UK convenience retailer Co-op is not only boosting the number of new stores but is also planning to hire colleagues for nearly 1,000 new position.
Co-op noted it plans to create three new stores per week through the end of the year – more than 65 in total – as its “plans to serve new neighbourhoods accelerate”
“We continually look for new locations, sites which are definitively convenient in their community – closer to our members and customers with proximity shopping a key consumer consideration,” David Roberts, Managing Director, Co-op Property, said.
In additiion, Co-op will give makeovers to 100 further outlets as part of the £130M store investment programme. Co-op is also launching up to 12 new franchise stores including at Oxford Brookes University and Stirling University – with more university locations planned for 2021.
With consumers demanding more convenience, Co-op and others are taking advantage. According to recent research, 70% of adults have relied on their local convenience store where they can shop quickly, easily and safely, with shoppers popping to their local store more than three times each week on average.
“Convenience stores have firmly established themselves as a place that local communities can rely on, not just for groceries but for a growing range of services that have kept the nation going during the last few months,” Association of Convenience Stores Chief Executive, James Lowman, said. “This commitment to investing in stores in the coming months is testament to the importance of the convenience sector and the role that local shops play in people’s everyday lives.”
Co-op operates over 2,600 food stores, and is owned by around 4.6M active Members. Alongside Food, it operates: Co-op Funeralcare, Insurance, Health and Legal Services.
