The Budgens and Londis brands are set to change "beyond recognition" as MBL attempts to carve out a larger share of the UK market for both fascias.
All stores are set to receive a facelift, complete with new signage and fully redesigned interiors. Londis will take on a more convenience-focused offer, while Budgens will place a greater emphasis on the quality and provenance of its products.
Budgens stores will also become more "community centric" as the brand seeks to become "the anchor in each neighbourhood that it serves," managing director Martin Hyson told C-Store.
Their distinct positioning will be reflected by two new straplines: 'All You Need For Everyday Living', for Londis; and 'Real Food For Today's Communities' for Budgens.
"It's much more than a simple paint job - staff training and customer services will also come under the spotlight," Hyson said.
Budgens customers will soon be able to ask advice from clearly identifiable product specialists who will be trained in specific categories such as wine and cheese.
Product offers will also be developed. The number of 'must stock' lines currently available in Londis stores will be increased, while new Hot Food 2 Go Counters will be introduced in stores wherever possible.
Services will be upgraded so that menus can be changed three times a day to offer customers a choice of breakfast, lunch and dinner options.
"Food to go will become a core part of the Londis offer," Hyson commented.
Meanwhile, Budgens stores will benefit from larger fresh produce sections, and a more premium selection of goods. There would also be an increase in the number of locally sourced products in line with consumer trends, Hyson explained.
He added: "Some 40% of all Budgens' sales come from the fresh category. This is a key growth area for us as we seek to become the very best food retailer in every community in which we operate."
The Londis store at Weymouth in Dorset was the first to receive the new look last week, with three more to follow shortly. July will mark the opening of the first new-look Budgens store, in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire.
All stores are set to receive a facelift, complete with new signage and fully redesigned interiors. Londis will take on a more convenience-focused offer, while Budgens will place a greater emphasis on the quality and provenance of its products.
Budgens stores will also become more "community centric" as the brand seeks to become "the anchor in each neighbourhood that it serves," managing director Martin Hyson told C-Store.
Their distinct positioning will be reflected by two new straplines: 'All You Need For Everyday Living', for Londis; and 'Real Food For Today's Communities' for Budgens.
"It's much more than a simple paint job - staff training and customer services will also come under the spotlight," Hyson said.
Budgens customers will soon be able to ask advice from clearly identifiable product specialists who will be trained in specific categories such as wine and cheese.
Product offers will also be developed. The number of 'must stock' lines currently available in Londis stores will be increased, while new Hot Food 2 Go Counters will be introduced in stores wherever possible.
Services will be upgraded so that menus can be changed three times a day to offer customers a choice of breakfast, lunch and dinner options.
"Food to go will become a core part of the Londis offer," Hyson commented.
Meanwhile, Budgens stores will benefit from larger fresh produce sections, and a more premium selection of goods. There would also be an increase in the number of locally sourced products in line with consumer trends, Hyson explained.
He added: "Some 40% of all Budgens' sales come from the fresh category. This is a key growth area for us as we seek to become the very best food retailer in every community in which we operate."
The Londis store at Weymouth in Dorset was the first to receive the new look last week, with three more to follow shortly. July will mark the opening of the first new-look Budgens store, in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire.
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