Shopper satisfaction ratings for the value for money offered by c-stores have grown in the past year, but the sector is still losing out on key shopping missions, according to the 2013 Convenience Tracking Programme (CTP) from HIM Research & Consulting.

Satisfaction ratings for value for money, product availability and service speed have all increased, with symbol stores scoring well for value for money at 8.4 out of 10, not far behind the discounters at 8.5. Premier scored highest among symbol groups with a rating of 8.9. Items that identified as having a positive impact on value for money perception include a £1 range (identified by 18% of shoppers), pricemarks (18%) and own label (14%).

Top-up remains the most valuable shopping mission to the c-store channel, according to the study, but now accounts for only 38% of c-store spending, compared with more than 50% in 2009. In recent years, the newsagent and food to go missions have increased in importance, with food to go now driving 14% of visits to the convenience sector.