Co-op has served-up four petrol filling stations this week with improved convenience stores on site following a multi-million investment supporting around 70 local jobs.
The investment has overhauled the forecourts and extended the stores on site to create a combined 6,500 sq ft of additional retail space, providing a local hub that meets the food and fuel needs of the community with a compelling food offer offering greater range and choice conveniently.
Co-op had undertaken an extensive programme of works after acquiring the former Pearce’s Garage site in Drakewells, Gunnislake (Cornwall), developing a new purpose-built 2,250 sq ft convenience store to serve the community. The site opens today (Friday, 7 August).
The retailer also launched a new petrol filling station with a purpose-built 2,700 sq ft convenience store following a £2.75m investment in Pontyates, Carmarthenshire.
In addition to an overhaul of the fuel infrastructure, the store includes Amazon Lockers, customer car parking, hot food, Costa coffee express and bakery alongside an increased focus on fresh, heathy produce, award-winning wines, ready meals and pizzas, free-from and vegan products, Fairtrade, food-to-go and, everyday essentials.
The Co-op’s existing site in Coppenhall, Crewe, was given a major makeover with the food store on site more than doubling in size.
While its fuel station and store in Roundhay, Leeds, also reopened this week following a revamp.
The Co-op 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 Co-op donates a further 1% to community causes.
Contactless card payment limits are increased to £45, making it easier, quicker and safer to shop. 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.
While the 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.
Eddie Jenkinson, National Fuels Manager, Co-op, said, “The sites have all been transformed following major investment, and all have the Co-op’s new look and feel. A petrol filling station is a local hub – providing the food and fuel needs for communities with extended stores to offer greater convenience and choice for consumers shopping closer to where they live or work.
'Co-op is committed to connecting communities and making a difference locally, and our aim is to operate at the heart of local life. That is why we also want customers to know that they can become a Member of their Co-op, and they can make a difference locally every time they swipe their Membership card when buying own branded products.”
