Monger introduced Canada's specialty food market to the concept of the "modern-day butcher shop." By adding an extensive line of frozen products accessible by self-serve freezers and a wide range of packaged sauces and marinades, Monger has executed a complete product overhaul designed to speak to the evolving desires and tastes of consumers.
"We really need to carve out our business like anyone else," Monger said. "We have to fight hard for that positioning, and this rebrand of our locations will help us achieve that."
The new Clancy's Meat stores are bright, airy, modern and stocked with both fresh and frozen products. In the 12 months since the rebrand and rollout of fresh products began, the Surrey-based company has sold more than 25 new franchise locations across Canada and experienced a 250 per cent system-wide sales growth.
Monger plans to open as many as 10 stores in B.C. over the next year, but, he said, "it depends on the real estate."
"We get quite a bit of attention from investors, but the acquisition of real estate is a large focus in target communities, and [that] can sometimes create a waiting game. A franchisee in Langford outside of Victoria has been looking for quite some time." said Monger. "[Lease] rates are excessively high, up to $50 to $60 a square foot.
"However, occasionally, a great opportunity arises." Monger continued. "A good example is in Burnaby at the Kensington Square Plaza. Normally, we don't find space in a grocery-anchored site, because they typically prevent Clancy's or other fine-meat shops from getting in there. It's a busy plaza with restaurants, grocery, banks and a real local win for the company to get in this area." Clancy's has another location in Burnaby under construction, a store in Cloverdale opening in 2012 and is close to completing its first outlet in Kamloops.
It takes a minimum investment of from $200,000 to $500,000 to own a turnkey Clancy's.
from Western Investor September 2011
