Londis has set up four new store-opening teams around Britain to help new retailers to settle in and place their first order using webshop, the group’s new on-line ordering facility.

The teams also offer merchandising, ranging and promotional support with a key focus on the fresh, beers/wines/spirits and impulse categories.

An average of one store a week is joining Londis from other symbol groups or multiple account operators putting Londis on track to top 2,000 stores in 2012, according to Londis sales director Paul Courtney: “We’ve got 100 stores in the pipeline at the moment waiting to be signed up, and we’ve been inundated with enquiries from more retailers who are keen to partner with us.

"In these tough times retailers are looking to cut costs while offering their customers great value for money and service. Our no fees flexible support package helps them to do that and means that they are free to decide the level of support they need from us.”