1. Co-op Snapshot, February 2019
Retailer performance
Must see stores
2017
2018e %
Change
Group Turnover (ex VAT)
£9.5bn
£9.6bn
1.1%
Food sales
£7.0bn
£7.1bn
1.5%
No. of stores
2,532
2,592
2.3%
1) Co-op on the go, Manchester
Piccadilly Approach, Manchester
The first store in a new ‘On the go’ format which Co-op is rolling out in high footfall locations. The food-to-go focused store has a range and layout tailored to appeal to transient shoppers.
2) Co-op, Chiswell Green
212 Watford Road, Chiswell Green, Herts
A new build store, Co-op Chiswell Green presents a showcase of the latest format thinking. A neighbourhood mini-supermarket with capability to meet a range of shopper missions and needs.
See report
See report
Source: IGD Datacentre, The Co-op Group
Trading priorities
Your checklist to trade with Co-op
Competitive offer with a Co-op difference that attracts more customers and members
High quality products, responsibly sourced underpin the Co-op difference of shared value
Buying British, switching to Fairtrade products, working with local suppliers, and commitments to reduce environmental impacts of packaging are all important aspects of the Co-op trading strategy
Also making considerable investment to cut the cost of everyday food
Targeting a younger demographic
Extending reach and creating value
Co-op is focused on providing more convenient and accessible services to members and customers via a number of different routes: expanding its estate, extending the reach of its brand, and acquiring new businesses
Agile, lean, safer and connected
Following the Nisa acquisition and its wholesale deal with Costcutter, Co-op is reviewing the internal structure to streamline and simplifying decision-making so that it is better able to respond quickly to fast changing markets and social trends
Revitalising the membership proposition
Looking at how to make more of membership data
Improving communication of 'shared value' - the Co-op difference
Greater impact from community work
Driving the concept of ‘shared value’ through its sourcing initiatives and the local charities and causes it supports
Focusing on initiatives to make communities stronger and more resilient
As the retailer looks to become the no. 1 retailer within convenience, does your offer reflect this with appropriate pack and case sizes for ‘little and often’ shopper missions?
The Co-op is looking to appeal to a younger shopper base. This represents a clear focus where suppliers can engage with the Co-op. How could your brand help them engage with this important shopper group?
As the Co-op continues to drive its quality credentials in its PL ranges, are you keeping quality at the forefront of your strategy?
How can you support the Co-op’s key points of difference in ethical trading, local sourcing or championing British? How could you support its community initiatives?
Be aware of the opportunities outside the core estate via the wholesale relationship with Costcutter and Nisa. What could this mean for your business?
© IGD 2019
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2. Co-op Snapshot, February 2019 View the full Co-op profile here
New marketing initiatives
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Selected key executives
Latest developments
Steve Murrells
Group Chief Executive
Murrells became Co-op Group CEO in March 2017 having previously led the Co-op’s Food business since As a senior executive at the Co-op Steve has been a key part of the team which has rebuilt the Co-op.
Pippa Wicks
Deputy Chief Executive
In March 2017, Pippa was appointed Deputy Chief Executive having previously been Chief Operating Office. Pippa joined The Co-op Group in 2014 from business consultants AlixPartners where she co-founded the firm’s Europe wide operations.
Jo Whitfield
Interim Chief Executive - Food
Joined the Group as Finance Director Retail in Prior to this, Jo was with the Asda business for 8 years.
Michael Fletcher
Commercial Director
Fletcher held a variety of roles including commercial director for Tesco Malaysia and most recently commercial director for group procurement.
Chris Whitfield
Retail & Logistics Director
Became Retail & Logistics Director in March 2015, having held a number of senior roles for Tesco, including Retail Director of Tesco Lotus Thailand.
When?
What?
So what?
January 2019
Co-op to open 100 new stores in 2019
Major UK convenience retailer, Co-op has confirmed plans to open 100 new food stores during 2019.
December 2018
Nisa sales up 16.4% in 2017/18
Financial results posted with Companies House show that in the year to 1 April 2018, wholesale distributor, Nisa Retail had sales of £1,457m, an increase of over 16% on 2017.
November 2018
Co-op rolls out new compostable carrier bags
Co-op’s new compostable bags are priced at 5p, the same price as the conventional single-use plastic bags that they will replace. The move will see around 60 million plastic carrier bags eliminated across the UK.
Co-op plans for £45m distribution centre
The new facility, which will be in Bedfordshire’s Symmetry Park, Biggleswade, will support the retailer’s growth across London, the South, and the South East of England. Construction of the distribution centre is due to begin in H
Co-op unveils new 'On the go' concept store
Co-op has opened a new store in Manchester Piccadilly station to cater for the growing trend in shoppers buying food 'on the go'.
September 2018
Co-op launches in-store radio with regional content
The Co-op has re-launched its in-store radio station with a service that allows retailers to select content relevant to the local area
© IGD 2019
Source: IGD Research