Thinking of Buying a Convenience or Grocery Business in Australia? Here Are 3 Vital Questions to Ask

The Australian convenience and grocery store sector represents a $4.9 billion industry that serves as a cornerstone of daily life in communities nationwide.

Despite facing industry challenges with revenue slightly declining by 0.1% annually over the past five years, convenience stores continue to evolve and adapt to changing consumer demands.

With current industry profit margins at 5.2% of revenue and strategic opportunities emerging in underserved markets, this sector offers resilient investment potential.

However, before stocking your shelves, prospective buyers need to understand the critical factors that separate thriving stores from struggling ones.

Question 1: How dependent is the business on tobacco sales, and what strategy exists to diversify revenue streams?

Why It Matters

Tobacco products have historically been a major profit driver for convenience stores, but regulatory changes and declining smoking rates present significant threats to this revenue source.

The Federal Government's ban on e-cigarette sales outside pharmacies and consistently increasing excise taxes have made these products less profitable and attractive to consumers.

Forward-thinking stores are actively diversifying their offerings to compensate for this industry-wide challenge.

What to Check

• Request a detailed breakdown of sales by product category to determine what percentage of revenue comes from tobacco products compared to industry averages
  
  
• Examine trends in tobacco sales over the past 3 years to identify if the business has already begun to experience declining revenue in this category
  
  
• Assess the store's current food service offerings and ready-to-eat meal options, which represent the highest-growth and highest-margin product categories in the industry
  
  
• Review any plans or systems in place for expanding into healthier food options, fresh produce, or specialty products that align with growing consumer health consciousness

Question 2: How is the business positioned against e-commerce competition and supermarket encroachment?

Why It Matters

The convenience store industry faces intensifying pressure from both ends of the retail spectrum—e-commerce giants expanding into grocery delivery and supermarkets offering increased convenience.

According to MarketLine, e-commerce grocery sales have grown by 15% annually, particularly appealing to suburban and rural consumers.

Understanding a store's competitive advantages and vulnerabilities in this landscape is crucial for long-term viability.

What to Check

• Evaluate the store's location to assess foot traffic patterns, proximity to transportation hubs, and population density
  
  
• Analyze the local competitive landscape, including nearby supermarkets, other convenience stores, and e-commerce penetration rates
  
  
• Review historical sales data to identify peak traffic hours and customer demographics
  
  
• Assess any technology integration such as mobile payment systems, online ordering capabilities, or delivery partnerships that help the store compete in the digital marketplace
  
  
• Examine the store's physical layout and potential for modernization to improve customer experience and operational efficiency

Question 3: What are the current labor costs and staffing structure, and how do they impact profitability?

Why It Matters

Labor represents the second-largest expense for convenience stores at 11.5% of revenue, and according to Australian Bureau of Statistics data, the retail sector has experienced a 10% increase in labor costs over the past year.

With industry-wide staffing challenges and rising wages, understanding the current staffing model and its sustainability is crucial for maintaining profit margins in a low-margin business.

What to Check

• Review current staff schedules, wage rates, and the balance between full-time and part-time employees
  
  
• Analyze labor costs as a percentage of sales over time, particularly noting any significant increases
  
  
• Examine staff turnover rates and recruitment practices, as frequent hiring and training drive up operational costs
  
  
• Assess store operating hours and peak periods to identify opportunities for optimizing staffing levels
  
  
• Evaluate any technology investments that could improve operational efficiency and reduce labor dependence, such as self-checkout systems

Ready to open your doors to community and opportunity?

Despite challenges including declining tobacco sales, e-commerce competition, and labor pressures, convenience and grocery stores remain essential fixtures in Australian communities.

With the industry projected to reach $4.7 billion by 2027-28, strategic operators who focus on food service innovation, community engagement, and operational efficiency will find valuable opportunities in this resilient sector.

For a more comprehensive exploration of this opportunity, read the full article here: Your Guide to Buying a Convenience and Grocery Business