The Co-op Media Network (CMN) has partnered with retail media operator SMG to install 300 digital media screens across Co-op stores, taking the total number of screens to over 9,300.

The screens will be launched in stores with high footfall in locations including London, Manchester and Yorkshire.

Around 24 stores will install screens each week until January 2025.

The retailer said these new front-of-store media touch points will take the total number of digital screens across Co-op’s 2,400 stores to over 9,300 – including its current kiosk and customer facing screens at manned tills.

The screens will be placed either at the entrance to the store, in the store foyer, or an outward-facing window close to the entrance making them visible to a “significant” number of passers-by.

CMN said this ensures a high level of reach and will influence purchasing decisions at the start of the shopper journey, whilst also building brand awareness among passers-by who do not enter the store.

The company added that the screens will provide opportunities for brands to work with CMN on their in-store campaigns, allowing them to focus on areas such as food-to-go and treat occasions.

“We’re the experts in convenience, and given our unparalleled shopper footfall, we want brands that invest with us to realise that retail media spend in Co-op stores can yield significant results that can importantly be measured, with a consistent return on investment across the board,” said Matt Hood, managing director of Co-op Food. “The digital screen roll out has been designed to utilise Co-op's superpower as a media owner, with a store in every postal code area we’re primed to deliver on reach and our high frequency of shoppers ensures that brands gain maximum visibility.”

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