The 'big shop' past its sell-by date

THE ritual of the weekly grocery shop is on the decline. Research published yesterday suggests consumers now favour visiting 'small and local' stores several times a week - sometimes even daily - for the freshest food available.

A study found that the number of householders shopping at stores within five minutes of their home has nearly doubled over the past 20 years.

Comparing the shopping habits of 1980 with those of 2002, researchers found that the local store was making a comeback after decades of decline.

The big chains have already capitalised on the trend, with Tesco and Sainsbury's opening small urban stores under the Metro and Local brands.

The three-year study - carried out by Lancaster University's management school with funding from the Economic and Social Research Council - showed the number of customers who rely on one shop for all their groceries has dropped from 46% to just 31%.

In 1980, only 9% of consumers shopped for groceries three times a week. By 2002, that figure had more than doubled to 21%.

The study, which involved 4,000 interviews and questionnaires, found that most consumers consider 'small and local' to be the most important factor when choosing where to shop.

In 1980, this was only the third most important consideration behind enjoyment and price.

According to the study, the number of consumers shopping less than five minutes from their home has more than doubled from 17% in 1980 to more than 38% two years ago.

But the majority admit that the large supermarket is still indispensable and 65% say they rely on it for most of their needs.

Professor Ian Clarke, who presented his findings at a conference in London yesterday, said consumers now valued access to a range of shops rather than a single supermarket.

A spokesman for the New Economics Foundation spokesman said: 'This evidence of the fightback against remote superstores reflects the fact that a local shop is more than just a place to buy food. Action needs to be taken now to ensure that small local retailers survive.'