- One in five grocery shopping trips in British households results in at least one missing item, costing the industry an estimated £2.1 billion annually in "displaced sales".
- This widespread stock issue is significantly altering consumer behaviour, with 44 per cent of shoppers, rising to nearly two-thirds of under-45s, switching grocers or visiting alternative stores in the past year.
- Product availability has become a primary concern for 59 per cent of shoppers, with one in three now prioritising it over price when making purchasing decisions.
- Convenience stores are disproportionately affected, accounting for almost half of all displaced spending due to empty shelves, despite representing only a fifth of total grocery sales.
- Industry experts emphasise that consistent product availability is crucial for maintaining customer loyalty and trust in a competitive market.
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