Somerfield set to convert 150 stores to Essentials

Somerfield has earmarked 150 stores for conversion to its latest Essentials convenience fascia.

The grocer opened the first two Essentials stores last year at Belvedere in southeast London, and Dunstable, Bedfordshire. It also opened one at its Bristol head office recently.

Somerfield head of Essentials Angela Ham said the first two shops had exceeded expectations and the store-type will become a significant business element.

She said: 'Somerfield is a very big estate, but within our present portfolio there are 150 (suitable) stores and that's before any other future development, such as acquisitions and the franchise business.'

Essentials suits stores of about 1,500 sq ft to 4,000 sq ft (140 sq m to 370 sq m), and focuses on fresh, chilled and convenience products.

Last week, the retailer acquired Scottish convenience store chain Aberness for an undisclosed sum.

Somerfield will convert two Aberness outlets to Essentials, to see how it performs, before installing the model across the rest of the 36-store chain.

Ham added that Somerfield is close to opening its first franchise outlet. Last year, the retailer poached Norman Kears from Budgens to head the franchise team. Somerfield aims to exploit its buying power and brand name to take on groups such as Londis and Spar.

Somerfield also intends to convert more stores to its Market Fresh fascia, and is convinced there is scope for up to 50 of the 5,000 sq ft to 9,000 sq ft (465 sq m to 835 sq m) shops - aimed at professionals in high-footfall, urban catchments.

At present there are two Market Fresh stores.