Wine merchants are on the rise

Ten years ago wine merchants were an endangered species, every week there were stories of more merchants going broke against the rising power of the supermarkets. But smaller merchants, and especially ones with multiple branches, are doing much better at the moment. The world economy may be buoyant, but the UK’s high street is awash with store closure whether it be restaurants or fashion chains, the economy in the UK is tough. But wine retailers appear to be holding up well.

Oddbins, the darling of the market 15 years ago before a series of disastrous buy outs and bankruptcy is fitter and leaner, its average price per bottle is a healthy £10/btl in its 48 stores with sales up 8%.

Majestic announced sales rise of 2.3% giving a pre tax profit £8.3m, up from a loss of £1.5million the previous year as it has finished absorbing Naked Wines.

At the budget end of the drinks business, Bargain Booze has restocked its shelves after the collapse of its parent Conviviality and subsequent sale to Bestway. A re-organisation of staff and integration into Bestway is expected once the Bargain Booze ship has righted itself completely.

Smaller wine merchants are popping up all over the place and the internet is awash with interesting online retailers.