Thresher aims new-look wine stores at the rich

Off-licence group Thresher is testing a new store-type in London, aimed at affluent, single professionals.

The nine trial shops are branded Thresher, but feature a wider selection of premium and fine wines than other stores. They also have more refrigeration units so that all non-wine products can be bought chilled.

Thresher devised the format after conducting research over the past 12 months, and has earmarked 350 stores for possible conversion.

Thresher sales and marketing director Kevin Styles said: 'We are focused on getting to know our customers. We recognise that not all customers want the same thing, from the same shop, in the same area.'