Co-op serves-up new Worcester store following £500,000 investment

23 March 2018

The Co-op has served-up a new food store in Worcester this week (Thursday, 22 March) following a £500,000 investment creating 11 jobs.

The store is an innovative development, bringing to life surplus space in the grounds of the Goodrest Tavern in Barker Street, Worcester.

The new store launches with a funding boost locally through its Membership scheme – Members receive a 5% reward on the purchase of own-brand products and services, with the Co-op donating a further 1% to local good causes which currently include: West Mercia Search and Rescue; Spectrum Days – which supports people with profound disabilities and, the Worcester Deaf Childrens Society.

Local good causes, charities and community groups can now apply to benefit from the Co-op’s Community Fund. Applications are invited from the area up until 8 April 2018.

Children from St Barnabus Primary School were among the guest of honours on launch day – helping to cut the ribbon and declaring the new store open for the community. The Co-op donated £500 to the school as part of launch day celebrations to support the school’s bid to raise funds for an outdoor stage.

Dan Brewer, Co-op Store Manager, said: “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to carry out such a significant investment in Worcester – and, we are really looking forward to welcoming members and customers into their new Co-op. We have had a great response. And, as a community retailer, our ambition is to ensure that the store is a local hub, and a real asset for the community.”

Jon Bottomley, Area Manager for the Co-op, said: “The Co-op is moving forward with a clear purpose and momentum. We are investing in our people, stores, products, prices and communities, and we have the ambition for our stores to be at the heart of local life - bringing communities together and offering our great quality products when and where shoppers need them. We also want customers to know that they can become a co-owner and member of their Co-op. And, that we are also giving back to the community. Our members make a difference locally, simply by swiping their membership card when they shop with us they are raising much needed funding for organisations in the area who contribute to improving local life.”

There are offers and promotions in and around the store to mark its launch. And, students in Worcester holding a NUS extra card also receive a 10% discount off their groceries at the Co-op to support them during their studies.

Last month, the community retailer unveiled a £50M price investment programme to cut the cost of everyday essentials including fruit, vegetables, bread, fresh meat and ready meals, as well as household brand names. And the Co-op was awarded the title of Convenience Retailer of the Year at last year’s Retail Industry Awards.

Further information about the benefits of Co-op Membership, or how to apply to its Community Fund is available by visiting https://www.coop.co.uk/membership

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Further information
Andrew Torr
Co-op Press Office
M: 07702 505 551
E: andrew.torr@coop.co.uk