Bestway announces Costcutter partnership with James Retail

Bestway Retail, part of Bestway Wholesale, has announced a new long-term partnership with James Retail – the 40-strong convenience and travel interchange operator owned by experienced retailer Jonathan James.

Jonathan James (left) and Jamie Davison.

The new agreement accelerates Bestway Retail’s strategic growth plans and sees James Retail convert its stores to both Costcutter and Costcutter on-the-go formats.

To date, 11 of James Retail’s sites have switched to the Costcutter brand, including the site in Lymm in Warrington, which has since recorded a sales increase of 20%.

Bestway Retail and James Retail have been working together since Bestway’s acquisition of Conviviality Retail in 2018. The relationship has developed further over the last two years, with James Retail placing a greater focus on the convenience aspect of the business.

James commented: “We are delighted to be entering a new and exciting phase of our long-term partnership with the Bestway Retail and Costcutter team. We have already seen an impressive sales uplift from the stores we have converted to the Costcutter brand, and we look forward to enjoying more success as we convert more of our convenience stores this year.

“The Costcutter brand is a hugely recognised convenience brand that shoppers recognise, trust, and have confidence in. Its grocery convenience offer is able to meet shoppers’ needs across all of their shopping missions.”

Jamie Davison, retail director for Bestway Retail, added: “Having known Jonathan and Mark Titterton (managing director of James Retail), for many years and having thoroughly enjoyed working with them and their dynamic team over the last two years, we’re delighted to have successfully demonstrated that we are best placed to partner with them as they embark on the next phase of their business evolution which underpins their ambitious growth plans.

“The sites which have already converted to Costcutter have seen a sustained minimum 15% increase in weekly sales and so we are confident that the conversion programme will drive strong commercial growth for James Retail and will equally be very well received by their loyal shoppers.”