The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) officially launched its Local Shop Report 2026 in the Houses of Parliament today, bringing together over 150 retailers, suppliers, wholesalers, symbol group bosses, and tech companies. The event, a significant gathering of industry stakeholders, aimed to celebrate the report’s release and address critical issues facing the sector.
The launch, held on Parliament’s terrace, featured a series of speeches, forums, and Q&A sessions with MPs deeply invested in the future of the high street. Attendees posed for a group photo on the terrace, symbolizing the unity and importance of the convenience store sector in British communities. The event culminated in a formal reception on the banks of the Thames, providing a picturesque backdrop for the day’s discussions.
Convenience Stores: Essential to British Communities
ACS chief executive Ed Woodall highlighted the challenges faced by convenience retailers, including rising employment costs, operating expenses, and new regulations impacting the products they sell and how they sell them. Woodall emphasized the need for policymakers to understand the daily impact of these challenges on retailers and their customers.
“We are important to people’s lives in Britain,” Woodall said. “We make an impact on people’s lives every single day.” He highlighted the role of convenience stores during the cost-of-living crisis, enabling shoppers to manage budgets effectively and access essential services without extensive travel. Woodall also noted that convenience stores serve as a vital link in the food supply chain, enhancing its resilience.
Woodall further stressed the resilience of convenience stores, particularly in serving vulnerable and isolated communities. He pointed out that these stores are often the only local option for many, providing not just products but also a sense of community and support. “If convenience stores were going to stand for election, they’d easily win,” he remarked, highlighting their indispensable role in daily life.
“Dodgy Shops” and High Street Concerns
Melanie Onn, MP for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes, offered her take on the convenience sector, particularly the issue of “dodgy shops” – businesses that appear legitimate but operate illicitly. Onn, who has campaigned against these establishments, noted a significant shift in public concern about high streets ahead of the 2024 general election. She observed that constituents in areas not immediately adjacent to high streets were increasingly worried about the changing face of their local shopping areas.
Onn specifically highlighted the proliferation of vape shops with bright LED lighting and enticing displays targeting young people. These shops, often newly furnished and open 24 hours, seemed to operate with little customer traffic, raising questions about their financial viability. “How do they have the money to kit out their shop in such a fantastic way?” Onn asked, echoing the concerns of her constituents. This led her to investigate further, uncovering a national problem that required parliamentary attention.
Onn emphasized the high risks faced by the retail sector, including shoplifting and threats of violence, and advocated for government support to level the playing field for legitimate businesses. She praised the convenience sector for not only operating as businesses but also for their role in supporting vulnerable residents.
Budget Hopes and Industry Insights
When asked about potential budget discounts for the sector, Onn responded: “I think there has to be, really. We can’t have local economies thriving unless we support the conditions for that. And I think that that’s been recognised. I really hope there will be something in the budget that recognises that.“
The event also saw comment from Luke Tryl, executive director of polling company More In Common, and an explanation of the opposition’s stance on issues affecting the high street from David Simmonds CBE MP, shadow minister for Housing, Communities & Local Government.
A retailer forum concluded the day, featuring store owners Sukhi Athwal and Neil Ghodania, alongside AF Blakemore CEO Carol Welch. The panel discussed the current retail market, sharing their experiences and insights on how the environment is evolving. They addressed questions from both each other and the audience, providing a full view of the challenges and opportunities facing convenience stores today.
The ACS Local Shop Report 2026 is now available for public access, offering detailed analysis and recommendations for the future of the convenience store sector.
