There will always be "a gap in the market" for independent convenience stores, according to one expert.

David Shrimpton, web editor of Talking Retail, explains that such shops can still be a success as long as they get things right.

He said: "I think they can still survive if they are doing the right things for their customers, have the right offers and are sharp enough."

People are still willing to pay the higher prices such shops often charge as they are making a trade off between cost and convenience, he added.

This is because consumers often forget items when doing their big weekly shop and use local stores to pick these items up, Mr Shrimpton stated.

Research by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), reveals that in June 56 per cent of retailers experienced a fall in sales when compared to the same time last year, while 30 per cent increased business volumes.

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