Convenience giant Bestway Retail has launched a new hybrid store that it claims will “define the future of convenience”.
Bestway Retail has opened its first ‘Costcutter with a Wine Rack store’ in Guildford, Surrey, after launching the ‘Costcutter with a Bargain Booze store’ model last year.
The new company-owned store, which opened on Saturday 9 December, was formally a Select Convenience with a Bargain Booze store.
The store was completely remodelled with a full refit representing an investment of £250k. It now features an artisanal bakery, a fresh produce offering, package-free products, alongside its other grocery convenience categories. The store will continue to house the local post office, serving customers seven days a week.
The Wine Rack store will offer an extensive range of beers, wines and spirits from around the globe including more than 30 different market leading champagnes and over 50 craft beers. Alongside this offering the store will offer customers gifting options for every occasion together with a gift-wrapping service.
Plans are in the pipeline for wine tasting and food pairing events to be hosted by the store. The events will allow customers to learn more about the specialist drinks and locally sourced products, as the company enters talks with local breweries, distilleries and suppliers to offer a more unique and complete offer to suit its customer base.
Jamie Davison, Retail Director at Bestway Retail, said: “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.”
The concept looks set to be rolled out across other stores throughout the Southwest.
