Advert ref 1285SAF
Bin Ends is a long-established independent drinks merchant occupying a prominent freehold property on Princes Street in the heart of Thurso. The business has traded for around twenty-five years and is recognised across Caithness for its specialist whisky selection, wide-ranging wine offer and comprehensive spirits and beer ranges. It benefits from a loyal and consistent local customer base, supplemented by visitor trade generated by the North Coast 500 and passengers travelling via Scrabster Ferry Terminal. Known for knowledgeable service and a carefully curated product range, the shop presents an attractive opportunity for an owner-operator or investor. The sale includes the freehold property.
Bin Ends offers a substantial range of whisky, wines, spirits and beers, supported by additional sales of cigarettes, small gifts and seasonal hampers. The business is operated by two members of staff and maintains trading hours of 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday, extending to 8pm at weekends. There is certainly scope to expand trading hours. Although the business has a small online presence, there is clear scope for future growth in digital channels and marketing. The inclusion of the freehold property provides long-term stability and removes leasehold obligations for a purchaser.
The business has been part of Thurso’s retail landscape for over twenty-five years and has built a strong reputation for both range and service. Its specialist whisky offering includes local distillery products and widely recognised Scottish malts, complemented by an extensive and carefully selected wine range. The shelves are also stocked with a broad array of spirits, liqueurs, beers and mixers, including chilled items for immediate purchase. Customer sentiment is consistently positive and highlights friendly service, product knowledge and the breadth of choice. Additional revenue is generated through the sale of hampers, cigarettes and gifts, which perform particularly well during festive and tourist periods. While seasonal visitors contribute positively to turnover, the business remains firmly rooted in year-round local custom.
The property occupies a prominent position on Princes Street, forming part of Thurso’s established town-centre commercial area. The shopfront sits directly onto the pavement, benefiting from strong visibility and passing footfall. On-street parking is available immediately outside, offering convenient access for customers. Thurso is the principal service centre for Caithness and attracts both residents and visitors travelling the North Coast 500. Its proximity to Scrabster Ferry Terminal further increases visitor flow, making it a strategic location for a drinks merchant. The surrounding area comprises a balanced mix of independent retail, hospitality and professional services
For the financial year ending 31 January 2024, the business achieved a turnover of £152,878. Trade is primarily driven by local customers, with additional seasonal uplift resulting from tourism and visitors travelling through Caithness. Sales are well diversified across whisky, wine, spirits, beers, cigarettes and gift items, with hampers providing further revenue during festive periods. The business is operated by two full-time members of staff who manage both customer service and day-to-day operations. Further financial details, including profitability, cost analysis and stock valuation, will be made available to seriously interested parties upon request.
The property is held on a freehold basis and is included within the sale. This provides long-term security and removes any ongoing lease obligations.
The business and freehold property are offered at £110,000. Stock is to be sold at valuation. A detailed inventory of fixtures and fittings will be provided once confirmed with the vendor.
Freehold property included within the sale at £110,000
Specialist whisky, wine and premium spirits retailer with strong local reputation
Prominent position on Princes Street in Thurso town centre with on-street parking
Deceptively spacious ground floor premises extending to approximately 86 sq m
Well-presented retail area supported by extensive stockroom, stores and office
Consistent local trade with additional seasonal uplift from NC500 tourism
Additional income streams from hampers, gifts and cigarettes
Operated by two full-time staff with straightforward trading model
Scope to grow online presence and develop further revenue opportunities
The premises extend to approximately 86 sq m on the ground floor and present significantly larger internally than the frontage might initially suggest. The exterior features a traditional stone façade with a wide display window and a clearly identifiable shop entrance, providing excellent merchandising opportunities.
The retail area is bright, well presented and arranged to make full use of the available space. Modern flooring and LED lighting create an efficient trading environment, while long wall-mounted shelving on both sides of the shop accommodates an extensive range of whisky, wines and spirits. Central display tables are positioned for seasonal products and promotional items. Refrigerated units to the right-hand side house chilled wines, beers and soft drinks, and the counter area includes glass-fronted cabinets ideal for displaying miniatures and premium spirits. The retail layout provides clear sightlines, enabling customers to browse comfortably while allowing staff to maintain excellent visibility of the shop floor.
To the rear, a substantial stockroom provides extensive storage capacity. This area is arranged with ample floor space for boxed stock and additional shelving for spirits, beers, gift lines and overflow inventory. Adjacent rooms include further dry-store areas, each with organised shelving and secure, barred windows allowing natural light. These spaces support efficient stock rotation and provide capacity well beyond that required for daily trading.
A self-contained office is also located to the rear of the premises. It provides a private space for administrative tasks and includes a fitted desk, shelving and storage. Staff facilities consist of a practical kitchenette area with sink, worktop, cupboard storage and space for appliances such as a microwave and kettle. Fire extinguishers and welfare provisions are also in place. Together, the back-of-house areas form a functional and well-managed operational base for the business.
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