Grape Tree has reached an “important milestone” in its growth ambitions, with the opening of its 200th store, in Harrow, London.
The new 2,000 sq ft shop in St Anns Shopping Centre is the chain’s 13th store within the M25, which is “becoming an increasingly important part of the country” for the Black Country-based retailer.
It means Grape Tree has met the goal previously set by founder and CEO Nick Shutts in July 2025, to reach the milestone by 2026, as part of a major UK expansion plan.
The milestone comes after Shutts sold a majority stake in Grape Tree to its employees in December 2025. Since then, the budget retailer has opened 11 new stores. Sales have continued to grow, capitalising on a boon for health and wellness, amid a backlash against UPF.
Grape Tree’s mix of “value, quality and choice” of health foods, as well as its 100% organic range had helped it win new shoppers, the business said. Ten more openings were planned before the end of the year.
Grape Tree a sign of strength in the UK high street
The business predominantly targets premium, high footfall locations in town centres.
“There has been a lot of talk about the demise of the high street, but we don’t believe that’s the case…people still like to explore new ranges and see what they are buying, not to mention tapping into the knowledge of our Grape Tree staff,” said Grape Tree acquisitions manager Oliver Shutts.
“Bricks & mortar retail remains central to our business. We are determined to play our part in increasing footfall and keeping towns and cities vibrant places to visit.”
He added: “Our proposition remains very simple – great-quality wholefoods, genuine choice and making healthier living more affordable and accessible. That will never change.”
Shutts Sr founded Grape Tree in 2012 following the collapse of his former business Julian Graves, which he sold to Holland & Barrett in 2008.
Turnover surged by nearly a third to £69.3m in its latest accounts to December 2024, following a major investment into its stores, and Kingswinford manufacturing plant.
The business had projected turnover to hit £84m during the current financial year and surpass £100m the following if its growth was sustained.
Its Harrow opening marked a “statement opening” Oliver Shutts said.
“Wholefoods have always been at the heart of what we do, and we want to ensure eating well is easier and more affordable, whether that is through nuts, seeds, dried fruit, healthy snacking, baking ingredients or our wider natural wellbeing range,” he said.
“What I particularly like about Harrow is the size of the store. At around 2,000 sq ft, we can really show customers what Grape Tree has become and offer an enormous amount of choice while continuing to deliver the value we are known for,” Shutts added.
“Two hundred stores is an important milestone, but we still see a huge opportunity to take our brand into more communities across the UK,” he added.
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