A vast majority of independent convenience retailers are finding it harder to keep trading amid rampant retail crime and the illicit trade in tobacco and vape products, shows a recent survey on carried out by Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed).
When asked ‘does the combined impact of rising retail crime, employment costs, goods and services costs, energy costs and the proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill make it harder for your business to survive?’, a staggering 96 per cent answered yes.
A further shocking statistic revealed that 66 per cent of members who replied have noticed an increase in the level of retail crime incidents – including shop thefts, violence and abuse - in their stores since January 2025.
Answering the question of whether their business would be able afford to improve security measures over the next 12 months to tackle increasing levels of retail crime, 86 per cent said no.
The vast majority (87 per cent) felt that local authorities and Trading Standards had not done enough to curb the trade in illicit goods.
The survey also asked members for their views on the forthcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill and what effect this would have on their business.
A whopping 95 per cent of respondents believed more shoppers will turn to illicit traders to buy tobacco and vape products if the proposed restrictions are implemented, while 97 per cent said the government needs to carry out more consultation with the retail community, particularly small businesses.
The Fed’s National President Mo Razzaq said, “The figures revealed by the survey are disturbing, but they are not really surprising.
“Independent retailers are being hit from all sides, with criminals who steal from our shops and attack us and our staff largely going unpunished, and soaring costs and increased legislation pushing more retailers ever nearer to being forced to closing their doors for good.
“We have repeatedly warned the government in no uncertain terms that independent retail is on the brink of disaster unless our industry receives the support it so desperately needs to survive.
“We will be making the government aware of the results of our survey to further reinforce our case and continue to impress upon them the very real, serious problems we are facing.”
