Premier and Londis experienced some of the strongest store-growth figures in the symbols market last year, according to location analyst Maximise UK. 

The firm’s chief executive, David Haywood, told RN that Premier’s estate grew from 3,500 sites in 2022 to 4,000 this year. Londis store numbers rose by 300 in the same period, according to Maximise’s analysis. 

Haywood added: “Premier’s numbers were steady two years ago at around the 3,000-3,500 mark. This the first time we saw such a leap. Both Londis and Premier have grown quite significantly. The growth from both groups is something that has really stood out to us in the latest analysis.” 

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He suggested the increase can be attributed to unaffiliated stores switching to the Booker symbol groups, as well as Londis counting more Motor Fuel Group forecourt sites in its total estate. 

Similarly, Haywood added that the number of Morrisons Daily sites were also on the up at the expense of decline within the McColl’s estate. Last year, the supermarket saved the struggling McColl’s brand from administration through an acquisition. 

Haywood also cast doubt on Asda’s plans to open 300 of its newly launched Express convenience format by a targeted date of 2026. He said: “It’s going to be difficult as the market is saturated.” 

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