Threshers makes a convenience move

The Thresher Group will be turning 'The Local' outlets into drinks-led convenience stores. The aim is for consumers to be able to top up their grocery shopping with basics such as bread, milk, butter and other convenience lines.

Threshers plans to move away from the “three-for-two” offers on wine, which it has run for the past few years, in favour of more targeted promotions. The Local outlets will offer around 200 lines with a focus on beers, branded wines and spirits at 'accessible' price points.

Over the next five years, the total store portfolio will be reduced from the current 1,600 outlets to 1,500. Thresher is currently selling off under-performing stores, which will be replaced by up to 100 Wine Rack Stores and 100 The Local shops. Wine Rack will target the 35- 55-year-olds with the emphasis on €6.5 to €13 wines, while Threshers will provide wines between €5 and €7.5 for 'busy shoppers'.