- What is a symbol group retailer?
- What benefits do symbol group organisations offer to retailers?
- How many symbol group retailers are there and who are they?
- How much is the symbol group market worth?
- How is the symbol group market performing?

What is a symbol group retailer?

A symbol group retailer is an independent retailer that is effectively a member of a larger organisation known as a “symbol group operator” (such as SPAR).

The retailer displays a branded fascia in order to have a common trading identity which shoppers recognise. In addition they gain a number of other benefits associated with belonging to a larger organisation, improved buying terms, branding, the option to sell own label products, and new shop technology (such as checkout scanning)

IGD’s definition of “Symbol Groups” also incorporates “Franchise” and “Fascia Groups”, related but distinct concepts.

What benefits do symbol group organisations offer to retailers?

• Advice/expertise on trading, technology and equipment
• Trading benefits - including promotional programmes
• Marketing support
• Shop fitting services providing improved store environments
• Ongoing support services delivery
   
  

How many symbol group retailers are there and who are they?

There are 14,677 symbol group retailers in the UK. The following is a list of the main retailers that fall within this total:
 

Source: IGD Research 2009
 

How much is the symbol group market worth?

• The symbol group market is worth £10.4bn.
• Symbol groups have a 35.9% share of the UK convenience market.
• Symbol groups have a 7.3% share of the total UK grocery market.
  

How is the symbol group market performing?

The symbol group market is performing well as a result of three factors:

1. Increased number of symbol stores
   
   As competition increases in the convenience market, and it continues to grow, convenience store standards and offers are improving.
   
   As a result of this, independent retailers are looking for more support from symbol organisations to help them compete effectively. Membership to some form of symbol group is therefore increasing.
   
   Since more stores are now in this segment, total market value is therefore increasing
    
2. Improved sales within exiting stores
   
   Symbol group stores are performing better as existing stores improve their performance. Symbol group operators are driving this growth though:
   1. Improved store formats and designs
   2. Better professionalism
   3. Offering more guidance on product ranges
   4. Improved promotions and expansion of private label
   5. Increased communication with retailers
       
      
3. Better format segmentation
   
   There continues to be a stronger focus on new format development in this part of the sector, helping independent retailers to develop a more tailored and relevant offer based on store location and shopper missions

	Related Items on IGD.com: Factsheets: - UK Forecourt Retailing - Convenience Retailing - UK Grocery Retailing  Reports: - The Evolution of Convenience Retailing - Global Convenience Retailing – Maximising the Opportunity - Opportunities for Growth in Premium Retailing