Spice & Tea Exchange sets its sights on store expansion
With consumption of global spices and loose-leaf teas nearing an all-time high, a specialty retailer is gearing up for expansion out West.
The Spice & Tea Exchange announced plans to bring 15 new locations to Arizona. Scottsdale, Flagstaff, Chandler and Lake Havasu are among current target markets, with plans to add more.
In addition to leveraging the boom in tea and spice consumption, the brand also is taking advantage of the popularity of experience-based retail by immersing customers in a sensory experience. Each store resembles an eighteenth-century trading post, with flavorsome aromas and a welcoming atmosphere. Visitors are encouraged to open jars of fragrant seasonings and receive cooking advice from the staff. Shoppers can also watch employees hand-mix custom spice blends, brew teas and craft unique gifts.
In addition, many location recently started offering a tea bar where guests can enjoy their choice of over 30 teas.
"In a digital world, The Spice & Tea Exchange customers appreciate an immersive, engaging shopping experience because it adds value and appreciation to the products they purchase. Guests are naturally drawn to our unique atmosphere and flavorsome aromas," said Martin Amschler, executive VP of franchise development and operations.
The brand, which has a heavy presence in tourist areas, broke into several new markets in the past year, including Venice, Florida; Duck, North Carolina; and Galveston, Texas. In addition, the company signed 9 franchise agreements in the first five months of 2018
“Approximately four in five consumers drink tea, including 87% of Millennials,” said Amy Freeman, CEO of The Spice & Tea Exchange. “The demand for our products, as well as our customer service-focused store experience, creates an enormous amount of opportunity for the company to grow nationwide.”
The Spice & Tea Exchange was founded in 2008. The company has more than 60 franchise stores across the United States.
The Spice & Tea Exchange announced plans to bring 15 new locations to Arizona. Scottsdale, Flagstaff, Chandler and Lake Havasu are among current target markets, with plans to add more.
In addition to leveraging the boom in tea and spice consumption, the brand also is taking advantage of the popularity of experience-based retail by immersing customers in a sensory experience. Each store resembles an eighteenth-century trading post, with flavorsome aromas and a welcoming atmosphere. Visitors are encouraged to open jars of fragrant seasonings and receive cooking advice from the staff. Shoppers can also watch employees hand-mix custom spice blends, brew teas and craft unique gifts.
In addition, many location recently started offering a tea bar where guests can enjoy their choice of over 30 teas.
"In a digital world, The Spice & Tea Exchange customers appreciate an immersive, engaging shopping experience because it adds value and appreciation to the products they purchase. Guests are naturally drawn to our unique atmosphere and flavorsome aromas," said Martin Amschler, executive VP of franchise development and operations.
The brand, which has a heavy presence in tourist areas, broke into several new markets in the past year, including Venice, Florida; Duck, North Carolina; and Galveston, Texas. In addition, the company signed 9 franchise agreements in the first five months of 2018
“Approximately four in five consumers drink tea, including 87% of Millennials,” said Amy Freeman, CEO of The Spice & Tea Exchange. “The demand for our products, as well as our customer service-focused store experience, creates an enormous amount of opportunity for the company to grow nationwide.”
The Spice & Tea Exchange was founded in 2008. The company has more than 60 franchise stores across the United States.