// Co-op to open over 3 stores a week until December
// The retailer plans to invest £130m into its stores and create up to 1000 local jobs
Co-op has has plans to launch more than three stores a week until December to serve new neighbourhoods as part of major expansion scheme.
The convenience retailer will launch over 65 new and extended stores, with more than 100 additional sites receiving major makeovers.
The initiative is part of a £130 million store investment programme that will create up to 1000 jobs, which is in addition to the 1000 permanent roles that came from temporary jobs created during lockdown.
READ MORE:
- Big Interview: Jason Perry, Head of Online Development, Co-op
- Is Covid-19 a good time for retailers to partner up for click-and-collect?
Meanwhile, up to 12 new Co-op franchise stores are set to launch this year, including at Oxford Brookes University and Stirling University – with more university locations planned for 2021.
At least 304 new stores joined Nisa in the first half of the year, with 90 per cent of Nisa stores now stocking Co-op own-brand products.
The new Co-op stores will use 100 per cent renewable electricity.
The first new store to open post-lockdown saw Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis take “centre stage” a new store last month in Pilton, Somerset.
Co-op said the retail sector was “increasingly shifting to meet consumer demand for ease, choice and added services, delivering compelling convenience for communities”.
Moreover, its partnership with John Lewis’ click-and-collect service has exceeded 500 Co-op stores.
“Co-op works to operate at the heart of local life, making a difference in its communities,” Co-op property managing director David Roberts said.
“Multiple factors motivate consumers, with ease, choice and added services chief among them.
“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.
“Co-operation is a fundamental part of our DNA, and through our partnership approach we are enriching our offer to make convenience truly compelling in our communities.”
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
