A new CTN fascia called Thoroughgoods, from Cheshire based Bargain Booze, is due to launch in Stoke-on-Trent this month. Thoroughgoods stores will offer a mix of news, convenience and discount alcohol lines geared towards small basket size. Bargain Booze joint md Allan Whittle said at least 15 or 20 Thoroughgoods franchises would be up and running by Christmas. The c-stores will be geared towards local service in a move away from the destination approach. The portfolio will be concentrated within a 50 mile radius of Bargain Booze's Crewe distribution centre to keep transport costs down. The launch is part of expansion plans as the company works towards nationwide coverage with its Bargain Booze Plus fascia ­ a larger destination off licence with convenience offering. Whittle said: "We are doubling our Crewe distribution centre to 200,000 sq ft. It will give us the capacity to service the whole of England and Wales when it opens in September. We plan to open between 120 and 130 Bargain Booze Plus stores all over the country in 2002." The company opened 40 of the destination off licences in the six months to the end of June and reported retail sales up £30m for the period. Bargain Booze will not launch in Scotland or London because both present distribution challenges, said Whittle. {{NEWS }}

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