Co-op on June 19 launched its newest store in Suffolk village of Rendlesham with a focus on incorporating and showcasing the latest sustainability features as part of ongoing commitments to responsible retailing in the convenience sector.
The new ‘sustainability showcase store’ has been designed to communicate all the positive initiatives, that often go unnoticed behind the scenes, to Co-op’s members and customers with measures ranging from motion activated fridge lights to the solar panels on the roof which are soon to be installed.
The new store will be utilised as a ‘test, learn and adopt’ environment allowing new sustainability technologies to be trialled, with the potential for roll-out across its estate at scale.
Rendlesham Co-op also includes a coffee pod recycling service, to make it easier for its customers and members to recycle used coffee pods in-store. Plus, soft plastic recycling so shoppers can return and recycle materials that are often not universally accepted via household kerbside recycling, such as crisp packets and bread bags, lids from ready meals, biscuit wrappers and, pet food pouches.
An InPost Locker is also available for convenient parcel collection services, which can help to reduce mileage in last-mile logistics by consolidating multiple deliveries into a single stop and eliminate repeat door-to-door trips from missed deliveries.
Customer car parking includes electric vehicle charging.
Co-op has reduced greenhouse gas emissions from its own operations by 65% since 2016, its longer-term target is to be a Net Zero business by 2035 across its own operations, and by 2040 across its value chain.
Located at Walnut Tree Avenue, Rendlesham, the new store has created 14 local jobs, and opens between 6am-11pm to serve the community, conveniently
The store includes an extensive range and choice of fresh and chilled products; in-store bakery and, Costa Coffee Express. This sits alongside Co-op’s focus on meal deals and food to go; Fairtrade products; ready meals and meal ideas – including Co-op's new Mediterranean-inspired ‘Served’ range - pizzas; fresh meats and dairy; chilled beers and wines, fresh flowers and, everyday essentials.
There are offers, deals and promotions throughout the store. Member price savings create additional value for Co-op members who can save more with lower prices on the everyday essential products shoppers buy most.
Alex Ball, Co-op's Area Manager, said: “We are delighted to invest in Rendlesham, and proud to launch Co-op’s newest store and, our latest sustainability showcase location – the store looks fantastic and we have had a great response.
"We invest to create local stores which are more than just a shop, they are a hub contributing to local life and meeting the needs of communities, with a focus on offering quality products, value and choice that can be enjoyed by everyone.
"In addition, as a showcase store, we demonstrate our sustainability work in action - often going unnoticed behind the scenes, in-store communications inform our members and customers on the impactful changes we are making in our stores to help us on the important journey to net-zero.
“We’re proud to serve Rendlesham, and really enjoying welcoming the community into their new Co-op. We’re here to contribute to local life and conveniently serve and support the community.”