A cooperative approach

A newly accredited Platinum partner of CUBO, Co-op is instantly recognisable as the UK’s leading ethical and sustainable community retailer. With their franchise model they are looking to bring Co-op into the heart of campuses across the UK.

Currently there are six Co-op stores operating across five campuses in Leeds, Kent, Newcastle, Oxford Brookes, and Keele, with more on the way. Jonathan Perry, head of development at Co-op said, “A convenience store enhances the ‘sticky campus’ ambitions of many institutions by giving students and staff additional reasons to stay on campus. Providing fresh, healthy foods, meal ideas and food on the go complimenting the food service options typically found on campus.

Perry added, “The stores are tailored to campus life. We work with our partners to create the range, services and layout which are specifically designed to deliver a compelling convenience offer with stores designed to manage the ebb and flow of the University day.

Co-op-on-campus offers great value to students with promotions across the store, member-only pricing on everyday essentials and personalised offers through the Co-op Membership App. Importantly, the stores also provide jobs for students, helping them gain valuable work experience and financial support during their studies.”

University partners benefit from Co-op’s experience running 2,400 stores in the UK, they operate using Co-op’s sophisticated retail systems which simplifies the store operation.

Perry said, as a member-owned organisation with a history back to 1844, Co-op is keen to interact with the sector for several reasons, not only is it a way for the convenience retailer to be closer to where its Members and customers live, work and study, he explains how it’s “a unique opportunity to engage a new, ethically conscious, generation, with its co-operative values and difference which are more relevant today than ever.”

As a leading ethical and sustainable retailer, The Co-op has a record of giving back, supporting communities, locally, nationally and internationally – a stance that dovetails with many students he said. Co-op is a campaigning organisation that tackles issues that resonate with the concerns of young people today. With an unrivalled range of ethical, responsible, and sustainable firsts – it exists to meet its Members needs and stand up for the things they believe in.

Perry is also keen to engage with the CUBO community and thinks the organisation has a lot to offer the sector beyond its commercial proposition. “Having recently attended the CUBO Winter Conference we’re keen the share knowledge we have around environmental and sustainable initiatives and equally keen to learn from our partners.”

With campuses an area of growth, The Co-op has recently appointed Melanie Crunkhorn as business development manager for the sector and stresses the flexibility of its franchise approach.

“We are keen to hear about how Co-op can support colleges and universities, to meet the needs of students and staff and, to develop and enhance the on-campus experience” he said.

Fore more information contact Melanie Crunkhorn at Melanie.Crunkhorn@coop.co.uk