Dear Reader,

As the UK basks in a mini heat wave, sales of core convenience lines like soft drinks are booming. Globally, grocery is bucking other sectors’ sales declines too. But the underlying trends toward value, discounters and private label mean that stores will have to sell more volume just to keep standing still.

A value, private label range drives sales at premium retailer Waitrose, which is broadening its small store portfolio with motorway services sites.

New research suggests shoppers will stick with their recessionary habits long term and shop more at discounters, especially for personal care.

Meanwhile, private label takes centre stage at Spar UK, which is boasting its biggest brand launch ever and introducing the Eurospar format, popular in Europe, to British shoppers.

And while shoppers certainly want to see value, new technology can show retailers just what shoppers are thinking in-store too.

Keeping in tune with your customers couldn’t be more convenient.

Fiona Briggs, Editor

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Future of International Convenience Retailing 2009 London

Convenience Knowledge Bank