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Bestway eyes premium convenience sector with new Costcutter/Wine Rack hybrid

12 December 2023 By Arabella Mileham

Bestway Wholesale has opened a new hybrid store in Guildford, its first Costcutter and Wine Rack combi-store, a concept that is set to be rolled out wider across the South West.

New Costcutter Wine Rack store in Guildford

The store in Bramley, outside Guildford, was previously a Select Convenience with a Bargain Booze store but has been totally refurbished as part of a £250,000 investment, being taken back to its shell and remodelled into a more premium alcohol and convenience shop which includes an artisanal bakery, package-free products, premium wines, 30 different champagnes and more than 50 craft beers and ales. It will also house the local Post Office and will host local wine tasting and food pairing events.

The company has entered talks with local breweries, distilleries and suppliers to allows it to offer a unique and complete offer to suit its customer base.

“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” the company said in a statement. “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 new store follows last year’s launch of ‘Costcutter with a Bargain Booze store’.

Jamie Davison, retail director at Bestway Retail, said of the new dual branded Costcutter and Wine Rack store was an “immensely exciting milestone” for the business and the beginning of a new journey.

“The launch continues our market leading journey into the opportunity that hybrid stores can offer the sector adding further value in the retailer proposition,” he said. “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.