Uncertain future for staff as CJ Lang offload stores

Firm consulting with convenience store workers

Dundee-headquartered convenience store group CJ Lang has entered into consultation with more than 100 staff after confirming plans to put eight Scottish shops up for sale.

The Longtown Road-based group said the move followed a strategic review of its operations.

Attempts will be made to sell the stores on a going concern basis.

CJ Lang added it had plans to invest in three new greenfield sites in the Central Belt over the coming year.

The company has its own directly operated store estate and supplies goods into the wider third party owned and operated SPAR Scotland network.

“CJ Lang has recently undertaken a strategic review with respect to its Company Managed Stores division to shape the estate and enable further growth,” the firm said in a statement.

“SPAR in Scotland continues to thrive, demonstrating the benefit of being part of a well-known and recognised national retail brand.

“During the next 12 months, three new greenfield sites will be added to the estate.

“These new SPAR stores will be of a modern convenience format designed to meet today’s customer and community needs. However, there are a small number of stores that do not fit the future operating formats that C J Lang require, and it is the company’s intention to place these on the open market and seek buyers for them either individually, or as a portfolio of stores.

“These stores represent an ideal opportunity for independent retailers to be part of the SPAR Scotland family, albeit this is not a primary requirement.

“Staff in the affected stores have been informed and consultation is ongoing.”

The stores are being marketed via Christie and Co.