TESCO-owned convenience store operator and franchise operation One Stop is remaining tight-lipped on rumours that it could be about to extend its franchise scheme into Scotland.
Industry insiders have suggested that the firm aims to have several stores open in Scotland this year.
But when approached by Scottish Grocer One Stop declined to comment on any Scottish plans.
The One Stop brand is already on more than 700 stores south of the border.
At the beginning of this year it launched its franchise scheme, pitching it as a way that independent retailers could take advantage of the experience and power of the existing One Stop chain to grow their own businesses.
In its English and Wales push it looked for established retailers and stores of between 1000 sq ft and 2500 sq ft doing more than £10,000 a week.
Retailers must commit to buying 95% of their stock from the company with 5% left for local products.
They sign a five-year commitment and hook into a comprehensive programme that includes fascia merchandising, planograms and promotions.
Although the company is owned by Tesco it is said to be run as a separate subsidiary firm.
But it says it provides an especially strong offer on fresh and chilled foods, promotions that compete with those in multiple grocery outlets and superstore-standard ready meals and meal deals.
In August, One Stop claimed that independent stores recruited into its franchise scheme had increased their turnover by an average of 40% compared with their previous level of trading.
At that time One Stop franchise director Andrew King said: We’ve taken our time to develop a tried and tested model, to ensure that our franchisees benefit from something that is completely different.”
