Co-op will open seven new franchise stores in the summer with EG Group's petrol forecourt business.

'EG On The Move' was launched last year by the Group to run the petrol forecourts it did not sell to Asda.

The move forms part of Co-op's plans to scale its franchise business to reach more than 500 locations by 2030, while also supporting targets to hit eight million member-owners over the six-year period.

The first Co-op store to be opened as part of the new agreement is set to launch in Ogden Road, Doncaster, this week.

Jerome Saint-Marc, managing director B2B and growth, said growing franchise stores is a key priority for the retailer.

“This is part of our broader expansion in the petrol forecourt market," added Saint-Marc. "It follows our strategy to pivot our growth in this market through franchise, growing our presence and enabling us to best utilise our expertise and offer in convenience."

Co-op said that it would focus on opening franchise stores at petrol forecourts; universities; and healthcare facilities, while also targeting independent convenience retailers.

“Co-op is a well-established convenience operator, respected in the market and a recognised consumer brand, and this partnership not only promises to enhance our convenience store offer but it will also ensure our customers have access to exceptional fuel retail services including EV charging, a wide choice of essential and premium grocery and merchandise along with an enjoyable foodservice experience," said Zuber Issa, chief executive, EG On The Move.

Other locations that will see Co-op franchise stores open across EG's petrol forecourt network over the coming months include Billinghurst, Sussex; Nitshill, Glasgow; Portlethen, Aberdeenshire; Macmerry, East Lothian; Wherstead, Ipswich; and Finmere, Buckinghamshire.

Co-op currently operates nearly 2,400 food stores and provides products to over 6,000 other stores including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited.

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