Bestway Retail has opened its latest hybrid store that it sees as part of the “future of convenience”.
Following the launch of its ‘Costcutter with a Bargain Booze’ store model last year, the latest opening is the wholesaler’s first ‘Costcutter with a Wine Rack’ store.
The company-owned outlet reopened in Guildford last Saturday following a £250k refit. It had formally been a Select Convenience with a Bargain Booze store.
The marriage of the two brands means the Costcutter store has a premium alcohol offer alongside its grocery proposition. The Wine Rack range includes premium wines, champagne and spirits lines, as well as “quality” beers and craft ales, and gifting options. It also now boasts a new artisanal bakery, an extensive fresh produce offering, package-free products, alongside other core grocery convenience categories. The store is also home to a local Post Office.
Plans in the pipeline for the store include wine-tasting and food-pairing events featuring specialist drinks and locally sourced products.
Bestway stated that it plans to roll out the new Costcutter Wine Rack concept to other stores throughout the Southwest.
Jamie Davison, Retail Director at Bestway Retail, commented: “This store is our first pioneering concept store for Costcutter and Wine Rack and is an immensely exciting milestone for us as a business. The launch continues our market-leading journey into the opportunity that hybrid stores can offer the sector adding further value in the retailer proposition.
“This upmarket convenience store concept aims to meet the needs of our customers, so they are able to buy everything they need across a full day and different shopping missions. And it’s just the beginning of the journey. We have further plans for developing more Costcutter and Wine Rack concept stores, which will be announced in the months to come”.
