Conviviality uncorks franchise deal for stores

RETAILER Conviviality has entered into a 10-year franchise agreement with Jonathan James, a very respected and experienced operator in the convenience store sector.

The Crewe-based group, which owns the Bargain Booze brand, said it had franchised 36 of its 37 recently-acquired GT News shops in Yorkshire and the East Midlands to Mr James.

Conviviality said the deal followed its business model and that James  plans to grow his store estate within Conviviality to 100.

In a statement, Conviviality said: “We have worked on this transaction concurrently with the acquisition of GT News and therefore we do not expect any changes to our profit expectations for this and the following financial period to April 2016.”

Chief executive Diana Hunter added: “With an impressive track record in the independent and convenience sector, we are very pleased to welcome another very experienced retailer to Conviviality. Jonathan James is a highly skilled operator and we are looking forward to growing our brands with him.”

James said: “With over 600 stores and its innovative franchisee incentive plan Conviviality is truly championing local off-licence led convenience on the high street. Its unique strategy makes Conviviality stand out from the crowd, attract loyal customers and most importantly, aligns franchisees interests with the company.

“It was most important for me to join a collaborative, progressive company that works in partnership with their franchisees. Their innovative approach to customer engagement with leading edge initiatives such as a new mobile loyalty app and the forthcoming click and collect service is also very appealing.”

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