Harris Aslam’s double store launch grows Greens brand

Leading retailer and Eros Retail group co-owner Harris Aslam opened another two stores in November under his Greens brand, in collaboration with Nisa.

The new stores differ widely in size, with a 1,300 sq ft Little Greens in Coaltown of Balgonie in Fife and a giant 5,500 sq ft Greens of Dundee Nisa Extra. 

The group has now opened three stores in 2017, and Harris Aslam said it is planning more launches in 2018.

Aslam said the new small format store will provide: “A concise range and an extensive food-to-go focus to take advantage of passing trade.” Meanwhile, the larger store will focus on “stocking more niche and unique lines that will offer customers something different,” and working closely with local suppliers.

Spotting the opportunity in the Dundee store’s large student population, the retailer also developed a bespoke coffee solution “Greens Beans” to provide a variety of customisable options in multiple flavours. It will include free refills to encourage repeat custom and promote the store.

In a recent column for Retail Express, Aslam told readers that the Greens brand was about building food-to-go offering that customers are proud to Instagram and Snapchat about. “Be bold and make sure every customer leaves with a clear image of what your brand stands for,” he advised.

Discussing the future of Eros Retail, the director adds: “We have a really positive outlook for 2018 despite all the changes in the industry – we’re turning it into an opportunity and looking at how to get our brand across by differentiating ourselves from the competition.”

Do it: Read Harris’ columns and advice for retailers here