Select & Save head accuses Co-op for not supporting independent retailers

Independent convenience business Select & Save head has strongly criticised Co-op Group for not being fair with independent retailers.The Co-op Group on Thursday (3) reported fivefold increase in profit and plans for further opening of grocery stores this year despite a downturn in its wholesale division.The business-to-business (B2B) arm, which supplies independent retailers through its Nisa network, reported a £1 million loss compared to a £14 million profit in 2023. The company attributed the loss to \"continued challenging market conditions\" and strategic price investments to help retail partners navigate inflation. However, Kam Sanghera, MD of Select & Save, has slammed Co-op Group for not supporting the independent retailers who stock its products Sanghera wrote on LinkedIn, \"Co-op’s retail division continues to post strong profits, expanding its presence on high streets across the UK. But at the same time, Nisa — supply independent retailers — is reporting financial losses and growing pressure.