Greggs is rolling out a new self-service 'Express' counter format that could soon appear in more UK convenience stores. The bakery chain is currently testing the concept at three MFG petrol station forecourts and plans to extend the trial to ten franchised locations in the second half of the year.
How the Express format works
Speaking to ChronicleLive, CEO Roisin Currie described the layout: two drinks machines for hot and iced drinks, a unit with sweet treats like doughnuts and yum-yums (sold individually or in boxes), and a hot to-go unit featuring breakfast items, sausage rolls, steak bakes, and the sausage, bean and cheese melt. Customers select their products, pour their own drinks, and pay at the petrol station till, either with fuel or as a separate purchase.
Part of a wider expansion strategy
The Express concept is one of several smaller formats Greggs is developing, including 'Bitesize' shops, as part of its goal to grow the network to at least 3,500 outlets. The company aims to open 100-110 net new shops this year alone.
Half-year financial results
Greggs reported total sales up 7.2% year-on-year to over £1.1bn for the 26 weeks to June 27, with operating profit rising nearly 23% to £86.5m. Despite analysts' concerns that hot weather might hurt performance, Currie said the company had done a 'much better' job than last year in catering to customers during warm spells.
Menu innovation for hot weather
Currie highlighted menu updates, including ice drinks introduced last year, an iced matcha latte this year, and a new blueberry flavour. The salad range has expanded to five options, including chicken Caesar and prawn layered salads, which she said gives the chain 'much more resilience.'
