1901 The famous Scottish footballer Robert Smyth McColl opened the first RS McColl in Glasgow.
1973 The Group was founded in 1973 starting out as a vending business.
1994 The Group purchased Forbouys newsagents and also opened their first food store.
1998 The Group purchased Martin’s chain of newsagents and convenience stores, becoming the largest neighbourhood retailer in the UK.
2000 The Group sold its vending business to focus entirely on retail.
2005 The Group merges its store brands into McColl’s for convenience and Martin’s or RS McColl for newsagents.
2014 The Group successfully floated on the London Stock Exchange.
2016 The Group opened its 1,000th convenience store in Slade Green, Erith.
2017 The Group successfully integrated 298 new convenience stores and announced a groundbreaking supply partnership with Morrisons
2018 The Group launched the Safeway brand of fresh food and groceries.