Value fashion retailer QS is to open concessions in grocery chains Somerfield and the Co-operative Group, as it restructures after the departure of its chief executive.
The retailer, which operates the chain Store 21, will open nearly 20 concessions in Co-op and Somerfield stores.
Up-for-sale Somerfield plans to test the offer in a minimum of two stores within the next four months, said Somerfield group strategy director Oliver Meakin. Last week, Somerfield unveiled a trial of Woolworths’ Worthit! clothing range in nine stores and opened one in Cheadle, Staffordshire, this week.
The grocer also has 21 concessions with Peacocks and 14 with Robert Dyas.
In addition to several other Co-ops, Anglia Regional Co-operative will put Store 21 concessions into six of its Westgate department stores, as well as offers from Pilot and Bay Trading, following the financial troubles of its previous fashion partner Select.
QS vice-chairman and European chief executive Findlay Caldwell declined to comment on the partnerships, but said the retailer was “keen to expand through store openings and appropriate concessions”.
Following the departure of QS chief executive David Pidgeon last month, Caldwell – who said he has no plans to replace Pidgeon – has taken responsibility for the retailer’s UK operations. He has appointed former TJ Hughes buying and merchandising director Cath Norgate-Hart to the same role at QS on an interim basis.
* Speculation is mounting that Co-op could acquire Somerfield with an improved offer as early as next week, but a source close to Somerfield denied it had entered into exclusive talks.
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