Costcutter continues to open new stores mid pandemic

Costcutter Supermarkets Group (CSG) said its recruitment drive is thriving despite the constraints caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our retailers’ own stories about increasing their sales and profitability as well as details about the unrivalled BDM support we provide, are triggering a strong pipeline of inquiries and recruitment,” commented Jamie Davison, business development director for Costcutter.

Costcutter Southfields store owner Fatih Kilic, whose new store opened last month, has already seen a 45 percent increase in weekly sales.

“Shoppers have responded really well to the increased product lines. They’re very happy to see the increase in choice, especially the Co-op Own Brand products and it’s helping us attract more shoppers,” he commented.

Birmingham store owner Shahih Ahmed, who switched his Crankhall Lane forecourt store to Costcutter in March has seen daily footfall triple to 1,000 and weekly sales grow from £5,000 to £30,000.

He now plans to convert his other two stores to Costcutter later this year.

“The range and offer are perfect for our store. The change has been phenomenal. It was definitely worth the investment,” he said.

Danny Pont, store owner of Costcutter Saxmunden in Suffolk, has recorded a 25 percent sales increase, even when planned store refurbishment have had to be delayed due to the lockdown, as he worked with the symbol group to expand the range.

He said: “We weren’t able to get the Costcutter shop planners and merchandising guys here before the lockdown started, but Costcutter helped us to focus on expanding the range of products, especially fresh foods and I can safely say that’s what has driven our revenue increase.”

Jamie Davison added: “Convenience stores are playing a vital role in their local communities through the COVID-19 crisis and we’ve been doing everything we can to support our retailers. We’re now focused on helping them to turn new lifeline shoppers into lifelong shoppers for their stores and are delighted to welcome new retailers to join us in that success.”