KEY POINTS:
Foodstuffs South Island Ltd today announced the expansion of its liquor chain with the purchase of nine Imperial Discount Liquor stores in the top half of the South Island.
The first Henry's store in the chain was opened in October in Queenstown.
Foodstuffs spokesman Alan Malcolmson said the move would bring significant benefits for both businesses.
Foodstuffs would gain some strategically placed outlets in several locations, enabling it to build brand awareness for Henry's, while the Imperial stores would gain access to a variety of support services offered to members of the Foodstuffs group.
Foodstuffs is a co-operative where members own their stores.
The new stores, in Kaikoura, Rangiora and Christchurch, will continue to be operated by independent owners.
"Foodstuffs has aggressive plans to roll out the Henry's brand around the South Island as part of its ambition to support independent liquor retailers," Mr Malcolmson said.
The new stores will officially join the Henry's chain from June 1.
Mr Malcolmson said the flagship Queenstown store had made a pleasing start and was trading to expectations.
Meanwhile, Foodstuffs (Auckland) is rolling out a chain of liquor stores in the north under the Duffy & Finn's brand.
Rival supermarket chain owner, Woolworths is expected to begin replicating here its Australian chain, Dan Murphy's, on which Duffy & Finn's is modelled.
- NZPA
