Four new Co-op convenience stores launched at the end of last week, three new Co-op operated sites and a franchise store which forms part of the agreement between Co-op and the petrol forecourt business, EG On The Move.
The stores launching were located near Plaistow Station (Newham, E13) – a 2,900 sq ft convenience store located in a residential development close to the station; Hampton Gardens – a 2,700 sq ft store in a residential area of Peterborough; and a 2,600 sq ft store located on the Chorley Road between Bamber Bridge and Walton le Dale.
In addition, the second of seven stores to open as part of the new franchise agreement between Co-op and the petrol forecourt business, EG On The Move, launched in Billingshurst, Sussex, at a new site known as Platts Corner Services.
All of the sites offer self-serving coffee and bakery goods alongside a focus on fresh, chilled and healthy produce; meal ideas and everyday essentials; prepared sandwiches and food-to-go; Fairtrade products, flowers, ready meals, pizzas and, free-from, vegan and plant-based products.
Added services at sites include InPost Lockers and Costa Coffee Express at all of the Co-op operated sites, ATM’s provide access to cash in the community and, both the Platts Corner Services and the Co-op store located between Bamber Bridge and Walton le Dale offer electric vehicle charging.
The Co-op stores also operate online home delivery of groceries, either through its own online shop or through its partners Deliveroo; Just Eat and Uber Eats – where groceries are picked fresh in local stores and delivered quickly and conveniently in the community.
Co-op is also committed to supporting UK farmers, growers and suppliers, with all of its fresh and frozen meat and poultry, including in its ready meals, pies and freshly prepared sandwiches, 100% British.
The franchise store aligns Co-op’s convenience expertise with the petrol forecourt business, EG On The Move, and forms part of Co-op’s wider franchise growth plans.
Martin Rogers, Director of Partnership Development, Co-op, said: We are delighted to be working with EG On The Move, our second forecourt partner, helping us achieve our ambitious plans in this exciting sector. We look forward to further growing our franchise business, working with partners of pedigree to bring Co-op products and membership to more communities, creating more value for our member-owners.”
Speaking at the launch of the new Co-op in Plaistow, East London, Imran Junoob, Co-op Store Manager, said: “We are enjoying welcoming our community into their brand-new Co-op – we have had a great response. Our aim is to operate at the heart of local life, and we have worked to develop the range, choice and added services to create a compelling offer to serve our community, conveniently.”
With a focus on delivering value, member price savings across a wide range of everyday essentials ensure the people who own Co-op – its member-owners – benefit every time they shop. With promotional material in store informing shoppers that ‘Our members own this store, join us’.
Earlier this year Co-op announced ambitions to grow its membership to eight million by 2030.
Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer-owned co-operatives, with its history dating back 180 years. Its Members own the business and play an intrinsic part in the governance of the organisation. Co-op is committed to creating value for its member-owners, who enjoy a wide number of benefits including member-only price savings across a range of everyday essentials, and personalised offers via the Co-op Membership App.
