The Big Night In effect: Must-stock, trends, tips to sell more

Once upon a time, staying in was considered lazy. Or worse, antisocial. The preserve of introverts and early sleepers. Fast forward to today, and home is where the party is, quite literally.

What was gaining popularity and was then thrust upon us during the Covid lockdown struck a chord somewhere with everyone. Be it hanging out with family and friends or even just Netflix and chill with someone special, home seems to be the best answer of all.

It is not just about saving a few quid, though let’s be honest, that certainly helps. People are actively seeking out the pleasure of being in their own space, surrounded by familiar comforts, good food and chosen company. Researchers have even coined a term for it: “indoorphins”, that warm sense of wellbeing that comes from being exactly where you want to be.

For convenience retailers, this shift has created one of the most consistent and lucrative shopping missions of recent years. Unlike seasonal spikes or one-off celebrations, the Big Night In happens every week, often several times a week, across all age groups and household types.

It spans generations, budgets and occasions, making it one of the rare missions that delivers both frequency and value.

It is little surprise, then, that industry leaders across food, drink and impulse categories are increasingly pointing to the Big Night In as a major growth opportunity for local convenience stores.

Georgia Ladbrook, Shopper Marketing Manager – Impulse, BrewDog PLC, explains: “Ongoing cost pressures across everyday spending are leading many consumers to reduce out-of-home occasions such as eating out or visiting pubs.

“Instead, shoppers are increasingly choosing to socialise and celebrate at home, accelerating the Big Night In as a deliberate, value-led occasion. A big night in can be anything from a night on the sofa with a partner, watching sport, a movie or your favourite Saturday night TV show, to a group of friends gathering for a celebration.”

For convenience retailers and wholesalers, this is welcome news. Many of these occasions are unplanned, spontaneous and last-minute, exactly where local stores excel.

Lauren George, External Communications Manager at Mars Wrigley, agrees, saying, “BNIs are likely to be impromptu and therefore offer significant sales driver opportunities for convenience retailers that are positioned to cater for last-minute purchases.

“To maximise the BNI opportunity, retailers should stock sharing formats of popular brands, such as the MALTESERS bitesize range, which appeal to consumers looking to come together with friends and loved ones.”

Looking ahead, the Big Night In shows no sign of losing momentum. According to pladis, even as inflation steadies, value will remain front of mind.

“Shoppers will continue to seek trusted brands that help them elevate at-home occasions without breaking the bank,” says its spokesperson.

Newby Groves, MD of The Mad Butcher, also agrees with his industry peer, saying, “The market has really evolved over the past few years. In an era where socialising, entertainment and everyday indulgence increasingly migrate from going out to staying in, Big Night In has emerged as one of retail’s most powerful consumer occasions.”

Once a casual comfort moment, the Big Night In has matured into a magnetic ritual. More than half of Brits now say they would rather stay home than go out, driven largely by financial concerns. A survey cited by Holly Bolus, senior brand manager at VK, found that 67 per cent of Brits are skipping weekday socials to save money.

Snacks leading the way

If there is one category that truly anchors the Big Night In, it is snacks. Whether it is a full-blown gathering, a casual drink with nuts, or a family movie night with popcorn, sharing snacks have become non-negotiable.

Stuart Graham, head of convenience and impulse at KP Snacks, points out that 49 per cent see snacks as a must-have for an evening in. “At £2bn, sharing is now the largest segment in CSN and one of the fastest growing.”

Graham continues: “At KP Snacks we’re tapping into the rising consumer demand for sharing with a diverse portfolio that will drive sharing product sales and provide shoppers with tasty snacks for all occasions.

“Our exciting range has something for everyone from popcorn to nuts to pretzels and of course crisps. Our range can create value and generate demand by meeting all consumer needs and occasions which are becoming even more important.”

Image from KP Snacks

When it comes to KP Snacks, it has something for everyone and for every occasion. Demand is also rising for premium snack lines that replicate a night-out feel at home.

Tyrrells 150g sharing bags fit perfectly into this demand. Full of personality, this brand has taste and quality at the heart of its offering with its authentic English heritage.

Ideal for cosy family nights in spent watching films or casual family get-togethers, Butterkist is the nation’s favourite popcorn brand. At nearly twice as large as its nearest branded competitor, Butterkist enjoys a 36 per cent market share.

When stocking up for these Big Night In occasions, healthier sharing options should not be ignored. Popchips is rated as the number one “Better for You” bagged snack brand in the sharing pack format, a must stock for convenience stores.

