Bestway has set out to open 25 stores under its new dual-branded fascia with Costcutter and Bargain Booze by the end of next year.
The wholesaler told The Grocer that following this, it expects to pursue an “aggressive rollout” with a target of 75 stores per annum.
It has so far completed two rollouts of its ‘store within a store’ concept, which sees its off-licence chain sited in a Costcutter store. The first launch was with Costcutter Meopham in Kent earlier this year, that showcased a 420 sq ft Bargain Booze section inside the 1,900 sq ft store.
The second store, which underwent a £100k investment to incorporate a Bargain Booze section, opened in Whiston, Prescot in May. The next store to launch is in the Midlands, which will be opening “very soon”.
The aim of the proposition is to focus on a “strong fresh food offering”, while providing an “exceptional beers, wines and spirits package” through the Bargain Booze store element.
Bestway now has a further 20 projects in the pipeline that are at “varying stages”. While it is working with existing Costcutter retailers who want to take their BWS offer to “the next level”, Bestway said it was also targeting retailers from other groups.
“They are enquiring about this concept as it is positioned to be able to compete against all convenience operators,” said Bestway retail director Mike Hollis. ”We are also talking to retailers who are looking at new to industry locations for a new store.”
It added it could also offer its Select Convenience retailers who are looking to “rebrand and maximise the opportunity within convenience” with a relaunched fresh food, BWS and local products offer. This concept is also available to Best-one retailers.
Bestway said it was looking for stores that are at least 1,800 sq ft, with a minimum of 10m refrigeration for chilled alcohol, a minimum of 14m refrigeration for chilled and fresh foods and ideally space for car parking.
“This is an exciting and innovative concept that will most certainly play a significant part in our business’ future,” added Hollis.
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