Greggs launches brand-new shop format ahead of mass expansion

Greggs has launched a new, smaller ‘Bitesize’ store format with the opening of its first outlet at Sevenoaks Railway Station on Friday as part of its ongoing expansion into the UK.

Two more ‘Bitesize’ stores will open next month in Dartford Station, Kent and Cheshire Oaks, with more openings planned.

This trial is an important part of the bakery chain’s significant growth program.

The group, which has 2,675 stores, confirmed last month that it was on track for 120 net openings in 2025 and was targeting 3,500 stores across the UK.

The new Bitesize locations aim to attract customers in premium locations with high foot traffic and space constraints.

Greggs property manager Tony Rowson said: “We are excited to announce the launch of our Bitesize Greggs concept.

“This small but mighty new format will allow us to reach more customers from compact units on the go, while still offering some of our best-selling products.

“The initial trial launch of Bitesize Greggs will support our wider property growth plans.”

The new ‘Bitesize’ stores opened as the bakery chain warned its full-year earnings forecasts were significantly affected by summer heatwaves as rising temperatures deterred customers from hot food offerings.

The company reported a noticeable decline in footfall as the country became overwhelmed and the appetite for its distinctive hot pastries and sandwiches diminished.

While overall like-for-like sales in the six months to 28 June were still up 2.6 per cent, Greggs recorded a marked slowdown in growth in June. According to the company, this slowdown was directly attributed to “high temperatures affecting consumer purchasing patterns.”

“Comparable sales in June were impacted by the impact of very high temperatures in the UK, which saw demand for cold drinks increase but our overall visitor numbers decreased,” he added.

Greggs said it now expects annual operating profit could be “modestly” lower on a year-on-year basis.