Midlands-based franchise operator Simply Fresh is eyeing further expansion across the UK after exceeding its target of 20 stores in its first year.
The group, previously called Simply Fresh @ Costcutter, re-launched at the beginning of 2011 with smart new fascias and signage in a move designed to highlight the stores’ upmarket image.
It now has a total of 22 shops, with eight trading as Simply Fresh and 14 under the sister Simply Local banner, which places less of an emphasis on fresh produce. Combined group turnover of the stores is £348,000.
Director Kash Khera told Independent Retail News the aim by the end of this year was to get to 50 stores. “We’ve got 30 to 40 active leads,” he said. “But it’s also about helping the retailers we’ve got on board already to grow more.”
Over the past year, the group has added stores in places including Halesowen in the West Midlands, West Drayton in Middlesex, and Harlow, Essex. It has taken on another two area managers to help drive further growth.
The group has also signed a new supply agreement with Costcutter, which runs until 2014. Last week Simply Fresh held its first annual review in Birmingham, attended by franchisees and suppliers including Kraft Foods, Imperial Tobacco and Cuisine de France.
