Local shops safe as Co-op sells stores

Convenience Stores in Thornton, Lochgelly, Glenrothes, Kinglassie, Methil and Leven will change hands as part of a £117 million deal which will give R S McColl 298 stores in total.

Staff at the stores will transfer to R S McColl and there will be no job losses.

A spokesman for McColl’s said this week that the company aimed to replicate what he described as the Co-op’s “reputation for a premium convenience offer”, including fresh and chilled food.

He also indicated that stores would be able to house a combination and in some cases the whole spread of all McColl’s latest offerings, including Subway concessions or Amazon lockers. In addition, if McColl’s get an opportunity to put more Post Offices into these new Co-op stores then they will be “very interested” in doing that.

McColl’s is committed to developing its convenience store operation, and Jonathan Miller, chief executive, commented: “This opportunity substantially accelerates our growth strategy and expands our neighbourhood presence for the benefit of our customers.

“These stores are profitable, well invested, and the perfect size for our operating model. I look forward to welcoming all of our new colleagues to the business.”

The Co-op, recently name the most frequently visited food retailer in the UK said that the move was part of its strategy of refocusing its store estate on a convenience, own-brand led shopping experience.

The change over is likely to take effect from November.