"Millions" walking to independent c-stores

Thursday, 23 October 2008

More than 20 million people a day now walk to their local independent retail shop instead of getting in the car, new research has claimed.

Research carried out by My Shop is Your Shop, Flora and Persil Small & Mighty found that these shoppers are saving over £2m a day on fuel.

A number of influences have led to the trend, campaigners said, such as consumer worries about the environment, along with the developing impact of the credit crunch.

Chairman of My Shop is Your Shop Alan Toft said: "This data gives the independent sector a new basis for increased footfall. Small shops are a community amenity entirely divorced from the large multiples who are marketing their offering based on price."

Travelling on foot is good for people's "health and wealth", he added, and is also great news for independent shopkeepers.

Retailers should use the theme of Walk & Shop and tell their customers about the environmental and cost benefits resulting from using their shops, Toft said.

Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) chief executive James Lowman said that the research proves more consumers are supporting local stores as their incomes are stretched.

Retailers who play a strong role in their local communities will benefit the most from the drift, Lowman said.

The ACS also this week welcomed a number of Conservative Party proposals, including lowering National Insurance contributions for small retailers.