Co-op enlists members’ help to find new store sites
The Co-operative Group is inviting its six million members to help find potential new sites for Co-operative food stores across the country.
The Co-operative’s Food Property team has launched a “Suggest-a-site” scheme for members, who could receive £500 in shopping vouchers if they identify a location or a property that is then acquired and turned into a new Co-operative food store.
The group’s members, who include the majority of the 106,000 employees, can suggest potential store sites, which can be any existing business, either food or non-food, retail or non-retail, as long as it is on the market, by completing an online form on the members’ website.
The Co-operative, which has opened 14 new stores in the last five weeks, has a rolling programme to open more than 300 UK food outlets over the next three years.
Stuart Hookins, The Co-operative Food’s head of portfolio strategy, acquisitions and disposals, said: “The Co-operative Group really values its members, and their views and suggestions can really make a difference to the way the business is run.
“We are planning to open around 300 new food stores in the next three years to help grow our business, and one way that our members can contribute is by letting us know where they would like to see a new Co-operative food store.”
The Co-operative, which is the UK’s fifth largest food retailer, is focusing on stores, either leasehold or freehold, between 2,000 and 18,000 sq ft, particularly in high street and local community locations.
Hookins added: “Basically, we want our members to be our eyes and ears and help us look for potential sites for new food stores so we can identify the right properties in the right locations at the heart of local communities across the country.
“If a member knows of a suitable property or plot of land that they think would be a great place for a new Co-operative food store, then they can fill in a form on the members’ website, and if we open a store there they could receive £500 in Co-operative shopping vouchers.”
For further information about the ‘Suggest-a-site’ scheme or Co-operative Membership go to http://www.co-operative.coop/membership/
