Costcutter Supermarkets Group (CSG) reports it is celebrating a further successful franchise conversion by transforming its company-owned store in Fremington, North Devon to a Co-op store.
CSG’s says that its market-leading business growth transformation programme, Shopper First, proved instrumental in helping the store develop and deliver continuous sales growth by ensuring it had a strong, relevant offer for today’s convenience shopper, which saw the potential of the Fremington outlet to become a Co-op franchise.
The conversion of the 2,600 sq.ft. store to a Co-op, saw a joint £250,000 investment from both CSG and Co-op, and has created six new jobs, said CSG. The store now offers the award-winning, ethically-sourced, Fairtrade Co-op Own Brand range and focuses on fresh healthy produce, wines and ready meals, along with a wide selection of Free-From and vegan products.
The Co-op franchise opportunity through CSG aims to offer retailers and investors across the UK the opportunity to open a Co-op store, with the combined support of both CSG and the Co-op.
Lucy Frost, director of franchise at CSG, commented: “The Fremington store marks another milestone in our exclusive convenience retail-franchise agreement with Co-op and clearly demonstrates our commitment to widening our reach and building on our joint success in convenience retailing.
“Alongside our work with investors and independent retailers to progress Co-op franchise opportunities, we have continued to explore how we can build on the successes we have seen in the transformation of our other company stores to Co-op franchises and Fremington was the obvious next choice to help us expand our franchise footprint. Previous company-owned stores have increased turnover by a minimum of 50 per cent, and we’re confident that Fremington will follow a similar path.
“Our experience of operating in the convenience sector for over 30 years, together with the strength of the Co-op offer, which shoppers love, has created a strong franchise model. We continuing to work through an exciting pipeline of investors and retailers keen to realise the success that a Co-op franchise can offer.”
Martin Rogers, head of new channels at Co-op, added: “At the Co-op we are always looking for ways to reach new customers and members, and our latest franchise store is a great example of how we are growing our brand to generate mutual value with a likeminded partner.
“Our Co-op purpose is about connecting communities, bringing people together and making a difference and every time our own brand products are purchased with a Co-op Membership card, you know you’re helping communities here and around the world. We have the capability to deliver franchising at scale and we’re confident this will continue to be an attractive proposition for potential investors.”
CSG operates four brands across the UK and the Republic of Ireland consisting of Costcutter, Mace, Simply Fresh and Supershop.