Anand Cheema store

Source: Bestway

A full store refit is due to take place over the coming months

Spar retailer Anand Cheema has moved his Falkirk store in Scotland to Costcutter.

Cheema said the switch to the Bestway-owned brand was driven by the ”same vision” that he shared with the wholesaler. The new store has already been rebranded to the Costcutter livery and a full refit is due to take place over the coming months.

His family already has a history with Costcutter. His father, Scottish Grocers’ Federation CEO Pete Cheema, owned a store under the fascia in the 1990s through to the early 2000s.

“I’m delighted to join the Costcutter brand and am excited for the journey ahead, where I will be able to improve my business and its overall profitability,” Anand Cheema said.

“I was particularly impressed by the ambition of the Bestway Group and the successful direction the business is clearly heading in. For me, it’s all about teamwork and optimising the best possible opportunities.

“This is the next stage in our growth and development in a fast-changing market,” he added. “We know that consumers’ shopping behaviours are changing fast right now, and we want to ensure we are at the forefront of that change. We’re here to serve our community and that is and will always be our number one priority.” 

The 24-year-old retailer currently owns one store, but plans to expand. He was named a finalist in the Rising Star of the Year category of The Convenience Awards 2021.

Bestway Retail head of new business and store development Jamie Davison said: “We are delighted that one of Scotland’s most exciting young retailers has joined our Costcutter brand as it’s a great time to join the Bestway family.

“As a family-owned business, Bestway has been very clear about its focus since the 1970s: helping retailers thrive.

“We are proud to be known in the industry as the most supportive brand in the sector and it is fantastic to see that we are becoming the symbol of choice for entrepreneurial retailers who are looking to take their stores to the next level.

“Alongside what we believe to be the best support package in the business, we’re investing in new ground-breaking technology and services that will help our retailers understand and adjust to changing consumer behaviours.

“Anand has already had great success in his retail career, and we believe that together, we can help him grow his business even further.”