Belief a merger under one of our biggest supermarket chains will benefit the country

Foodstuffs is a step closer to merging its North and South Island divisions after 99 percent of store owners voted in support.

The future co-op's designated CEO, Chris Quin, says the stores aren't competitors.

He says there will be no difference to the level of retail competition after the merger.

The merger's still subject to Commerce Commission and High Court approval.