As Sainsbury’s takes Marchmont independent
EDINBURGH-based retailer Margiotta Food and Wine is adding a store in the Polwarth area of the city to its chain.
The move came as supermarket and c-store giant Sainsbury’s bought an independently owned Margiotta unit – not run by the Margiotta group – in the city’s Marchmont area
Last month Margiotta Food and Wine took over the running of Santangelis in Polwarth Gardens after the storeowner, Mark Santangeli, announced his retirement after 15 years in the business.
“This store is a perfect fit for us,” said Franco Margiotta, “both in terms of demographic and location as it lies between our Warrender Park and Ashley Terrace stores.
“We hope to continue to provide the best service possible to our new customers in Polwarth and surrounding areas.”
Meanwhile, Sainsbury’s is to open its 17th Local store in Edinburgh after buying an independently run Margiotta shop.
The site, on Marchmont Road, which previously housed Margiotta and coffee shop Black Medicine is set to open in early March and is currently undergoing renovations.
Franco Margiotta, said that the sale was not affiliated with the company as the Marchmont store had been a separate business.
He said that his company, which has a shop on nearby Warrender Park Road, has no intention of selling any of its existing stores.
Andy Davies, acquisitions manager for Sainsbury’s, said: “Dense urban surroundings are prime locations for our stores.
“We’re planning about 1,700 sq ft of sales area and the store will be focused predominantly around offering fresh food.
“It will offer an additional 20 jobs. Recruitment is already underway and a store manager is in place. A couple of colleagues will be joining us directly from Margiotta.
“We would like to continue to expand in areas like this if sites become available.”
