UK alcohol retailers call time on Calais
Sunday, 21 Jun, 2010
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Just when ferry operators were starting to reap the benefits of the plane-grounding ash cloud, they have been dealt a fresh blow as three major booze retailers withdraw from Calais.
The weekend’s newspapers predicted the end of the booze cruise as we know it as they reported that Sainsburys is to close its Calais Wine Store at the end of June, Tesco was consulting with staff about the closure of its Tesco Vins Plus site and Oddbins Calais, which is already closed, would not be renewing a franchise deal.
Majestic Wine has said it experienced a 28% fall in sales for the year to the end of March in its three French stores but will remain open.
Retailers have blamed the weak pound against the euro and cheaper UK prices for alcohol.
However, ferry operators remain upbeat.
A spokesman for Brittany Ferries, which takes passengers along the coast to Caen St Malo, Cherbourg and Roscoff, said people would still be drawn by cheaper onboard prices of alcolhol.
He said: “For Brittany Ferries the market for people who take a day trip to France is still strong – last year we carried 125,000 such passengers plus 3000 shoppers to Spain.
“Whilst their sole purpose may not be to buy booze, as the “mini-cruise” experience on our longer routes is an attraction in itself, many take advantage of the bargain wine prices on board and at the numerous wine warehouses that still exist at our ports.”
by Dinah Hatch
Dinah
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