Almost a fifth of people (17%) who use convenience stores shop there at least once a day, according to latest research from food and grocery experts IGD.

A further 59% use them at least twice a week, and on average, c-shoppers make around three trips a week to a convenience store, the Small Store Shopper research reveals.

Joanne Denney-Finch, chief executive at IGD, said: “Convenience stores are clearly popular and this trend is set to continue. We predict the market will be worth £42.6bn by 2015 – up one third from its current value.

“The main consumer trends that will contribute to this growth include a growing population, less meal planning, more people missing meals at home and a desire to shop locally.

“As more and more people live in urban areas nearer convenience stores, retailers and suppliers need to ensure they are aware of the changing profile of their catchment area. And they will have to adapt their product range and merchandising accordingly.”

The Small Store Shopper report also found that 35-54-year-olds and those from AB socio-economic groups are more likely to use convenience stores to buy alcohol and something for their evening meal; 15-24-year-olds and those in CDE socio-economic groups are more likely to use this store format to buy cigarettes and other tobacco products; and this younger age group is also more likely to buy lunch and snacks from a small store.