Spar acquires three Eddy’s stores

Three Eddy’s Food Station stores have moved to Spar Scotland after the retail brand went into administration

Spar Scotland wholesaler CJ Lang & Son has acquired three stores from Eddy’s Food Station as the retail brand has announced it has gone into administration.

SPAR Scotland wholesaler CJ Lang & Son has acquired three stores from the Eddy’s Food Station estate after the previous owner went into administration.

The Dundee wholesaler took over the three stores after the Eddy’s chain, founded by Stephen Thompson, went into administration.

Colin McLean, chief executive of CJ Lang & Son Ltd, said: “We are happy to welcome these three convenience stores into the Spar Scotland family, following the sad news of its previous owner recently entering into administration.”

Eddy’s Food Station was set up by Stephen Thompson, son of Morning, Noon and Night operator Eddy Thompson, when he established the retail brand in May 2022 with the opening of a store in Alloa.

The three stores, located in Greenock, Larbert and Leuchars, have been fixtures in their respective areas for years now, building up a strong reputation with the local area, with Scottish Grocer Awards Industry Achievement winners Billy and Margaret Kay having run the Greenock store previously.

The acquisition of the three stores leaves just one store remaining in the Eddy’s Food Station estate – the Buckhaven store.

CJ Lang has confirmed all existing staff members will be retained as the Spar symbol moves to each of the stores, ensuring a seamless transition as the stores prepare to be fully serviced and supported by the wholesaler’s distribution depot in Dundee.

McLean said: “We recognise the challenges facing many convenience store operators at the moment, but we are pleased we have been able to work quickly to secure the future of these stores and the store staff involved.

“This will ensure local jobs are retained and the stores remain open to continue serving their communities.

“Their addition supports our growing presence in Scotland, enabling us to provide customers with an excellent shopping experience.

“We are committed to maintaining the high standards of service that customers have come to expect from Spar and we plan to support local initiatives and organisations in the surrounding areas as we do already from all Spar stores in Scotland.”