The first of 30 new convenience stores, Eddy’s Food Station, opens today (Wednesday 11th May 2022) creating 14 new jobs in Alloa. Plans to open a further 30 stores, will create 500 roles across central Scotland, over the next five years.
Alloa, Clackmannanshire is the first flagship of a new chain of Eddy’s Food Station stores, the newest venture from Stephen Thompson, former CEO and co-founder of Morning, Noon & Night.
Already well known within the retail industry, Stephen Thompson is the son of, and worked alongside Eddie Thompson OBE co-founder of convenience store chain Morning, Noon & Night. One of the most significant retail deals in Scotland saw the chain of 50 stores sold for £30 million in 2004. The launch of Eddy’s Food Station marks Stephen’s return to retail following his role as Chairman of Dundee United Football Club from 2008 to 2018.
The expansion of the Eddy’s Food Station network will see a combination of new sites and the conversion of existing convenience store locations. With retail sales having returned to pre-pandemic levels, the retail industry is seeing a promising recovery. Food retail sales grew by 6.7% on a total basis in February 2022, compared with a 1.0% increase the previous year, as customers are focusing more on eating at home*.
Stephen Thompson said: “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. 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. Our employees are fully equipped to create an environment that will give customers the best possible experience and create a real sense of community.”
Dr. John Lee, Head of Public Affairs at Scottish Grocers’ Federation 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.”
The chain has daily essentials and groceries with the added bonus of an extensive menu of fresh, local takeaway foods. Partnering with a number of Scottish food wholesalers, Eddy’s 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 their offering.
John Richardson Head of Food Service at Eddy’s Food Station 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.”
Stephen 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.”
*Source: Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC)
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