Sydney’s Sunlite has switched banners from Danks/Thrifty Link to Metcash’s Mitre 10 banner as the groups look to expand their country-wide footprint.
The three Sunlite stores in the CBD and Bondi Junction provides Mitre 10 with a strong footprint in the city, similar to moves by Metcash to build the IGA banner in Sydney through the recent acquisition of Franklins’ 90 stores.
Sunlite Mitre 10 will remain independently owned and in the first weeks of a change in banners, the three stores have already experienced an 8 per cent lift in sales and profit.
“Under the Mitre 10 operation, we have already gained access to a greater product range and more competitive prices for both the public and trades people,” Steven Czeiger, principal of Sunlite Mitre 10, said on the transition.
“Our move is a key part of our goal to create a brand new category of independently-owned hardware stores and ultimately transform the industry in partnership with Mitre 10. We have seen a major boost in our operations through Mitre 10’s firepower in marketing, distribution, ranging and pricing strategies, and support.”