Montezuma’s chocolate expands in opening its ninth UK retail store
UK premium chocolate brand Montezuma’s has expanded its operations in ‘unwrapping’ its ninth store within the country, at Westquay Southampton, Hampshire, writes Neill Barston.
The move creates 15 new jobs for the area, as the company continues to expand its retail and online presence having gained key investment in recent years from Scottish firm Inverleith LLP, which has seen the confectionery firm further expand its horizons.
Montezuma’s is known for its bold, bright colours enticing chocolate lovers through the doors of its stores. The shelves are filled with a rainbow of choices, of which some are exclusive to stores to further boost its retail offering.
Taking centre stage in the new store will be the company’s much-admired truffle servery, piled high with ‘naked’ chocolate tempting treats, while a selection of gift boxes will provide the perfect present for every occasion.
As part of this, the business has new flavours of its signature ‘Choc-o-Block’ that are certain to tempt shoppers at its latest outlet to try something different. They include ‘Like No Udder’ with salted caramelised hazelnuts, white chocolate with raspberry, dark chocolate with mango and chilli, dark chocolate and lemon and milk chocolate with pistachios and almonds.
Helen Pattinson, co-founder of Montezuma’s, which has its manufacturing headquarters near Chichester, West Sussex, commented: “At just 30 miles from our HQ and factory, Southampton has been on our radar for a long time so when Westquay were finally able to offer us the perfect unit, we snapped it up’’.
“It will be our first venture into a shopping centre environment, so our biggest challenge has been to ensure our quirky and creative approach to chocolate jumps out at the Southampton shoppers. It’s been a huge team effort from our chocolatiers to our designers and our shop-fitters, but I am convinced this is our brightest and boldest store so far!