Worth £103m RSV and growing at two per cent YOY, the KP Nuts portfolio offers delicious flavours and a range of formats, and is nearly four times bigger than the nearest branded competitor. Nuts are naturally packed with protein and fibre delivering on both taste and health, and have therefore been excluded from HFSS legislation.

“Coming in at under 100 calories per serving and with a third less fat than the market leader, popchips provides a more permissible snack option without compromising on big flavour – perfect for consumers who are looking for a tasty healthier product to share when having an evening in,” Graham adds.

While hosting friends and families, most shoppers like to offer them something extra and fancy, presenting a clear-cut opportunity to stock premium meat snacks as well.

Meat snacks, in fact, are having a moment. They’re more novel than the traditional crisps and nuts, deliver that all-important protein hit, and are helping to elevate social moments.

The Mad Butcher brand caters to this clear demand for more grown-up, premium meat snacks, something much more authentic, made in traditional ways with simple ingredients and less nasties.

Image from The Mad Butcher

Groves says, “Something you’d serve alongside drinks or on a sharing platter when staying in for shared meals, movie nights, sports viewing or a casual gathering with family and friends.

“Formats like the 70g salami sticks or the smaller 40g Bites range are ideal for impulse purchase - shoppers can quickly grab them for their night in, to make a beer, wine, or cheese purchase more exciting with a perfect pairing.”

Treats and affordable indulgence

Hosting guests means catering for different tastes, and biscuits remain one of the safest, most versatile choices. The category continues to perform strongly despite economic headwinds.

It is wise to have a good, wide range of biscuits as well. A noteworthy name here is the range by Fox’s Burton’s Companies (FBC).

David Hebson, trade marketing director at FBC, says, “The sweet biscuits category, despite strong economic headwinds, is performing well with 52-week data showing the category is worth £2.9bn and growing at +3.3 per cent YoY. We expect to see this steady growth continuing throughout 2026.”

In the convenience channel specifically, premium treats are driving basket spend for independents, with premium biscuits worth £44M, growing at +13.3 per cent YOY as the Big Night In (BNI) opportunity continues to grow in popularity in a cost-conscious world.

Hebson adds, “For independent retailers, the opportunity lies in ‘trading-up’ shoppers who are looking for an affordable indulgence to enjoy at home. Our recently re-branded Fox’s Chocolatey range is outperforming the market, growing +39 per cent in value sales YOY.”

There is also a growing appetite for balance. Sugar reduction and non-HFSS options are gaining traction, with healthier sweet biscuits growing at nearly 30 per cent in convenience. Innovations like Maryland Delightfully Good are bridging the gap between indulgence and health.

Hebson adds, “We expect big volume growth coming from this sector in 2026.

“That’s why in 2025, we launched Maryland Delightfully Good, the first of the Maryland family to be a non-HFSS product.

“With over 30 per cent less sugar than its counterpart, the chocolate chip filled cookie bridges the gap between indulgence and healthy snacking, allowing families and friends to indulge without the guilt.”

One of the key standout elements in the BNI shopping mission is the products that offer shareability and sociability.

“Although predominantly viewed as a Christmas product, we’re increasingly seeing consumers wanting assortment products all year round,” revealed Hebson.

Image from Fox’s Burton’s Company

“As of January 2026, our Fox’s Cookies and Fox’s Viennese assortment boxes are available all-year-round following its popularity to tap into key cultural and gifting moments.”

While taste remains the primary reason for purchasing, there is also a shift towards people wanting multi-texture products.

Delivering on this trend is Maryland S’wich, which combines the crunchy, crumbly texture of a Maryland Chocolate Chip Cookie with a rich, creamy chocolate filling. Since its launch, it has delivered £3.6m of sales.

One key assumption many retailers make is that shoppers are on the hunt for a variety of cheaper, “everyday biscuits” due to budgetary pressures, so naturally stock more of these products.

Hebson, however, disagrees. “The reality, in fact, is the opposite. During trying times, shoppers are increasingly turning to premium biscuits, as they’re perceived as affordable luxuries.

“Our advice would be that the sweet biscuits fixtures should include no more than 16 per cent of everyday, cheaper, options whilst premium biscuits should take up 13 per cent of shelf space.”

While BNI often resonates with music, laughter and fun, there is a growing number of shoppers who see it as an opportunity for some well-earned alone time, marking the occasion with a special treat.

A pladis spokesperson says, "Multipacks and sharing pouches remain particularly important for family evenings in or movie nights with friends. At the same time, busy consumers are carving out more moments of self-care, enjoying a Big Night In to themselves.”

