It’s happening: Majestic Wine is now offering next-day delivery
It may be a little early in the morning to raise a toast, but wine lovers everywhere can certainly tip their hats to Majestic Wine, which today unveiled plans to offer next-day delivery on more than 1,250 wines – including 400 fine wines.
The company said it will now offer click and collect and named and next day delivery services as well as its standard options – online and instore.
It's the latest step in a radical transformation the booze retailer has gone through in recent months. Last year it abandoned its much-maligned six bottle minimum purchase in an attempt to entice customers through its doors (although those who do still buy six bottles still get a hefty discount).
In September this year Majestic's shares fell almost 25 per cent after it issued a profit warning, saying weakness in its commercial arm and a botched acquisition attempt for its Naked Wines brand in the US were likely to drive down full-year earnings.
But today it was rather more optimistic, as it announced the creation of a national fulfilment centre (aka a warehouse) in Greenford, from which it will fulfil its online orders, taking pressure off its stores. The new service will be rolled out on Wednesday, just in time to coincide with the Christmas period.
"This is a big step in our transformation plan and will help support Christmas trading," said John Colley, managing director of Majestic Retail.
"We are putting the customer back at the heart of Majestic and can now offer a complete multi-channel experience which will deliver real benefits to our customers, people and therefore our shareholders"