Released on = May 11, 2007, 3:21 am

Press Release Author = Shushmul Maheshwari

Industry = Retail

Press Release Summary = Big C-Store operators are gradually taking over the
convenience business, resulting in a considerable decline in the market share of
small independent stores.

Press Release Body = Once again, there’s a sharp decline in the number of
independently owned C-Stores (Convenience Stores) in U.K., underscoring the growing
power of large supermarket groups. Independent stores, that enjoyed 33% of the
market share less than three-years ago, are showing steady decline, and now account
for a mere 27.1% of market.

As per a report that IGD (Institute of Grocery Distribution) has compiled, number of
non-affiliated independent C-Stores – stores that aren’t a part of
symbol group like Spar or Londis – slid above 5% in 2006. On the other hand,
there was a continuous rise in the number of neighborhood stores run by big
retailers like Marks & Spencer, Co-op, Tesco, etc.

Independent C-Stores’ takings have slid by approximately £800m annually to
just above £7bn, since 2004. Sales of supermarkets’, by contrast, through
their small stores have exceeded £1.2bn - £3.47bn annually.

The decline has stunned small business leaders and community groups. They assert
these small stores play the role of glue that holds various communities together.
They’re meeting places, and provide customized services and usually sell
locally produced goods and food. Also, valued services like a sub post-office, and
paper rounds are being lost.

Supermarkets’ C-Stores, by contrast, are accused of being identikit outlets
that truck in merchandises from national distribution centers.

With increasing number of consumers preferring to shop in the vicinity, C-Store
sector has turned fashionable over the past few years. Tesco and Sainsbury\'s have
acquired numerous stores, whereas Somerfield and the Co-op are strongly emphasizing
on convenience shopping in their strategies.

As per the RNCOS report “European Convenience Stores Market Report
[2006-2008]”, “In 2005, there’re 52085 C-Stores in the UK valued
at £ 24 Billion, representing 20% of total grocery retail value in UK. Value of
C-Stores is expected to continuously increase with sales to hit £ 30.8 Billion - £
33.9 Billion mark by 2011. Despite some economic factors that are restraining the
performance, there’s a strong demand for convenience shopping among consumers.
The performance of the industry is primarily driven by the competitive and social
factors.”

Key issues and facts analyzed in this report include: market size of the European
retail store industry with regional segmentation, factors driving growth in this
sector, and so on.

About RNCOS E-Services Pvt Ltd.:

RNCOS, incorporated in the year 2002, is an industry research firm. It has a team of
industry experts who analyze data collected from credible sources. They provide
industry insights and analysis that helps corporations to take timely and accurate
business decision in today\'s globally competitive environment.

For more information visit: http://www.rncos.com/Report/CP10.htm
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Contact Details = RNCOS E-Services Pvt Ltd.
Shushmul Maheshwari
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info@rncos.com