Four outlets in store after supermarket chain launch

Published on Sunday 1 November 2009 19:18

A NEW supermarket chain is launching in Scotland following the acquisition of four Central Belt stores being sold as part of the Co-op's takeover of Somerfield.

Haldanes Stores will run the outlets in Broxburn, Carluke, Prestonpans and Tranent – employing more than 190 full- and part-time staff – and also plans to expand south of the Border.

The company signed a supply agreement with wholesaler Nisa Today's, which already distributes goods to dozens of smaller supermarket chains.

Haldanes will be run by chief executive Graeme Hay, an Aberdeenshire-based businessman who worked with the William Low and Somerfield chains, and chairman Arthur Harris.

Harris said: "We are protecting the jobs of all existing stores' staff, and when the expansion programme is complete and the new management structure is in place we expect to employ more than 700 people."

He said Haldanes aimed to source 35 per cent of its food and drink from local producers.

Haldanes' senior management team includes managing director Gordon Emslie, who has worked at William Low, Asda and Sainsbury's; financial director Chris Laud, an accountant with retail experience; and non-executive director Steve Black, chief operating officer of Monsoon and Accessorize and a former Somerfield chief executive.