The report was unveiled in the UK’s parliament. Credit: Nigel Jarvis via Shutterstock.

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has highlighted the indispensable contribution of rural shops to thousands of communities across the UK with the launch of its 2024 Rural Shop Report.

Unveiled in the UK’s parliament, the report sheds light on the multifaceted role played by the UK’s 17,986 rural shops, portraying them as secure local employers, entrepreneurs collaborating with local businesses, and essential service providers.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Key findings from the 2024 Rural Shop Report:

  • Employment impact: Rural shops collectively employ more than 170,000 individuals, with the majority living nearby, allowing them to walk to work.
  • Essential service providers: According to the report, rural consumers consider convenience stores as the most crucial service in their local areas.
  • Community engagement: More than four in five independent retailers in rural areas actively participated in various community activities in the past year, positioning themselves at the heart of their respective communities.
  • Economic contributions: Rural shops generated a substantial £17.1bn ($21.68bn) in sales and contributed more than £3.8bn to gross value added in the previous year.

The Rural Shop Report underscores the vital role played by convenience retailers in supplying essential goods and services to their communities. However, the report also highlights the significant challenges faced by stores in rural and isolated areas.

As part of the report’s launch, the ACS is engaging with Members of Parliament (MPs) in the country to discuss potential governmental actions to support rural shops. The aim is to establish a level playing field between rural businesses and their more urban counterparts.

A vital role in rural communities: combating isolation and loneliness

The ACS’ CEO James Lowman emphasised the impact of rural shops, stating: “Rural shops make a huge difference locally, as a social hub, a stable employer, and a provider of essential services that would otherwise not be available at all.”

See Also:

He called on MPs to address challenges such as shop theft and abuse, better access to cash for customers, and enhance digital infrastructure to enable rural shops to modernise their businesses.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Kerry Booth, CEO of the Rural Services Network, expressed delight in supporting the launch of the Rural Shop Report.

Booth acknowledged the critical role played by rural shops in reducing isolation and loneliness, enabling residents to access services that might be otherwise unavailable due to poor connectivity or lack of transport links.