MANCHESTER, England, 2016-Apr-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Co-op will launch its newest food store this month (Thursday, 28 April) following a £560,000 investment to create a new food store in Lostock Gralam.
Representatives from the Ronald McDonald House Charity will help the store team to cut the ribbon and declare the new store open for the community.
Launch day activities at the store – located in Cheshire Avenue – include free face painting for children between 3pm – 5pm and a chance to take a picture with a Minion character. There is free Fairtrade tea and coffee, food sampling and, in-store offers and prizes. There will also be a new Tesla sports car on display as the store “gears-up” for its first day.
A week of activities include a raffle to win a book of Co-op Saving Stamps (29 April), A chance to find out more about the benefits of Co-op Membership (30 April), A cake sale to raise money for The Co-op’s charity partner, the British Red Cross – which is working to tackle loneliness and social isolation in local communities (1 May). And free sampling of The Co-op’s breakfast range (2 May).
The Co-op is investing to transform and grow its convenience business and, was confirmed as the fastest growing non-discounter food store according to retail industry data released by Kantar Worldpanel in February.
New store manager, Jordan Toal, said:
“This is an exciting time for the whole team – we are looking forward to opening the Co-op’s newest food store and to welcoming the community into their new local Co-op.
“The store will look great and, as a community retailer and a co-operative, we are confident that it will become a real asset to the community and deliver a compelling and convenient shopping experience locally.”
The new store will have a focus on fresh, healthy foods, meal ideas and essentials. While an in-store bakery, ATM, Costa coffee dispenser and car parking will further add to the shopping experience for customers.
The appointment of a Community Pioneer – Jacqueline Beasant – will underpin the Co-op’s commitment to playing its part and making a difference in the local community.
Jacqueline is a member of the food store team who will also work to foster involvement in community activities including local fundraising initiatives and working with charities, schools and voluntary organisations to make a difference in the community. Jacqueline and Jordan will also will also lead the store’s support for the British Red Cross, the Co-op’s new charity partnership which will help to tackle social isolation and loneliness in local communities.
The Co-op last month (March) announced an investment to lower the price of over 200 of its own-branded British meat and poultry products. Its annualised investment in lowering prices will this year top £200M. By the end of the year, The Co-op will have reduced prices on over 1,000 everyday essentials including pruning the price of over 100 lines of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Further information:
Andrew Torr
Co-op Press Office
M: 07702 505 551
E: andrew.torr@co-operative.coop