Booker Retail Partners (BRP) is developing a new format for Londis, with a rollout to retailers to commence in the summer, sources close to the firm have claimed.

Sources told Better Retailing that senior staff from the wholesaler had been teasing a new concept from the symbol group to retailers. One source added: “It could be something that is made available to retailers in the summer. Not much has been revealed about it yet, other than it would help fill gaps that Londis stores are missing.”

Another source told Better Retailing: “Booker has already made new formats available for Budgens and Premier, so it looks like they want to bring Londis on the same level. I’d like to see them improve areas such as food to go, as this category has a lot of opportunity and is one area that needs development. A specialised wine section would be an ideal addition.”

The potential new launch follows a similar refresh of the Budgens brand in December. Amish Shingadia’s Budgens in Horsham, West Sussex, relaunched on 9 December as one of the first stores under the new model. It focuses on fresh and chilled, has individual zones for food to go and alcohol, and encourages customers to make larger, supermarket-style spends.

Booker was approached for comment.

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