Co-op and Leeds University Union (LUU) have just confirmed the signing of a new 10-year franchise agreement.
This extends the successful partnership - which first started in 2019 and was Co-ops first campus store - to 2036.
Serving a diverse and international student, research and teaching population, the store has a focus on food to go, including meal deals, hot food, instore bakery, coffee and world foods. It also has 16 self-service tills ensuring a quick and convenient service at peak times.
Co-op membership is increasingly popular with students, seeing a 15% jump on the campus in the last two years alone. Operated by LUU, the store has also provided employment opportunities and valuable work experience to over 350 students since 2019.
Jonathan Perry, head of business development for Co-op franchise, said: “Leeds University Union were pioneers when they opened the first Co-op franchise store on the university campus in 2019.
“We’ve witnessed the provision of quality food, ethical sourcing and value become more and more important to campus life. Our stores are set up to be more than just a shop, they are a hub locally, and by working together we’ve created an evolving proposition focussed on serving and supporting the diverse and dynamic campus community.”
Aidan Grills, chief executive at LUU, added: “We’re committed to enhancing the university experience for our student members, and Co-op has proven to be a great fit with its ethical, sustainable, community and quality ethos. The whole team is thrilled to commit to the next 10 years of operating a Co-op franchise store on campus.”
Since launching its first Franchise store at Leeds University Union, Co-op has grown to 11 Franchise stores on Campus. The most recent launches were at Warwick and Lancaster University, with a strong pipeline of launches planned for 2026, including Co-op stores opening on campus at Birmingham, Leicester and Glasgow Universities.
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