Majestic is planning to introduce fine wine sections throughout its estate, with three stores ready to roll out the new concept by the end of this month.
Majestic’s Richmond outlet in Surrey, which has the largest footprint out of the portfolio, will have an air-conditioned section partioned off by glass dedicated to wine priced at more than £20.
The other two stores to be transformed - in Belgravia, London, and Weybridge, Surrey - will be fully air-conditioned to accommodate the sections.
Chief executive Tim How said: “We plan to introduce
the concept to our other stores on a rolling programme but we will learn from these three first.”
The roll-out has been inspired by Majestic’s Fine Wine Centre based in St John’s Wood, London, which opened in July 2003, where positive sales have encouraged Majestic to expand the concept.
The Fine Wine Centre, which has a 1,000 sq ft temperature-controlled area for sales plus a separate large chilled area for storage, will continue to be the base for online orders and for Majestic’s full-time fine wine manager.
How said: “We are looking to expand the whole fine wine presence. The Fine Wine Centre has been successful and had 50% sales growth last year and 40% already this year.”
Majestic’s current range of 200 fine wines includes selected Old World classics as well as New World wines, but How said that the expansion of the concept would mainly focus on French wines.
“We will primarily be focusing on wines from Burgundy and Bordeaux,” he said.
Earlier this year How confirmed the company was looking to add 80 units to its current portfolio of 122 over the next decade.
He said that new Majestic stores would most likely incorporate a fine wine section right from their opening.
Sonya Hook
Majestic’s Richmond outlet in Surrey, which has the largest footprint out of the portfolio, will have an air-conditioned section partioned off by glass dedicated to wine priced at more than £20.
The other two stores to be transformed - in Belgravia, London, and Weybridge, Surrey - will be fully air-conditioned to accommodate the sections.
Chief executive Tim How said: “We plan to introduce
the concept to our other stores on a rolling programme but we will learn from these three first.”
The roll-out has been inspired by Majestic’s Fine Wine Centre based in St John’s Wood, London, which opened in July 2003, where positive sales have encouraged Majestic to expand the concept.
The Fine Wine Centre, which has a 1,000 sq ft temperature-controlled area for sales plus a separate large chilled area for storage, will continue to be the base for online orders and for Majestic’s full-time fine wine manager.
How said: “We are looking to expand the whole fine wine presence. The Fine Wine Centre has been successful and had 50% sales growth last year and 40% already this year.”
Majestic’s current range of 200 fine wines includes selected Old World classics as well as New World wines, but How said that the expansion of the concept would mainly focus on French wines.
“We will primarily be focusing on wines from Burgundy and Bordeaux,” he said.
Earlier this year How confirmed the company was looking to add 80 units to its current portfolio of 122 over the next decade.
He said that new Majestic stores would most likely incorporate a fine wine section right from their opening.
Sonya Hook
No comments yet