Member Article

New Co-op walk-in stores to pop-up during store refurbishments

New walk-in stores are set to pop-up and serve communities when Co-op carries out major store refurbishments.

The Co-op has teamed-up with modular retail specialists Rapid Retail and will take delivery of the new 230 sq ft pop-up stores which hold at least six hundred product lines - four times as many products as earlier versions.

Pop-up shops are used by the Co-op to maintain services for communities when stores are closed for investment. The temporary stores have also been used by the retailer to support flood affected communities, such as in Hebden Bridge which was hit by adverse weather on Boxing Day 2015.

Barry Kent, Project Support Co-ordinator, Co-op, explained: “The location of many of our convenience stores mean that they can often be a lifeline for the local community – in particular in rural areas, or for those with young families or no access to transport.

“The Co-op is committed to aligning itself to the needs of its Members and customers, getting closer to what they want and need. Capital expenditure and investment is ensuring Co-op is well positioned for future growth, which includes a major rolling programme of refurbishments. And the new pop-up stores will allow us to better serve our Members and customers, while they await the opening of their new-look Co-op store.”

The walk-in merchandising units, which will typically be in place for one to four weeks, are fully branded and fitted out in line with the Co-op’s look and feel.

Nick Daffern, MD of Rapid Retail - who are managing the build, installation and logistics of the pop up shop roll-out - said: “The pop up shops are each self-contained and importantly highly secure. When they are no-longer needed, they can simply be moved to another location, making it a very efficient process, while serving the needs of its customers during a temporary store closure.

He continued: “The popularity of this type of modular retail unit has grown massively in recent years. Not just as a temporary solution, but as a way to generate additional long-term revenue streams. For example, supermarkets and retail parks are increasingly adding shop units and cafes within car parks, concourses and other suitable outdoor space. It’s a tried and tested way to maximise sales opportunities in high footfall areas.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Rapid Retail .