The Co-operative Group has outlined plans to significantly increase its food store presence in the south west of England and Wales by opening another 100 stores during 2016.
The c-store operator said it will invest around £8 million opening at least 10 stores in the south-west at sites in Somerset, Wiltshire, Devon, Dorset and Cornwall.
The retailer currently has 300 stores in the region, with the group’s chief executive Richard Pennycook saying: 'We are delighted to be making such a significant investment in the south west of England.
'New stores, more jobs, innovative partnerships with local suppliers and a £125 million investment nationally in lowering the price of everyday essentials is great news for customers and communities across the south-west and beyond. It's a positive sign that we are getting on with the job of rebuilding the Co-op for our members.'
A further 10 outlets will be opened this year in Wales as part of an £11m investment which also includes refurbishing 12 existing stores in the region. The new outlets include openings in Tenby, Cardiff, Wrexham, Rossett, Machen, Bryncoch, Bodelwyddan, Rhos-on-Sea and Llanharan.
Data released by Kantar Worldpanel yesterday showed that The Co-operative’s market share grew to 6.0 per cent in the 12 weeks to 28 February 2016, with an increase in shopper frequency contributing to a sales increase of 1.9 per cent.
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