Co-op to open first Welsh franchise store

Co-op is set to unveil its first Welsh franchise store on Thursday (18 January) which is launching to serve and support the Parc Derwen community, Bridgend. The convenience retailer is committed to growing its franchise business, with the model enabling Co-op to bring its products and, the benefits of membership, to more communities. Its franchise partners have an opportunity to receive all the support, knowledge, training and technical expertise needed to open, own and operate a Co-op convenience store. The 2,700 sq ft Parc Derwen store opens between 7am-10pm daily, and has created 16 local jobs. It includes an in-store bakery and Costa coffee alongside a focus on fresh, healthy products, meal ideas, everyday essentials, food-to-go among other products. In addition, the online home delivery of groceries through Deliveroo – with groceries picked fresh in the store and delivered quickly and conveniently locally, and also parcel collection services, will be added following the launch. There is also a soft plastic recycle unit available in store to enable the community to recycle ‘soft plastics’ including crisp packets and bread bags, ensuring all Co-op’s own food packaging is recyclable through either local authority kerbside collections, or the in-store soft plastic recycling. Martin Rogers, director of partnership development, Co-op, said: “We are delighted to open our first franchise store in Wales. It is a tried and tested model, where our franchise partners utilise Co-op’s market leading convenience expertise to operate their own store under Co-op’s iconic brand – allowing us to bring Co-op products to more places, closer to where our member-owners and customers live and work. “It is a channel we are focused on growing, as we work closely with partners of pedigree who share our values and principles in order to expand our Franchise operation.” Suresh Edirimuni, Parc Derwen store manager, added: “We are delighted to launch to serve and support the Parc Derwen community, and really looking forward to welcoming member-owners and customers into their new Co-op. Our aim is to operate at the heart of local life, and we’ve worked to develop the range, choice and services to create a compelling offer to serve and support our community, conveniently.”