Co-op opens new-look food store in Southend and supports 17 jobs

The reopening of Co-op’s Sutton Road shop has supported 17 jobs and it runs on 100 per cent renewable electricity.

It includes a Costa Coffee Express and an internal ATM, with an increased focus on fresh, healthy produce, award-winning wines, vegan and Fairtrade products.

The Southend community will also be able to profit from the Co-op providing a funding boost locally and giving back to causes in the area through its membership scheme, where members receive a five per cent reward on purchases of own brand products and Co-op donates a further one per cent to community causes.

The retailer’s Food Share scheme works to minimise food waste and make a difference locally, collaborating with not-for-profit organisations to share food with those in need in the community.

Roy Conroy, Co-op’s store manager, believes Southend will benefit from the new-look store re-opening.

He said: “We have had a great response. We are delighted to have had the opportunity to make such a significant investment and to reopen in Sutton Road to serve the community – we are looking forward to serving the community.

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“Co-op is committed to connecting communities and making a difference locally, and our aim is to operate at the heart of local life.

“That is why we also want customers to know that they can become a member of their Co-op and they can make a difference every time they swipe their membership card when buying own branded products.”

Co-op, owned by close to 4.6 million active members, picked up the Convenience Retailer of the Year and Food-to-go Retailer of the Year titles at the latest Retail Industry Awards.

The supermarket chain has made changes during the coronavirus pandemic ahead of the new-look food store reopening on Sutton Road.

The Co-op’s Community Shopping Card makes it easier for those self-isolating or who have been instructed to stay at home to buy their essentials.

Cards can be purchased or topped-up by calling 0800 029 4592, enabling friends, families or volunteers to shop on their behalf in store.