Bath-based wine merchant Novel Wines has announced that its physical store will close at the end of March, as the business expands online sales and its wholesale operations.

The Novel Wines store on Upper Bristol Road | Photo © Bath Echo
The award-winning retailer opened its shop on the Upper Bristol Road in Bath in 2019.
With increasing costs and the focus of the business switching to wholesale supply of its European range to restaurants across the UK, the Novel Wines team has made the decision to close the shop’s doors permanently.
Last year Novel Wines acquired competitor Croatian Fine Wines as part of its expansion and investment into the range.
Gary Shaw, interim Managing Director at Novel Wines after Ben Franks exited the day to day running of business at the end of 2023, said: “Like many retailers we’ve seen costs increase over the last year and reduced footfall, so it’s with sadness that we’ve taken the decision to close the shop.
“We have loved our time serving the community in Bath and will continue to do so through our online shop and via our restaurant, hotel and bar partners in the city and across the UK.
“People have come through our doors from far and wide in search of the unusual and upcoming regions we champion.
“We’re excited and committed to continuing to celebrate the truly unique and to champion our connection with Bath.
“Our warehouse and operations team remain in the city and we plan to host more of our popular wine tasting events with our partners in town.”