Last month, high-profile retailer Guy Warner opened his sixth store in the idyllic Cotswolds. So we sent reporter Ellis Hawthorne along to get the lowdown on the latest addition to the expanding Warner’s Budgens estate…

Warner, who has been a Budgens partner since 2006, drafted in local architects Coombes-Everitt to design the 4,300 sq ft supermarket on Greet Road, Winchcombe, on the site of an old bus depot.

Stuffed full of local fayre, Warner knows what his customers want and has used over 40 local suppliers to fill shelves with everything from seasonal fruits from Hayles Fruit Farm and local ales from nearby Goffs Brewery. Even closer to home, he produces artisan breads at the in-store bakery.

“Sourcing local produce is an important part of what we do here at Warner’s Budgens and we are known throughout the Cotswolds for supporting local suppliers,” says Warner.

“Working with Booker has provided greater freedom for us and will allow us to become more involved in buying and supplying the products we sell. This was a big selling point for us.”

Teaming up with another independent, Cook, Budgens Winchcombe features an extensive range of homemade-style frozen ready meals with a standout concession to inject some excitement into the frozen category.

Warner has added a number of unique selling points to make his store a destination spot in the rural area it serves. A large health range in-store captures sales from local residents who before may have had to travel further afield to pick up medicines and healthcare products.

Winchcombe is now also a hot spot for coffee, with a Costa Coffee machine alongside a strong lunch and breakfast offering. The store features a self-serve station with a four-strong range of freshly ground and whole beans to go.

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