The Co-op has served-up a trio of food stores in the Worcester area during a two-week period following a £2.25m investment creating up to 30 jobs.
The Co-op launched a new store yesterday in Station Road, Honeybourne (pictured) – the £650k investment creating 12 jobs. The store includes an in-store bakery, Costa coffee dispenser and a focus on fresh, healthy foods, meal ideas, award-winning wines and, essentials.
Today, the Co-op’s 8,500 sq ft store re-opens in Pershore’s Racecourse Road following a £1.1m makeover to transform the store for the community.
The two stores follow the opening at the end of last month of a new Co-op store in Barker Street, Worcester - an innovative development, bringing to life surplus space in the grounds of the Goodrest Tavern which aims to create 'a local hub' and become an 'asset for the local community'.
All of the Co-op food stores bring a funding boost locally through its Membership scheme – Members receive a 5% reward on the purchase of own-brand products and services, with the Co-op donating a further 1% to local good causes.
Jon Bottomley, Area Manager for the Co-op’s convenience stores, said, “We have had a great response, and are delighted to have had the opportunity to carry out such a significant investment in and around Worcester – colleagues are really looking forward to welcoming members and customers into their new Co-op stores.
'We are proud to be part of the community, and our ambition is to ensure that all of our stores become a local hub, a real asset for the local community.”
Guy Wimhurst, Regional Manager for the Co-op’s large store formats, added, “As a community retailer the Co-op is moving forward with a clear purpose and momentum. We are investing in our people, stores, products, prices and communities – our ambition is for our stores to be at the heart of local life, bringing communities together and offering great quality products when and where shoppers need them.
“We also want our customers to know that they can become a member of their Co-op. And, that we are also giving back to the local community. Our members make a difference locally, simply by swiping their membership card when they shop with us they are raising much needed funding for organisations in the area who contribute to improving local life.”