Discount variety chain The Original Factory Shop is set to open up to 30 concessions in Co-op food stores over the next 15 months.
The concessions will sell a range of clothing, pet products, electrical, and homewares, as well as offer a party shop and click & collect service.
The Co-op stated that the move was part of its drive to create additional services in store and bolster its offer for local communities. Each concession will typically occupy around 2,300 sq. ft. with Co-op stores in Hereford, Plympton, Stornoway, Whitby, Prudhoe, Shotts, Kippax, Cranleigh, Machynlleth, and Lampeter amongst the initial wave of openings.
For The Original Factory Shop, the partnership supports its expansion plans after a marked turnaround in its fortunes since a CVA plan in 2018 led to the closure of underperforming stores. The retailer announced in April that it planned to open 50 new stores during the next three years. It also launched its first transactional website in November 2020.
Mark Matthews, Co-op’s Director of Innovation and Format, commented: “Co-op is committed to operating at the heart of local life and creating value in our communities – we are working to develop new ways to provide added services and choice, conveniently, The Original Factory Shop compliments our fantastic range of food, groceries and every-day essentials.
“It attracts new and different customers and, supports our work to create a compelling offer to serve our members and customers locally.”
Phil Briggs, Managing Director for The Original Factory Shop, added: “We’re really excited to be working with the Co-op. It marks the coming together of two great community retailers and is testament to the importance of convenience stores and the role that these shops play in local life. It means that many local communities will get to discover The Original Factory Shop’s great bargains in a whole new way.”
