Independent shops in decline
The number of independent convenience stores has fallen by 5%, while the number of local shops operated by the likes of the Co-op, Marks & Spencer, Tesco and Sainsbury's is rising.
So says a report by the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD), which says there are now 51,990 convenience stores, down from 52,700 last year (including symbol group shops).
The Co-op saw the fastest growth in the convenience sector, to operate 2,488 stores. Tesco, the UK's biggest supermarket group, opened 80 Tesco Express shops last year.
The symbol groups, such as Londis and Spar, have 13,760 shops, a rise of 5.6% on last year, The Guardian reported.
