First Quench Retailing

First Quench Retailing was a large off-licence retail chain in the United Kingdom. It was formed in 1998 through the merger of Thresher Group and Victoria Wine. The company operated under several brand names, including Threshers, Victoria Wine, Bottoms Up, and Wine Rack.

History

First Quench Retailing was established in 1998 when Whitbread and Allied Domecq merged their off-licence chains, Thresher Group and Victoria Wine. The merger created the largest independent off-licence chain in the UK, with over 3,000 stores at its peak.

In 2000, the company was sold to the private equity firm Terra Firma Capital Partners. Under Terra Firma's ownership, First Quench underwent significant restructuring, including the closure of underperforming stores and the rebranding of many outlets.

Brands

First Quench Retailing operated several well-known brands:

• Threshers: A chain of off-licences known for its wide selection of wines, beers, and spirits.
• Victoria Wine: One of the oldest off-licence chains in the UK, known for its extensive wine selection.
• Bottoms Up: A retailer specializing in discounted alcoholic beverages.
• Wine Rack: Focused on premium wines and spirits.

Administration and Closure

In October 2009, First Quench Retailing entered administration due to financial difficulties. The company struggled with declining sales and increased competition from supermarkets and other retailers. Despite efforts to find a buyer, the administrators were unable to secure a deal to save the business.

By early 2010, all remaining First Quench stores were closed, and the company's assets were sold off. The closure of First Quench resulted in the loss of thousands of jobs and marked the end of an era for the UK's off-licence retail sector.

Legacy

The brands and some of the stores were acquired by various companies. For example, Whittalls Wine Merchants purchased the Wine Rack brand and some of its stores, while other locations were taken over by independent retailers.

See also

• Off-licence
• Thresher Group
• Victoria Wine
• Terra Firma Capital Partners
• Administration (law)