Co-op opens four convenience stores in a week

Co-op has opened four new convenience stores in a week, including one in collaboration with franchise partner EG On The Move.

Last week, the retailer opened a 2,500 sq ft store between Bamber Bridge and Walton le Dale, Lancashire, a 2,700 sq ft store in Hampton Gardens, Peterborough, and a 3,000 sq ft store in Plaistow, East London.

Each of the stores includes a Costa Coffee Express and in-store bakery, as well as parcel collection services via an InPost locker.

In addition, a new service station and Co-op store opened in Billingshurst, West Sussex, on Thursday (25 July) as part of the new franchise agreement with EG On The Move, EG Group’s retained petrol forecourt business. The partnership will initially trial seven new stores, with the potential to expand in the future.

The 24-hour service station offers electric vehicle charging, an ATM, and a Starbucks self-serving coffee machine as well as Co-op’s usual range of produce, meals, and essentials. New-York style Pizza from Sbarro and sandwiches from Subway are also available.

Martin Rogers, director of partnership development at 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.”

Zuber Issa, CEO of EG On The Move, added: “EG On The Move is an acknowledged petrol forecourt and convenience retail destination operator, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with Co-op to roll out their new convenience store formats. Following on from this seven store trial, we look forward to working with Co-op to consider other locations across the network. Co-op is a well-established convenience operator, respected in the market and a recognised consumer brand, and this partnership not only promises to enhance our convenience store offer but it will also ensure our customers have access to exceptional fuel retail services including EV charging, a wide choice of essential and premium grocery and merchandise along with an enjoyable foodservice experience.”