Tobacco Station Group is celebrating a major milestone with the opening of its 500th franchised business.
The retailer is showing no signs of slowing down, revealing plans to add another 25 to 30 outlets to the end of 2022.
Support staff, executives and suppliers joined the franchisees to mark the exciting opening of TSG Birtinya on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
The opening of the milestone outlet comes nearly 30 years after the first Tobacco Station was unveiled in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. The tobacconist grew to three stores by 1996 and established The Tobacco Station Group, the first of its kind in Australia.
While retail has seen recent challenges to its space with the onset of ecommerce, the tobacco industry has faced numerous product-related changes and challenges over the years: the banning of displays of tobacco merchandise, significant tax increases, the introduction of plain packaging, vaping and a growing illicit trade.
Today sales from the tobacco category continue to be the mainstay of the business although complimentary categories have been introduced and feature across the network.
Two and a half years ago TSG established its own warehouse and now offers a range a variety of products including vaping (which is a growth market) tobacco accessories, candles, air fresheners, games, incense, laptop/phone accessories and assorted gift lines.
A full range, competitive pricing and excellent product knowledge give the brand a competitive advantage, backed up by investment in technology which has been a crucial tool in helping franchisees achieve best practice in their retail outlets.
TSG has invested in integrated EFTPOS, an upgraded POS, online training modules and improved reporting formats for franchisees.
Pictured at the opening of the store: (left to right) Leo Gerandonis, TSG franchise operations executive QLD; Garry Bowden, The Saputra Group; Louise Biddle, TSG state franchise manager QLD; Edy Saputra, The Saputra Group; Kerry Browne, head of sales & new business TSG.
