It may be stating the obvious to emphasise the need for independent c-store operators to constantly review trading formulae. But as another multiple jumps into bed with a petrol giant and a bouncing forecourt baby is conceived, the warning has greater significance. This week, Safeway and BP have tied the knot in a new £100 million retailing marriage which will produce 100 food and fuel operations, each carrying their respective logos. But, significantly, the trading formula is being billed as a mini superstore which will inevitably drive extra competition into an already aggressive convenience arena. The partners claim their outlets will offer more than simply a top-up shopping service, and ultimately, they hope to include alcoholic drink in their portfolios. The trend has been clear for some time. Oilmen, hit by reduced margins, have sought the slicker merchandising talents of the multiples to add profitability to their service stations. We have already watched love affairs between other grocery majors and fuel traders blossom into full unions. Somerfield has linked with Elf, Budgens has joined forces with Q8, and there is speculation that Tesco has a landbank of 40 forecourt sites within the M25. It is tempting, as several commentators have shown this week, to issue dark declarations that the independent c-store, which is already hit by competition from the price war, faces ruin. While there have been thousands of casualties among these stand-alone units, the future need not all be doom and gloom - even allowing for the latest multiple onslaught. Progressive independents - thanks to IT-backed trading formulae which have included longer hours, a revised product mix, a range of bolt-on services and so on - are proving they can still operate viable businesses. But recent events re-emphasise the need for them to regularly sharpen their weaponry as multiples target the sector with superstore pricing policies. Surely a major area for debate in the symbol group forum when several important conferences are staged during the weeks ahead? {{NEWS}}