Co-op and Bonmarché unveil new partnership with value fashion outlet launching inside Co-op’s new-look Louth store

03 June 2024

Co-op and Bonmarché unveil new partnership as value fashion outlet launches inside Co-op’s new-look Louth store.

Louth’s Co-op, located in Northgate, Louth, has undertaken a 12-week programme of works and improvements, with the major makeover including the introduction of the 3,000 sq ft Bonmarché store which marks the inaugural partnership between Co-op and the value womenswear fashion retailer.

Co-op’s Louth store supports around 30 local jobs with the major makeover transforming the shopping experience for its member-owners and customers in the community. It re-launches with a fresh new look and layout including hot food, bakery, and Costa coffee express. Parcel collections services are also available for added ease and convenience through InPost Lockers and DPD.

Bonmarché, which had announced plans to ramp up its expansion plans over the next 18 months and bring more stores to UK highstreets, will stock the latest trends in sizes 10-28, providing inspirational fashion for women. Collections available include the Lorraine Loves Edit; curated by TV presenter Lorraine Kelly, alongside their occasionwear collection designed by royal couturier David Emanuel.

Mark Matthews, Director of Format & Innovation, Co-op, said: “We are delighted to partner with Bonmarché. As we invest in transforming our Louth store we are committed to creating added services which provide a compelling customer offer in the community. The addition of a Bonmarché store will offer further value and choice for our member-owners and customers in Louth.”

Bonmarché Retail Director, Amanda Waterfield, said: “Bonmarché are delighted to be a part of the exciting re-launch of the Louth Co-op store and to be able to offer our fashion to the Louth customer. We cannot wait to meet the customers on the launch day, and hear their feedback on our current collections, and hope this opening will lead to more Co-op partnerships in the future.”

Kevin Ferguson, Co-op’s Louth Store Manager, added: “We have had a great response. The whole team is delighted to have the opportunity to transform Co-op’s Louth store. The arrival of Bonmarché is a great addition, our aim is to operate at the heart of local life and we have worked to develop the range, choice and added services to serve our community. The store has a focus on delivering value, with member price savings across a wide range of everyday essentials so that the people who own our business, our member-owners, benefit every time they shop.”

Claire Robinson, Bonmarché Area Manager, said: “We are so excited and enjoying welcoming shoppers into our new Louth store. The store design looks amazing, and we are sure our new and existing customers will love it! We open with all the latest styles including an amazing selection of summer and resort styles to prepare Louth for the warmer temperatures ahead!”

Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer-owned co-operatives. With its history dating back to 1844, its member-owners own the business and play an intrinsic part in the governance of the organisation - enjoying a wide number of benefits including member-only price savings across everyday grocery essentials, and personalised offers via the Co-op Membership app.

The Co-op store includes a focus on fresh, healthy produce; meal ideas; everyday essentials; food-to-go; Fairtrade products, flowers, chilled beers and award-winning wines; ready meals, pizzas and, free-from, vegan and plant-based products. Co-op is also committed to supporting British farmers, growers and suppliers, with all of its fresh and frozen meat and poultry, including in its ready meals, pies and sandwiches, 100% British.

A soft plastic recycle unit is available in Co-op’s Louth store to enable the community to recycle ‘soft plastics’ including: crisp packets and bread bags, lids from ready meals and yogurt pots, biscuit wrappers and, pet food pouches - ensuring all Co-op’s own food packaging is recyclable either through local authority kerbside collections, or the in-store recycling unit.

More information about the benefits of Co-op Membership is available by visiting www.coop.co.uk/membership

Bonmarché was founded in 1982 and with more than 200 stores is one of the UK’s largest women’s only value retailers focused on selling affordable, quality womenswear – for more information and to browse all the latest collections, visit: www.bonmarche.co.uk

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Notes to editors:

About Bonmarché:
Founded in Wakefield in 1982, Bonmarché is one of the UK’s largest women’s only value retailers focused on selling affordable, quality womenswear in sizes 10-28. The company currently has over 200 stores across the United Kingdom. Ranges include casual and formal pieces including dresses, outerwear, swimwear, lingerie and nightwear well as exclusive collections from Lorraine Kelly.

About Co-op:
Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by millions of UK consumers, the Co-op operates almost 2,400 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 6,000 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited. Employing 56,000 people, the Co-op has an annual turnover of over £11billion and is a recognised leader for its social goals and community-led programmes. The Co-op exists to meet members’ needs and stand up for the things they believe in.

Further information:
Andrew Torr
Senior Press Officer, Co-op Press Office
M: 07702505551
E: andrew.torr@cop.co.uk