Peter Patel and his team have successfully transformed their Purfleet branch into a Costcutter with as a Bargain Booze within it, at an investment of £300k. According to the team, this strategic rebranding has significantly increased sales, expanded product range, and boosted overall profitability. They began the conversion in February 2024 and it was completed three months later in May 2024. They carried out the whole conversion without any store closure due to the fact they are the only store in the estate and didn’t want customers to suffer without a local shop.
As part of the £300,000 pounds worth of investment, they have totally revamped the store and extended it from 1500 sq. ft. to 2500 sq. ft. They knocked into the empty unit next door and removed the large internal walls in the existing unit to make the store more open.
In the new store, the aisles are much wider as they can cope easily with busy trading periods and they are wide enough for double prams and wheelchairs making it is easy for customers to move around the store at all times.
Since they opened the doors to the improved store in May, they have seen a phenomenal 37% sales uplift in overall basket spend.
The addition of Bargain Booze into the store has been particularly successful and they have already seen an 103% sales increase on Beers, Wines and Spirits with the Beer Cave being a hit with the locals.
Footfall is now at 931 per day compared to 765 per day a year ago. The number of items bought has increased from 1,872 daily to 3,264 per day.
According to the team, the approach is driven by consumer insights, ensuring that product offerings align with current trends and consumer demands. They continuously review and adjust category selections to stock products that sell and resonate with customers.
They always prioritise working with local suppliers to minimize transportation emissions and support local businesses. They are working with local suppliers to offer customers locally-made bread and cakes.
Pick n Mix’ station: They have introduced a ‘Pick n Mix’ station, displayed in package free dispensers, where customers can fill a 12oz cup full of sweets for a fixed price. They give 2% of sales from every cup of sweets sold to Thurrock and Essex Mind charity.
Over the last 12 months, the store has seen the implementation of several cutting-edge technologies to enhance security, ensure regulatory compliance, and promote environmental sustainability. Face Watch AI Surveillance System, Facial Recognition and Staff Safe Remote Monitoring System.
The local good causes that the store supports include:
To combat food waste and support those in need during the current cost of living crisis they actively collect contributions for local foodbanks. This initiative not only helps reduce waste but also provides essential resources to less fortunate community members. They donate lots of different items including shampoo, pasta, noodles, toilet rolls, biscuits, tinned foods, toilets, sanitary ware etc. all of which are essential staple items that families need but may not be able to afford.
They collaborate with local business Raynors Food for our food-to-go range. Raynors Food delivers less frequently, reducing carbon footprint while upholding high standards of environmental responsibility. They are working hard to reduce carbon footprint by choosing to collaborate with local chilled suppliers so that they can reduce the amount of transportation emissions from deliveries.
Commenting on the win, Jamie Davison, Retail Director at Bestway Retail, said:
“I am absolutely delighted to congratulate Peter Patel on winning the prestigious Multiple Managed Convenience Store of the Year award at the Convenience Awards. This well-deserved recognition reflects Peter and his team’s exceptional dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence in convenience retail.
“At Bestway Retail, we’re incredibly proud to work with outstanding retailers like Peter, who continuously go above and beyond to serve their communities while driving innovation and excellence in their stores. His hard work, leadership, and customer-first approach set a benchmark for the entire sector.
“Winning this award is a testament to Peter’s unwavering focus on delivering quality, service, and value to his customers. On behalf of everyone at Bestway Retail, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and look forward to seeing his continued success in the years to come.”
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