Majestic acquires Lay & Wheeler
Very interesting news: Majestic, one of the UK's most successful wine retailers, has just acquired well-regarded east anglian merchant Lay & Wheeler (see news here). What will Majestic do with Lay & Wheeler, and how does the acquisition of a more traditional wine merchant fit with Majestic's current retail model (out-of-town warehouses selling in quantities of 12 bottles or more)?
posted by Jamie @ 3:33 PM
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4 Comments:
Fascinating. First Wheeler Cellars to Enotria, and now this.
Maybe it's good thing, fine wines to a larger audience? But always seems a shame to see an independent family run businesses consumed. Even one that insisted on writing "Carriages for 10.30" in it's promotional literature for wine events.... tempting the response: "Would love to attend, alas, carriage at cartwright being polished".
The news release says last year's pre-tax profits were £0.5m. Is that healthy given the likely further impact of the recession? And could that have been a factor in the sale?
a pity but maybe too much money spent on London bars and a focus on the corporate side rather than nurturing a body of individual customers.prices too seemed high in recent years. lost the plot i fear.
Majestic quick to make Lay-offs at Lay & Wheeler -
I hear that just 3 weeks after the Majestic take over, the staff culling has already begun at Lay and Wheeler. What a shame for the loyal, long-standing team at the once-independent, 150 year old family wine merchant.
These are sad times for the staff that I have commended in the past for their excellent service, and shall also be for customers who value the personal touch.
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