BLACKPOOL could be caught up in an outbreak of 'store wars,' it emerged this week.
The resort is one of 200 towns identified in a 'confidential' document produced by supermarket chain, Somerfield, offering £500 bonuses for managers who recruit staff from the local Co-op.
A £5,000 bonus is offered for every Co-op branch which is forced to close.
Pete Williams, head of Press and PR for Somerfield, said: "Food retail is an extremely competitive market.
"The Co-op has increasingly been targeting Somerfield customers and aiming to squeeze our local neighbourhood stores.
"In response Somerfield has energised its store managers in locations where they are in direct competition with Co-op stores to pull back these customers and sales by emphasising our great value and promotional package."
But a Co-operative Group spokesman said: "While we do not agree with this kind of practice, it is recognition from a competitor of what we already know - that the Co-op is beating it hands down on quality, price and ethical trading."
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