No.19 is a cherished sweet store with exclusive offerings for tobacco, sweet lovers and gift givers. The store has a huge selection of tobacco, cigars, vapes, sweets, fudge, and drinks on offer, providing a diverse income stream. The store is strategically placed centrally in the historic cathedral city of St Albans and has attracted tobacco lovers from the local area and beyond with the businesses extensive product offering with hard to source products being a niche for this business.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Proven Success:
The business has built a strong reputation for quality products and excellent service at an affordable price-point resulting in a loyal customer base. The store is located in close proximity to the private St Albans School as well as a number of primary schools in the immediate vicinity, providing a steady footfall of customers throughout the day.
Steady income:
Enjoy consistent revenue from repeat customers, seasonal sales etc… The business has a fully functioning ecommerce website, which is not included and offers scope for an incoming operator to implement their own, and the business offers scope to expand the brand by attending the many sellers’ market and events within St Albans throughout the year.
Room for Growth:
There are opportunities to expand by introducing new product lines, introducing a café/drinks selection, and investment into additional online marketing to boost online sales. The business offers an incoming vendor the opportunity to grow the brand by creating self-branded products and expanding the reach of suppliers to outside the UK which could offer higher margins.
There is opportunity to create a strong social media following and introduce other services such as click and collect side to the business and introduce a subscription-based offering to customers both for sweets and tobacco via mail order.
Prime Location:
No.19 is situated on a busy, idyllic road close to the busy main high street in St Albans surrounded by a selection of fine restaurants and boutiques. George Street is located on a busy junction in the heart of St Albans with a large pavement to the front allowing for passing trade and ongoing brand awareness with the high-end finish and traditional store frontage.
The road also attracts a large volume of tourists and passing trade throughout the year due to its proximity to St Albans Cathedral and Verulamium Park, both major attractions in the town.
PRODUCTS
The business specialises in the sale of exceptional tobacco products including Cuban cigars, New World cigars, pipe tobacco and all smoking sundries including lighters, cigar cutters and papers etc… The business also diversifies its offering with vaping supplies, complimented by the sale of sweets and drinks in the retail store allowing for a memorable buying experience.
The business has built up strong relationships with national and international suppliers, with the opportunity to expand the partner network and consider additional international suppliers for greater exclusivity and increased margins.
KEY ACHEIVEMENTS
As a newly opened store in St Albans, No19 has quickly become a local mainstay for the local residents, earning accolades for its unique blend of traditional and contemporary confectionery. Within its first few months, the shop has garnered rave reviews for its wide selections of traditional sweets and its extensive range of Cigars and pipe tobaccos. The shop’s commitment to customer service and its charming, nostalgic décor have made it a beloved spot for both locals and tourists, contributing to a vibrant downtown atmosphere.
The sweet shop’s active participation in local events and collaborations with other small businesses have further cemented its status as a cornerstone of the St Albans’ traditional scene.
MARKETING
The business has limited marketing needs and enjoys ongoing trade from new and existing customers from and visiting the area. The business relies on local passing trade and online sales, however, there is scope for paid advertising to be introduced to google shopping to boost online sales at a national level.
The business is located near the bus and train station which leads into main shopping area of St Albans.
MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
The business is managed by the vendor assisted by 1 part time staff member.
PREMISES
The premises is made available by way of a lease assignment with the current annual rent being £18,500 per annum on a 10-year lease with a break clause in year 5. The store is presented to an extremely high standard and offers a turnkey
opportunity to an incoming operator. There is a retail frontage and a substantial downstairs store room, vanity room and WC.
Viewing is essential to appreciate the opportunity and quality of the store.
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
There is endless growth potential for an existing operator or someone looking to enter the market with an established brand and customer base with this well-established business:
· Expansion into new locations
· Product diversification
· Enhanced digital marketing
· Ecommerce platform implementation for click and collect
This would suit an existing operator as a bolt on acquisition, or a new entrant to the market.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Detailed financial statements will be made available for interested parties.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to own and grow this unique business with an exceptional branding presence.
Further information is available by speaking with us and for more information please contact us.
