French rail operator Connex is on track to open the first of a new chain of 42 concourse convenience stores in Gillingham, Kent, in February. E-Connex md Olivier Jenoc said the train company is in negotiations with symbol and multiple groups and the Post Office as details of strategic partnerships for the open plan stores are finalised. Jenoc said: "We are providing more services for customers in a convenient setting. We are talking to five potential retail partners to take on responsibility for all supply chain issues for the new chain." The concept will launch under a new Connex fascia, and branding from retail partners will be subdued. Jenoc said the Gillingham station, currently being refurbished, would be used to test the open plan concept. Fifteen-metre counters at 42 sites in Connex railway station concourses nationwide will eventually be used to sell a full convenience range, including newspapers and magazines. A licensed section and integral Post Office concession is also on the cards, if parties involved reach satisfactory trading agreements. Jenoc said: "The new business must pay off the investment we are making in it, but it is not focused on profit, rather we are concerned with improving customer care. We are not looking to go into competition with high street convenience chains." Rival train operator Govia, which is taking over Connex's South Central franchise, is "very interested" in developing a range of convenience stores in the style of the Connex experiments, with Spar and Costcutter at the Leatherhead and Cooden Beach stations. A spokesman said: "We are looking for people to run the convenience stores for us. We will start developing a chain at the official start of our franchise in 2002." {{NEWS }}

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