Bestway unveils future of convenience with its new hybrid store

Convenience giant Bestway Retail has opened its latest hybrid store that will define the future of convenience – a premium license speciality that brings together two much-loved brands.

Following on the heels of launching the pioneering ‘Costcutter with a Bargain Booze store’ model last year, the entrepreneurial team at Bestway Retail has now opened its first ‘Costcutter with a Wine Rack store’ in Guildford.

The new company-owned store. which opened on Saturday (9), was formally a Select Convenience with a Bargain Booze store. It’s a first in the new Costcutter Wine Rack combination in a concept which looks set to be rolled out across other stores throughout the Southwest.

The marriage of the two brands means the Costcutter store will have an exciting and market-leading premium alcohol offer to complement the leading grocery proposition that it’s already renowned for within the sector. It brings together the strength of the Costcutter convenience offer with the premium wines, champagne and spirits lines as well as quality beers, craft ales available from Wine Rack to make a compelling proposition for both retailers and consumers alike.

The store was taken back to a shell and has been completely remodelled with a full refit representing an investment of £250k. It now boasts an artisanal new bakery, an extensive fresh produce offering, package-free products, alongside its other grocery convenience categories. The store will continue to be home to the local Post Office, serving customers 7 days a week as part of the community service.

The new Wine Rack store will offer an extensive range of beers, wines and spirits from around the globe including over 30 different market-leading champagnes and over 50 craft beers. Alongside this offering the store will offer customers exceptional gifting options for every occasion together with a gift-wrapping service.

Exciting plans are in the pipeline for locals including 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.

Image from Bestway

Jamie Davison, Retail Director at Bestway Retail, said of the new dual branded Costcutter and Wine Rack store, "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.”