Looking ahead to 2026, the Big Night In is expected to continue diversifying, with shoppers moving fluidly between sharing-led and solo missions. Increasingly, they will expect their local convenience stores to cater seamlessly for both.

They’ll be looking to “trusted brands like McVitie’s and Jacob’s that they know will deliver quality, indulgence and flexibility across formats”, adds the spokesperson.

Maximising sales for this occasion is all about stocking a mix of formats across core snacking categories from biscuits and confectionery to crisps and snacks.

As the name behind some of Britain’s biggest snacking brands, including McVitie’s and Jacob’s, the pladis portfolio is a great place to start. Shoppers expect to see their favourite products on shelf, so classic bestsellers like McVitie’s Chocolate Digestives and Jacob’s Mini Cheddars Original continue to sell through.

They continue: “McVitie’s Gold Billions Wafer is a must, and its success showed us there was further headroom for growth in this space, leading to the launch of McVitie’s Gold Billions Chocolate & Hazelnut last year, an extra-indulgent version of the convenience favourite.”

Low- and no-sugar options are also gradually climbing the list of shoppers’ dietary priorities, reflecting a broader desire for balance rather than restriction.

One of the biggest untapped growth opportunities, the spokesperson highlights, sits within savoury biscuits.

The pladis spokesperson adds, “This was the driving force behind the launch of Jacob’s Bites – a range of generously seasoned, oven-baked, HFSS-exempt biscuits in popular flavour combinations presented in 125g boxes and now worth £12.2m.

“Since launching in 2024, Jacob’s Bites has been helping to change shopper perceptions by showing that savoury biscuits can deliver bold flavours and a satisfying, shareable eating experience.”

While having a good time at home, a meal is the last thing one wants to worry about. Shoppers ahead of such occasions usually like to fill their fridge and kitchen cabinets with ready meals so that they have something for everyone.

Rustlers Packaging Revamp Boosts Food-to-Go Appeal Rustlers Packaging Revamp Boosts Food-to-Go Appeal

Rustlers, the £109m chilled ready-meals brand, is enabling retailers to meet this rising demand for hot, tasty, easy to prepare meal solutions that can be enjoyed as part of the BNI occasion.

As consumers continue to deal with the rise in the cost of living, but still want to socialise with family and friends, the Big Night In occasion provides the ideal opportunity to have the fun they want, without incurring the expense of going out or ordering an expensive take out.

This in turn provide provides an opportunity for retailers to focus on high profile brands such as Rustlers, to drive Big Night In sales across a range of different occasions.

“When it comes to a Big Night In, consumers are looking for great-tasting food that can be prepared with the least amount of effort. Rustlers fit the bill perfectly, providing a tasty solution that can be prepared in home at the touch of a button, literally,” says Ross Davison, Head of Convenience at Kepak (Foods Division).

Rustlers is urging c-store retailers to use the broad consumer appeal of new-look Rustlers as an integral part of the BNI selection, offering complementary drinks, snacks and desserts as part of a basket-boosting meal deal.

Sweet success

When families come together for special occasions like birthdays or just long weekends, the younger set needs to be made satisfied and happy. No wonder, people hosting friends and family at home make sure their cabinets have enough confectionery to pass around, and Perfetti Van Melle offers various delicious options for enjoying a treat alongside loved ones.

Chupa Chups Mini Lollipop Bag targets sharing occasions with 30 mini lollipops in fan-favourite flavours Cola, Strawberry, Orange, Apple and Cherry launching in time to add some sweetness and variety to upcoming summer parties and holidays.

Mark Roberts, PVM’s Marketing & Trade Marketing Director, says, “Using only natural colourings, infused with Vitamin C, featuring a recyclable paper stick and individually wrapped to promote hygiene and portion control, these vegetarian-friendly tasty treats make a delicious, inclusive and sustainable addition to any Big Night In offering.”

Fruit-tella’s chews contain real fruit juice and are made with all-natural colourings and flavours.

All Fruit-tella sharing bag sweets are individually wrapped, and as such they are a treat that promotes hygiene and portion control. Mentos Feeling Berry Good comes in three fresh and delightful berry flavours and offers not only bursts of berry goodness but also the signature Mentos chewy experience.

Roberts adds, “Designed for ultimate enjoyment and sharing, Feeling Berry Good taps into the growing demand for sharing bags, which now dominate the confectionery market, accounting for 71.4 per cent of sweet value sales.

