Summary
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.
Business Overview
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.
Location
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
Trading Information
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.
Tenure
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.
Price
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.
Key features:
- Longestablished independent drinks merchant trading for approximately 25 years
- 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 onstreet parking
- Deceptively spacious ground floor premises extending to approximately 86 sq m
- Wellpresented 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 fulltime staff with straightforward trading model
- Scope to grow online presence and develop further revenue opportunities
