Scotmid toasts deal for rollout of Bargain Booze

THE Bargain Booze brand seen on hundreds of off-licences in England and Wales is set to launch north of the Border after Scotmid struck a deal with an Aim-listed company.
Scotmid struck the deal. Picture: Greg MacveanScotmid struck the deal. Picture: Greg Macvean
Scotmid struck the deal. Picture: Greg Macvean

Under the agreement with Conviviality Retail, Scotmid will be the exclusive Scottish franchisee for Bargain Booze under a trial scheduled to run until June next year.

If it proves successful, Bargain Booze stores will be rolled out across Scotland.

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John Brodie, chief executive of Scotmid Co-operative, said the two firms will be working in the coming weeks to identify initial sites for the pilot.

Brodie said: “Conviviality ­Retail is highly regarded in their marketplace, and together we offer each other a number of ­exciting potential opportunities to develop and grow both our businesses.”

Diana Hunter, Conviviality’s chief executive, said: “The combination of Scotmid’s excellence in retail management, property and local distribution with Bargain Booze’s unique brand and trading expertise will create a compelling customer proposition.

“We are very excited to be working with Scotmid to bring Bargain Booze to Scottish consumers.”

Hunter said if the trial were successful, it would have the “potential to open up a new long-term growth opportunity”.

Conviviality operates some 600 stores in England and Wales mainly under the Bargain Booze and Wine Rack brands.

In a trading update yesterday for the six months to 26 October, Conviviality said revenues were broadly in line with last year at £183 million.

“We are confident we have the strategy in place to deliver a positive second half and profitability will remain in line with our plan,” the company added.

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