Perth-based Foodland's managing director Trevor Coates said the five stores would trade under its Action banner, increasing the number of Action stores in WA to 38 ahead of the lucrative Christmas trading period. Coles Supermarkets managing director Gerry Masters said his company had taken over managing the Newmart stores in 2002. Seven had been rebranded under the Coles banner while the rest retained their names. "The five Newmart stores being sold occupy sites that significantly overlap existing Coles Supermarkets," Mr Masters said. "This is part of our continuous portfolio optimisation planning which includes the opening of three new stores over the next 12 months, as well as refurbishment and extension of an additional 12 stores in WA." Foodland is buying one store in the town of Collie and four in suburban Perth - at Ocean Keys, Noranda, Stirling Central and Garden City. The stores are expected to start trading under the Action banner by the end of November. The stores will be refurbished as part of a programme which will commence early in the 2004 calendar year.