office’s Commercial Victimisation Survey have found that one in five premises in the retail and wholesale sector were victims of shop theft over the last year, with the sector having the highest crime
Local shops across the UK have welcomed parliament's decision to reject changes to Sunday trading laws in vote on the Enterprise Bill this afternoon. The proposals, which would have seen local councils given the power to remove Sunday trading hours
The Association of Convenience Stores has called on MPs to reject an amendment tabled in the Enterprise Bill on SundayTrading, which it claims will damage the economy and devastate small shops. The Department for Business published its response to The consultation
Investment levels in the convenience store sector have recovered slightly over the last three months after a shock fall in the summer, while concern among retailers about employment costs has led to a widening gap in optimism between sales and
The 2015 Local Shop Report has revealed the vital contribution that local shops make, both to the UK economy and the consumers who rely on them. Published today, the report offers new information about the value that local shops provide their
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has launched new guidance for retailers on how to meet the needs of disabled customers in store. The guide has been developed in partnership with the Business Disability Forum, and covers a range of issues including
New figures released by the Association of Convenience Stores have shown that convenience retailers have invested £177m in their businesses in the period between February and May 2015. Overall, more than one in four stores (28%) surveyed said that they
MPs have spoken out against Government plans to exclude small businesses from the 5p carrier bag charge in a parliamentary debate this morning (10 March). In the debate, Dan Rogerson MP refused to acknowledge the concerns raised by both MPs
The ACS’s 2014 Local Shop Report has revealed the vital contribution that local shops make to the UK economy and the investment in services that continues to drive growth in the sector. Published today, the report offers new information about the
The Association of Convenience Stores has welcomed new research from Southampton University, outlining the crucial role that convenience stores are playing in the nation’s recovery. The report suggests despite pressure from out of town retailers and online shopping, many high streets
A new report released today by the Association of Convenience Stores has revealed how people really feel about the shops and services on their high streets, and what needs to be done to make those high streets successful again. The
ACS is calling on Government to undertake an urgent full assessment of wider impact of standardised packaging on businesses, following the statement by Public Health Minister, Jane Ellison, that they are publishing regulations to introduce plain packaging in the UK. ACS has already
Guidelines to help protect the retail sector’s three million employees from violence are being launched today, after the latest British Retail Consortium (BRC) Retail Crime Survey found shop staff were victims of almost 36,000 incidents of violence or abuse last
An independent review of the planning system has revealed that the Government’s Town Centre First policies are failing, as councils across the country approve millions of square feet of new out of town retail development. The report analysed a
The Chancellor has announced that there will be a new registration scheme for alcohol wholesalers as a way of tackling alcohol fraud. The register will be run by HM Revenue and Customs, and will take effect in 2016. From 2014,
Convenience store owners are going the extra mile in their communities to support local projects and raise money for charities, according to figures released today by the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS). Its Voice of Local Shops Survey, which polled
The Association of Convenience Stores has called for an overhaul of business rates increases after the results of its latest survey revealed the destructive impact unpredictable rate hikes are having on local shops. The quarterly Voice of Local Shops survey,
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to the Energy Secretary’s announcement today, calling on the Government to include local shops in plans to give customers fairer tariffs. In an energy select committee meeting, Ed Davey announced plans to
Jonathan James, ACS chairman, emphasised the role of the Association in lobbying government, providing advice and networking opportunities at the IGD’s Convenience Retailing 2012 event. According to James, the ACS is interacting with government departments at all times. “The industry
Local shops have called on Lords to reject moves to suspend Sunday Trading restrictions as figures released by the Government fail to make a convincing case for the economic benefits, claims the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS). The Government’s impact
Growth in supermarket expansion out of town will hurt town centres, according to the ACS (Association of Convenience Stores). New figures from commercial real estate adviser CB Richard Ellis show 80% of planned supermarket building will be out of town.
