Budgens Ltd. - Introduction

Introduction

Stonefield Way
Ruislip
Middlesex HA4 0JR
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 208-966-6000
Toll Free: 0800-526002
Fax: +44 208-423-2263
Web site: http://www.budgens.co.uk

Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Musgrave Group Plc
Incorporated: 1896 as Budgen & Company Limited
Employees: 6,000
Sales: £500 million ($794 million) (2002 est.)
NAIC: 445110 Supermarkets and Other Grocery (Except Convenience) Stores

Although the smallest of the United Kingdom's top super-market groups, Budgens Ltd. has successfully carved out a niche for itself among its behemoth rivals by focusing on local and city-center markets. Budgens operates more than 235 super-markets and convenience stores, primarily in England's southern and Midlands regions—in 2003, however, the company opened its first stores in the northern region. The company's stores range from 700-square-foot forecourt shops, to 1,500-square-foot convenience stores, to the larger 10,000-square-foot Budgens supermarket concept. Altogether, the company operates more than 800,000 square feet of selling space throughout England. In addition to its emphasis on local markets, and the so-called "top up" trade, Budgens has differentiated itself through the high proportion of fresh foods at its stores—representing as much as 40 percent of total store items. The company's convenience format operates under the Budgens Express signage, and features a 24-hour, seven-day-per-week opening schedule, while Budgens Forecourts operates smaller shops within service stations. Budgens has also been developing its own franchising concept, Budgens Local. By 2003, more than 30 independent grocers have converted to the new signage. Ireland's retail leader Musgrave Group Plc acquired 100 percent control of Budgens since 2002; however, Musgrave has pledged to maintain Budgens' independent operations, while seeking synergies between the two retail groups.