The Co-op is to open 12 new food stores across Wales during this year under a £16 million programme of investment.
Alongside the new stores, there will be major refits for around a further 20 stores and 250 new in-store jobs.
The new stores will include Rossett, Swansea, Cwmbach, Rhayader, Monmouth, Radyr, Pembroke, Llanelli and Machen.
The Co-op has seen like-for-like sales grow by 3.5 per cent over the last year, and has placed locally-sourced products at the centre of its food strategy.
Managing director for the Co-op Wales, Tina Mitchell, said: “The Co-op is moving forward with a clear purpose and momentum, and it is our aim to establish our stores as a local hub and a centre for the community.
“We want shoppers to know that they can become a co-owner and member of their Co-op, and that members have an opportunity to make a difference locally. Simply by swiping their membership card when they shop with us they are raising much needed funding for organisations in their community who contribute to improving local life.”
MD of Co-op franchisee Edwards of Conwy, Simon James, added: “Often located in agricultural communities, many Co-op stores are essential in providing all the range you would find in a larger supermarket as well as being convenient.
'Accessing these customers who perhaps weren’t aware of the Edwards range has helped us grow our sales and allows us continue to invest in expanding the number of local staff we employ as well as our business capability.”
