LONDON – U.K. convenience stores have begun to offer more services, such as mailboxes and financial transactions, as a way to appeal to more consumers, FoodBev.com reports. The stores are becoming more than a place to pick up a loaf of bread, a pint of beer and a newspaper, according to research by Xpress Money.

A recent poll of convenience store owners discovered that 39% have added new services since 2010. Today, 59% have money transfer services while 19% offer mailbox services in partnership with another provider. Previously ubiquitous services, such as mail (one in 20) and DVD rental (one in 30) have become more scarce.

“We are seeing a transition in the role of convenience stores to reflect the evolving needs of local residents,” said Sudhesh Giriyan, COO of Xpress Money. “These local hubs are reinventing themselves to reflect consumer desire for hyper-local services. Money transfer, once a service only associated with high street outlets, has become a sought-after extension to the offering of local stores.”

U.K. convenience stores number more than 46,000, with continued growth expected to be approximately 5%. “There is a growing trend towards money transfer services in suburban locations, particularly within communities with a high international population. Convenience shoppers are readily adopting this highly accessible way of transferring funds, without the hassle of some alternative methods,” said Giriyan.

For how U.S. retailers are using other services to bring in customers, read “At Your Service” in the October issue of NACS Magazine.