The small independent grocer "has no real future in the Irish market", according to Londis Topshop chief executive Simon Healy, currently spearheading an ambitious expansion programme for the convenience store operator.
"Small retailers cannot afford to be non-aligned in today's very competitive conditions," he claimed. "They need the expertise and back-up that symbol groups like ours can provide."
He cited as evidence the fact that in the last five years in the Republic, the number of independents had been almost halved, from 12,000 down to 7,500.
In contrast, his symbol group, owned by Tedcastles Oil Products (TOP), has created a network of 115 outlets across the Republic in just four years, in partnership with the Londis chain.
"Over the next two to three years, we expect to add about 180 new outlets, bringing the total number to about 300," said Healy, who worked as a manager with the Quinnsworth company before its takeover by Tesco.
Despite being owned by an oil company, only about 40% of the group's outlets are located at forecourts, and the majority of these are at petrol stations not owned by Tedcastles.
"We wanted to ensure that we would not become just a forecourt retailer, as that would limit growth opportunities," explained Healy.
His expansion plan comes at a time of boom in the Irish convenience store market, with Spar and Centra also planning to increase their outlets.
But Healy insisted he has no fears about the competition. He predicted retail sales this year of around E120m, with "substantial profits" within two to three years.
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"Small retailers cannot afford to be non-aligned in today's very competitive conditions," he claimed. "They need the expertise and back-up that symbol groups like ours can provide."
He cited as evidence the fact that in the last five years in the Republic, the number of independents had been almost halved, from 12,000 down to 7,500.
In contrast, his symbol group, owned by Tedcastles Oil Products (TOP), has created a network of 115 outlets across the Republic in just four years, in partnership with the Londis chain.
"Over the next two to three years, we expect to add about 180 new outlets, bringing the total number to about 300," said Healy, who worked as a manager with the Quinnsworth company before its takeover by Tesco.
Despite being owned by an oil company, only about 40% of the group's outlets are located at forecourts, and the majority of these are at petrol stations not owned by Tedcastles.
"We wanted to ensure that we would not become just a forecourt retailer, as that would limit growth opportunities," explained Healy.
His expansion plan comes at a time of boom in the Irish convenience store market, with Spar and Centra also planning to increase their outlets.
But Healy insisted he has no fears about the competition. He predicted retail sales this year of around E120m, with "substantial profits" within two to three years.
{{NEWS }}
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