MANCHESTER, England, 2016-Oct-03 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Co-op pipped competitors at the annual retail ‘Oscars’ – The Retail Industry Awards – by walking away with four major gongs, compared to Aldi’s three, including the prestigious outstanding achievement award.
In the hotly contested convenience retailer category, the Co-op, which has seen its market share rise and over a year’s worth of positive performance, beat Waitrose and Marks & Spencer.
The Co-op was also awarded food to go retailer, while Appleby store manager, Ian Peacock, was crowned store manager of the year. This was in recognition of his efforts to help his community when the Cumbrian town was hit by floods earlier this year.
In addition to this, the Co-op was highly commended in the flower retailer category. These wins reaffirm the Co-op’s commitment to become the leading convenience food retailer in the UK.
Steve Murrells, retail chief executive at the Co-op says; “It’s an exciting time at the Co-op as shoppers are returning to us and we are seeing continued momentum in our performance. The awards recognize the transformation of our business as we’ve improved our stores, shopping experience and food quality while delivering lower prices.
“Kantar reported earlier this year we are the most frequently visited major retailer in the country. Shoppers continue to shop little and often making us a popular destination.
“We have invested £125m in lowering prices and more to transform and modernize the look of our stores. Winning these awards is a great privilege but recognizes that we are providing what shoppers want to help in their busy lives.
“On a personal level, I’m thrilled that Ian has received recognition by winning store manager of the year. He and his team worked tirelessly to help their community when it was hit by floods and his actions embody the very spirit of the Co-op.”
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Source: Coop