The Co-op has expanded its portfolio with the opening of its first 24-hour self-serve, cashless Micro Market format to tap into changing shopping behaviours.
Located at the head office of British cleaning appliances manufacturer Numatic, the outlet offers the 1,000 staff at the site in Somerset access to Co-op own-label products such as food-to-go meal deals, breakfast items, milk, bread, ready meals as well drinks on the go from its own hot drinks brand, Ever Ground.
Martin Rogers, head of new channels at Co-op, said: “The pandemic has changed the way in which people shop and eat and we’re always looking for new ways to reach our customers.
“As a convenience retailer we need to continue to adapt and our Micro Markets will allow us to have a Co-op presence in locations that aren’t suitable for our traditional stores. The launch of these new ways to shop will allow us to serve our customers in an even more convenient way, with great tasting food.”
Working in partnership with vending provider, Graddon Vending, the Co-op Micro Markets can be installed in hospitals, offices, schools, gyms and train stations.
David Youldon at Graddon Vending commented: “We’re hugely excited to launch our innovative Micro Market with Co-op, which can be perfectly integrated into business spaces to provide fresh meals on demand, reinventing office lunches.
“Through this new proposition with Co-op, we’re able to provide users with a super modern look and convenience store feel and access to more products than a vending machine but less than a full grocery store.”
