Multi-billion-euro German retail phenomenon Tchibo is gearing up for massive UK expansion, following a bedding-in period over the past 12 months.
The value merchandise specialist and coffee shop operator arrived in the UK in 2000, but halted expansion a year ago while it got to grips with UK shopping habits.
UK managing director David Haimes said the retailer had learned from its early experience and has opened three stores in the past two weeks, at Dalston, Redhill and Chatham.
He said: 'If you think we've got nearly 800 full-concept stores in Germany, just by the population in the UK we should be able to get to 500.'
Haimes said the past 12 months had allowed Tchibo to analyse the performance of shops in different locations. New stores will be located in high footfall pitches that many shoppers visit once a week or more, such as on high streets, next to Boots or WHSmith. Tchibo is unlikely to open in shopping centres.
The UK stores offer largely the same merchandise as in Germany and work on a continual weekly rotation of stock. New 'themes', comprising approximately 25 lines, are introduced every Wednesday, encouraging shoppers to return time and again.
Tchibo is also testing concessions in five Somerfield stores, although no decision has been taken on a roll-out.
Parent company Tchibo Holdings, which has a turnover of more than EUR3 billion (£2.11 billion), is involved in a takeover battle with Procter & Gamble for Beiersdorf, owner of Nivea.
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