Conviviality Retail to launch Bargain Booze to Scotland amid flat UK sales

Conviviality Retail, the largest franchised off-licence chain in the UK, has reported flat sales for its first half as it announced plans to launch its Bargain Booze-branded shops in Scotland.Sales over the 26 weeks to 26 October totalled £183m, broadly in line with last year. However, revenue on a like-for-like store basis declined by 1.7%."We are confident that we have the strategy in place to deliver a positive second half and profitability will remain in line with our plan," the group said.The company said that its Wine Rack chain continues to trade in line with expectations and it has started to franchise these stores and other corporate-owned stores in line with its plans.The first trial large-format BB's Warehouse was opened in Wakefield and is trading in line with forecast; a second store will open later in the year.Meanwhile, Bargain Booze will be trialled in Scotland by June 2015 with Conviviality's franchisee, the Scottish Midland Co-operative Society Group (Scotmid)."We are very excited to be working with Scotmid to bring Bargain Booze to Scottish consumers," said chief executive Diana Hunter."If successful, this trial has the potential to open up a new long term growth opportunity," she said.Conviviality's shares were down 3.5% at 150p by 15:30 on Wednesday.