Budgens

Budgens Stores Ltd (branded as Budgens) is a chain of foodstores in the United Kingdom. The business was founded in 1872 by John Budgen, who opened the first store in Maidenhead, Berkshire. The business was incorporated as a private limited company on 28 May 1962. The company is a subsidiary of Booker Group.

History

The first Budgens store was opened in 1872, by John Budgen. The first stores were small local grocers, which expanded across the south of England.

In October 1997, Budgens acquired the 55 store UK network of 7-Eleven stores, re-branding them with the concept name 'B2'. Very soon afterwards it was clear that the name was not popular with customers and the 30 stores that were outside London began trading under the 'Budgens' fascia. The 'B2' branded stores in London were then changed to 'Budgens Express' before finally reverting to the 'Budgens' brand.

In 2002, the company was purchased by the Irish Musgrave Group. Two years later, they started selling their Budgens stores; the largest stores were disposed of on the open market with stores in places including Tadley and Mildenhall to larger store chains. Other stores were divested to independent retailers including Jempsons and Tout and CT Baker who continue to trade from them under the 'Budgens' name. Musgraves also franchised the Budgens brand, leading to more store openings in the independent sector and expanding the brand to many forecourt stores.