Co-op is investing £9m in 12 new stores in London that will open in the next 30 days, creating hundreds of jobs.
The first locations to launch – which will all have a focus on fresh, healthy foods, meal ideas and essentials – are Rotherhithe Street (Southwark), Portman Square (Westminster) and Hampton Road (Twickenham).
Co-op recently announced a £45m investment in a new Bedfordshire distribution centre to support its growth plans in London and the south east.
Stuart Hookins, property, strategy and development director at Co-op, said: “2018 has been one of our most successful years of new store openings, with more than 100 new stores opening their doors across the UK, over a third of which are in London and the South East, and we’re always looking for new locations where we can be at the heart of local life.
“It’s extremely encouraging to see how the rapid growth rate of our store portfolio bucks most high-street retail trends. We believe our success is due to launching the right stores, in the right locations. Ultimately, it’s all about getting closer to our members and customers, providing what they want, when and where they need it. In addition to this, our continued investment into the quality of our own-label products has helped to change the perception of the brand which in turn changes consumer shopping habits.”n the next 30 days, creating hundreds of jobs.
