RETAILER Stephen Thompson’s has opened two new Eddy’s Food Station stores within a fortnight, following brand’s first store launch in May.
Eddy’s Food Station Larbert opened its doors today (18 August) after the launch of a store in Greenock last week. Launching the Alloa store resulted in 14 new jobs in the community, while 15 new roles were added at Larbert.
Opening on former symbol store sites, Eddy’s Food Station Larbert and Greenock both retain their current look, however Eddy’s Food Station plans to renovate both in the coming months. A new food to go offer is also expected to roll out at both sites.
Coinciding with the store openings, Eddy’s Food Station has announced that Costcutter will be the main supply partner for all three stores, with plans to supply the brand’s entire estate as it expands. On his return to Scottish convenience retail in May, Thompson announced his intention to open 30 stores over a five-year period, creating around 500 jobs in the process.
Thompson launched the Eddy’s Food Station brand in Alloa on 11 May, creating 14 new jobs at the site. The new retail brand is named after Thompson’s father Eddie. Eddie and Stephen Thompson achieved significant commercial success through their Morning Noon and Night brand, selling the chain’s 50 stores for £30m in 2004. Thompson’s return to convenience retail follows a decade-long spell as a senior football executive, having served as chairman of Dundee United Football Club from 2008 to 2018.
Commenting on the store openings, Thompson said: “The opportunity to operate a successful chain of convenience stores is very promising right now and these acquisitions, in very quick succession, are the next extremely exciting step in the long journey for the Eddy’s Food Station brand.
“When we launched in May we stated we planned to open 30 stores within five years. With two additional stores already added to the roster and more in the pipeline, we are very much on track to meet that target.
“By adding another very central location and launching our first store in the west of Scotland, we’re making roots in three very well-known and highly populated locations, building on the success of the Alloa store.”
Mike Leonard, head of retail at Eddy’s Food Station, said: “The quick development of the Eddy’s Food Station group is an indication of how strong the convenience sector is. It’s brilliant to see the beginning of the Eddy’s Food Station journey progress so quickly with many other exciting launches imminent.
“The success of the Alloa store and the growth of the brand is testament to Stephen and his expertise in the sector. I’m thrilled to be a part of the story which has and will continue to create significant new jobs and provide valuable services to Scottish communities.”
Jamie Davison, business development director at Bestway Retail, the firm behind Costcutter, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Costcutter will be the main supply partner for the three Eddy’s Food Station stores that have opened in Scotland and we very much looking forward to supplying the further 30 stores that they plan to open over the next five years.
“The Eddy’s Food Station stores will not only have access to Costcutter’s 14,000 SKU range including Direct to Store they will also have access to 2,000 Co-op own brand products. The stores will also benefit from Costcutter’s loyalty scheme rewards, the Shopper First growth programme and marketing support alongside additional rebate rewards on qualifying Bestway delivered purchases as well as the business support provided by our teams.”
