Co-op stores sold '“ but jobs safe

Two Co-op branches in the Falkirk area have been sold to McColl's

The stores involved are the one in Carronshore Road, Carron and the Mariner Street branch in Camelon.

Announcing the news, the supermarket bosses confirmed the stores will remain open immediately after transfer and all staff will move to the new owners under TUPE.

The deal is expected to be completed later this year or early in 2017.

Initial confusion surrounded the sale of the store in Carronshore Road as the Co-op referred to it as Carron Co-op, which is normally how the larger store in Ronades Road is known.

A spokesman for the Co-op said: “The decision to sell the stores, along with the wider portfolio, has been made as part of our ongoing store review process and is in no way a reflection on the hard work and commitment from the colleagues working at the store.

“The sale to McColl’s is a continuation of our work to align our food estate to our clearly defined strategy of delivering a compelling and convenient shopping experience for our millions of customers and members. These stores cater to shopping missions outside of the strategy; with smaller average basket sizes and lower sales of fresh and own-brand products.”

Reacting to the news, Angus MacDonald, Falkirk East MSP, said; “Clearly there have been challenging trading conditions for the Co-op in recent times, however I am pleased that McColl’s will take over the Carron store, and that staff will be transferred within TUPE rules.

“Thinking back 50 years to when the Co-op was dominant in every town and virtually every village in Falkirk district it is sad to see the demise of yet another of their stores locally.

“I wish the staff and the new owners every success with the new venture.”

In April 2015 the Co-op store in Polmont was sold to Aldi.