Iconic high street bakery chain Greggs is rolling out a new, smaller store format designed to bring its famous pastries and snacks to busy commuters and shoppers in space-tight locations across the UK.
A 'Small But Mighty' New Concept
The first of these new Greggs Bitesize stores opened its doors on November 7th at Sevenoaks Railway Station, offering a curated selection of the bakery's best-loved products. This innovative format allows Greggs to establish a presence in high-footfall areas where a full-sized shop would not be feasible.
Tony Rowson, Greggs' Property Director, expressed excitement about the launch, stating, "This small but mighty new format will allow us to reach more customers on the go from compact units, whilst still offering a selection of our best-selling products." For customers, this means a quicker and more convenient way to grab a morning coffee, a lunchtime sandwich, or an afternoon treat without deviating from their daily route.
Confirmed Locations and Expansion Plans
The initial trial will see two more Bitesize shops open in December 2024 at Dartford Station in Kent and at Cheshire Oaks. The success of these pilot locations will determine a wider national rollout of the compact format.
This move is part of Greggs' ambitious broader expansion strategy. The company, which currently operates 2,675 shops across the country, has committed to opening 120 new locations in 2025. Its long-term goal is to grow its estate to 3,500 shops nationwide.
What This Means for Shoppers
The Bitesize format is strategically targeted at prime locations such as transport hubs and busy retail parks. By utilising compact units, Greggs can offer its iconic sausage rolls, sweet treats, and hot drinks in more places, making it even easier for people to access their favourite food on the move. As the trial progresses, customers can expect to see more of these convenient, smaller shops appearing across the UK.