Costcutter Supermarkets Group launch exclusive Co-op franchise at National Franchise Exhibition
An exclusive franchise opportunity from the Co-op, operated through Costcutter Supermarkets Group, was launched to potential investors at this month’s National Franchise Exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham (4th and 5th October 2019).
The exhibition proved very popular amongst prospective investors, as well as interested existing retailers. Both had the opportunity to speak directly to Co-op and CSG representatives to find out more about the offer.
Senior figures from the Co-op and Costcutter Supermarkets Group (CSG), who are working together to deliver the proposition, showcased the new convenience retail franchise opportunity to delegates during key-note speeches across both days of the exhibition.
The new franchise opportunity enables investors to enter the growing convenience retail sector with the backing of the UKs leading convenience retailer which is renowned for its award-winning Own Brand range, ethical sourcing and community programme. The Co-op franchise proposition already has seven stores in operation through the agreement with CSG. The existing stores are proving very successful with sales growth in excess of 50%, in a sector which is enjoying consistent year-on-year growth and which is forecast to continue to grow by 16.6%* over the next five years. Through the franchise offer, Co-op franchisees will benefit from:
- No upfront brand or franchise fees
- Co-op’s iconic retail brand
- Co-op’s award-winning, ethically-sourced, fairly-traded Own Brand product range
- Co-op membership offer that rewards its members and community
- Co-op’s nationwide network
- Expert store design and development plan
- Expert support and guidance throughout the store conversion process
- Leading tech, EPOS, till systems and auto replenishment
- Expert marketing support
- Helpdesk service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Tailored account management focused on growing together
- Ongoing operational support to embed training, process and store routines
Martin Rogers, head of new channels at Co-op said:
“This is a significant milestone in our franchise ambition and we’re looking for the right retailers in the right locations to share in our success and help widen the reach of Co-op products and share in the Co-op’s convenience success. We now have the capability to deliver franchising at scale, offering our award-winning food, in new places to attract new customers and members. We’re confident this will prove attractive to potential investors and interest at the show demonstrated this.”
Lucy Frost, Director of Franchise at Costcutter Supermarkets Group said:
“Having transformed three of our company owned stores into Co-op franchises, we have seen each increase turnover by a minimum 50%. Our experience of operating in convenience sector for over 30 years, together with the strength of the Co-op offer which our shoppers love, has created a strong franchise model. Having spent the past 18 months perfecting the offer with the Co-op, we were delighted to showcase the opportunity at the exhibition and see the high levels of interest expressed. It’s clear this is an exciting and attractive proposition to existing retailers and new investors alike.”
