CO-OP FREMINGTON

STORE PROFILE: COSTCUTTER / CO-OP

COSTCUTTER FREMINGTON TRANSITIONS TO CO-OP

COSTCUTTER HAS ANNOUNCED THE CONVERSION OF ITS COMPANY-OWNED FREMINGTONSTORE IN NORTH DEVON TO A CO-OP UNDER ITS RETAIL-FRANCHISE AGREEMENT.

“Previous company owned stores [that have transitioned to Co-op] have increased turnover by a minimum of 50%, and we’re confident that Fremington will follow a similar path.”

[ Lucy Frost ]

Costcutter Supermarkets Group (CSG) has completed the transition of its companyowned store in Fremington to a Co-op as part of its convenience retail-franchise agreement, which it says continues to attract strong interest from investors and retailers alike.

The store in North Devon, which was one of the first to undergo CSG’s business growth transformation programme ‘Shopper First’,

opened its doors as a Co-op franchise just over a week ago. CSG says the Shopper First programme proved instrumental in helping the store develop and deliver continuous sales growth by ensuring it had a strong, relevant offer for today’s convenience shopper and helped it realise its potential to become a Co-op franchise.

The 2,600 sq ft store, which underwent a joint £250k investment from both CSG and Co-op, created six new jobs and features the Co-op Own Brand range with a focus on fresh healthy produce, wines and ready meals. The stores expanded range also features a wide selection of Free-From and vegan products as well as Fairtrade options alongside everyday essentials.

The Co-op franchise opportunity through CSG offers retailers and investors across the UK the opportunity to open, own and operate a Coop store, with the combined support of both CSG and the Co-op through every step of the journey.

Lucy Frost, Director of Franchise at CSG, said: “The Fremington store marks another milestone in our exclusive convenience retail-franchise agreement with Co-op and clearly demonstrates our commitment to widening our reach and building on our joint success in convenience retailing.

“Alongside our work with investors and independent retailers to progress Co-op franchise opportunities, we have continued to explore how we can build on the successes we have seen in the transformation of our other company stores to Co-op franchises and Fremington was the obvious next choice to help us expand our franchise footprint. Previous company owned stores have increased turnover by a minimum of 50%, and we’re confident that Fremington will follow a similar path.”

“Our experience of operating in the convenience sector for over 30 years, together with the strength of the Co-op offer, which shoppers love, has created a strong franchise model. We continuing to work through an exciting pipeline of investors and retailers keen to realise the success that a Co-op franchise can offer.”

Martin Rogers, Head of New Channels at Coop said: “At the Co-op we are always looking for ways to reach new customers and members, and our latest franchise store is a great example of how we are growing our brand to generate mutual value with a likeminded partner. Our Co-op purpose is about connecting communities, bringing people together and making a difference and every time our own brand products are purchased with a Coop Membership card, you know you’re helping communities here and around the world. We have the capability to deliver franchising at scale and we’re confident this will continue to be an attractive proposition for potential investors.”