The story began In 1946

Philip and Eleanor Jones started a grocery store in Wine street Llantwit Major in 1946. What a different world that was !! Rationing and coupon books still an everyday fact of life. Entertainment consisted of the radio and people actually reading and talking to each other. Phones and TV’s were novelties, food was real ! A different world indeed from today’s convenience of freezer to microwave to table in minutes. The grocer was a grocer in the true sense and the housewife was a cook. The grocer was also an important part of the community. Quite often you visited the shop with a list and then the shop keeper “ Put up “ the order, boxed it and delivered it. He also may pop into the post office to see if there was any post for the customers go to the chemist to pick up a prescription.

The grocer would then jump on his bike and deliver the goods. Quite soon the bike was mercifully replaced by a motor vehicle.

Milestone 1964

The family now move business and residence to the Boverton Road causing a stir in opening as one of the first self service supermarkets in South Wales. This heralded a new era for the company. Out went delivery and in came a more modern recognizable approach to shopping. Not quite the convenience food of today but a million miles away from the grocery store of the 1940`s. Over the years that store whilst still in the same position has been extended five times. The company was now known as Philip Jones foodmarkets unlimited trading under the spar banner. Over the next 13 years 4 more shops opened, Cowbridge in 1968 Bryntirion in 1970, North Cornelly in 1973, and Talbot Green in 1979. Also in the 1970`s fruit and Veg buying business was set up.

NISA [ National Independent Supermarket association ] or 1979

In this year Philip Jones foodmarkets unlimited left Spar and joined the NISA buying group. This was another big step forward. Spar was becoming synonymous at the time with small corner shops and Philip Jones had out grown this concept. The NISA buying group was more suited to the Philip Jones profile.

1980`s – 1990`s

These decades saw the company continue to expand. North Cornelly was extended. In 1980 Sarn began trading in 1982 and Caerau in 1990.A significant step was taken in the 80`s in opening a 8,500 sq ft depot on the Waterton Industrial Estate Bridgend.

1997

This was a pivotal date as it was the Death of Philip Jones. But the company continued under the management and guidance of Elanor Jones, Ian Hunt and Elizabeth Hunt

[ Daughter and Son in Law ] the expansion continued with a new store in Taibach in 1998. Also around this time the company changed its trading name to Filco Supermarkets but continued to operate under the auspice of the NISA buying group. A new low price off licence called “ Rock Bottom “ saw in the new millennium as it opened in time for the 2000 Millennium celebrations.

2000 and Beyond.

The 21 Centaury sees in the 6oth Year all the stronger for the involvement of a new generation [ Simon Hunt – Buying Director – Matthew Hunt – Director ] with new ideas and enthusiasm for a more cut throat competitive world.The company has evolved and will continue to do as it looks ahead to yet another new era of expansion and development.

2011 and 2012.

During the middle of 2011 we decided to make a major multi million pound investment in our Head Office store in Llantwit Major. We have plans to completely re invigorate the store environment which will make the store more convenient and welcoming to our customers.