Co-op is launching a new chain of micro format stores offering food on the go in a UK first for a national grocer.

The retailer said that the new shops, which are around one-quarter the size of a regular Co-op convenience store, will be situated in high foot-traffic locations.

The first on the go store has opened in Solihull, with a further 15 due to open in the coming months.

In the long term, Co-op said it intends to open “several hundred” in the next two to three years.

The new chain will offer customers a range of meal items throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch and dinner, with the stores including a hot food counter, a deli selection and hot pizzas from the Co-op's range.

While the store standard hours will be 7am to 7pm, the company is also planning “dark trading” after closing whereby customers can have hot food delivered to their homes.

Co-op did not confirm how these after-hours deliveries will be facilitated.
The company has an existing partnership with Just Eat to deliver groceries, while earlier this week it became the first grocer to join forces with Deliveroo Express.

The company added that the prepared products are designed to stand out in the High Street and will secure a foothold in a new market for the Co-op.

The new stores are around 600 sq ft – 1,000 sq ft, around one-quarter the size of a regular Co-op convenience store.

“We are always looking at new ways to deliver convenience to our members and customers and these new stores are a perfect example of us using our expertise to refine our ‘on the go’ offer so it is focused on giving shoppers exactly what they need, when they need it,” said Matt Hood, Co-op food MD. “It’s a brand-new concept, which we believe there is a big demand for and which we can meet with delicious products, quick service, good value and spot on locations.”

On Monday, Co-op announced it was partnering with Deliveroo Express.

Launched in April, is a new white label tool from the Deliveroo which enables grocers and retailers to use its backend tech infrastructure and rider network to fulfil on-demand orders through their own website or app.

The move will mean that hundreds of Co-op stores across the UK will now be able to fulfil orders through the service in as little as 60 minutes.

It comes as Co-op reveals ambitions to grow to more than 30 per cent share of the UK quick commerce grocery market.

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