YORK-based supermarket group Costcutter has expanded into Jersey for the first time as 18 more stores join the brand.

Costcutter Supermarkets Group, based in Dunnington, has attracted Jersey retail group J Mart Limited, which is redeveloping its 18 stores under the Costcutter brand.

J Mart’s stores previously traded as Spar, and include two petrol station forecourts and four post offices.

The deal marks the first move into Jersey for Costcutter, which is predominantly a franchise business with more than 2,500 convenience stores throughout the UK.

Founded in 1986, Costcutter directly employs more than 900 people nationwide, and has an office in Belfast alongside its head office in York.

Nigel Robson, chief executive of J Mart Limited, said: “As an independent retail group we are committed to offering our customers across Jersey access to the best convenience stores, products and prices.

“A key reason for joining Costcutter Supermarkets Group, and converting our stores to its Costcutter brand, was the significantly expanded product range we now have access to. We are now able to offer customers a wide range of fresh, chilled and frozen products, along with a quality own brand, right on their doorstep.

“Refitting all our stores to Costcutter’s latest specification will deliver an excellent store environment to our customers, one that they will enjoy shopping in time and again.”

Mr Robson said J Mart’s stores will also be adopting Costcutter’s till systems which will speed up customer transactions and simplify the business’s ordering and stock management processes.

Darcy Willson-Rymer, chief executive of Costcutter Supermarkets Group, said: “Our retailer proposition provides members with the best range, leading technology systems and extensive member support services that will enable J Mart Limited to further develop its business and to continue to offer its customers a superior shopping experience.”

Costcutter Supermarkets Group is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bibby Line Group and part of the Bibby Retail Services division.