Liquorland confirms purchase of The Mill stores
Foodstuffs
Foodstuffs has today 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 today, Tuesday 17
November, taking immediate effect.
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.
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.
Anderson 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."
A thorough due diligence process was undertaken before the sale
was completed by Liquorland; the business is working though the
details of the acquisition with staff in a transparent process and
has offered contracts of employment to Foodstuffs Liquor New
Zealand Limited as the owner of Liquorland. 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.
