A new Co-op has launched this week at Barking Riverside, in Barking in East London, to serve the community.
Opening between 7am-11pm daily the Co-op includes an in-store bakery and Costa coffee express alongside a focus on fresh, heathy produce, award winning wines, ready meals and pizzas, free-from and vegan products, Fairtrade, food-to-go and, everyday essentials.
Contactless card payment limits are set at an increased level of £45, making it easier, quicker and safer to shop.
The Co-op also provides a funding boost locally and gives back to causes in the area through its Membership scheme, where Members receive a 5% reward on purchases of own brand products, and the retailer donates a further 1% to community causes.
The retailer’s Food Share scheme works to minimise food waste and make a difference locally, working with local not-for-profit organisations to share food with those in need in the community.
Co-op’s Community Shopping Card makes it easier for those self-isolating or who have been instructed to stay at home to shop and pay for their essentials - cards can be purchased or topped-up by calling 0800 029 4592, enabling friends, families or volunteers to shop on their behalf in store.
Ravi Sandaname, Store Manager, said, “We have had a fantastic response – the store looks great and we are looking forward to serving our community. Co-op is committed to connecting communities and making a difference locally, and our aim is to operate at the heart of local life.
'We also want customers to know that they can become a Member of their Co-op, and make a difference every time they swipe their Membership card when buying own branded products.”