Polish retailer Eurocash has announced that it is expanding its new liquor store concept, Duży Ben, after a successful trial period.
The group is now opening up the store concept to franchisees, in partnership with independent retailers, which will allow for new outlets to be opened all across the country.
The first Duży Ben was opened in Poznan in May 2016, and the retailer now has a total of 12 stores in Wielkopolska.
Eurocash describes Duży Ben as a 'one stop shop' for alcoholic beverages, with a wide range of wines and beers, drink tastings, snacks, and accessories.
"The task of the Eurocash Group is to give the owners of small and medium retail stores additional opportunities to develop and compete with discounters," said Luis Amaral, president of Eurocash.
"That's why we invest in innovative retail formats, just like Duży Ben."
Well-Timed Expansion
Sebastian Rennack, senior retail analyst at Lebensmittel Zeitung, said that this is a "well-timed" expansion plan from Eurocash, after the closure of a number of wholesale outlets had a negative affect on group performance.
"For Eurocash, showcasing its Duży Ben banner for national roll-out accomplishes two things at once. On the one hand, from a commercial aspect, the move taps into a high-margin, high-growth market segment, that so far is relatively untapped by organised retail," he said.
"On the other hand, from a shareholder perspective, bringing the liquor store concept to the fore emphasises the group’s ability to self-invent itself in a shrinking market segment, bolstering credibility."
Through its franchise and partner networks, Eurocash is one of the leading retail companies in Poland, with over 14,000 independent stores operating under brands such as ABC, Groszek, Delikatesy Centrum, Lewiatan, Euro Sklep and Gama.
© 2018 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Sarah Harford. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
