[T]he Co-op’s investment in Cumbria is set to top £4.5million as it prepares to relaunch two stores in Barrow-in-Furness and neighbouring Dalton-in-Furness during early September.
Roose Road’s Co-op will reopen its doors on 1 September following a £590,000 makeover, whilst Market Street’s Co-op will unveil its £832,000 new look on 8 September.
Both will have a focus on fresh, healthy foods, meal ideas and essentials.
The refits form part of a rigorous programme which saw Co-op stores Island Road, Barrow and Brampton unveil their new look in May, Denton Street, Carlisle in June and Egremont and Kirkby Stephen in July. They also follow the first birthday of the Co-op’s £600,000 Seascale store which opened last summer.
The stores will also bring a funding boost for local community groups through the Co-op’s new Membership scheme. Members receive a 5% reward on purchases of own-branded products and services, with a further 1% going directly to local causes to make a difference in the community.
Charities and groups set to benefit in the Roose Road area include The Birchall Trust and Project John Ltd, whilst those at Market Street include 1st Dalton St Mary’s Guides, Buccleuch Hall Management Committee and The Rotary Club of Furness Peninsula.
John McNeill, Co-op’s Divisional Managing Director, said: “2017 is shaping up to be a terrific year for the Co-op in Cumbria. Having invested well over £4.5 million in revamping our stores, along with the roll out of our recent local sourcing programme, we want customers to know that we’re committed to delivering a consistently brilliant in-store experience. Consumer habits are changing and we know that shoppers simply want to buy what they want, when they want.
“What’s more, our membership message seems to be resonating with shoppers in Cumbria, where earlier this year we raised £133,000 for 57 good causes. We want people to know that by becoming a co-owner of their Co-op, they can also give back to the community. Just by swiping their membership card, they will make a difference to local life, raising much needed funds for causes on their doorstep.”
There are offers and promotions in and around the new stores to mark their launch.
And, students holding the NUS extra card will also receive a 10% discount off their groceries.
Further information about the benefits of Co-op membership and, its Local Community Fund, is available by visiting: http://www.coop.co.uk/membership/
