The number of active members of the Co-op Group in Wales has jumped by 40% since it re-launched its membership scheme and unveiled its rejuvenated brand, the business announced today.
Over the same period, the retailer has supported 749 local Welsh causes through its membership scheme, sharing almost £1.2m among organisations in its communities who contribute to improving local life.
The Group has returned to its iconic clover-leaf design logo – first used in the 1960s – and its membership scheme, relaunched in September 2016, now sees more than 300,000 members in Wales receive a 5% reward every time they swipe their card when purchasing own brand products, with the Co-op donating a further 1% to causes in their local community.
It is also investing in its stores, products, people and prices – with plans to recruit approaching 250 new colleagues in Wales during the second half of 2018. The most recent investment saw the Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, store relaunch last week following a £1m makeover.
This summer will also see major investments in Ammanford, Pontycymmer; Wrexham and Llandudno Junction, and refurbishments and new developments are expected before the end of the year in Llangollen, Machen, Denbigh and Hirwaun.
Tina Mitchell, the Group’s managing director for Wales, said: “We genuinely believe that a strong Co-op creates stronger communities, our members tell us that they care about their community, and about provenance, trust and fairness – it is important to them.
“Our colleagues, members, and customers are central to everything that we do. We want our stores to be at the heart of local life, connecting communities and bringing people together.
“Our investment in our communities is transforming our stores – ensuring the Co-op is agile, efficient, innovative and relevant in a challenging retail environment. Whether that is new and improved stores, supporting local causes, or celebrating the quality and passion that goes into locally sourced produce, we are committed to delivering what our members and customers want and care about, when and where they need it, conveniently.”
Related: Co-op Group says support for British farmers is part of its role in community
The Group won the convenience retailer of the year title at the Retail Industry Awards, and earlier this year it unveiled a £50m price investment programme to cut the cost of everyday essentials including fruit, vegetables, bread, fresh meat and ready meals, as well as household brand names.
It also reported a 20% jump in sales of Welsh lamb after a retail first last May to switch all own-brand meat – including lamb and bacon – to British. And there was a 42% increase in sales of locally produced goods, with more than 500 Welsh-made products now on sale in its stores – from beer to burgers, and curry to ice cream.
The Group has also partnered with NUS extra, offering students and apprentices in Wales who are NUS extra cardholders a 10% discount off their groceries to support them during their studies.
- Further information about the benefits of Co-op membership is available in-store, or at http://www.coop.co.uk/membership/
- Co-op members can receive £500 in Co-op vouchers by successfully suggesting a new site where they would like to see a Co-op food store serve their community, visit at www.coop.co.uk/forms/suggest-a-site
