Leading convenience store operator, JW Filshill, owner of the KeyStore brand, has formed a partnership with the Clydebank Co-operative Society to open a jointly brand convenience store in Glasgow's West End.

The store in Knightswood, previously trading under the Spar fascia, is expected to open early this autumn. Robert Sider, chief executive of the Clydebank Co-operative Society, revealed the retail collaboration during a presentation to the Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA) at Crieff at the weekend.

"We have a long history of tradition and innovation within our wider business and we see this development very much as evolution within our food business and, indeed, co-operative circles," he said. "It's an exciting partnership with the team at JW Filshill and we're very much looking forward to working with such a forward-thinking organisation with this new store."

Simon Hannah, managing director of JW Filshill, Scotland's oldest independent food and drink wholesaler, said: "It's an exciting brand proposition for us and one that will get the industry talking and breath new life into our sector. There are brands linking up all the time so there is no reason why complementary brands in the convenience store sector can't do the same.

"Both JW Filshill and the Clydebank Co-operative Society have similar values in that we are long-established, responsible and innovative retailers."

Further details will be announced in due course.