Jonathan James and Jamie Davison HR

Bestway Retail, part of Bestway Wholesale, has announced a new long-term partnership with James Retail - the 40-strong, nationwide, convenience and travel interchange operator owned by Jonathan James (pictured left).

Already working with the leading privately-owned neighbourhood and travel hub operator, the new agreement accelerates Bestway Retail’s growth plans and sees James Retail convert their estate to both Costcutter and Costcutter on-the-go formats.

Bestway Retail and James Retail have been working closely together since Bestway’s acquisition of Conviviality Retail in 2018. The relationship has developed over the last two years with James Retail placing a greater focus on convenience and utilising the Bestway Retail and Costcutter entrepreneurial brands and associated supply chains.

Eleven James Retail sites have been converted to the Costcutter brand, including the site in Lymm in Warrington, Cheshire, which has since recorded a sales increase of +20%.

Jonathan said: “We’re delighted to be entering a new phase of our long-term partnership with Bestway Retail and Costcutter. We’ve already seen impressive sales uplift from the stores we’ve converted and look forward to enjoying more success as we convert more of our convenience stores this year.”

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

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