The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Ex-United chairman is rapidly expanding new Eddy’ s stores business
Former Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson has expanded his chain of convenience stores with the opening of two new shops.
The inaugural Eddy’s Food Station opened in Alloa in May, and new shops have opened this month in Greenock and Larbert.
The chain of convenience stores is the latest venture from Mr Thompson, who is following in the footsteps of his father Eddie.
Eddie Thompson started Morning Noon & Night in 1991 with £100,000 of his own capital.
The success of the Broughty Ferry business helped him fund the purchase of Dundee United in 2002.
When the retail chain was sold to Scotmid for £30 million in 2004, with Stephen at the helm, it had 50 shops and 800 staff.
After Eddie Thompson’s death in 2008, Stephen succeeded him as Dundee United chairman.
This is his first major business venture since stepping down as chairman and selling his shareholding in Dundee United in 2018.
Stephen Thompson said: “The opportunity to operate a successful chain of convenience stores is very promising right now.
“These acquisitions, in very quick succession, are the next extremely exciting step in the long journey for the Eddy’s Food Station brand.”
Mr Thompson believes the business is well on track to reach his ambitions of 30 stores within the first five years.
He hopes that would create around 500 jobs.
“When we launched in May we stated we planned to open 30 stores within five years,” he added.
“With two additional stores already added to the roster and more in the pipeline, we are very much on track to meet that target.
“We’re making roots in three highly populated locations, building on the success of the Alloa store.”
The two new store openings bring in employment opportunities in excess of 30.
Both the Greenock and Larbert shops will see significant renovations in the coming months.
A “food to go” offering will also be introduced.
Meanwhile, Costcutter has been announced as the main supply partner for the three Eddy’s Food Station stores.
The future expansion of Eddy’s Food Station will see a combination of new sites and the conversion of existing convenience store locations.
Mr Thompson added: “Expansion is very much front and centre for the brand and so we are continually scoping out further sites for future stores in key locations across Scotland.”
Head of retail at Eddy’s Food Station Mike Leonard said the rapid progress was testament to Mr Thompson’s experience.
He said: “The quick development of the Eddy’s Food Station group is an indication of how strong the convenience sector is.
“It’s brilliant to see the Eddy’s Food Station journey progress so quickly with many other exciting launches imminent.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of the story.
“It has and will continue to create significant new jobs and provide valuable services to Scottish communities.”