This latest initiative from the Co-op forms part of a wider franchise growth strategy that includes having more than 500 franchise stores by 2030 – one third of those on petrol forecourts.
Meanwhile, the first site set to operate under the current arrangement will be Ogden Road, Doncaster – other confirmed locations being Billinghurst, Sussex; Nitshill, Glasgow, Lanarkshire; Portlethen, Aberdeenshire; Macmerry, Tranent, East Lothian; Wherstead, Ipswich, Suffolk and Finmere, Tingewick, Buckinghamshire.
Core areas of growth, according to the Co-op are focussed on where it can best utilise its convenience expertise with quality franchise partners, including petrol forecourts; universities and healthcare and, independent convenience retailers.
Unsurprisingly, the move aligns with growth ambitions across its major businesses – Food Retail, B2B and Life Services – with the convenience retailer aiming to broaden its reach and scale, and to grow to eight million member-owners by 2030.
Co-op currently operates almost 2,400 food stores and provides products to over 6,000 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited.
As Jerome Saint-Marc, Managing Director B2B and Growth at the Co-op put it: “This is part of our broader expansion in the petrol forecourt market. It follows our strategy to pivot our growth in this market through franchise, growing our presence and enabling us to best utilise our expertise and offer in convenience.
He added:” We’ve got an excellent market proposition. And whilst it’s highly competitive, we believe there’s huge potential to unlock growth with our trusted brand, and unique offer and expertise.”
Zuber Issa, CEO, EG On The Move, also noted: “Following on from this seven store trial, we look forward to working with Co-op to consider other locations across the network.
