Member Article

Co-op backs pop-up shops to serve communities while stores are refurbished

Worcestershire-based pop-up shop specialist, Rapid Retail, has secured a supply agreement extension with Co-op. It forms part of the retailer’s commitment to maintain the provision of an extensive range of everyday essentials to serve communities conveniently when a store closes temporarily for refurbishment.

The walk-in pop-up stores – which are up to 290 sq ft - are supplied fully branded and fitted out in-line with Co-op’s permanent stores. They can be installed by Rapid Retail outside the retailer’s stores as they close temporarily as part of planned works to refurbish and improve stories.

The pop-up shops, which are typically in place for between one and four months, are used in locations where residents often rely on their local convenience store.

The temporary stores can also be deployed quickly and have 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. Co-op also utilised a pop-up shop when its Honley store, in West Yorkshire, was damaged by fire. Located opposite an assisted living facility for older people, the pop-up unit ensured a vital service was maintained in the community.

Kevin Holder, Project Support Co-ordinator, Co-op, explained: “Our use of temporary pop-up stores is very well received in local communities. The pop-up shops also allow us to react quickly to local emergencies, and form an integral part of our planned refurbishment programme where the units enable us to continue to meet the needs of Members and customers locally by serving a wide range of everyday essentials, conveniently, while we are refurbishing and improving their local Co-op.”

Nick Daffern, MD of Rapid Retail, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Co-op and other major retailers, to support them in capitalising on the benefits of pop up shops for business continuity - minimising any negative impact of a refurbishment, while maximising revenue opportunities.

“Every unit we supply is self-contained and highly secure. When they are no-longer needed, they can simply be moved to another location, making it a very cost effective and efficient model.”

He continued: “Pop up shops are a tried and tested solution for maximise sales opportunities in high footfall areas and we’re also increasingly supporting retailers to capitalise on this, by generating additional revenue streams in external spaces, such as car parks.”

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