Gulf squaddies to get permanent food stores under army proposals

The Expeditionary Forces Institute (EFI), the retailer that sells food and fags to British troops in the Gulf, aims to open 10 permanent shops for the 15,000 military personnel there. Commanding officer Lt Col Steve Mitchell is looking for sites in four locations.

At present, EFI's Gulf stores are temporary. Permanent sites are sought because British troops could be kept in the Gulf for the next three to five years.

EFI is selling a range of non-food items, such as portable TVs, to provide the troops with home comforts.

EFI is expected to generate sales of£21 million this year.

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