Holland & Barrett seeks to build travel store estate

Holland & Barrett, which is in the midst of a transformation programme overseen by chief executive Anthony Houghton, is also experimenting with new formats that may be deployed in places such as stations.

At the moment, Holland & Barrett has five shops it categorises as travel locations, such as London Bridge station. Their performance has prompted the retailer to seek more opportunities in that market.

Holland & Barrett property and format director Nick Gerrard told Retail Week: “Travel is an early opportunity for us. We’ve got some travel stores that have great cut-through in London – London Bridge has been hugely successful.”

“There’s a lot more travel locations than that we would love to get into if you can get the right offer.”

Holland & Barrett has also been trying out a new kiosk format, which could be opened in suitable locations including travel hubs. The first – which with 14 bays is much smaller than a conventional store – opened in Dublin’s Jervis centre.

Gerrard said: “It’s worked much better than we thought. If it continues to work, that opens up a whole heap of opportunities.”

He said the kiosk was “a great example” of an approach that Holland & Barrett could potentially pursue in travel locations.

Holland & Barrett has also been extending its presence in other ways, such as in-store tie-ins with retailers such as Next and Tesco.

• Read our exclusive interview with Holland & Barrett chief executive Anthony Houghton