THE Isle of Wight's Hunnyhill Stores Group — which has 12 shops trading as Spar — has been bought by a mainland company.


Central, based in Ringwood, Hampshire, is the UK's fastest growing convenience store chain.

In a statement issued today (Tuesday), the company said it intended to invest in all 12 stores after buying them for an undisclosed sum and was looking forward to working with staff to 'carry on the great service provided by Hunnyhill stores.'

Central’s managing director, Steve Wilkinson said: "We are thrilled to be coming to the Island and building on the excellent reputation the Hunnyhill Group has enjoyed for many years. 

"Its stores are much loved and we will take things forward with their ethos very much in mind.

"Here at Central we take pride in providing consumers with high quality stores, offering both value and convenient shopping."

John Perrett, managing director of the Hunnyhill Stores Group, said: "When choosing who to sell the business to we wanted to find a company that would be able to offer our staff the opportunities for secure and rewarding employment and continue to provide our customers with good value and excellent service. 

"With Central, we know that we are leaving our stores in safe hands."

Focussed on the south and south west of England, Central is looking to establish 300 stores over the next four years. The Isle of Wight acquisition takes the number of stores to 115.