A SOMERSET convenience store has changed hands.

Property adviser Christie & Co has confirmed the sale of the Avon Gold Premier Store in Keynsham, for an undisclosed fee, which sees it change hands for the first time in more than 20 years.

The agent says the store is a large and profitable convenience store with plenty of room for growth, situated in a prominent location on a shopping parade in the busy residential area of Keynsham, between Bath and Bristol.

The store benefits from excellent levels of passing trade and is ideally situated close to residential buildings, primary schools and a variety of local businesses all of which drive footfall to the store.

Since 1997 the business has been owned and operated by Tony and Alisson Mallaban, who have decided to sell it in order to pursue retirement.

“In the 23 years that we have owned the supermarket, it has grown into a thriving, well supported, local business offering a wide range of goods and services,” Tony said.

“The time was right for a new owner to bring fresh ideas to the business and we are looking forward to our well earned retirement.”

The business has been purchased through Christie & Co by regional corporate, Wessex Retail Limited. This is the third business that the company has acquired in the South West of England through Christie & Co so far in 2020.

The new owners plan to renovate and rebrand the store, and to introduce a variety of product ranges, promotions and a larger hot food offering to help increase gross profit margins.

Retail Business Agent at Christie & Co, Jamie Williams, who handled the sale, added: “Keynsham will soon be served by a high-quality retail offering in the form of a SPAR store.”