Former retailer Stephen Thompson has returned to the sector after almost 20 years with the proposed launch of a new 30-store convenience chain.
Thompson formerly owned Morning, Noon & Night, alongside his father, Eddie Thompson, before selling the 50-store Scottish convenience chain to Scotmid for £30m in 2004. He then became chairman of Dundee United Football Club from 2008 to 2018.
He has now made a comeback to the retail scene with a plan to open a brand-new set of stores dubbed Eddy’s Food Station, in honour of his father who passed away in 2008.
The first of the 30 sites opened today in Alloa, Scotland, creating 14 new jobs. The remainder of the estate is intended to create 500 jobs over the next five years. They will be a combination of new sites and the conversion of existing convenience store locations.
“The opportunity to operate a successful chain of convenience stores is very promising right now and this venture is an extremely exciting first leg of a long journey for the Eddy’s Food Station brand,” said Thompson. “The retail industry is an industry I know and love. It’s an avenue I’ve always wanted to return to and I couldn’t be happier that it’s finally happening.
“We’re investing heavily in resources and research into our offering and we’re passionate about giving our customers an unrivalled, superior experience. We’re taking this opportunity to shake up the market, creating a retail experience that combines convenience and quality and goes above and beyond customer expectations.”
The chain sells daily essentials and groceries, as well as an extensive menu of takeaway foods sourced from local suppliers. Partnering with a number of Scottish food wholesalers, Eddy’s aims to provide customers with products tailored to the Scottish market. As the chain expands, the team are eager to work with further local food and drinks producers to enhance the offering.
Eddy’s Food Station head of food service John Richardson said: “Eddy’s Food Station stores aim is to surpass customers’ expectations from their local shop, as the offering goes far beyond basic, day-to-day supplies. In addition to a wide range of groceries our point of difference will be a high-quality, Scottish, daily takeaway menu of hot and cold fresh foods, from filled rolls, to hot pizza slices, there are options for every meal.”
Scottish Grocers’ Federation head of public affairs John Lee said: “We are delighted to support the launch of Eddy’s Food Station. The development of a new group of convenience stores is an indication of how strong the convenience sector is and how popular the convenience channel is with customers. This is a very impressive level of investment which will create significant new jobs and provide valuable services to our communities. We wish Eddy’s Food Station every success.”
Thompson continued: “The name Eddy’s Food Station is a nod to my father and his successes in the industry. I’m thrilled to be following in his footsteps with this new venture and look forward to embracing the journey ahead as the Eddy’s Food Station network grows. Expansion is very much front and centre and so we are continuing to scope out further sites for future stores in more central and convenient locations.”
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