MANCHESTER, England, 2015-11-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Co-op has launched its second new food store in North Wales in the space of a week with the opening of its Marine Drive, Pensarn, shop this week (Tuesday, 17 November), with its third new shop in as many weeks opening in early December in Ffordd Penrhwylfa, Prestatyn.
The opening of the store in Pensarn this week follows the community retailer’s return to Llanrug with a new store which opened on 12 November.
The three new stores represent a combined £1.5M investment in North Wales, creating over 50 retail roles in-store as The Co-op continues to transform and grow its convenience business in Wales in response to changing shopper habits which are seeing people increasingly buying smaller amounts, locally, as and when they need it.
Guests of honour at the launch of the Pensarn store included pupils from Ysgol Sant Elfod who cut the ribbon and declared the new store open for the community.
Its latest new store, located in Marine Drive, Pensarn – at the site of a former car salesroom – features an in-store bakery, and a focus on fresh, healthy food and essentials. The 2,500 sq.ft. store – which opens between 6am – 10pm daily – also offers hot food, an ATM, dedicated car parking and a Costa coffee dispenser.
The three new stores also have a Community Pioneer role, where a member of the food store team, Sarah Seed and Pete Machin (Pensarn) and Sheila Roberts (Llanrug) will also work to foster involvement in community activities, from local fundraising initiatives to helping to understand and develop solutions to meet community needs including support for the British Red Cross, The Co-operative’s new charity partnership which will help to tackle social isolation and loneliness in communities.
Steve Gale, Regional Manager for The Co-operative Food in Wales, said:
“We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to make such a significant investment in North Wales, and delighted to have these fantastic new food stores with which to serve the community – it is an exciting time for the whole team.
“The Co-operative is investing to transform and grow its convenience business as shopping habits change and consumers increasingly buy what they need, when they need it, locally. We are also investing to enhance the in-store experience while lowering the price of everyday essentials. We are confident that the stores will be a real asset to the community, enabling shoppers to pick up delicious food conveniently and, as a community retailer and a co-operative, they will play their part in local life too.”
There are offers and promotions in and around the new stores to mark their launch.
In addition, students – who hold a NUS extra card – receive a 10% discount off their groceries in store. And, The Co-op has also announced a £125M investment in lowering the price of everyday essentials – a move which has seen it prune the price of over 100 lines of fresh fruit and vegetables including revolving offers on popular produce, called “fresh three”.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Andrew Torr
The Co-op Press Office
Tel: 07702 505 551
Email: andrew.torr@co-operative.coop
SOURCE: Co-operative Group Limited