Tesco and Safeway are competing to buy the freehold of two 2,322 sq m (25,000 sq ft) superstores from Sanders, a Somerset-based family firm.
Sanders’ main store is in the Sovereign Centre in Lympsham, Weston-super-mare. The other outlet subject to negotiations is located at nearby Burnham-on-Sea.
Tesco confirmed that it is looking at the Sanders stores and seeking sites in the West Country. “We have identified there is a need for a Tesco superstore in the area and we are watching the developments of the Sanders’ stores sale with interest,” said a spokesperson for the supermarket giant.
A spokesperson for Safeway was unavailable for comment.
Chris Sanders, joint-managing director, confirmed that he was in talking to two potential purchasers to buy the stores but would not reveal their identities. “There are discussions but no deal has been done,” he said.
EGi News 24/09/97
