Co-op set to open Cynon Valley store
A NEW Co-op in the Cynon Valley will be one of 12 new stores to open in Wales this year.
The community retailer’s continued investment in Wales will see a more than £16m programme of food store openings and refits.
Alongside a dozen new stores, there are major makeovers for about 20 further stores.
It will mean a new store in Cwmbach as the company creates a total of 250 jobs across the country.
The Co-op opened its first new Welsh store in Rossett, near Wrexham, last week, with new stores also planned for Swansea, Rhayader, Monmouth, Radyr, Pembroke, Llanelli and Machen. Stores in St David’s Park, Old Colwyn, Holyhead, Talgarth and Barmouth have all relaunched with a new look this year after receiving major makeovers.
In addition, the Co-op also has plans to unveil two new funeral homes in Wales this year, with the first due to open in Cwmbran in May. Plans for a funeral home in Colwyn Bay are also underway. Its Funeralcare business is also investing in its current estate as part of a wider development programme.
Tina Mitchell, managing director for the Co-op, Wales, said: “Continued investment in our brand and our business is delivering benefits for colleagues, members and communities right across Wales. And, consumers are responding to our commitment to doubling the number of local suppliers.
“Quality, trust and provenance are key for customers and we are working closely with smaller producers. It is their traditions, passion, and innovation which makes their products loved locally, and as a community retailer we are committed to championing great Welsh food and drink.”
The Co-op now has ambitions to boost the number of active members in Wales to 400,000 by the end of the year, a move which follows the retailer’s return to its iconic “clover leaf” design logo and the re-launch of its membership proposition – Members now receive a 5% reward on purchases of own-branded products and services, with a further 1% directly benefiting local good causes.
In Wales, approaching 300 community groups and good causes are this month sharing almost £500,000 which has been raised in just six months.
Described as the fastest growing convenience retailer, the Co-op has outperformed its market over the past year with like-forlike sales up 3.5%, and locally sourcing products is a cornerstone of its food strategy.
In December it awarded contracts to eleven smaller or, micro, breweries to supply around 80 of its Welsh stores including the Great Orme Brewery; Boss Brewing (Swansea): Tiny Rebel (Newport); Gower Brewery and, Glamorgan Brewing Company.
And from May, in a further boost for Welsh agriculture, the Co-op will sell only 100% British ownbrand fresh beef, chicken, pork, lamb, bacon and turkey. It is already the only retailer to use British meat in all its chilled ready meals, pies and sandwiches.