Introduction

Verdict Research: Neighbourhood retailing is outperforming all other locations. The location offers substantial opportunities, but the dynamics of the market are changing. As the market consolidates, growth is becoming more elusive and while substantial opportunities remain, trading conditions are more challenging and the strategies for success very different.

Scope of this research

• Key metrics of neighbourhood retail: sales growth, space, store numbers, store sizes and sales densities.
• Detailed market analysis (convenience, off-licences, CTNs, food specialists, pharmacies) and profiles of all the leading neighbourhood retailers
• Focus on composition of convenience market (The Co-operatives, Multiples, Symbol Groups, Independents, forecourt retailing)
• Market shares for leading players 2003-2008

Research and analysis highlights

Neighbourhood retailing is benefitting from a shift in shopping habits, an increased demand for convenience, improved standards and the arrival of the grocers. The expansion of the grocers has enticed people to shop locally and the symbol groups to enhance their propositions, encouraging independents to join and consumers to shop with them.

Competition is intensifying and pressures on food specialists, independents, off-licences and CTNs mounting. With the market consolidating, the easy wins of the past are harder to come by, while the boost received from the arrival of the grocers can not be repeated. Growth is set to become more elusive and the strategies for success different.

With propositions becoming more comprehensive, the need for CTNs, off-licenses and undifferentiated specialists is diminishing. As the market consolidates, store environments, fresh food and food-to-go will be key battlegrounds and the multiples, with the expertise and investment available to them, are well placed be the big winners.

Key reasons to purchase this research

• Benchmark retailer performance against the market. Understand the dynamics of the location, its composition and prospects for each channel
• Identify the growth prospects of key players in neighbourhood retailing
• Analyse the key issues impacting the location and identify thestrategies for success