osers: The corner-shop comeback
RESEARCH
page 7
SHOPPING LOCALLY BY ANTONY BEGLEY
gthy queues becoming an issue at some major supermarkets, many UK tores to source their food and other goods.
der in April found that 41% of Brits have been shopping in their local corner shops more often than usual during lockdown.
LOCKDOWN DRIVING
6% said they will continue to use their neighbourhood stores more nds, compared to 19% who will use them less.
LOCAL LOYALTY?
n for the shift to shopping locally in lockdown were to dodge the entrance s at supermarkets. The third most common reason was to support local nt financial squeeze, showing community spirit among UK consumers that any, after the pandemic.
n from 1965 to 1980) are increasing their visits to local stores the most, with are also the age group most likely to continue THAT to go to their NEW RESEARCH HAS HIGHLIGHTED TWO INneighbourhood FIVE BRITS HAVE USED LOCAL SHOPS MORE DURING LOCKDOWN AND OVER (26%) A THIRD AREsilent PLANNING TO CONTINUE TO SHOP LOCALLY WHEN LOCKDOWN lockdown, at 43%. Only a quarter of the generation were inclined FINALLY ENDS. e during the coronavirus pandemic, but this could be because almost a quarter unable to leave their home. After lockdown ends, 30% of this generation plan e.
y
a
says sa, h er ny ets”. a, w by of
n
Reasons UK shoppers are using their local stores more I want to avoid crowded supermarkets
54%
I want to avoid queue outside supermarkets
54%
I want to support local businesses
46% 39%
I donʼt want to travel as far They have items that are sold out in supermarkets
32%
I couldnʼt book an online supermarket delivery slot
24%
They have items not available in supermarkets
24%
I am currently unable to reach supermarkets Other
13% 2% 10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Source: Finder research, April 2020
T
he often heart-breaking impact of coronavirus on our world is there for all to see but amidst the sadness, chaos and despair, there are some small positives to be taken. An apparent shift to a more caring, compassionate society is one potentially transformative trend while, closer to home, it’s increasingly looking like more and more shoppers are both using local stores more frequently and enjoying the experience. A survey published in the last week by personal finance company Finder.com has found that two in five consumers in Britain have used local shops more during lockdown than they ever have in the past – and a third are planning to continue to shop locally when lockdown ends. With empty shelves and lengthy queues becoming an issue at
s, may be freely reproduced as long as the source is cited with a link to www.finder.com/uk/shopping-deals#corona-paper. 16 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / WEDNESDAY 6TH MAY 2020 / ISSUE 3
