Bargain Booze to expand into Scotland
Bargain Booze owner Conviviality Retail has announced plans to expand into Scotland as it reported that like-for-like store sales edged down 1.7% in the 26 weeks to 26 October.
The company also said that unaudited revenues were broadly in line with last year at £183 million.
In a statement Conviviality Retail said: “We are confident that we have the strategy in place to deliver a positive second half and profitability will remain in line with our plan. We continue to focus on improving the quality of our store estate, investing in new fascias for all stores, as well as developing click and collect and our new mobile app.”
The company said its Wine Rack business was continuing to trade in line with expectations, adding that nine stores had been franchised and that there was “significant” interest in the remaining stores.
Never Miss a Retail Update!In addition, Bargain Booze opened its first trial large format BB’s Warehouse in Wakefield and has plans to open a second store later this year.
The company also announced that it will launch Bargain Booze in Scotland with Scottish Midland Co-operative Society Group as its exclusive Scottish franchisee. A trial will be completed by June 2015 and, if successful, will be rolled out across Scotland.
Conviviality Retail chief executive Diana Hunter said: “We continue to maintain focus on our plans and our offer remains as competitive as before. With the continued drive to re-fascia our stores, and the development of both the click and collect proposition and our mobile app, we have strong plans to deliver profitable growth for our franchisees and the company.
“We are very excited to be working with Scotmid to bring Bargain Booze to Scottish consumers. If successful, this trial has the potential to open up a new long term growth opportunity.”
