Nicolas set for London expansion
French wine specialist Nicolas is planning to expand in London in 2011. The wine retail chain has appointed property consultancy Gilbert Evans to review its portfolio, seek out new sites and handle rent reviews and lease negotiations.
“Following the sale of our stores outside the M25, it has always been our intention to look for potential stores within our target area of Greater London”, said Nicolas’ head of sales Philippe Scodellaro.
“We believe there is still scope to expand the Nicolas brand within London”, Scodellaro added.
“We are now focusing our activity on London and inside the M25, an area that we believe offers the Nicolas brand the most potential”, said Nicolas UK’s managing director Eudes Morgan.
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Despite its planned expansion in the capital, three London stores with low profitability have been earmarked for closure or relocation, while the company’s East Putney branch closed on 9 January.
Nicolas currently operates 48 stores within the M25 following the recent sale of its 18 stores outside the M25 to Spirited Wine, headed by former Nicolas operations director Benoit Thouvenin.
Lucy Shaw, 17.01.2011
