Co-op to serve up new shops in the region
FOOD DIVISION APPOINTS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOLLOWING A SUCCESSFUL INTERIM PERIOD IN CHARGE
THE Co-op is set to serve-up two new food stores in Greater Manchester this week following a £1m investment creating up to 35 new jobs.
The new stores – located in Palatine Road, Northenden and, Talbot Road, Hyde – both launch on Thursday (July 27).
Local causes including the St Catherine’s Scout and Cubs Group – which is raising money for a new minibus; Didsbury Good Neighbours, the Albert Club which is raising funds for an outdoor play and recreational area for young members, Harry’s Holiday Hangout; Tameside Sight and, Tameside South and Longdendale Foodbank, will also benefit from the Co-op’s membership scheme.
Members receive a five per cent reward on the purchase of ownbranded products and services, with a further one per cent benefitting local good causes.
Both stores will offer an in-store bakery, food-to-go, and a Costa coffee dispenser alongside its focus on fresh, healthy foods, meal ideas, award-winning wines and essentials.
Paul Faulkner, regional manager, said: “We are pleased to continue our ongoing store investment programme in the Greater Manchester area. The Co-op is moving forward with a clear purpose and momentum. Our ambition is to establish our stores as a local hub, an asset for the community.”
The recent openings follow news of a new CEO at Co-op Food.
Jo Whitfield takes up the new role following a successful interim period in charge in which she has maintained the impetus of the business, anchored around its core convenience strategy. Jo joined the Co-op in 2016, initially as food finance director. She became the interim CEO for Food in February this year when Steve Murrells was appointed as group CEO. Said Jo: “It’s a great honour and privilege to become CEO at such an exciting time for Co-op Food and the Co-op as a whole. Whilst our market continues to be highly competitive, it is also clear that our focus on delivering a high quality shopping experience, built around value, convenience and provenance is working for our members and customers. “My role is to ensure that we continue to deliver on the great progress we’ve made over the past few years and I’m excited by that challenge.”
The Co-op is moving forward with a clear purpose and momentum Paul Faulkner, regional manager