High street bakery giant Greggs has rolled out the second location of its new, smaller shop format, marking a significant step in its evolving retail strategy.
New 'Bitesize' Format Lands in Kent
The second 'Bitesize Greggs' has officially opened its doors at Dartford railway station in Kent. This follows the successful debut of the first compact shop at Sevenoaks train station. The concept focuses on a "small but mighty" footprint, designed to cater to busy commuters and pedestrians with a selection of the chain's most popular items.
Tony Rowson, Property Director at Greggs, expressed his delight at the launch. He stated that the bustling Dartford station is an ideal spot to continue trialling this new format. The goal is to reach more customers on the move from compact units without compromising on offering favourite products.
More Compact Shops and Broader Growth on the Horizon
This is not a one-off experiment. Greggs has confirmed that a number of other 'Bitesize' openings are planned, initially on a trial basis. The next location slated to open is in Cheshire Oaks, though further sites are yet to be officially announced. This initiative forms part of the bakery's wider estate growth plans, which are proceeding at a remarkable pace.
In parallel, Greggs continues to expand its traditional full-sized shops at an average rate of four new openings per week across the UK.
Innovating Beyond Size: Eco-Shops and Outlets
The 'Bitesize' format is just one of several new ventures Greggs is exploring. Earlier this year, the company launched its first-ever Eco Drive-Thru in Winchester, following the debut of an eco-shop in Northampton back in 2022.
These eco-friendly branches test sustainable features like solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and heat pump systems. Furthermore, Greggs operates a network of around 45 outlet shops across Britain, including a recent addition in Brierley Hill. First established in 1974, the outlet scheme sells discounted products, typically at half the price of standard shops, helping to reduce food waste and support household budgets.
With the dual strategy of expanding its conventional presence and innovating with new, targeted formats, Greggs is demonstrating a dynamic approach to growth in the competitive UK food-to-go market.
