Midlands-based symbol group Select & Save is believed to have retailers queuing round the block after a campaign to tempt Costcutter members to switch fascia.
Joint managing director Steve Jones refused to be drawn on the exact number of applications, but it is believed to be as many as 200.
Jones said that the initiative, which promised Costcutter retailers up to £50,000 for joining Select & Save, had stirred up a great deal of interest and that it was starting
to deal with each of the cases.
Costcutter executive chairman Colin Graves said: "I would urge Costcutter retailers to study the finer details of any offer, as things are not always what they appear to be at first glance."
Graves explained that the professionalism of the Costcutter package meant that retailers would keep faith with the group. "Other groups simply cannot match what we offer and I am confident that our members will remain loyal," he said.