Many supermarkets are expanding rapidly, offering greater convenience, wider selections, and enhanced services. While this benefits shoppers, it threatens local convenience stores, long the heart of the community. With supermarkets opening nearby, customers often choose the brand name, even when local stores offer the same products at lower prices, causing a decline in business for independents.
Krupa Trivedi, a convenience store owner in Leicester, who started two years ago, speaking to Asian Voice exclusively said, “Convenience stores have long been the first choice for customers, known as neighbourhood shops where people come not just to buy things but to connect. Many of our regulars, especially older or retired people, enjoy the social interaction, as they often live alone.
“These shops also support families and schools nearby, with parents stopping by for snacks or drinks for their children. Beyond business, small stores contribute to the community through volunteering and fundraising for local charities, for example, we recently ran a fundraiser for a Leicester charity, with customers generously donating spare change. Convenience stores will always have a place in the community
“The main challenge we face is the dominance of big supermarkets. Many small cash-and-carry stores have been taken over by chains like Tesco, driving prices up and directly affecting smaller shops like ours.
“Prices now rise every quarter, even for basic necessities, putting pressure on small businesses and households, and making it harder to stay competitive.”
Hetal Patel, National President of The Federation of Independent Retailers, addressing the problems that small and independent stores continue to face, told us, “The government should provide better support for independent retailers through grants, subsidies, or favourable policies. Stronger backing from producers and suppliers is also essential to help them stay competitive.
“The real strength comes from the community. Independent shops are at the heart of local life, offering personal support that big supermarkets can’t. While it’s not always possible to shop only at small stores, visiting local shops more often makes a big difference, supporting small businesses means supporting the community.”
Bhavesh Patel of Patel Brothers said, “Supermarkets have been targeting demographic areas with small local stores, pushing out established independent convenience shops that are a pillar of the community. During Covid, these businesses supported customers with more than just groceries, they offered conversation and care, especially for older people who may feel isolated. You won’t find that in a supermarket.
“Supermarkets have become aggressive, even in the South Asian grocery sector, stocking ethnic products like chapatti atta, basmati rice, spices, paneer, and snacks in areas with relevant demographics. They buy from suppliers we’ve supported for decades and sell the same products cheaper, drawing customers away. They are focused on profits, often at the expense of local stores that provide so much more than just groceries.”
According to the ‘Community Barometer 2025’ by the Association of Convenience Stores, convenience stores were ranked as having the third most positive impact and are considered essential to their communities.
At the start of 2025, there were 50,486 convenience shops in the UK, a slight increase from previous years. However, the proportion run by independent retailers has declined, falling from 75% in 2015 to 71% today. Factors such as the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing economic challenges have also contributed to this shift.
Krupa highlighted how the market has changed drastically since Covid. “Before the pandemic, many supermarkets didn’t offer delivery, but now even small stores provide door-to-door service. Large chains have become highly competitive, offering flexible or even free delivery with annual plans. This shift has hit small businesses hard, customers now prefer ordering online, and foot traffic in local shops has dropped significantly.”
She further added, “Many high street stores are struggling or closing as online shopping grows. This move towards digital convenience has made it much harder for small, independent shops to survive post-Covid.”
So what is the future of independent retailers? “The outlook is uncertain,” said Hetal. “The government is considering extending Sunday trading hours for supermarkets, which could be a serious blow to many small shops. There are over 40,000 independent retailers nationwide, providing more than 5,000 jobs. If this policy goes ahead, many businesses could close, putting livelihoods at risk. It’s crucial that policymakers consider the impact and protect independent retailers, who are vital to local economies and communities.”
