Laithwaites occupies Majestic place at Vinopolis

Laithwaites has announced it will open its flagship store in London venue Vinopolis next month.

The world’s largest independent wine merchant’s new shop will feature in the area currently occupied by Majestic Wine Warehouse. The retail space became available after Majestic and Vinopolis were unable to reach a lease agreement.

Three merchants were "short-listed" to occupy the space that Laithwaites will take on from 1 February next year. Rupert Ellwood, managing director of Vinopolis told the drinks business: "There were three very interested parties, Majestic was one, Laithwaites was another and I’d love to say who the third one was but I can’t," adding that, "we went with Laithwaites because it has a massive international following and we were also motivated by its enthusiasm, both of which appealed to us."

Commercial director for Laithwaites, Robert McCarthy, told db that it had been in discussions with Vinopolis for several months regarding the site, and once Laithwaites’ concern over the number of tourists (rather than regular customers) who visit the venue was allayed (50% of Vinopolis visitors come from London), it was a no-brainer of a decision to make.

“The store has two functions,” McCarthy said. “It’s in a great location – close to Borough Market with all its quirkiness, and it’s a great size. Borough Market is all about real food and we’re all about real wine.”

McCarthy added that the store, which will stock more than 2,500 different lines, will be more than just a bottle shop, citing opportunities such as tasting wines directly from the barrel as highlights which will contribute to making the store “a much more interactive place.”

Ellwood said that two particular attractions of the new deal with Laithwaites included, "every single wine we have in the tour will be available in the shop, and the store will stay open until 10pm. A lot of wine tastings are done on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, so the most important thing is to have the retail element available for customers at the same time."

Speaking of the decision not to renew its lease at Vinopolis, a representative from Majestic told the drinks business: “It’s shame that after 10 years we are to end what has been a successful venture with Vinopolis.

"Unfortunately we were unable to agree acceptable commercial terms for a new lease with them. However, we will work hard to cater for all our loyal customers at nearby Majestic stores in south London.”

Jane Parkinson, 14.12.2009