Co-op franchise launches first service station store

Co-op has launched its first franchise store at a service station, with the opening of Co-op Cornwall Services.

The franchise estate of the retailer has now reached 15 stores and includes independent retailers, university campuses, Nisa partners, Costcutter company-owned stores and its first franchise partnership with a catering business, Gather & Gather.

“We’re always looking for ways to reach new customers and members, and our Cornwall Services store is a great example of how our franchise model can flex to work in a number of different locations to meet differing customer missions,” commented Martin Rogers, head of new channels at Co-op.

The new 2000 sq ft store located off the Victoria Interchange junction off the A30, near Bodmin, will be open between 7am-10pm seven days a week. The store will support 20 local jobs and will run on 100 per cent renewable electricity.

The store has been specifically designed to serve the many commuters and tourists who will pass through the area, with an extensive food-to-go range with hot and cold sandwiches, snacks and chilled drinks. It also boasts an in-store bakery.

Mark Upton, the store owner, said: “We’re really excited to launch the first ever Co-op in a service station site at Cornwall Services. The store has a fantastic modern look a substantial range and competitive prices that provides a convenient solution for tourists and for local people to stop off and top-up on their commute.”

Co-op was recently accredited by the British Franchise Association (bfa), having been upgraded to an Associated Member of the self-regulatory body for the UK franchise industry.