Coca-Cola celebrates convenience stores as part of its 125th anniversary in GB

• Coca-Cola spotlights “corner shops” and the “bosses” who run them as the brand celebrates 125 years in GB
• Coca-Cola research reveals 1 in 4 Brits now rely more on their local convenience store than any other retail outlet^[1]
• More than a third of Brits consider local convenience stores an essential part of daily life, or even a “lifeline”^[2] 

Britain’s high streets may be suffering amid the cost-of-living crisis, but according to new research released today, its “corner shops” are enjoying a resurgence – with nearly a quarter of consumers (23%) depending on them more than any other retail outlet^[3].

The research was conducted by Coca-Cola as it recognises the importance of convenience stores and their “bosses”, and celebrates its 125^th anniversary in Great Britain – with convenience stores proving a crucial retail partner to the brand for more than a century, while providing a vital service to local communities.

Convenience is one of Coca-Cola’s most longstanding and important retail channels, with the CCEP portfolio delivering more than £317m worth of sales in convenience in the last year^[4].

Heritage and local manufacturing resonate with shoppers

The consumer study revealed that nine in 10 Brits (88%) underestimate how long Coca-Cola has been available in Great Britain^[5], with just 4% correctly identifying the full 125-year legacy^[6].

And it uncovered that Brits estimate that just 41% of Coca-Cola products sold in the UK are made here^[7] – despite the actual figure being 97%.

Coca-Cola’s 125^th anniversary and ‘Made in GB’ credentials are two important factors with the potential to drive shopper behaviour.

Two fifths of respondents to the survey (41%) said they’re more likely to buy a brand that has a strong British heritage and over half (55%) prefer to buy items manufactured in the UK^[8] – hence the ‘Made in GB’ displayed on Coca-Cola bottles and cans.

Enduring importance of convenience retail

The Covid-19 pandemic helped consumers rediscover the importance of their local convenience stores – with more than a third (34%) of Brits saying their local convenience store is an essential part of their daily life^[9].

A similar percentage (33%) say that without their local convenience store, they would struggle to quickly access food and other essential items^[10].

The consumer survey also revealed that on average people now visit their local convenience store five times a month, spending an average of £14.90 per visit^[11].

Gen Z spend the most (£19.30 on average), whilst older generations spend considerably less; £6.10 on average for the silent generation (those 79+) and £9.40 on average amongst baby boomers (60-78)^[12].

Innovation and competition in convenience

Additional research conducted by Coca-Cola within the convenience retail community has shown that competition from larger supermarkets and online retailers is the biggest challenge for retailers when it comes to managing their store (43%)^[13].

To stay competitive, more than half (54%) say they’ve taken steps to improve the in-store experience they offer, while more than a third (36%) now offer online delivery^[14].

Convenience retailers are also tapping into new platforms and services to remain competitive^[15]:

• 23% now offer parcel pick-up/drop-off
• 17% provide expanded grocery ranges
• 15% give ATM access
• 37% have launched a social media presence to make either themselves or their shop feel more personal online
• 12% offer home deliveries to support vulnerable customers

And these changes haven’t gone unnoticed; with more than half (55%) of respondents to the consumer survey saying their local store now offers new services like parcel pick-up and drop-off (23%), grocery shopping (17%), ATM access (15%), home deliveries (12%) and support for the elderly and vulnerable (9%)^[16].

According to Coca-Cola, this evolution in the convenience store landscape underscores a shift towards more personalised and accessible retail experiences right on the doorstep of consumers, and reinforces the importance of ‘localness’.

Rav Garcha, owner of six stores in the Midlands and the Portsmouth area, commented: “Local shops have become a great support system for communities across the country, and I’m proud to be one of the people doing this today.

“Being a convenience store owner is full of many challenges but is also extremely rewarding. From building lasting relationships with customers to connecting with fellow retailers all over the country, we share every part of our lives with these people, and don’t take for granted the customers that literally put food on our tables, clothes on our backs and provide us with means to provide for our families.”

Stephen Moorhouse, General Manager of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners in GB, said: “Convenience stores have been at the heart of their communities for generations, and Coca-Cola has proudly stood alongside them throughout that journey.

“As we mark 125 years of Coca-Cola in Great Britain, this research highlights the resilience and adaptability of local retailers – many of whom are finding new ways to meet evolving shopper needs.

“At CCEP, we’re committed to supporting these vital businesses, helping them grow, innovate and continue serving as a lifeline to the communities they know so well.”

James Lowman, Chief Executive of Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), added: “Convenience store owners’ super-power is their adaptability. It’s one thing to be close to your community and to understand what they want, and it’s another thing again to invest in delivering those products and services. Without these entrepreneurs taking risks and working all hours, thousands of communities would be without the essential services that make them tick.”

With a legacy spanning 125 years in GB, The Coca-Cola Company is committed to supporting the local “bosses” at the heart of local communities, and in the coming months will spotlight the convenience retail entrepreneurs that continue to evolve their businesses to help refresh Great Britain.