Corner shop is Wales’ most valued local amenity, survey shows

The local corner shop is the most valued local amenity in Wales, ranking more important than the pub, bank, and post office, a new polling from PayPoint has revealed.

The role of the convenience stores has been increasingly appreciated over the past 12 months, with 62 per cent of Welsh saying that heir local convenience store has become more important to them. Nearly a quarter (24%) said they relied on their local store to supply essentials unavailable elsewhere (e.g. supermarkets) during lockdown.

Louise Morgan, winner of PayPoint’s Retail Hero award for December 2020, welcomed the survey results.

“The shop has definitely been busier over the past year, so it’s great to hear how Wales values the corner shop. I think if anything to come out of the past year it’s a sense of community with those closest to you,” she said.

The 63-year-old from Johnston, Pembrokeshire has run her shop for 20 years and is well tied to the community, many of whom are senior citizens. When the pandemic arose, Morgan took it upon herself to ensure the local blocks of 70 plus flats had access to important supplies.

“Having lived in Johnston and run the shop for so long, I know all my customers and their families. When the pandemic hit, I wanted to do everything I could to help people access everyday things that it suddenly became so hard to get hold of,” she said.

Part of her service has always been taking care of the community, but her efforts doubled in lockdown, arranging appointments and running errands for those in need.

Ben Ford, PayPoint retail services director, added: “PayPoint is a people business and retailers like Louise are wonderful ambassadors. We’re proud of everything our network has achieved over the past year. Stories of everyday kindness like these are fantastic to hear. In recognition of her service, we are happy to have made a donation to The Friends Of Llangain County Primary School Charity, Louise’s charity of choice, in her name.”

Paypoint named 12 of its retailer partners as Retail Hero of the month for going above and beyond the call of duty during the past year.