The Co-operative Group is trialling a new format for its medium to large stores, in a bid to provide the “ultimate” convenience store.
The Everyday Convenience Plus programme will take place over the next 12 weeks in stores located in Horbury (West Yorkshire), East Leake (Leicestershire) and Walderslade (Kent).
The three stores are all between 7,000sq ft and 11,000sq ft and have undergone a £3.8m refit.
The format is underpinned by enhanced fresh ranges which will showcase prepared and semi-prepared meal ideas, with the stores catering specifically for a three-day top-up shop.
A wider range of non-food items, including music and entertainment, homewares, travel accessories, party and special occasion items, will also be available. In-store digital communications will deliver brand messages on membership, community and value.
Co-op customer director Jemima Bird said a decision on rolling out the format to other stores would be made following the three-month trial in February.
“The trial is an extremely innovative and exciting collaboration between our customer, formats and operations teams and shows how we’re able to tailor our in-store proposition to establish a blueprint for the modern convenience store,” she said.
“An improved top-up offering, set against the backdrop of visually stunning stores, which are simple and easy to navigate, is one that we can see is already resonating with our members and customers in these key locations.”
A spokesman said the trial was not related to the Nisa takeover deal.
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