Co-op serves up next-gen ‘on-the-go’ micro store format

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 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 31st 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 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.

*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.