MANCHESTER, UK, 2017-Oct-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Co-op is ramping up its investment in Scotland during October and November, as it prepares to open five brand new stores across the country.
The £3.4 million investment forms part of the retailer’s £11 million 2017 store expansion plan and is set to create 75 jobs for local people.
The new stores, which will all have a focus on fresh, healthy foods, meal ideas and essentials are: Renfrew, Paisley Road and Cardross, Main Road, both launching on 26 October, Doune’s Castlehill Court and Colpy Road – Oldmeldrum opening their doors on 23 November and Stirling’s The Brae – Cambusbarron which will launch on 30 November.
Local community groups are also set to get a funding boost through the Co-op’s new Membership scheme. Members receive a 5% reward on purchases of own-branded products and services, with a further 1% going directly to local causes to make a difference in the community. Charities and groups set to benefit from the launch of the new stores include: I Am Me Scotland (Paisley), Lisa’s Gift (Glasgow) and Barrhead’s Men’s Shed.
John McNeill, Co-op’s divisional managing director, said: “It’s a very exciting time for the Co-op in Scotland as we gear up to open not one, but five, brand new Co-ops over the next five weeks. As well as being hubs for the local community, our stores are committed to providing a consistently brilliant in-store experience, allowing customers to get what they want, when they want it.
“We’re very proud of how much we’ve achieved so far in 2017 and our membership message really seems to be striking a chord with shoppers. We now have over half a million members who together have helped us to raise £1.2 million for almost 600 Scottish good causes. Just by swiping a membership card, people can make a real difference to local life and become a co-owner of their local Co-op.
“Our new store launches, together with our ever growing range of locally-sourced Scottish produce and increasing member numbers, put us in a strong position as we look towards further expansion in 2018.”
The openings follow last month’s announcement that the retailer – which was recently crowned Convenience Retailer of the Year at the Retail Industry Awards – will be launching a new 12,000 sq ft distribution centre at Inverness Airport Business Park in 2018.
There are offers and promotions in and around the new stores to mark their launch. And, students holding a Young Scot card will also receive a 10% discount off their groceries.
Further information about the benefits of Co-op membership and, its Local Community Fund, is available by visiting: http://www.coop.co.uk/membership/
Investment per store:
· 26.10.17 Renfrew, Paisley Road – £464,000
· 26.10.17 Cardross, Main Road – £1.1m
· 23.11.17 Doune: Castlehill Court – £553,000
· 23.11.17 Colpy Road – Oldmeldrum – £785,000
· 30.11.17 The Brae: Cambusbarron – £503,000
Source: Coop