Chinese wholesaler Wing Yip has launched a new convenience store, its first small shop format.
Called Wing Yip DiDi, the unit opened in Watford in December on the site of a former Poundland. Although the company has existing stores open to the public and trade across the UK, these are larger supermarket-style formats attached to cash and carries.
Photos of the store taken by retail analyst Bryan Roberts show food to go through self-serve ramen stations, fresh produce and frozen goods. Although Wing Yip offers an extensive range of Chinese goods, other products include those from Japan, South Korea and Thailand.
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Posting about the store on social media, Roberts said: “Pleasure to pop into Wing Yip DiDi, the recently opened urban concept from the leading Asian retail and wholesale operator that has previously only traded through massive superstores.
“Located in a former Poundland on a high street location, it is a very impressive concept encompassing fresh, frozen and ambient with some nice touches in food-for-now including bakery, hot food, hot drinks and a self-service ramen bar.”
“The decor is very smart and the store also includes digital aspects such as screens and electronic shelf edge labels.”