Bringing the bar home

People are increasingly skipping pub nights and opting for staying-in at home, saving both time and money.

Alexander Wilson, Category & Commercial Strategy Director at HEINEKEN UK, agrees: “Especially during a time where people may not have as much disposable income to spend on trips to the pub or bar, a ‘big night in’ will appear even more appealing.”

When looking at formats, small pack cans, mid pack cans and single glass bottles are popular regardless of the occasion.

Throughout the year, small pack cans account for 36 per cent of total beer and cider sales, mid pack cans account for 28 per cent and single glass bottles account for 23 per cent, Wilson says.

The best performing brands in Heineken portfolio are Fosters, Birra Moretti, Heineken 5%, Strongbow Original and Cruzcampo, demonstrating mainstream brands have a big role to play.

In convenience stores, small packs of beer and cider are worth £862m, mid-sized packs worth nearly £375m, and large-sized packs worth nearly £43m.

As such, convenience retailers can capitalise by stocking small- and mid-sized packs of more recent beer and cider launches to drive interest when customers are hosting, where bigger multipacks might be warranted, and people are more likely to buy somethi

“Stocking new lines like this also suggests to consumers that a store is up to date with trends, and they can rely on them to offer the latest innovation in the beer and cider category – perfect for when hosting people at home,” Wilson adds.

When the weather warms up and the evenings grow lighter, BNI occasions will spike – as will sales of alcohol and alcoholic drinks.

Beer is often the heart of these at-home occasions, whether it is simply unwinding after a day at work, or a larger celebration with friends, therefore having chilled availability of popular beer brands is essential for retailers to maximise on the opportunity.

Image: BrewDog

Ladbrook from BrewDog PLC says, “We continue to see success with our BrewDog mixed multi-pack SKUs. Perfect for sharing and trialling different styles, these packs are ideal for the big night in occasion, and by driving wider availability linked to the big night in mission, there is an opportunity to upweight basket spend.”

Of the top occasions for Craft Beer, BrewDog is the most consumed, with 29 per cent of Craft Beer drinkers choosing Punk IPA when trying to relax, 27 per cent of Craft Beer drinkers say Punk IPA is ideal for casual occasions with friends and family and 18 per cent say it fits in with nearly every occasion.

Finally, 54 per cent would definitely consider Punk IPA for a night-in alone or as a couple, says Ladbrook.

Last summer, BrewDog introduced price-marked versions of its best-selling products – Punk IPA four-pack and Hazy Jane four-pack.

Following the success of the Punk & Hazy PMP 330ml four-pack launch, BrewDog is expanding price marking across its lager portfolio, perfect for big nights in.

These will include a Cold Beer four x pint can pack (price marked at £5.49) and Lost Lager four x pint can packs (price marked at £7.25), and selected 10-pack Cold Beer formats, extending the benefits of price-marked packs further across chilled and lager occasions in independent retail.

Moving on from beer, it is best if a store has a tempting range of bottles to entice the shoppers.

According to Chris Jones, Managing Director at Paragon Brands, when it comes to drinks for big nights in, the fixture needs to appeal to a consumer that demands engaging brands, sharable experiences, great flavours.

“There will be pockets of consumers grabbing a bottle locally on the way to the location and others who are making a more considered, planned purchase. Either way, it’s about offering trending drinks that bring the enjoyment and feel like a treat,” Jones says.

Creating cocktails and shooters in the home is a fun addition to the evening and allows the group to participate together in a moment of shared celebration. Cocktail culture and mixology in the home are thriving and are clear trends to be jumped on, both with spirits, liqueurs, mixers and juices, and RTDs.

Within this trend, layered shots and baby drinks are on the rise as 49 per cent of Brits now prefer cocktail shooter shots to traditional shots. Licor 43 has been at the forefront of this revolution with one of the UK’s hottest shot trends.

Jones tells Asian Trader, “Licor 43’s ‘Baby Beer’ is a fun shot drink containing Licor 43 topped with cream liqueur, resembling a miniature pint of beer.

“It’s easy to pour and serve in the home, looks great, and brings shareable, repeatable moments to the party.”

Following a burst of influencer engagement and waves of content online placing the drink at the heart of social occasions at home, and across the on-trade over the last six months, Licor 43’s Baby Beer has gone viral on Tik Tok and Instagram with hundreds of thousands of views.

Apart from mainstream brands of vodka and whiskey, stocking some specialist brands is a great idea to entice curiosity and thus impulse sales.

