Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
The Co-op is open its newest Welsh food store in Penygroes on Saint David’s Day.
The grocery retailer will relocate to its new purpose built premises on March 1, following a £600,000 investment.
Located in Water Road, the new branch is 50% larger than its former store in the village, and includes a Costa coffee dispenser, in-store bakery and customer car parking, alongside an increased emphasis on fresh, healthy foods, Fairtrade products, award-winning wines and, essentials.
The store also has a focus on Welsh produce: all of the Co-op’s own brand fresh meat is 100% British, including the availability of Welsh lamb all year round. In addition, its extended selection of beers includes the limited edition St David’s Day Pale Ale, produced by Wales’ award-winning Boss Brewing.
The store – which provides 15 full and part time local jobs – also brings a funding boost for local causes through the Co-op’s Membership Scheme. Members receive a 5% reward when they swipe their Membership cards when buying own-brand products, with the Co-op giving a further 1% back to community groups including Clych Meithrin Penygroes (which is raising funds for new resources for a nursery school); Morfa Bychan Recreation Centre (which aims to buy new play equipment), and Ysgol Bro Lleu (which is working to develop ICT skills in the community). Since the Co-op rejuvenated its Membership Scheme in September 2016 it has shared over £2 million with more than 1,000 Welsh causes.
Store manager Dylan Rowlands, who has worked for the Co-op for more than 30 years, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to make such a significant investment in Penygroes. The store will have a great look and range, enabling us to better serve our local community. It’s all about getting closer to our members and customers, providing what they want, need and care about, conveniently.
“We also want customers to know that they can become a co-owner and member of their Co-op, and that the Co-op gives back to its members and the community – our Members help us to make a difference locally simply by swiping their Membership card when they shop with us.”
There are offers and promotions in and around the new-look store to mark its launch. For example, students holding the NUS [National Union of Students] extra (TOTUM) card receive a 10% discount off their groceries at the Co-op to support them during their studies.
