SCOTMID has entered a partnership with the UK's biggest off-licence retailer that will see the Scottish co-op become its franchise partner north of the Border.
It marks the first move by Conviviality Retail, the company behind the Bargain Booze chain in north-west England, into Scotland.
The two companies are homing in on standalone sites to trial the partnership early next year. The location and number of stores have still to be confirmed.
It is likely the stores will be piloted under one of Conviviality's brands - Bargain Booze, Bargain Booze Select or Wine Rack - under which the bulk of its 600 stores are badged.
The pilot will run until June and if successful the venture will be rolled out across Scotland.
Scotmid chief executive John Brodie said: "Conviviality Retail is highly regarded in their marketplace, and together we offer each other a number of exciting potential opportunities to develop and grow both our businesses.
"We will be Conviviality's exclusive Scottish franchisee and if the trial proves successful for both parties there is the potential for further stores to be rolled out across Scotland."
The partnership came about after Scotmid approached Conviviality about becoming its franchise partner north of the Border. That came as Conviviality was pursuing a strategy to expand into Scotland, north-east England and the south.
Conviviality chief executive Diana Hunter said: "It's a very natural fit for us to move into Scotland, and Scotmid represents a really well respected business for us to work with. It's a company I have respected for a number of years."
Conviviality yesterday reported revenue of £183 million for the 26 weeks ended October 26, in line with the same stage last year.
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