Co-op is rolling out a new chain of food-for-now shops, each around a quarter of the size of its typical convenience outlets.
With a sales area of between 600 and 1,000 sq ft, the new On The Go micro sites are aimed at catering for the growing ‘grab-and-go’ consumer culture, noted the retailer. Key meal solutions on offer throughout the day range from traditional meal deals and hot food served over the counter – a first for Co-op – to a brand-new deli selection.
Among the bakery NPD exclusive to the new shops are the All Day Breakfast Baguette, the Tomato, Mozzarella & Pesto Focaccia Bagel, the Sweet Potato Bhaji Wrap, and the Three Cheese & Chilli Jam Toastie. Co-op’s Irresistible pizzas will also be available to purchase cooked in store – another Co-op first – either as a full pizza or by the slice.
The first micro site opened today (31 July) in Solihull, with another 15 set to launch in strategic high foot-traffic locations nationwide over the coming months. Co-op revealed a longer-term ambition of reaching several hundred of these smaller stores in the next two to three years, including via re-fits and implants of existing sites.
Daily operating hours are initially from 7am to 7pm, although a next phase will see shops turn to ‘dark trading’ in the evening including pizza home deliveries.
“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,” commented Matt Hood, Co-op Food MD.
“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,” he added.
Greggs is also looking to get in on the micro site opportunity to support continued growth of its retail estate, unveiling plans to trial a new ‘bitesize Greggs’ format. Meanwhile, Pret has gone the other way and developed a new dine-in shop format with a made-to-order menu.
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