The Co-op has today (Thursday, March 17) confirmed its interest in opening not one but two new convenience stores in Chester.
The latest outlet would be located in the former Jewson’s showroom, Christleton Road, Boughton. Jewson will continue to operate in its rear unit.
This announcement comes after it was recently revealed the Co-op also wants to move into the old Elms Medical Centre at Hoole.
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Both sites were originally targeted by Tesco but the retail giant withdrew following a nationwide review of its operations.
Subject to contracts completing, the Co-op aims to open the new store later this year with a premises licence already in place to sell alcohol off the premises up to 11pm Monday to Sunday.
Creating up to 20 new retail roles, the store would have a focus on fresh, healthy foods, meal ideas and essentials.
Chris Moss, The Co-op’s acquisitions manager for the North West, said: “The Co-op is investing to transform and grow its convenience business and industry data shows that our food strategy is taking us in the right direction – we are pleased to be in talks to open a new store in Christleton Road in order to serve the community.
'Co-op will be an asset to community'
“We are confident that a new Co-op store would become a real asset to the community and, as a community retailer, and a co-operative, it will play its part in local life too.”
Co-op says a member of the food store team will also act as a Community Pioneer to foster involvement in community activities, such as local fundraising initiatives and support for the British Red Cross, The Co-op’s charity partnership, to tackle social isolation and loneliness in communities.
The Co-op is the fastest growing non-discounter food store according to retail industry data released by Kantar Worldpanel last month (February) with 100 new stores due to open in the UK this year. The retailer says it has grown its Loved by us and Truly Irresistible own-label sales by 7%, with sales of fresh and chilled produce growing fastest.
In Hoole, The Co-op plans to move into the former Elms Medical Centre in Hoole Road and close down its nearby existing stores in Faulkner Street and Walker Street with staff transferred across.
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Co-op members are encouraged to suggest locations where they would like to see a local Co-op store serving their community with the opportunity for those making successful submissions to win £500 in gift vouchers.
For more information, visit The Co-op’s ‘Suggest A Site’ web page by clicking http://www.co-operative.coop/membership/local-communities/suggest-a-site/
