Eros Retail has opened two new stores in Glenrothes and Dundee under the company’s Greens branding.
First to launch was the new ‘Little Greens’ store in Coaltown of Balgonie, a small village in Fife just a couple of miles from the group’s flagship store in Markinch. Despite competition from a local Co-op, M&S Food and the Greens of Markinch store, the 1,300sq ft Little Greens has already made a name for itself with a strong Food to Go offering.
Harris Aslam, Eros Retail Director and SLR Retailer of the Year 2016, said of the smaller store format: “Previously we had a similar range across all our stores regardless of location, but it has become increasingly clear that the different areas have differing demands. Little Greens is all about quality stores with a concise range and an extensive food-to-go focus to take advantage of passing trade.”
Also open for business is Greens of Dundee Nisa Extra, over four times bigger than Little Greens at 5,500sq ft. The city centre store offers a huge array of everyday essentials, a range of Food to Go solutions and a Skwishee slush machine – a winner with the area’s large student population. The business also plans to launch its own bespoke coffee solution – Greens Beans – offering customisable, fresh filter coffee in a wide range of flavours. Free refills will be offered to encourage repeat custom and “get the brand out there”.
The company intends to extend its involvement with the SGF’s Healthy programme to both new stores. “The healthy living days we do with local schoolchildren and our in-store initiatives give us a big sense of pride, as we feel we are genuinely making a difference in the area. As such, we’re looking to build on our relationship with the SGF further across all our stores”, said Harris.
The stores are the second and third that Eros has launched this year, with plans for several more in 2018. It also intends to introduce Greens branding into the rest of its portfolio as part of ongoing development.
Harris remains confident for the future despite the ongoing turmoil in convenience retailing: “We’re turning it into an opportunity and looking at how to get our brand across by differentiating ourselves from the competition.
“For example, we’ll focus on stocking more niche and unique lines that will offer customers something different, and we’ll continue to work with other retailers to share new ideas.”
