In the Closer to Co-op Q&A sessions hosted by IGD in February, we heard about Co-op’s key priorities and evolving response to COVID-19. Here we summarise some of the latest initiatives from Co-op, and how these link with our five key convenience trends for 2021. 1. Fulfilling bigger basket missions COVID-19 has seen local convenience stores meet a wider range of food and grocery needs fo...

The GB market grew 12.2% in the 12 weeks to 24 January, according to latest results from Kantar. As restrictions once again increased, the online and convenience channels continued to benefit the most from changes in shopping habits. Increased restrictions drive up spend A combination of the festive season and the reintroduction of lockdown restrictions drove growth. With dining out no long...

Winners have been announced for the 2020 Retail Industry Awards, in a virtual ceremony postponed by the pandemic. The awards celebrate success across the UK retail sector from the largest multiples to independent convenience store operators. Judging was carried out by an independent panel of judges that included representatives from IGD. Lidl named Supermarket of the Year Lidl was awar...