MANCHESTER, UK, 2017-Sep-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — A £1.2M investment in Leicester will see the Co-op serve-up two new food stores in the space of two weeks, creating more than 30 jobs.
A store in Whetstone launches on Thursday, 21st September, while a new store in London Road, Leicester, which reactivates and brings back to life the derelict former Gables Hotel site, opens on Thursday, 5 October.
Both stores will deliver a funding boost for local good causes through its Membership scheme – Members receive a 5% reward on the purchase of own-branded products and services, with a further 1% benefitting local good causes.
Good causes initially benefiting include: The Cosby Community Library; the 445th Project Adventure – which is raising funds for new camping kit; and the Cosby Community Playgroup.
The stores will offer customer car parking and a Costa coffee dispenser alongside a focus on fresh, healthy foods, award winning wines, hot food, meal ideas and essentials.
Simon Taylor, Area Manager, said:
“The Co-op is moving forward with real purpose and momentum and is delighted to have made such a significant investment in Leicester – we look forward to welcoming Members and customers into their new Co-op and serving these communities.
“Our ambition is to establish our stores as a local hub, a real asset for the community. We also want shoppers to know that they can become a co-owner and Member of their Co-op. As a community retailer and a co-operative we give back to our communities, and our Members can make a difference every time they shop with us. Simply by swiping their membership card when they shop with us Members will raise much needed funding for organisations locally who contribute to improving local life.”
The Co-op opened more than 100 new stores UK-wide last year, and has ambitions to open a similar amount this year and in subsequent years.
Further information about the benefits of Co-op Membership and, its Local Community Fund, is available by visiting: http://www.coop.co.uk/membership/
Media Contact
Andrew Torr
Co-op Press Office
M: 07702 505 551
E: andrew.torr@coop.co.uk
SOURCE: Co-operative Group Limited