End of an era as Stans Superstore changes hands
A cornerstone of the St Martins community near Oswestry is set to enter a new chapter following the sale of Stans Superstore.
The long-established family-run supermarket, which has served the Shropshire region for decades, was sold to a retail group for an undisclosed sum, marking the retirement of the Faulks family from the helm of the business.
The Faulks family, whose history with the site dates back to 1947, confirmed the decision to implement an exit strategy they had been considering for some time. In a heartfelt statement, the family expressed their belief that the new owners—an established retail company with a portfolio of petrol forecourts, hotels, and retail outlets—are the right choice to secure the long-term sustainability of the store.
The evolution of Stans is a classic story of British entrepreneurial spirit. It began shortly after the Second World War as a fish and chip shop founded by the current owners' parents. After gaining experience at national retailers like Tesco and Woolworths, the family returned in 1974 to expand the enterprise alongside their parents.
Following the sudden death of their father in 1988, the family honoured his legacy by trebling the size of the shop. This culminated in a grand reopening in 1991, where Coronation Street star Liz Dawn performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly branded Stans Superstore.
The site has seen significant investment in recent years to ensure its modern relevance. Recent upgrades include a comprehensive refrigeration overhaul with energy-efficient doors, extensive solar panel installations on the main store and petrol station, and a rain capture system for the gardening department. The site also expanded its services to include a post office, pharmacy, electric vehicle charging points, and a barber shack with chiropodist services.
Reflecting on their tenure, the Faulks family noted their immense pride in the reputation Stans has built. They extended their deepest gratitude to their team of 123 staff members, some of whom have served for over 40 years, as well as the generations of loyal customers who have made the store a focal point of village life.
The buyer, also a family-owned business, stated that they are excited to join the "Stans family" and intend to maintain the values and community ethos that have made the supermarket so respected. They emphasised their commitment to ensuring the store remains a dependable hub for the local area.
Dave Morris, Regional Director at Christie & Co, who facilitated the sale, described the superstore as one of the largest independent family-owned supermarkets in England. He noted that while the Faulks family felt the time was right to "put their feet up", the sale ensures the continued success of a vital community asset.
