The Co-op is looking for independent retailers who share its “values and principles” and would like to trade under its fascia.
A new website is actively recruiting interested retailers, who will access a full-service model and receive support, tools and training.
To qualify your must have weekly sales of £20,000 excluding VAT, Lotto, Paypoint and Post Office. Your store needs to be at least 2,000sq ft with additional storage space of over 800sq ft.
The move into symbol group territory comes in addition to the company’s plans to build around 100 new owned and operated stores this year.
The Co-op has been trialling its franchise model since last spring. The three participating stores have apparently seen a minimum sales uplift of 50%.
Franchised outlets will provide shoppers with the same access to the Co-op’s membership scheme, which gives a 5% reward back on Co-op own-brand purchases and a further 1% donated to local community causes.
Martin Rogers, the Co-op’s Head of New Channels, said: “We’re looking for the right retailers in the right locations to share in our success and help widen the reach of Co-op products.
“We now have the capability to deliver franchising at scale, offering our award-winning food in new places to attract new customers and members.”
