FOOD stores have rejected suggestions that a new out-of-town Marks & Spencer outlet would threaten their customer base. They say they have no concerns.

Creasey’s, which operates the local franchise, is seeking permission to convert the former garage in Ruette Braye, St Martin’s. The shop would operate under the Simply Food format, new to Guernsey, and would be able to open on Sundays.

Checkers spokesman John Garton said that the opening of another M&S outlet would bring more competition, but denied that it would lead to a supermarket price war. The Checkers Express stores already open seven days a week.

‘People have seen the change of our stores to Checkers Express. The pilot store in Le Pollet is working very well and that is just down the road from M&S.’

Plans are already under way to refit the stores in St Martin’s and St Peter’s and to introduce successful elements from the pilot shop. The company also has planning permission to develop a store at Perelle.

‘This news doesn’t change our plans, which are to improve the stores under the Checkers Express brand name,’ said Mr Garton.

‘We could be losing customers now because M&S is already in the island, but I think the two offerings are different enough for people to use the two stores side by side.

‘We will work hard to keep our customers shopping with us. There is always a possibility people will try the other, but we will have to make sure our shop is what customers want.’

The Channel Islands Co-op already operates within 50 yards of an M&S store in St Brelade’s in Jersey, with no negative effect.

‘We have an M&S store virtually next door and when it opened, it actually increased our business,’ said chief executive Allan Smith.

‘We have never grumbled about competition before and we are quite happy to face any that appears.’

A spokesman for Safeway, now Morrison’s, said that it was also unconcerned by the news.

‘We compete successfully with other supermarkets in many other towns and Guernsey is no different. We will continue to do what we have always done – offering customers the very best value for money on their weekly shopping.’

Creasey’s managing director Tony Creasey said that the company had been trying to find a suitable location out of town for some time to run alongside the St Peter Port food hall. He said that he would be surprised if there were any serious objections from other retail outlets if it was of a modest size.

The proposals will be considered by the Environment Department.