One Stop, the Tesco-owned convenience chain, is set to trial a new franchise model with independent retailers.

The group will be trialling the model in a pilot store over the next few weeks and expects to expand it to half a dozen more stores in the short term.

Through the partnership, franchisees will gain access to One Stop’s distribution model and support while remaining independent businesses.

Going forward, One Stop is targeting “quality, progressive independent retailers” rather than store numbers, a spokeswoman said.

One Stop’s CEO Tony Reed said: “Independents offer years of local relationships and commitment to their customers. We want to preserve this and in turn offer our expertise in distribution and store proposition.

“We and our customers want to see neighbourhood convenience shops thrive. Our franchising concept is about helping good independent family businesses make an even greater success of their stores.

“One Stop will talk to retailers about the new franchise concept in the coming weeks.”

One Stop was acquired by parent company Tesco in 2003 and currently owns 640 stores across England and Wales.

Retailers interested in finding out more can call the head office on 01543 363000