A newly opened Londis concept store in Eastbourne, complete with digital media screens, new signage, great array of hot food section and lots of new concepts like Londis’ new walk-in refrigerator concept, is gaining popularity in the area.
Alongside the new Treat Stop offer – which is also proving popular featuring Costa Coffee, Thick Fresh Shakes, Boba-licious bubble tea and Skwishee slush – it offers something for everyone to enjoy. The Bake&Bite hot food-to-go offer is also helping win footfall and sales.
The 1,300sq ft store is the third in Dennis’ current portfolio.
Dennis said, “I’ve worked in the convenience sector for more than 15 years now. Having started out managing stores and eventually buying a few of my own, I wanted to do something totally different with my third site, something that would really stand out locally. It’s a large unit with a lot of competition nearby. I knew that to make a success of it, I would need a convenience offer that would truly stand out and Londis’ new concept shone.”
After spending almost two months restructuring and renovating, the store was ready to open in May 2024. The renovation included a restructure of the newly created beer cave, using Londis’ new "The Cooler" walk-in refrigerator concept.
“There’s no other store on this stretch of road that does hot food to go so it’s another great USP” says Dennis.
Londis’ array of ‘Amazing Value’ deals are also well supported by six digital media screens that run above the length of the store’s counter as well as in the Treat Stop zone.
“The digital screens are a big win,” Dennis adds. “They make it so much easier for shoppers to see what’s on offer and sometimes they literally stop customers in their tracks! At the moment we are offering a fantastic selection of deals on beer brands, which are really driving sales.”
Another quality that customers are enamoured with is Dennis’ approach to supporting his local community. The store has pledged to support local mental health charity Inspire Sussex throughout the year and has already donated valuable funds that were raised on its grand opening day.
“I’m also participating in the Free Fruit For Kids initiative and promoting it heavily in-store,” Dennis adds. “I’m all too aware that so many children don’t get anywhere near their recommended ‘five a day’. I’ve been talking to shoppers about it and encouraging the children to try something different. It’s been a great success so far.
"I’m also in talks with some local schools to see how I can help them going forward. Times are tough for lots of schools and families and I want to help where I can. I’m determined to do what I can to support the local community here and make a difference.”
That difference is also attracting scores of visits from fellow Londis retailers, keen to see the standout new store.
Dennis continues, “Footfall and sales are both in steady growth week on week, with lots more to come!”
Stewart Fenn, Retail Sales Director said, “What an amazing job Dennis and the Londis team have done with the store, it is impressive! The difference the store is also making to the local community really does give the store an amazing feeling and I look forward to seeing the store go from strength to strength. Congratulations to everyone involved.”
