Bargain Booze to launch in Scotland as group like-for-likes slip

The retailer will launch its Bargain Booze brand in Scotland through a franchisee partnership with Scottish Midland Co-operative Society Group.

Conviviality will complete a trial by June next year, and if successful the Bargain Booze brand will be rolled out across Scotland.

The group unveiled the plans as it reported unaudited revenues were “broadly in line” with the first half of last year at £183m in the 26 weeks to October 26. Like-for-likes were down 1.7%.

Conviviality said this performance is “in line with market expectations” and it said it is confident it will deliver a “positive second half and profitability will remain in line with our plan”.

 It will report its interim results on January 19.

The retailer opened its first trial large format BB’s Warehouse in Wakefield in the period. Conviviality said it is “trading in line with expectations”. A second store will open later this year.

The retailer said its Wine Rack business “continues to trade in line with our expectations”. It has begun franchising these stores in line with its strategy.

Conviviality chief executive Diana Hunter said: “We continue to maintain focus on our plans and our offer remains as competitive as before.  With the continued drive to re-fascia our stores, and the development of both the click and collect proposition and our mobile App, we have strong plans to deliver profitable growth for our Franchisees and the Company. 

“We are very excited to be working with Scotmid to bring Bargain Booze to Scottish consumers.  If successful, this trial has the potential to open up a new long term growth opportunity.”