The Scottish Local Shop Report 2025
Compiled in collaboration with ACS, our Local Shop Report has revealed the enormous contribution that convenience stores in Scotland make to people’s lives, not just as essential grocery businesses, but as job creators, community hubs and beacons of entrepreneurship.
This year’s report highlights the decisions being made in the Scotland’s 5,228 convenience stores in areas like investment, staffing, product mix, technology and service offerings, and delivery.
Key figures from this year’s report include:
There are over 49,000 colleagues working in the convenience sector in Scotland, with 14% of shop owners taking no holidays throughout the year.
71% of convenience stores across the UK are run by independent retailers, either entirely unaffiliated or as part of a symbol group.
Across the UK, the convenience sector generated over £48.8bn in sales over the last year, with that figure set to grow to over £53.7bn by 2028.
Convenience stores in Scotland have invested over £89m over the last year.
87% of independent retailers engaged in some form of community activity in the past year.
The full report, which takes a comprehensive look at where local shops trade, what we sell, technology, services, home delivery, how we operate, communities and customers, is available to download below, or you can email our Public Affairs team at aidans@sgfscot.co.uk for more information.
