Leading grocer The Co-operative Food has introduced electricals products in a number of its stores this week, taking a significant step into expanding its non-food offering.
Some 32 stores have started selling domestic appliances, TVs, food processors and more alongside the regular range of groceries, and the new concept will be rolled out to a further 33 stores in the new year.
The food side of the business has teamed up with its online-based sister company The Co-operative Electrical following a successful trial selling electricals in five stores earlier this year.
It comes at an exciting time for the Co-op Group, which plans to expand its food operation significantly in the 12 months ahead and is due to move into a new headquarters in Manchester by the end of 2012.
Commenting on the new look stores, acting CEO of The Co-operative Food Sean Toal said: “The pilots have been a great success and the new-look electrical offer will complement and enhance our customers‘ existing food shopping experience in these stores.
“As well as offering top brands at internet prices, another key advantage is that the in store ‘electrical shops‘ will be open during the same trading hours as the food stores, unlike most traditional electrical stores, making it much easier for consumers to find and buy what they want and when they want it.”
The Co-operative Electrical has also re-launched its website in recent weeks, offering users additional product detail through new video content and buying guides.
James Holland, Managing Director of The Co-operative Electrical, added: “This is an exciting time for Co-operative Electrical as we embark on a strategy for growth and the massive increase in sales during the pilot highlighted the demand for electrical goods in our food stores.”
