Salford Quays opening kick-starts Co-op’s convenience store expansion
The Co-op has launched its first new store of 2025 in Salford Quays, as the convenience retailer embarks on plans to accelerate convenience growth.
The new Co-op convenience store is located in commercial retail space on the ground floor of the Anchorage Gateway, Salford Quays – a 29-storey residential development located close to the area’s media, education and cultural hubs.
The launch of the new Salford Quays store comes after the Manchester-based retailer revealed ambitions to open up to 75 new stores this year, consisting of both Co-op estate stores and franchise stores.
In addition, Co-op plans for around 80 further stores to undertake major refurbishments in 2025 – transforming the stores to serve and support their communities and to maximise the potential of Co-op’s existing portfolio of properties.
The Salford Quays store will act as a fulfilment hub for Co-op’s Quick Commerce operation, with the online delivery of groceries becoming available shortly after launch via Co-op’s partners, Just Eat, Uber Eats and Deliveroo. Orders are picked fresh in the local store, and delivered quickly and conveniently to homes and offices locally.
Soft plastic recycling is also available in the store, enabling consumers to return harder-to-recycle materials such as crisp packets and bread bags, lids from ready meals, biscuit wrappers and pet food pouches.
Rachel Hargreaves, Director of Property, Development and Estates, Co-op, said: “We are working to acquire new retail space, both freehold and leasehold, and to maximise the potential of our existing estate as part of our convenience growth ambitions.
“Our stores are designed to be a destination locally, a community hub combining great quality products, value, deals and ethical retailing with quick online delivery services, community participation and additional customer services – we have a clear focus on growing our convenience business, and enhancing the value we create and deliver for our member-owners and their communities.”
Simon Williams, Co-op’s Salford Quays Store Manager, said: “The whole team is excited to launch Co-op’s newest store, and Co-op’s first new store of the year.
“We pride ourselves on being able to deliver the quality, choice, added services and value which can be enjoyed by everyone, and we are really looking forward to welcoming residents, office workers and those visiting Salford Quays and all that it has to offer into Co-op’s new store. We’re here to contribute to local life and conveniently serve and support our community.”
Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer-owned co-operatives, with its history dating back 180 years. Its members own the business and play an intrinsic part in the governance of the organisation.
