Ambitious Zuber Issa continues to expand with a new build forecourt launching in Scotland this week – his first north of the border and part of the franchise agreement he revealed this summer with the Co-op.
The site south of Glasgow is the latest of six new openings in two months, taking the EG On The Move network to 40 sites ”well spread across the country”, says the operator. A further 11 are planned for 2024, and there are, adds the company, ”ambitious network expansion plans going forward”.
Nitshill Services, on the junction of the A726 and M77, is the third of seven new to industry EG On the Move forecourts to take the Co-op franchise.
The 24-hour location has a five-island starter gate pump layout, offering the range of EG On The Move branded fuel. There are also four EG On The Move 250kW electric vehicle ultra fast chargers, a Greggs and a drive-thru Starbucks.
The Co-op convenience store is focusing on fresh, chilled and healthy produce; meal ideas and everyday essentials, as well as prepared sandwiches and food to go with a seating area. There is a Rollover display, and like other EG On The Move sites it does not sell alcohol.
Included in the range are Fairtrade products, flowers, car care items, ready-meals, pizzas and, free-from, vegan and plant-based products.
Zuber, who is selling his shares in Asda to buy the remaining 34 forecourts owned by his family’s EG Group, hopes to complete on the deal this October to build his own empire.
In June he announced the appointment of a commercial real estate firm to find him another 120-plus new sites – mainly forecourt locations, but some dedicated EV hubs and foodservice-only outlets – in the next three years.
The first two forecourts to open with the Co-op in July – in Doncaster and Billingshurst in Sussex, its furthest south site – have been going down well with customers, says EG On the Move commercial director Ilyas Munshi. ”The initial response has been phenomenal from the local community, with regards to the Co-op and wider investment on the site,” he said.
”I’ve had people for example saying to me that they have always wanted a Starbucks on their doorstep. The success of the sites is down to the halo effect of all of the brands together. People are coming to these sites for a multiple of reasons: because they are new facilities, have ample parking, and clean toilets,” he added.
Zuber, EG On The Move chief executive, says that he is considering introducing the Co-op franchise to other forecourts. He said: ”Co-op is a well-established convenience operator, respected in the market and a recognised consumer brand, and this partnership not only promises to enhance our convenience store offer but it will also ensure our customers have access to exceptional fuel retail services including EV charging, a wide choice of essential and premium grocery and merchandise along with an enjoyable foodservice experience.”
The Co-op hopes to recruit other forecourts to take its franchise, with EG On The Move the second to sign up afterTop 50 Indie SGN. ”We are delighted to be working with EG On The Move, our second forecourt partner, helping us achieve our ambitious plans in this exciting sector,” said director of partnership development Martin Rogers
”We look forward to further growing our franchise business, working with partners of pedigree to bring Co-op products and membership to more communities, creating more value for our member-owners.”