Żubrówka, a Polish vodka brand, is an excellent example of a spirit brand leaning into the consumer to resonate.

Image from Żubrówka Biała

Flagship products in the range include Bison Grass Vodka and Biała, both offering distinctive flavours and expressions.

Aside from these, the Żubrówka range includes on-trend flavoured variants Vanilla, Mango and Passionfruit, Raspberry, and Rosé liqueur – infused with aromatic flavours of wild forest raspberries, cranberries and juniper for a unique berry flavour profile with botanical depth.

“Flavoured vodkas such as these are ideal additions to sharing cocktails, jugs and big batch drinks for at-home entertaining and house parties,” Jones says.

“They’re also great fun neat as shots to get the party started, for congratulatory moments round the table, and for group celebrations such as a birthday, milestone announcement, promotion at work – or just to mark the end of a successful week.”

In today’s time and age, a store’s alcohol section is incomplete if it does not have a good wide range of Ready-to-Drink (RTD) lines.

Enhanced RTDs have also become the second-largest segment within convenience, growing at 19 per cent, with 500ml formats now accounting for more than half the category sales.

Holly Bolus, Senior Brand Manager at VK, shares with Asian Trader, “The RTD revolution shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon with both volume and value projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of three per cent between 2023 and 2028.”

In terms of format, grab-and-go is ideal for students and young adults who are increasingly favouring at-home and at-friend’s drinking moments, often buying fewer drinks on nights out and seeking better value in advance. This makes VK Squashka the perfect option for convenience and impulse retailers, with the larger 500ml Tetra carton adding perceived value to these buyers.

Bolus adds, “In addition to the progression of RTD products, we’ve also noticed a clear uptake of consumers expanding their palates and favouring fruit forward profiles.

“People want drinks that feel refreshing, sessionable, and genuinely elevate their drinking experience – all of which are key considerations we take into account when creating NPD.”

VK Squashka comes in three nostalgic fruit flavours- including Apple & Blackcurrant, Orange & Pineapple and Cherries & Berries.

VK continues to lead the way as the number one RTD brand for students.

“This continued loyalty has prompted us to introduce VK Squashka, a product that boasts a seven per cent ABV and taps into the university cultural phenomenon which sees students mixing their own “squashka” or “squadka” as a pre-drinks ritual that’s been trending across the UK.

“VK Squashka is completely fizz-free and our first non-carbonated offering, delivering on the fresh and fruity flavours that customers know and love, while catering to new consumers who seek alternatives to fizzy drinks,” Bolus explains.

VK Squashka is now available in three flavours, with an RRP of £3.79 per 500ml carton. This new and exciting product from VK can be purchased within a range cash and carry depots.

Non-alcoholic options

All age groups are moderating their alcohol intake and an era of flexible drinking is upon us creating an open marketplace with plenty of opportunities for at-home entertaining purchases.

Jones from Paragon Brands says, “No and low products are not replacing alcohol, they extend the occasion, bringing additional spend and impulse purchase opportunities.

“Social acceptance around not drinking is evolving and isn’t limited to certain age groups or around campaigns such as Dry January or Sober October – it’s an open marketplace with opportunities from all angles, ages and at-home occasions – and a profit-driver for retailers.”

Caleño’s range of tropical non-alcoholic spirits is positioned to sit at the forefront of a wider cultural shift in UK drinks. It's a welcome addition to girl’s nights in, pamper parties, painting or crafting evenings, as well as more high tempo social occasions.

Dark spirits come into their own during colder months, and Caleño’s Dark and Spicy is the perfect alcohol-free alternative. It can be served with ginger ale and fresh lime for a Dark and Stormy, and with simple cola and lime for a refreshing, easy to make, long drink.

The Indie advantage

Independent retailers are at the heart of their local communities. By tailoring ranges to suit local shoppers, whether that’s family sharing formats, premium treats or trusted everyday favourites – independents can build loyalty and become the go-to destination for the occasion.

The pladis spokesperson adds, “Agility is another differentiator. Independents can react quickly to cultural moments that drive Big Night In demand, like a big TV finale, sporting event or seasonal occasion.

“A curated fixture that groups complementary categories like biscuits, sharing snacks, confectionery and soft drinks will help to inspire impulse purchases and drive cross-category spend.

“While multiples may have scale on their side, independents can also win with value perception. Discounted product bundles and channel-exclusive PMPs reassure shoppers that they’re getting a good deal at their local convenience store.”

