The Convenience Shop Group, a leader in Malta’s retail sector, is celebrating the 15th anniversary since its launch.

The retail chain opened its first outlet in Żebbug back in 2009. However, fast forward to today, it has now become difficult to turn a corner without spotting its yellow and green branding. With over 80 outlets spread across the Maltese Islands, it has become a local household name.

The successful listing of holding company The Convenience Shop (Holding) plc was highlighted as a pivotal moment in the group's journey.

The Convenience Shop (Holding) plc marking its listing on Malta Stock Exchange with ringing of the bell ceremony in 2023

Looking ahead, CEO Martin Agius pointed towards the opening of additional franchised stores together with the inauguration of The Convenience Shop's head office and flagship store in Qormi as key upcoming milestones for the group.

Additionally, Mr Agius remarked that the group also aims to make its first foray abroad, seeking international expansion by 2025 and “expanding its reach and tapping into new markets.”

The group's plans to expand beyond Malta's horizons could hint that it has potentially outgrown the local market, especially when considering the amount of competition within Malta's retail sector.

A crucial element of The Convenience Shop’s growth over the years has been through its business model in which it incorporates both owned and franchise businesses. The owned businesses are those which the group maintains full control over operations and profits, while the franchise businesses are those that operate independently under franchise terms, using the company’s branding and name.

In the Annual Report for 2022, Mr Agius had laid out the reasoning behind The Convenience Shop Group’s focus on franchising, rather than just opening up new stores. Through the strategy, the group makes new business acquisitions “by seeking already established grocery stores with specific area dimensions.” “This approach reduces the risk of setting up a new store – which may underperform – and allows the group to realise better own-store margins due to the economies of scale of operating a larger shop,” Mr Agius had explained.

In fact, as at the end of 2022, The Convenience Shop had 83 stores across the country, 43 of which are franchised shops.