BWG Foods has announced a new €10 million investment programme for Londis, at the symbol groups recent biennial retail conference, which took place in the Europe Hotel in Killarney.
'The investment programme will facilitate continued upgrades and redevelopments across the retail network of stores, in addition to marketing programmes that will enhance the brand’s penetration in the retail marketplace' the retail and wholesale group said.
In a statement, the group outlined that the investment 'follows five years of consecutive growth for the Londis brand since it was acquired by BWG Foods in 2015, delivering cumulative growth of 15% during the period, pushing total annual retail sales to more than €340 million'.
“Since 2015, Londis has fully integrated itself as an integral and high performing part of BWG Foods, making it a great success story," said Leo Crawford, group chief executive, BWG Group.
"The combination of BWG’s retail expertise and significant distribution capabilities, along with the commitment of capital, has helped Londis grow its network of stores and outperform the market in terms of its retail sales."
'Key Sales Driver'
The company attributed Londis' rate of growth, 'which significantly outperformed that of the wider retail market', to achieving the rollout of a new store design in 2016, investment in national marketing campaigns, and a recalibration of the network’s product mix to better reflect shopper trends.
A key sales driver for Londis retailers has been fresh food offerings which now represent 18% of overall retail sales, versus 12% at the time of BWG Foods’ acquisition in 2015.
BWG Foods also announced that it is investing significantly in the development of a bespoke educational training programme for Londis retailers and store staff, which will further enhance the offering to customers.
Speakers at the Londis Retail Conference in the Europe Hotel included former Ireland rugby captain Brian O’Driscoll, former Cork camogie player and TV personality Anna Geary, and Tipperary’s All-Ireland winning hurling manager Liam Sheedy.
© 2019 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. Click sign-up to subscribe to Checkout.
