XL Plans 30 New Stores

XL has announced that it is planning to add 30 new stores to its network by the end of the year as part of its new growth strategy for 2014/2015.

The 30 new stores will be located across the country, and by year-end there are expected to be 240 stores in total, providing employment to approximately 2,500 people locally.

The brand has added 90 stores over the past three years, making it the fastest growing retail brand in Ireland.

Making the announcement, John Moane, managing director BWG Food’s Wholesale Division said: “Our strategy is focused on empowering our network of independent retailers, giving them the support and buying power of one of Ireland’s largest wholesale groups, while ensuring the XL brand stays close to its roots in local, community retailing.”

BWG Foods also said it would be continuing the very successful ’Enhance Your Store’ initiative, through which the company contributes up to 50 percent towards to the cost of individual store upgrades. It also revealed plans to prioritise the roll out of a new deli concept, which since its introduction has resulted in 15 per cent uplift in category sales.

The announcement follows the annual XL Retail Forum, Making it Happen’, where more than 200 attendees gathered to hear from BWG Foods’ management about plans for the brand over the next

12 months. The company also announced the appointment of 10 retailers to the newly established XL Retail Council.