The total value of sales in small-format shops up to 300 m2 in November was 2.3% higher than a year ago, while the number of transactions fell by 7%, according to data from the Polish Chamber of Commerce (PIH) and the Market Monitoring Centre (CMR).
Behind the decline in the number of visits to small-format shops in November was not only the decreasing number of such outlets, but also the weather. November was very changeable in this respect, with the last week bringing snowstorms and frosts, and such conditions usually do not encourage people to leave their homes and thus to do impulse shopping at a nearby shop. The lower number of transactions has also translated into a reduction in the total number of packs purchased. Product prices in recent months are no longer growing as dynamically as before (some categories even show price drops), yet in November the average receipt value was 10% higher than the year before, with the average number of packages per receipt being the same as last year. In November, a small-format shopper spent an average of 3.7 product packs and spent an average of PLN 23.89 on shopping, it was reported.
November has 30 days, including two public holidays, on which a large proportion of shops are closed, so sales in this month are usually significantly lower than in the preceding October. This was also the case this year, with the total number of transactions in small-format shops being 13% lower than in September, while the turnover of these outlets fell month-on-month by around 10%, it was also reported.
Small format shops up to 300 sqm include: small grocery shops up to 40 sqm, medium grocery shops 41-100 sqm, large grocery shops 101-300 sqm, specialist alcohol shops.
Source: CMR/PIH and ISBnews
