The Co-op is opening its latest food store today in Nottinghamshire, following a £700k investment and creating 17 jobs.
The store opens in University Boulevard, Beeston, and includes an in-store bakery, hot food, food-to-go, and a Costa coffee dispenser alongside a focus on fresh, healthy foods and meal ideas.
Students, who are NUS extra cardholders, benefit from the Co-op’s partnership with the discount card provider – NUS extra cardholders receive a 10% discount off their groceries to support them during their studies.
A funding boost is also on the “cards” at the store for local causes through the Co-op’s Membership scheme - Members receive a 5% reward on the purchase of own-brand products and services, with the community retailer donating a further 1% to local causes.
The store is the second Co-op food store to open in Nottinghamshire this summer, following the opening of Bramcote Lane, Chilwell, at the end of June. The two stores represent a combined £2.25M investment, creating 30 jobs.
Tom Spooner, Co-op Store Manager, said, “We are delighted to have the opportunity to carry out such significant investment. It is exciting to have such a great looking store, and our ambition is to ensure it is a local hub, a real asset locally, offering what our members and customers want, conveniently.
'We also want customers to know that they can become a co-owner and member of their Co-op. And, that we are also giving back to the community.
'Our members make a difference locally, simply by swiping their membership card when they shop with us they raise much needed funding for organisations in the area who contribute to improving local life.”
There are offers and promotions in and around the new store to mark its launch. Students and apprentices holding the NUS extra card receive a 10% discount off their groceries to support them during their studies. It is the discount card’s only partnership with a national grocery store, providing daily savings conveniently whether at home, or University.
Ali Jones, Co-op’s Customer Director, said, “Our aim is to be at the heart of local life, connecting communities and bringing people together. With many students living away from home for the first time our partnership with NUS extra supports them at a key time – eating together is an essential part of the social experience, and plays a vital part in supporting the health and wellbeing of students.”