C&S Wholesale Grocers is making a move to expand its portfolio as it looks to strengthen its standing in the retail space. The wholesaler recently announced it has entered a definitive agreement to buy 12 Tops Markets stores, which became available following Tops' merger with Price Chopper/ Market 32.
"The Grand Union stores will offer competitive prices on a wide variety of fresh foods and an extensive assortment of brand name groceries, as well as our signature private brands. Each store will contain localized assortments to meet their shoppers' needs," said Bob Palmer, Chief Executive Officer. "We are very excited to bring this iconic supermarket back to the communities it has fed for generations and continue our legacy of braggingly happy customers."
Through this deal, C&S will convert the locations to Grand Union Supermarkets. According to a press release, the wholesaler's new Grand Union stores will be situated in Cooperstown, Cortland, Norwich, Owego, Peru, Rome, Saranac Lake, Sherrill, Warrensburg and two locations in Watertown, New York, and Rutland, Vermont.
This purchase agreement is set to close within the coming weeks, and the grand openings of the Grand Union locations are planned for mid-January through mid-February of 2022. GU Markets is an affiliate of C&S Wholesale Grocers and will operate these new stores. Through the deal, C&S will continue to recognize the union workforce at the stores.
"With our recent announcement of the purchase of Piggly Wiggly® Midwest, this is another very exciting opportunity for C&S to further expand into the retail market," said Rick Cohen, Executive Chairman. "This is an important component of our growth and future success. The Grand Union stores will showcase C&S's already successful retail strategies and be supported by our strong wholesale supply chain and programs to deliver solid retail performance."
Deli Market News will continue to keep an eye on the retail sector, so keep clicking back to read about the latest strategies.
