Small, family run convenience stores are under threat due to declining sales, increased crime and regulatory red tape in regards to heated tobacco and vaping products, according to Retail NZ.

These small businesses, known as dairies, are an important opportunity for social interaction for members of the community, according to Retail NZ’s general manager for public affairs Greg Harford.

“As with other retailers, dairies need to review their security arrangements, update their in-store experience to [meet] customer expectations, provide great customer service, and potentially diversify beyond traditional dairy offerings into selling a broader range of products,” Harford said.

“The Government has a role to play too, and the sector needs an integrated approach to improving community safety and stopping retail crime.”

Harford suggested the Government should introduce instant fines for petty shoplifting and set targets for retail crime reduction to help Kiwis understand the importance of not getting involved in crime.

“Tobacco is typically a substantial part of a dairy’s business, and dairies are therefore well placed to support the Government’s goal of achieving a Smokefree Aotearoa by 2025,” Harford said.

He added that smoke-free products need to be quickly regulated in order to enable these new products to be sold in a way that complies with the law.