Store Group plans for Yorkshire opening as it continues expansion

Independent retailer and hospitality specialist Store Group has its sights set on Yorkshire.

The team behind Ancoats General Store, Stretford Foodhall and many more  has grown rapidly over the last two years.

It  now owns and operates eight venues across Greater Manchester, having launched three new sites in 2021.

In 2022 the group already has two new sites in the pipeline with Kampus General Store expected to open in May in Manchester city centre and the brand’s third foodhall site (and first in Cheshire) is set to open its doors in Northwich in the summer.

It has now set its sights on Yorkshire with a new unit expected to be announced there soon.

Mital Morar, founder of Store Group, said: “We build shops and foodhalls that are created bespoke for the surrounding communities, that embrace local makers and independent brands, as well as provide that core convenient ‘corner shop’ offer that I grew up with.

“It’s beans and toilet paper alongside artisan vegan doughnuts and locally made honey… We believe in the community store, and our expansion plans showcase how important this is for our customers too.”

The group has also boosted its senior team to support its expansion.

Lee Rhodes joins the team as chief operating officer, bringing with him a wealth of experience from the senior leadership team at Sainsbury’s.

An experienced retail leader, Rhodes progressed within Sainsbury’s, working in store operations, developing customer offers and experience and leading change.

He was also heavily involved in developing and growing the convenience presence, leading the development of the convenience range to match the demands of the local market.

Kevin Boyle is Store Group’s new chief financial officer, appointed to help achieve growth plans and build strong internal controls, systems and processes.

He is a chartered accountant and has led teams in both SME and large corporations and was working as director of investments in his previous role bringing experience in mergers and acquisitions to the table.

Mital added: “Together we are looking forward to delivering a considered expansion plan that will take the company in the right direction in a post-pandemic retail world.”