New supermarket Asco Stores has had to make a number of staff redundant, despite being open for little over a month.
Asco opened its first store, in Warrington, on 5 December. According to local reports, it made 12 staff redundant before Christmas. Further reports suggest as many as 30 out of about 60 staff left, including the store manager.
MD Dave Laney would not say how many staff were made redundant, but confirmed: "A number of staff were let go during their probationary periods with us. This was dealt with as an in-house issue."
It is the latest setback to hit Asco Stores, which markets itself as a real alternative to the big four. Its opening was delayed by two months and its launch day was hit by EPoS failure.
"Trading at our store in Warrington between opening and Christmas Eve came in at roughly what we expected, given the initial problems we encountered," said Laney.
"We know the people of Warrington did not see the first Asco in its best light all the time during this brief period. However, we have managed to build up a strong customer base that shop with us on a regular basis."
Trading since Christmas had been "challenging" because of the weather conditions, Laney said, adding that the company was eyeing numerous potential new sites.
The company plans to open 30 stores between 11,000 sq ft and 100,000 sq ft within the next three years.
Asco opened its first store, in Warrington, on 5 December. According to local reports, it made 12 staff redundant before Christmas. Further reports suggest as many as 30 out of about 60 staff left, including the store manager.
MD Dave Laney would not say how many staff were made redundant, but confirmed: "A number of staff were let go during their probationary periods with us. This was dealt with as an in-house issue."
It is the latest setback to hit Asco Stores, which markets itself as a real alternative to the big four. Its opening was delayed by two months and its launch day was hit by EPoS failure.
"Trading at our store in Warrington between opening and Christmas Eve came in at roughly what we expected, given the initial problems we encountered," said Laney.
"We know the people of Warrington did not see the first Asco in its best light all the time during this brief period. However, we have managed to build up a strong customer base that shop with us on a regular basis."
Trading since Christmas had been "challenging" because of the weather conditions, Laney said, adding that the company was eyeing numerous potential new sites.
The company plans to open 30 stores between 11,000 sq ft and 100,000 sq ft within the next three years.
No comments yet