The Co-operative Group is calling for its six million members to help it find sites for new food stores across the nation.
Under the “Suggest-a-site” scheme, members could receive £500 in shopping vouchers if they identify a location or property that is bought and turned into a Co-operative store.
It is part of the Co-operative’s programme to open more than 300 UK food outlets over the next three years.
In the last five weeks, the Group has opened 14 stores and is opening 20 more across the UK in the next few months.
The Group’s members, who include most of the Co-operative Group’s 106,000 employees, can suggest any existing business site that is on the market by filling in a form online.
Stuart Hookins, The Co-operative Food’s head of portfolio strategy, acquisitions and disposals, said: “The Co-operative Group really values its members, and their views and suggestions can really make a difference to the way the business is run.
“Basically, we want our members to be our eyes and ears and help us look for potential sites for new food stores so we can identify the right properties in the right locations at the heart of local communities across the country.”
The Co-operative, which is the UK’s fifth largest food retailer, is focusing on stores, either leasehold or freehold, between 2,000 and 18,000 sq ft, particularly in high street and local community locations.
