Discover the UK’s First ‘Food-for-Now’ Microstore from Co-op: Your New Go-To for Fresh Convenience!

UK supermarket chain Co-op is stepping up its game with new “food-for-now” stores. These smaller shops are designed for busy areas with lots of foot traffic. The first store has already opened in Solihull, and there are plans for 15 more to launch in late 2025. The goal? To have hundreds of these stores across the UK by 2027 or 2028.

Matt Hood, the managing director of Co-op food, is excited about this new concept. He believes it meets a strong demand for quick, tasty meals at good prices. These stores will be about a quarter the size of the usual Co-op convenience shops.

The new locations will cater to the growing trend of “grab-and-go” dining, providing meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Customers can expect traditional meal deals, hot food served at the counter, and a choice of new deli items. Exclusive offerings designed for smaller spaces, like breakfast pots and overnight oats, will also be available.

Additionally, customers can enjoy pizzas made right in-store and a range of hot and cold drinks, including wines and ready-to-drink cocktails. In a unique twist, these stores will switch to “dark trading” in the evenings, delivering Co-op’s popular pizzas to customers at home.

According to recent trends, the rise of convenience shopping is significant. A survey from the British Retail Consortium shows that 56% of shoppers now prefer to buy ready-made meals rather than cooking from scratch. As Matt Hood mentions, Co-op is committed to refining its offerings to ensure that customers get exactly what they need when they need it.

This move follows Co-op’s launch of a 24-hour online grocery delivery service in September 2024. The demand for shopping outside traditional hours has grown, making these efforts even more relevant.

Co-op is adapting to changing consumer habits and the needs of busy lives. With these new food-for-now stores, it’s clear they’re aiming to provide quick and tasty meal options for everyone on the go.



Source link

convenience stores, UK, retail offerings