Kwik Save

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KwikSave, Church Lane - geograph.org.uk - 350688

Kwiksaveclosed

FreshXpress (Kwik Save) Fawdon

Kwik Save is a British supermarket chain that was founded in Wales in 1959. Initially established as a discount store by Albert Gubay, it grew rapidly during the 1970s and 1980s, becoming a familiar sight in many towns and cities across the United Kingdom. Kwik Save was known for its no-frills approach to retailing, focusing on offering customers low prices on essential goods. The brand's motto, "Saving you money every day," reflected its commitment to affordability.

History

The first Kwik Save store opened in Queensferry, Flintshire, in 1959. The company's strategy was to buy goods in bulk and sell them at lower prices than competitors, a novel approach at the time. This strategy proved successful, and the chain expanded rapidly. By the 1970s, Kwik Save had become a significant player in the UK retail market, with stores nationwide.

In the 1980s, Kwik Save continued to grow, but the retail landscape was changing. The rise of other discount supermarkets and the entry of major international players into the UK market increased competition. Despite this, Kwik Save maintained its position by focusing on its core offering of low prices.

The 1990s and early 2000s were challenging times for Kwik Save. The company faced intense competition from other supermarkets, such as Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury's, which began to offer similar low prices but with a wider range of products and a more appealing shopping environment. In 1998, Kwik Save merged with Somerfield, in an attempt to strengthen its position in the market. However, the merger did not lead to the expected improvements, and many Kwik Save stores were either closed or rebranded as Somerfield stores.

In 2006, the Kwik Save brand was relaunched after being acquired by a new management team. This relaunch aimed to revive the brand's fortunes by focusing on the discount market. However, the attempt was short-lived, and in 2007, Kwik Save entered administration, leading to the closure of many stores and the loss of numerous jobs.

Legacy

Despite its eventual decline, Kwik Save left a lasting impact on the UK retail market. It was one of the pioneers of the discount retail model in the UK, influencing the strategies of later entrants into the market. The Kwik Save brand is remembered for its straightforward approach to retailing and its focus on keeping prices low for consumers.

See Also

• Supermarket
• Retail
• Discount store
• Somerfield
• Tesco
• Asda
• Sainsbury's