The unexpected departure of Norman Tripper leaves the supermarket in chaos... until Cecil Slinger arrives.

After a window is smashed by a flying tin of potatoes, Slinger has to spend the night on guard, an order from new chairman Mr Crawford.

Area manager Mr Morris visits, leading Slinger to believe that he may receieve a promotion to the new Watford Hyper-market. After learning that he is not being promoted, he sends off an insulting letter to Morris.

Slinger tries to make the store more costumer friendly, Dottie catches the shoplifter, and Councillor Howard places a large order of butter.

Karen brings Baby Charlotte to the store in hopes that Shirley will attend to her whilst Karen goes to the dentist.

Hardie starts recruiting union members; Slinger tries to sell more fruits; Fred applies for a new job; and the store gets a shoplifter with other things in mind.

The Royals are to arrive for the French Cheese celebration, to which confusion ensues.

Still experimenting with the 'Late Night Opening', Mr Christian takes it upon himself to go undercover at the new market across the road, which are affecting their takings. Everyone begins seeking other employment.

While Mr Christian is on holiday, Slinger's secretary Sylvia has found new horizons elsewhere. Fred decides to go to Ireland for holiday, but Slinger loses £1,000 that Fred had entrusted with him.

Colin isn't well after a late night rave-up, which involved 24 cups of mushroom yogurt. After an impostor steals two cases of lite Ale, another two take Slinger for a fool and make off with £1,400 cash.

It's bank holiday and time for the annual stocktake, but the staff have other plans.

In a bid to sell the surplus fishcake supply, Slinger devises a cunning plan that involves Fred becoming 'Fishcake Jake'. When the character becomes a huge success, Fred unleashes his inner diva.