Australian convenience stores have outpaced the growth of the grocery channel for the second year running, recording sales growth of 3.7 per cent in 2013.

According to the annual State of the Industry Report by the Australasian association of convenience stores (AACS), the convenience channel grew in value by 3.7 per cent last year, building on the 3.4 per cent growth figure recorded the year before, while the grocery channel recorded growth of just 2.3 per cent in 2013.

In 2012, convenience stores grew at a faster rate than the grocery channel for the first time since 2008.

Jeff Rogut, CEO of the AACS, said it was encouraging to see the industry outpace the grocery channel again in 2013.

“Convenience stores in Australia have not only proven their resilience amid tough retail trading conditions, they have again demonstrated the value proposition the convenience channel provides to customers whose shopping patterns and behaviours continue to evolve,” Rogut said.