Co-op reveals its first store on the UK Defence Estate, at HMS Collingwood
18 December 2024
Co-op has revealed that it partnered with ESS Defence, specialist provider of foodservice and facilities management to military establishments across the UK, to open the leading convenience retailer’s first store on the UK Defence estate, at HMS Collingwood.
The move forms part of Co-op’s growth ambitions for its franchise business and, is in line with ESS’ commitment to enhancing the lived experience of service personnel and the wider Defence community.
Collaboration between ESS, Co-op, the Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has delivered a purpose-built new retail facility in the Junior Ranks Mess. The product range has been tailored to reflect the population on site, which includes military personnel, civil servants and contractors.
The store, which operates as a Co-op franchise, provides a range of hot and cold food to go options and food-for-later offer, alongside quality, fresh and healthy grocery lines. Costa hot beverages are available via two self-serve machines, complemented by Co-op’s bakery range. There are also non-food items including household essentials.
Customers will have access to a wide range of branded and Co-op own-branded products, promotions including meal deals and the benefits of Co-op membership which creates additional value with member-only price savings across everyday essentials, and personalised offers via the Co-op Membership app.
Six self-service tills are added for added speed, ease and convenience, along with external digital media.
The company’s partnership with the Co-op is founded on shared values, with both organisations committed to making positive contributions to the communities they operate in. Co-op is also committed to supporting UK farmers, growers and suppliers, with all of its fresh and frozen meat and poultry, including in its own-brand ready meals, pies and freshly prepared sandwiches, 100% British.
Martin Rogers, Director of Partnership Development, Co-op, commented: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with ESS, and our franchise partnerships bringing Co-op and the benefits of membership to new communities and more places. We are really proud to launch a Co-op serving the HMS Collingwood community, it's an exciting development and hopefully the first of many together. We enjoy working closely with quality partners and look forward to sharing our convenience expertise, own brand and the value and benefits that membership creates across a range of new and diverse sectors as part of our franchise growth plan."
Captain Tim Davey, Commanding Officer at HMS Collingwood, commented: “I was absolutely delighted to be part of the opening ceremony of the new Co-Op store in HMS Collingwood. The combined teams from ESS, Co-op and DIO, and many more here, have worked tirelessly to deliver an exciting new store with minimal disruption and it will certainly help to improve the lived experience and choices for the entire workforce in Collingwood.”
Louis Davies, Retail Director – Compass One, commented: “The opening of the Co-op at HMS Collingwood will bring a range of benefits. We know this is a brand that resonates with our customers and supports our ongoing drive to constantly improve customer experience. Extended food to go, food for later, grocery and non-food ranges mean that service personnel will be able to fulfil a variety of shopping missions in store, whether they’re popping in to grab their lunch or picking up ingredients to prepare a meal later.”
Bob Gray, Managing Director – ESS Defence, Marine & Aerospace, added: “Retail innovation is one of our primary focus points for clients and customers and we’re delighted to have opened the first Co-op on the UK Defence estate. We’re committed to giving our customers access to retail offers that align with what they see on the high street, and what better way than by partnering with such a well-established brand. Co-op brings with it specific associations around quality, value and community, and we’re looking forward to bringing these to life for our customers at HMS Collingwood.”
ENDS
Editor Notes:
Compass Group UK & Ireland
We’re the UK’s leading food and support services provider: the people behind the food, hospitality and services that brighten your day, make you smile and put a spring in your step. Operating in some 5,000 + locations across the UK & Ireland, we provide expert catering, cleaning, and facilities management services to a range of clients and sectors across the country. In the UK and Ireland we’re tens of thousands of talented people providing tasty, well-cooked food and support services to improve the health and wellbeing of workers, school children, hospital patients, military and visitors to the nation’s major sports and cultural events.
About HMS Collingwood - visit here
Further information:
Andrew Torr
Senior Press Officer, Co-op Press Office
M: 07702505551
E: andrew.torr@coop.co.uk