// Central Co-op is looking to open 10-15 new stores this year
// The group is also launching in north Yorkshire for the first time this year
Central Co-op is looking to open a record number of new stores this year, as it prepares to move its logistical operations over to the Co-op-owned LIDIA network.
Chief executive at the group Debbie Robinson told The Grocer that 17 new stores will be added to its estate in 2023, where it usually aims for 10 to 15, along with 30 store refurbs.
She told the title Central Co-op is also launching in north Yorkshire for the first time this year.
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Its move to LIDA comes as the group eyes ambitious growth, having been dealing with mounting pressure across its three Leicester depots over the years as the society continued to grow in store numbers and geographical territory.
It is currently working with an additional local logistics partner to aid its current logistics capacity, with plans to close its depots and move its entire network to LIDIA next year to pursue further growth ambitions.
LIDIA is made up of 13 distribution depots across the UK and Central Co-op will be using these depots to deliver goods to its stores. Plans regarding which and how many depots will be servicing Central Co-op are under review.
Robinson told the Grocer that moving to the LIDIA network would also help to reduce costs across the business and better its environmental impact, while allowing it to maintain deliveries to the Heart of England and Tamworth Co-ops which it carries out for each society.
“We’re looking to be as efficient and effective as we can to reduce our costs,” said Robinson.
“The biggest benefit is a united single co-operative network, which means we will have fewer distribution points for suppliers.”
The money it will save will also allow the business to drive more investment into new stores, regenerations and technology, she added.
Along with the 17 new stores and 30 refurbs this year, Central Co-op is investing in solar panels and electronic shelf-edge labels across its estate to boost efficiency and “to make the jobs in store as simple as we possibly can”.
The move to LIDIA will consequently mean shutting its three Leicester depots, putting 400 jobs at risk.
Although it is currently identifying ways to avoid redundancy and redeploying those who would like to move into alternative roles either within Central Co-op or the LIDIA network.
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