UK booze cruise shops quit Calais

TESCO and Sainsbury's have both announced plans to pull out of France, closing their stores in Calais catering for "booze cruise" visitors from the UK.

The euro's relative strength against the pound - despite the recent fall - and the effect of the recession on people's disposable income have been blamed for the demise.

According to trade magazine The Grocer, Tesco has entered into a consultation with staff about the future of its Vins Plus store near the port.

Sainsbury's is pulling out of a joint venture with Auchan and closing its Calais branch on June 30. Oddbins closed earlier this year.

Majestic Wine remains in France, with three stores in the north, but has reported a 28% fall in year-on-year sales for the 12 months to the end of March.

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