Making the shopper experience as seamless as possible is the way to win them over and keep them coming through the door. Shoppers are often mission-led and time-poor, so clear signage and easy-to-spot bestsellers play a crucial role in helping them find what they’re looking for.

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Independent retailers should prioritise shopper-favourite brands on fixture, using POS materials like barkers and shelf talkers to signpost key lines. Off-shelf features can also be effective, particularly when they spotlight the bestselling brands within staple snacking categories.

The pladis spokesperson adds, “To help retailers unlock their store’s full potential, we encourage independents to sign up to Better Biscuits – our free online platform, designed exclusively to help independent retailers maximise their snack sales.”

Retailers should be aware of what will work best in their stores.

Hebson from FBC, says, “The products that work best in convenience are ones that inspire moments of indulgence, as these offer the best impulse opportunities for convenience stores looking to boost basket spend.”

PMPs are a steadfast tool for retailers to demonstrate clear pricing to customers to build trust. In sweet biscuits, PMP performance has been strong, growing at +6.9 per cent and outperforming non-PMP sales by 7.3 per cent YOY.

“Anytime treats and chocolate biscuit bars are the main drivers of this growth, highlighting the opportunity for retailers to boost sales through PMPs in an increasingly cost-conscious market.

“Stocking both premium biscuits and PMPs in key impulse locations in stores – such as in wire baskets or near a till – will help retailers entice shoppers during their BNI mission, in return delivering higher basket spend,” Hebson says.

Independent retailers have more control over how their store looks and what they stock, so they have a great opportunity to provide differentiated offerings to shoppers and boost basket spending.

For Mars Wrigley, PMPs and the Big Night In go hand-in-hand.

“PMPs offer reassurance to consumers that they are paying a fair price for a quality product,” says George from Mars Wrigley.

“PMPs also prove to be important for convenience retailers as they can build a sense of trust and confidence amongst consumers, driving repeat purchases, even as the cost-of-living crisis continues.”

Cross-promotion is key. Positioning snacks like ours alongside complementary treats – cheeses, crisps, dips, craft beers, mixers, or wine – encourages add-on sales.

Groves from the Mad Butcher explains, “Multiples are great for planned shopping trips, but the Big Night In is often spontaneous. Independents can win by catering to these moments with beer, wine, snacks, and indulgent treats – including new, premium meat snacks.

“Independents can focus on creating curated night-in bundles or themed experiences – for example, pairing Mad Butcher gourmet snacks with local cheeses or craft drinks. By thinking beyond the shelf and creating aspirational, ready-to-go options, they can tap into spontaneous shopper behaviour and grow basket size.”

Premium, high-quality snacks, like The Mad Butcher charcuterie on-the-go range, play a crucial role in elevating these occasions and giving shoppers reasons to return for repeat purchases.

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Ease of shop is central to the Big Night In. Consumers want simple solutions that remove complexity and allow them to relax, recreating elements of the out-of-home experience in their own homes.

Ladbrook from BrewDog PLC says, “Helping shoppers to make quick decisions can be delivered through clear merchandising, grouping complementary products together in the chiller, such as a ‘pizza and four-pack’ meal deal, and using high-visibility spaces such as end-of-aisle and under-counter locations for larger multipacks and snacks.

Ladbrook reminds that 2026 is also a big year for sport, from the Rugby Six Nations kicking off in February to the Men’s Football World Cup across June and July followed by the Commonwealth Games which are all occasions likely to be enjoyed with others over a beer, so would recommend retailers increase stock levels to meet higher demand.

Where’s the party tonight?

The beauty of the Big Night In lies in its flexibility, and that's exactly what makes it such a goldmine for convenience stores. They want to “do something nice” without leaving home, and the convenience store has become a key enabler of that decision.

The Big Night In basket is rarely small. Shoppers might arrive for one item but leave with several, prompted by inspiration, proximity and subtle merchandising cues.

A bag of crisps becomes two. A bottle of wine is joined by a dessert. A chilled drink leads to a sharing pack, “just in case”.

For retailers, this is not just another trend to observe. It is an occasion to own.

Those who recognise it as a moment, not just a mission, will continue to grow baskets, build loyalty and stay central to how Britain chooses to unwind.

The Big Night In is not a passing phase driven by tough times alone. It is a permanent reset in how shoppers think about leisure, value and reward. Convenience retailers are no longer just filling cupboards; they are quietly enabling moments, midweek resets, spontaneous celebrations, family rituals and small wins at the end of long days.

After all, if home is where the heart is, the convenience store is undeniably where the party starts.