Holland & Barrett eyes vegan-only UK stores
This article was originally published in OTC Bulletin & The Rose Sheet
Health and wellness retailer Holland & Barrett is planning to serve the growing trend for veganism by opening veganonly stores in the near future.
A spokesperson for the firm told OTC bulletin that “launching a vegan-only store” was something the company had “long considered”.
“Currently we do not have a timescale [for opening vegan-only stores] as our store portfolio is changing quickly with larger and more modern stores opening across the UK.”
“However, we are confident of opening this type of format in the not too distant future,” the spokesperson added, “and we look forward to keeping the vegan community updated.”
Recently acquired by investment firm LetterOne (OTC bulletin, 30 June 2017, page 6), Holland & Barrett currently operates more than 1,485 wholly-owned and franchise stores in 17 countries, including 788 in the UK and Ireland.
Commenting on the thinking behind the vegan-only store concept, Peter Aldis, Holland & Barrett’s chief executive officer, told The Telegraph newspaper that the rise of the health-conscious consumer and a growing vegan movement had led to the firm considering the move.
“Today there is a trend towards veganism,” Aldis said. “It is our space and we should be in it.”
Holland & Barrett reported sales up by 4.5% in stores and 23.6% online across all markets in 2017, with 45 new stores opened over the 12 months and entered into nine new franchise agreements.
Noting that the company had invested £47 million (€54 million) in “growth, store expansion and infrastructure” in 2017, Holland & Barrett said that its key focus was on continuing to invest in new technology and data innovation to “drive a personalised service and offering to all our customers across physical and digital channels”.
In the UK, the company’s website was now fully integrated with the chain’s network of high street stores, Holland & Barrett pointed out, “providing an easier and more seamless shopping experience for our customers”.
“Building on our existing home delivery service, the launch of click and collect this year means customers will no longer need to wait in at home for deliveries and can order from the convenience of their mobile phone or tablet, collecting from their local store,” it added.
Investment in the firm’s international online proposition had also been a major focus, the company said, to support its international franchise network in China, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates particularly.