Christie Insurance highlights key trends across the convenience, forecourt, and garden centre markets in 2025 report
Specialist business property adviser Christie & Co has today launched its Retail Market Review 2025, which reflects on activity, trends and challenges faced in the first half of the year for convenience stores, petrol forecourts, garden centres, farm shops, and retail investments in the UK, as well as an outlook for the rest of the year. The report features insight on the insurance market, by Gage Burgess, Account Executive - New Business, at Christie Insurance.
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The retail insurance market remains highly competitive, with a wide range of tailored products available for convenience stores, forecourts, and garden centres. This competition allows brokers to secure strong coverage at competitive prices. However, in today’s economic climate, many store owners are cutting costs by reducing or removing key covers, such as underinsuring contents or eliminating Business Interruption cover. While this may offer short-term savings, it increases long-term financial risk.
With inflation stabilising but operating costs still high, regular policy reviews are essential to ensure businesses remain protected against unexpected events. In the forecourt market, although many insurers are active, the real value lies in the depth of coverage. Standard “retailers’ type” policies often overlook risks unique to petrol stations, such as damage to pumps and canopies or environmental liabilities from fuel leaks. As insurers adopt digital tools to streamline underwriting, it’s vital that policyholders carefully review their policies to ensure they reflect the realities of their operations.
Garden centres have evolved into multi-purpose destinations, often including cafés, restaurants, and seasonal attractions. This diversification introduces new risks, particularly around Public Liability due to increased footfall and varied customer interactions. While insurers are increasingly recognising the sector’s growth, garden centres must ensure their insurance keeps pace with their changing business models. Key considerations include liability cover, equipment insurance, and Business Interruption protection for seasonal operations.
Digital transformation is reshaping the insurance landscape across all sectors. Insurers are using advanced analytics and insurtech platforms to offer more personalised and efficient coverage. For retail and leisure businesses, this presents opportunities for tailored policies, but also a need to stay informed and proactive in managing risk.
A recent case highlights the importance of responsive support. When a hospitality entrepreneur opened his first convenience store, he needed comprehensive cover from day one. A challenge arose when his lender required Terrorism cover before releasing funds. Our team responded immediately, keeping the client informed and arranging a tailored policy within hours that met the lender’s requirements and aligned with the client’s long-term goals.
To read the Retail Market Review 2025, click here: https://www.christie.com/sectors/retail/retail-market-review-2025/
To discuss insurance for your retail business, get in touch:
Gage Burgess
Account Executive - New Business
T: 07764 241 288
E: gage.burgess@christieinsurance.com