Steve Anderson, Managing Director, Foodstuffs (NZ) Ltd
Foodstuffs has announced that its traditional liquor retail brand, Liquorland, has successfully completed the purchase of 20 liquor stores across the country from The Mill Retail Holdings (TMRH). Following the initial announcement of intent to purchase in September, the deal was completed on 17 November, taking immediate effect.
Liquorland formed as a specialist liquor retailer in 1981 with 18 stores and has grown to 88 stores nationwide from Waipapa in Northland to South City in Invercargill. The acquisition takes the Liquorland footprint to 108 stores – an additional six in the South Island and fourteen in the North Island.
Steve Anderson, Managing Director, Foodstuffs (NZ) Ltd says of the acquisition, “We’re delighted to bring these 20 stores into the Liquorland business and it can only strengthen our network across the country. It is a win for both the business and our customers.”
“Each store will transition to the successful owner-operated, franchisee model that is in place throughout the Liquorland network. Franchisees are directly responsible for their individual businesses and with the power of local knowledge, give our stores the edge that can only be achieved through an owner who is wholly invested in the success of the business. Our franchisees are incredibly excited to be taking on these 20 new stores, they are committed to delivering the best customer experience possible and we are confident that the change will bring some positive aspects to both the customers’ shopping experience and the overall offer.”
Anderson is pleased to confirm that Liquorland brand standards will be in place and customer service, product range and expert knowledge will be a focus. Customer rewards through Fly Buys are an added benefit for customers shopping with Liquorland.
“Liquorland has a clear business strategy and extremely high standards of in store execution. As the franchisor, Liquorland remains responsible for support services to the store including marketing and advertising support and IT services, meaning owners can focus solely on being a successful business within their local community,” says Anderson.
He adds, “This is an exciting period of accelerated growth for Liquorland on the back of solid growth in 2014. The brand promise is simple – we supply products that our customers want, set competitive prices over a huge range of liquor brands, and employ friendly and knowledgeable staff. The franchisee model is a key part of this formula.”
No positions at The Mill retail stores have been disestablished.
Foodstuffs Liquor New Zealand Limited is a subsidiary of Foodstuffs (NZ) Limited which is New Zealand’s largest retail grocery organisation, with much of its success owed to the 100% Kiwi owned and operated philosophy behind its brands and an unrivalled depth of retailing, wholesaling, liquor and franchise experience.
