Retailer plans to ‘open more stores than ever before’
Central England Co-op has outlined a raft of expansion plans that it says benefit customers and local communities.
The retailer, which operates over 400 food stores, funeral homes and travel shops across 16 counties, outlined its vision for the future as part of a specially created film which debuted at its first-ever online Annual Members’ Meeting.
Highlights include the trialing of new technology such as self scan checkouts, a scan and go app for mobile phones and planning funerals online, further work to sell more locally sourced products than ever and the potential of opening more new stores than ever before.
Brand director Juliet Oosthuysen said: “We want the experience of using your local Central England Co-op store to feel personal and rewarding, whether that be doing your local shopping, organising or attending a funeral, booking a holiday or working for us.”
Richard Denning, business development director, said: “It is about doing business in a way that treats everyone fairly and inclusively, including our suppliers many of whom are local to our community.”
IT and digital director Liz Robson said: “We want to strengthen communities through quality convenience. That isn’t just about shopping at a convenience store, it is about making the customer interaction easier and more relevant for them.
“We are now investing heavily in technology to provide an online click and collect service, to install new self checkouts and to launch a scan and go app.
“Our websites are being improved so people can organise a funeral, in part, from home without the pressure of having to attend a meeting in person.”
Andy Peake, commercial director, said: “A big focus for us is to increase the amount of locally sourced products so we can offer our customers something unique as well as supporting local businesses.
“This is part of our plan to offer regionally tailored products and services within your local community – what you will be see at one end of the country will be different from the other.”
Andrew Buckley, head of property, said: “We want to serve and co-operate with more communities so we are looking to open more food stores than ever before. This will allow us to reach more people and offer an alternative to the big players.
“Our expansion plans are more relevant than ever as people move towards shopping more locally due to COVID-19.
