Belvin’s stores sued by supplier

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Legal action has been taken against another group of grocery stores.

Food wholesaler Butterfield and Vallis has filed a writ in Supreme Court against businessman George Swan Jr and his stores: Belvin’s Variety in Devonshire, Belvin’s in Flatts, Belvin’s in Happy Valley and Belvin’s in Bailey’s Bay. It’s understood there are other creditors.

Customers have reported the four convenience stores, employing around a dozen staff, have been out of stock of many items recently.

After taking over Belvin’s, Mr Swan opened Intermezzo Cafe & Convenience on Court Street last August but that store closed down just three months later.

Last month, White’s supermarkets in Southside, St David’s and Warwick were closed after Court orders to wind them up in an effort to repay dozens of creditors.

The Supreme Court gave the go-ahead to the winding up after hearing a petition by International Bonded Couriers, signed by 27 other creditors, including Butterfield and Vallis, Pitt & Company and BGA. Some 85 staff lost their jobs.

“It is a sign of the times; the effects of the recession, coupled with the contraction in the size of the market, is taking its toll on retailers,” a food industry source said.

Mr Swan could not be reached for comment. Telephone numbers at three of his stores were not in service. No one answered at the Flatts store.

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