A tie-up between high street retailer Woolworths and Somerfield has surprised analysts in light of its potential sale.

The chain revealed it would launch a convenience-focused food trial in three Woolworths stores in the next six months. Products would include "everything customers would expect from their local Somerfield store", said Woolworths CEO Trevor Bish-Jones, including sandwiches and ready meals.

In return, Somerfield will sell Woolworths goods in 11 stores. It plans to trial 3,000 sq ft Woolworths-branded concessions at stores in Cheadle, Dronfield, and Mitcham, selling homewares, toys and home entertainment later this month. It will also trial the value range Worthit! in eight stores. Up to 48 ft of space will be available for the range, which will replace Somerfield's Wall of Value, which is currently set aside to sell bulk products.

The timing was "strange", said analysts as it was unlikely Asda, Waitrose or the Co-operative Group would allow Woolworths to continue with the JV if any of their bids were successful. However, other analysts suggested bidders could be attracted by Somerfield's move into non-food. "The tie-up is sensible," said one. "Interested parties will be attracted by any initiative that increases footfall. It also takes Somerfield into a category where it is traditionally weak."

Somerfield is no stranger to tie-ups with other retailers. In the past it has linked up with Peacocks, Robert Dyas, Tchibo and Martin McColl. But a source close to Martin McColl said he didn't know how long it would continue to sell Somerfield branded lines if Somerfield were sold.

"A review of our estate has highlighted partnership opportunities in some of our larger stores," said Paul Mason, CEO of Somerfield.

"Our customers will appreciate being able to buy Woolworths' products in our stores and our food trial in Woolworths outlets will create further opportunities for growth and help deliver our 'Britain's favourite local grocery shop' objective."

"We will roll out the concessions through the relevant parts of their portfolio as they demonstrate their success," he added.

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