Many consumers often buy items on impulse when shopping in grocery stores, states a recent convenience data specialist, bringing confidence to wholesalers and retailers alike for new launches.
According to TWC, even in a more cautious spending climate, theatre, excitement, strong promotions and premium cues continue to drive incremental sales.
TWC research (June 2025) found that 16 per cent of UK consumers would use independent c-stores more if they launched NPD quickly (or quicker than other outlets).
TWC states, "independents are known for their agility and speed to react quickly to emerging trends. We know there is always risk associated to NPD…but there are benefits too."
Help with ‘meal-for-tonight’ could also be a game changer for independent convenience stores.
It is well known that wholesaler supplied independent convenience stores have relied on several core impulse categories for decades, many of which are in long-term decline. This includes categories like tobacco, lottery, newspapers and magazines.
Understanding where independent convenience stores should focus on can be difficult – but recent consumer research from TWC highlights a potentially very attractive mission in high demand from shoppers which is help with ‘meal for tonight’.
18 per cent% of the UK population say they’d use independent convenience stores more (or at all) if they focused on their ‘meal for tonight’ offer.
For wholesalers and independent convenience retailers alike, this insight should not be underestimated. “Meal for tonight” is not just another category opportunity but it is a mission that drives frequency, basket size and relevance.
When shoppers visit a convenience store to solve tonight’s meal, they are not looking for a single item. They are looking for solutions including a main, something to go with it, and often a treat or top-up. That means larger baskets than traditional impulse-led trips and a far greater opportunity to trade shoppers across chilled, ambient and fresh categories.
Independent convenience stores are uniquely well placed to win in this space. Their proximity, speed and local understanding already align with how people shop for tonight’s meal – especially midweek, when time pressure is high and major supermarket trips feel like too much effort. What has often been missing is confidence, range clarity and visibility.
TWC adds, "This is where wholesalers can play a decisive role. By curating clearer meal solutions for their retail customers, simplifying ranging decisions and supporting retailers with practical merchandising guidance, wholesalers can help stores move from 'selling food” to 'helping shoppers decide dinner'."
Simple actions such as:
- Clear signposting of meal solutions
- Stronger chilled ranges for easy mains
- Link-selling sides, sauces and accompaniments
- Clear value cues and price-marked options can dramatically improve shopper confidence and conversion.