Video rental chain Blockbuster is rolling out off-licence fixtures in its stores.
Initially 23 sites will be fitted with chillers and sell a range of stock including Stella Artois lager and E&J Gallo branded wines, although Blockbuster is optimistic the scheme will be successful enough to implement in all 700 outlets.
The move will be a head-on attack on independent off-licences which often share the same consumers in neighbourhood areas.
A spokesman for Blockbuster, which has linked with Interbrew and Gallo to distribute the lines, said the idea is to become "a one-stop shop for a night in".
She added: "We will only be selling beer, wine and bottled products like Smirnoff Ice. Our stores are located on High Streets so we will be no difference to off-licences."
Steve Kitching, take home sales director of Interbrew UK, said: "We are committed to making beer easier to buy for consumers by extending its availability to retail outlets that have traditionally not sold it." Details of the drive come hot on the heels of warnings from chairman of c-store operator T&S Stores, Kevin Threlfall, that off-licences won't exist in five to 10 years' time.
Blockbuster is launching the initiative with a promotion for a video rental, a bottle of wine or a four-pack of Stella Artois for £5.99.
{{NEWS }}
Initially 23 sites will be fitted with chillers and sell a range of stock including Stella Artois lager and E&J Gallo branded wines, although Blockbuster is optimistic the scheme will be successful enough to implement in all 700 outlets.
The move will be a head-on attack on independent off-licences which often share the same consumers in neighbourhood areas.
A spokesman for Blockbuster, which has linked with Interbrew and Gallo to distribute the lines, said the idea is to become "a one-stop shop for a night in".
She added: "We will only be selling beer, wine and bottled products like Smirnoff Ice. Our stores are located on High Streets so we will be no difference to off-licences."
Steve Kitching, take home sales director of Interbrew UK, said: "We are committed to making beer easier to buy for consumers by extending its availability to retail outlets that have traditionally not sold it." Details of the drive come hot on the heels of warnings from chairman of c-store operator T&S Stores, Kevin Threlfall, that off-licences won't exist in five to 10 years' time.
Blockbuster is launching the initiative with a promotion for a video rental, a bottle of wine or a four-pack of Stella Artois for £5.99.
{{NEWS }}
No comments yet