Talking Retail Grocery and product news for independent retailers
The retailer, which operated 48 Welcome-brand stores, hopes to hit the 50 milestone in the next few months.
The growth has beaten the previous year’s increase in stores of 12 and has included both new partnerships and existing franchisee expansions.
Mike Fitton, Southern Co-op’s franchise business manager, said: “At the beginning of the year, the outlook wasn’t in our favour but I am really proud of what my team and our franchise partners have achieved especially as most of the stores openings had to be pushed back due to the pandemic.
“We couldn’t have achieved this success without strong partnerships and it also means more communities now have access to a great range of products and support right on their doorsteps.”
