Covid-19 Pandemic and Independent Convenience Stores in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Covid-19 brought the new reality into every-day life, global economy, and various sectors, including independent convenience stores. After the first and during the second wave of Coronavirus in the United Kingdom (mid-November 2020), the overall situation was very dynamic and turbulent. This paper is thus aimed at answering the question how the independent convenience stores sector in the United Kingdom functions in the Covid-19 reality. We analyse such issues as the recession phase in the global economy, and challenges the independent convenience stores sector in the UK faces, including the changing aspects of the consumer shopping behaviour. We identify the changes in the footfall, basket spend, sale, product categories, etc. Finally, we conclude that the convenience store sector in the UK is relatively resistant to Covid-19 pandemic and emphasise the most challenging consumer behaviour aspects in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic.