Co-Op Serves-Up Next-Gen 'on the go' Micro Store Format In A UK Grocery First

Co-op has today announced the launch of a new chain of food-for-now stores, strategically situated in high foot-traffic locations and designed to champion the convenience retailer’s ‘on-the-go’ expertise through a unique and innovative format.

A UK first for a national grocer, and unlike any other in store in the Co-op’s estate, the new ‘on-the-go’ format is around one-quarter of the size of its typical convenience shops^* with new operating hours and a dedicated range that serves the demand for the growing ‘grab-and-go’ consumer culture.

The first ‘on-the-go’ store opens today (Thursday, 31 July) in Solihull, with another 15 opening over the coming months with a longer-term ambition of reaching several hundred in the next two to three years.

The bespoke store design and offering will cater to ‘on-the-go’ key meal solutions throughout the day, serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner in exciting new formats, from traditional meal deals to the inclusion of hot food served over counter – a first for Co-op – and a brand-new deli-selection offering product innovation for any time of the day. Shoppers can simply pop in for a Costa Coffee, hot baguette, buttermilk chicken tenders or wholesome protein pots for a quick hot lunch on the go.

Building on Co-op’s convenience expertise and taking cues from around the world to meet consumer demand for fast, high quality food on the go. The new outlets support Co-op’s growth ambitions and gets closer to consumers with an innovative blend of the best of European and Far East trends of ‘serviced-over’ food-to-go propositions, which bring together time of day and freshly prepared products designed to stand out in the high street.

Matt Hood, Co-op Food MD, said: “We are always looking at new ways to deliver convenience to our members and customers and these new stores are a perfect example of us using our expertise to refine our ‘on the go’ offer so it is focused on giving shoppers exactly what they need, when they need it. It’s a brand-new concept, which we believe there is a big demand for and which we can meet with delicious products, quick service, good value and spot on locations. I’m excited to see this evolution of Co-op stores, join our traditional convenience stores across the UK.“

Extensive new product development exclusive to micro stores includes all day breakfast meal pots, berry burst bircher and apple and cinnamon overnight oats. For lunch, a new deli-selection will serve offerings such as smoked salmon, egg and spinach pots; sweet potato bhaji wrap; falafel and houmous salad bowls and tomato, mozzarella & pesto focaccia bagels.

Co-op’s award-winning Irresistible pizzas will also be made available to purchase cooked in store – another first for Co-op – with shoppers given the option to purchase a hot slice or full pizza. Hot and cold drinks include award winning wines and a carefully curated range of ready to drink single-serve cocktails.

In another new move for Co-op, these new format stores will have unique opening times, the doors will open between 7am-7pm. The next phase will see the store turn to ‘dark trading’ in the evening - including Co-op’s Irresistible Pizzas cooked and delivered to your door in minutes - as Co-op looks to increase its ‘slice’ of the growing food for now market.

The move also unlocks ‘food for now’ through Co-op’s leading Quick Commerce operation and secures a foothold in a new market for the convenience retailer. Supporting Co-op’s growth ambitions, and bringing its quality, value and benefits of membership to new communities by getting closer to shoppers with the ultimate in ease and convenience.

For more information about the benefits of Co-op membership, visit coop.co.uk/membership.

the new concept is approximately 600-1,000sq ft (net sales area)

^*Long term ambition number which will comprise of new locations, existing site re-fits and existing site implants.