Somber forecasts about the current worldwide economic slump and soaring numbers of job losses around the globe make for grim reading. But food retailing, while not totally recession proof, is proving to be more resilient than other sectors. Convenience, in particular, is gaining ground and as this latest issue shows, there are no shortage of new store developments and opportunities.

• In France, Carrefour is leading the way with two new convenience formats. It seems the French are expressing a real appetite for “proximité,” fresh foods and everyday essentials.
• In Russia, oil giant Gazprom is back in the headlines, but this time for its new petrol station and convenience store design; and Scott Annan completes his East-West tour in Moscow and is introduced to the leading Russian retail formats.
• Central and Eastern Europe are rich pickings for convenience development, says Verdict, which tips the Czech-Slovak retailer Zabka as one to watch.
• Value remains crucial, however, especially in the UK, and the idea has travelled to Spain with the revival of the Kwik Save brand.
• But there is still space for quality, as the opening of a top celebrity chef’s new food emporium shows.

Getting a confidence boost has never been so convenient.