Lifestyle Express estate buoyed by 30 new stores

Lifestyle Express has added 30 stores to its estate after joining forces with Essex-based Time Wholesale Services and its retail club members.

This takes the total number of Lifestyle Express stores to just under 800, following the closure of Blakemore’s cash and carry depots earlier this year.

Stuart Johnson, retail controller of Landmark Wholesale, which will formally merge with the Today’s Group on 31 October, said it was “delighted” by the move.

“There is a significant opportunity for the Lifestyle Express fascia in the South East and we via Time, are receiving strong interest,” he said.

“We have gone through a period of consolidation following the exit of Blakemore Wholesale from cash and carry and we have successfully switched the majority of the Lifestyle Express retailers previously supplied by Blakemore to alternate Landmark Wholesale member depots.

“Our grey fascia concept is proving a real hit with retailers both existing and new, so we are now well placed to build for the future,” he added.

Sony Bihal, managing director of Time Wholesale Services, said the conversion of its existing retail club members to Lifestyle Express “made sense.”

“They really are the experts when it comes to convenience retailing and we know our stores are in the best possible hands.

“As part of Lifestyle Express, our retailers will now have the best support in the business, including a dedicated magazine and website, industry-leading planograms, core range and a packed promotional calendar which enables them to compete effectively, whatever their trading environment,” he said.

A Lifestyle Express display area within Time Wholesale Services’ Rainham depot was also attracting strong retailer interest, he added.