The independent c-store sector is facing a fresh onslaught from the major multiples and oil giants, with BP, Sainsbury, Tesco and Marks and Spencer announcing new developments. BP has indicated it is ready to set up standalone stores as part of its plan to lead the UK convenience market with its Connect format. Its c-store manager Mike Bailey said the company would be targeting the major multiples' c-stores, chains such as Alldays, as well as forecourt offers from Shell and Esso. Bailey said: "When we run out of forecourts we will look at the high street. We already have standalone stores in Madrid and Poland." BP is also considering customer loyalty schemes, along the lines of Sainsbury's Reward card and Tesco's Clubcard, for Connect as the portfolio expands. Bailey said: "Convenience chains have a long way to go in the UK. At the moment multiple c-stores are our main competition. "We are looking at models like the 7­Eleven chain in Japan. We want to redefine the c-store concept with our innovative formula." Sainsbury, meanwhile, is adding a further four stores to its Local portfolio in London this month, bringing its total up to 26. And Tesco, which has 58 Express stores, will open a further two on Monday and aims to have 80 by March. It will also add a licensed section to 32 Express stores by the New Year ­ 17 are currently licensed. Sainsbury's Local portfolio, including six forecourt stores run in conjunction with Shell Select, already offers beers wines and spirits. Marks and Spencer has confirmed three of the four Simply Food stores it plans to open on railway stations will be in central London. Its two pilot c-stores in south west London "continue to perform well". A spokeswoman said no further sites for stores were due to be announced. {{NEWS }}

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