Majestic opens Thame store as part of summer expansion

Majestic has opened a new store in Thame as part of plans to expand its bricks-and-mortar estate this summer.

The wine retailer’s new 1,680 sq ft shop, which is located on the town’s High Street, occupies the former Newitt’s of Thame butchers. Several original features of the butcher’s shop – including black and white tiles, wooden ceiling beams and muralled walls – have been retained.

The store stocks more than 1,200 wines, beers and spirits, alongside low and no alcohol alternatives, soft drinks and snacks. It includes a dedicated area for 65 fine wines and offers free tastings seven days a week, staffed by employees trained through the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET).

Customers can also use services such as free glass hire, bespoke wedding tastings, home delivery, click and collect, and a “no quibble guarantee” allowing returns of unwanted bottles. The store supports Majestic’s commercial division, supplying wines to hospitality venues locally.

John Colley, chief executive of Majestic, said: “Thame is a location we’ve been targeting for some time as part of our expansion plans, so we are delighted to be bringing our award-winning wines and expertise to the town. We know there are hundreds of discerning wine lovers in the local community – many of whom already shop with us in Oxford, Aylesbury or online – and our new store will make it even easier for them to discover new wines, beers and spirits they will love.”

Majestic plans to open two more stores in Christchurch and Wimborne Minster later this summer, as well as two new Vagabond wine bars in London. The company acquired the Vagabond brand in April and has since refurbished its flagship Battersea bar and launched a smartphone app for its tap-and-pour machines.

The retailer, which split from Naked Wines plc after its 2019 acquisition by Fortress Investment Group, has opened more than 20 stores and grown its commercial sales more than fourfold since then.