Dear Reader,

Reports from convenience store markets around the world uncover many parallels in shopper behaviour and remind businesses to focus on the similarities but be aware of the differences.

The latest Checkout report on shopper behaviour in the US, for example, reveals shoppers have made more quick, fill-in trips in the last year. Similar trends have been reported in the UK and Australia, where convenience retailers and forecourts have benefited from top-up shopping as customers forego larger, weekly or fortnightly trips to a supermarket.

Green issues continue to dominate too and span the continents where in America consumers are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products and in Europe a leading UK retailer is launching a roof garden to grow and sell extremely local fresh produce in store.

Tesco recognises there are global similarities and is leveraging its Clubcard loyalty scheme in markets around the world and building an increasingly international database of shopper behaviour at the same time.

Common consumer needs are driving new services and technology around the world and they are increasingly of the hands-free and contactless variety.

They bring much-needed shopper convenience but one word of warning. The Checkout report suggests US shoppers have not been having much fun of late. That feeling will resonate with shoppers around the world and is an opportunity convenience stores can exploit.

Fiona Briggs, Editor, Global Convenience Store Focus

Retail News

Rutter's Farm Stores unveils new apps for US shoppers
Exhibitors gear up for expanded Expo at Insight NACS London event
Tesco drives share with Clubcard in international markets
Asda under pressure from premium purse
New sponsor announced for International Convenience Retailer Award
US shopping trips are price- and convenience-driven
Spar International boss headlines Insight event
The Co-operative rolls out recycled shopping baskets
London convenience retailer to grow fresh produce on store roof
Spar launches breakfast promotion in UK
KSS: the fuel pricing expert on driving store traffic through competitive fuel and product pricing strategies

Research

Americans happy to pay more to go green
Five-a-day gains ground in UK but impact on cancer is low, finds European study
New report highlights importance of social media for brands
Growth in UK high street sales continues, says CBI

Comment and opinion

Sharon's convenience store report

Technology

Pepsico launches worldwide digital football campaign
Collect+ parcel service targets neighbourhood stores
Barclaycard doubles reward money on new Freedom loyalty card

Product News

Co-operative unveils new lines

Products and events

Real Food Festival targets trade visitors
World Cheese Awards return to UK