Shop local
Local retailers in the UK are set for a much-needed post-lockdown boost as almost one in three British consumers say they will visit local shops more frequently than they did before the COVID-19 crisis, indicates GlobalData.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has reignited the importance of the local community for many, with neighbours helping each other with shopping and forming local social groups to stay connected. Local retailers have played a part in this with many adjusting their services to cater for their neighbourhood, quickly introducing contactless delivery options in order to make their stock available and keep their business afloat without relying on a store,” said Sofie Willmott, lead retail analyst, GlobalData.
Influenced by a stronger sense of community, 95.8% of UK shoppers agreed they would purchase from local retailers at least as often as they did previously, if not more often. While this trend is evident nationwide, there are regional differences – those in Northern Ireland are the most likely to shop with local retailers more often and consumers in the North West are the least likely to buy more frequently.
“Although independent retailers selling non-essential goods will struggle to get back on their feet following the lockdown period, dealing with stock issues and the cost of implementing safety measures, they will be favoured by shoppers – many of whom will be more conscious about where they spend their money. Consumers are likely to feel more of an allegiance to small independents where they may have built a relationship with the staff or owners and will assume large retailers will be able to cope with the drop in sales,” added Willmott.
With 62.8% of the British public that are currently working from home, expecting to do so more often once workplaces re-open, retailers in local towns are also likely to benefit as footfall in city centre locations remains subdued for some time.
For all the latest retail news from the Middle East, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube page.
Watsons to open 20 new stores in the GCC
In 2020, global health & beauty retailer AS Watson Group signed its
April 29, 2024 | By Rupkatha BAsda and Deliverect Deepen Partnership to Power Rapid Delivery Across Asda Express
SQUATWOLF’s Kuwait Flagship Store Anchors Its Regional Growth Ambitions
Global beauty icon Ulta Beauty to make Riyadh debut at Panorama Mall
/ 
For decades, Haldiram’s built deep recall across the UAE through its packaged
When House of Habanero opened its first physical location at Alserkal Avenue
Union Coop has completed a significant expansion of its Hatta Souq branch,
Saudi Arabia is set to welcome U.S. food exporters this week, as
Majid Al Futtaim has officially entered the discount retail segment with the
As convenience increasingly becomes currency in the region’s grocery landscape, Union Coop
As wellness becomes a lifestyle in the UAE, the grocery aisle is
Grandiose, one of the leading grocery retailers in the UAE with a
With shifting consumer behaviour, rising cost pressures, regulatory changes, and rapid digitization,
Union Coop’s blend of retail expansion, digital innovation, and community focus is
Abu Dhabi-based MAIR Group has marked a pivotal stage in its transformation
In a move that blurs the line between shopping and investing, Apparel
/ 
Why cinemas, wellness sanctuaries and cultural districts are becoming emotional infrastructure for
From bullion to boutiques, investment to immersion, Dubai Gold District marks a
As lives accelerate and time fragments, shoppers no longer separate “eating” from
The Inspired Home Show 2025 concluded with positive momentum, reinforcing its position
NRF Vice President of Education Strategy Susan Reda forecasts 2025’s retail trends
64 global leaders in retail will share their insights on shaping the
NRF 2025: Discussing biometrics, computer vision and more with leaders from H&M,
The Dubai Duty Free (DDF) has recorded sales of $1.94 billion up
In what comes as a significant announcement, Middle East based eyewear majors
Emirati Gen Z women are seeking collaborative, culturally diverse and creatively enriching
GMG’s Everyday Goods – Retail division celebrates expansion milestone hitting 60 stores
Previous Article
