Clydebank Co-operative has switched supply from the Co-operative Retail Trading Group – ending a 10-year relationship with the buying group.
The society, which has seven food stores, will now be supplied by Scottish wholesaler JW Filshill, with whom it recently opened a jointly branded convenience store.
“We have enjoyed an excellent relationship with CRTG but we are operating in an extremely challenging marketplace and believe that our stores will be in a much stronger position going forward if we have more flexibility when it comes to promotions and sourcing products,” said Clydebank Co-op CEO Robert Sider.
“Indeed, our jointly branded Clydebank Co-operative Society/KeyStore in Knightswood is performing ahead of targets, confirming that the wider product choice and access to more local and Scottish lines is striking a chord with consumers.
“By forging this new partnership with JW Filshill, we will rejuvenate our stores and, at the same, further modernise the Clydebank Co-op,” he added.
The CRTG, run by The Co-operative Group, supplies 17 regional co-ops. Clydebank was its 13th biggest member.
“This is a bold move on our part but absolutely the right one at this point in time,” Sider added.
“We are extremely grateful to CRTG for their assistance in enabling such a smooth transition to our new supplier and wish the organisation every success in the future.”
Simon Hannah, MD of JW Filshill, added: “Clydebank Co-op is a very forward-thinking organisation. Having collaborated with Robert Sider and his colleagues on the jointly branded Clydebank Co-operative Society/KeyStore outlet in Knightwood, we have witnessed first-hand their drive, commitment and vision for the business, and are delighted we are now going to be supplying the group’s six other outlets.
A supply and fascia rollout programme will commence in February 2014.
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