Tuesday, 13 December 2011

Wine warehouse chain Majestic Wine is looking for surplus ex-dealership property to grow its UK network.

The company is targeting 75 locations, aiming to open 16 new stores in 2012.

It will buy or lease dealership sites of between 2,000 and 5,000 sq ft on prominent roadside locations and retail parks with parking for 10 or more vehicles.

It will also consider site sharing and is particularly targeting affluent catchment areas.

Alisdair James, partner with Rapleys, the property consultant representing Majestic, said ex-dealership premises were often ideal for the Majestic business model and the company had a flexible approach to layout.

“If it is capable of refurbishment and conversion, they are happy to do that. It all depends on the economics,” he said.

Ex-dealership properties so far include a Mercedes outlet in West Kirby, a Ford dealership in Evesham, a Peugeot dealership in Clitheroe and a Mitsubishi dealership in Ripon.