The Co-op has acquired six stores from My Local following the struggling c-store chain’s collapse into administration last month.
The mutual has snapped up shops in Croydon, Nottingham, Widnes, Blackpool, Stockport and Steeton, just one week after it appointed administrators following a period of tough trading.
My Local, which was born out of Morrisons failed c-store business, only launched last October under the stewardship of convenience store veteran Mike Greene, backed by private equity house Greybull Capital.
But in the wake of fierce competition from the Co-op, Tesco and Sainsbury’s, My Local struggled to gain a foothold in the sector as Greene and his senior team failed to return the business to profitability.
Greene told My Local staff he was “truly sorry” for its demise, which came just months after BHS and Austin Reed tumbled into administration.
The Co-op, which is gaining sales momentum under chief executive Richard Pennycook and food boss Steve Murrells, has rebranded its convenience stores with its cloverleaf logo from the 1960s and targeted 100 new c-store openings this year as it ramps up its assault on the market.
Murrells said: “The Co-op Food business is moving forwards with a clear purpose and momentum, so we can deliver a compelling, convenient and co-operative shopping experience for millions of shoppers each day.
“Our acquisitions programme is fundamental to the success of this strategy. In the last two years we have opened close to 200 new stores, and in 2016 the Co-op is actively pursuing 100 new stores as well as carrying out refits in a further 150.
“The acquisition of these My Local stores supports our focus on convenience store retailing and adds to a portfolio that offers the right range in the right location.”
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