Costcutter Supermarkets Group (CSG) has transformed its company-owned store in Fremington to a Co-op as part of its convenience retail-franchise agreement, which continues to attract interest from investors and retailers alike.

Based in North Devon, the store was one of the first to undergo CSG’s market-leading business growth transformation programme, Shopper First, opening its doors as a Co-op franchise on Thursday, 1st October.

The Shopper First programme proved instrumental in helping the store develop and deliver continuous sales growth by ensuring it had a strong, relevant offer for today’s convenience shopper and helped it realise it’s potential to become a Co-op franchise.

Undergoing a joint £250,000 investment from both CSG and Co-op, the 2,000 sq ft store created six new jobs and features the award-winning, ethically-sourced, products.

It also features a wide selection of free-from and vegan products and Fairtrade Co-Op Own brand options alongside everyday essentials.

Lucy Frost director of franchise at CSG said: “The Fremington store marks another milestone in our exclusive convenience retail-franchise agreement with Co-op and clearly demonstrates our commitment to widening our reach and building on our joint success in convenience retailing.

“Alongside our work with investors and independent retailers to progress Co-op franchise opportunities, we have continued to explore how we can build on the successes we have seen in the transformation of our other company stores to Co-op franchises and Fremington was the obvious next choice to help us expand our franchise footprint.

“Previous company owned stores have increased turnover by a minimum of 50%, and we’re confident that Fremington will follow a similar path.”

“Our experience of operating in the convenience sector for over 30 years, together with the strength of the Co-op offer, which shoppers love, has created a strong franchise model.

“We continuing to work through an exciting pipeline of investors and retailers keen to realise the success that a Co-op franchise can offer.”

Martin Rogers, head of new channels at Co-op said: “At the Co-op we are always looking for ways to reach new customers and members, and our latest franchise store is a great example of how we are growing our brand to generate mutual value with a likeminded partner.

“Our Co-op purpose is about connecting communities, bringing people together and making a difference and every time our own brand products are purchased with a Co-op Membership card, you know you’re helping communities here and around the world.

“We have the capability to deliver franchising at scale and we’re confident this will continue to be an attractive proposition for potential investors.”