Co-op plots online shopping boost in drive for 'fairness'

The Co-op has revealed plans to boost its ecommerce offering as part of its strategy to “make life fairer” for members, customers and communities and become the UK’s largest convenience retailer.

The retailer, which recently appointed MullenLowe Group UK to create a fully integrated data-driven marketing strategy, including digital and “always-on” content, said it will continue to build its tie-ups with Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Amazon that support its own direct to consumer business.

It also aims to build its store network, trebling the existing number of franchise stores within three years. At the moment, there are nearly 5,000 independent stores on its franchise platform.

Food prices at the convenience retailer are also being cut, with the price of over 120 own-branded products down by an average of 13%, with some being slashed 36%.

Co-op has also pledged that improved member offers will drive loyalty and grow both the size of shopping baskets and the number of trips that shoppers make to its stores.

Co-op chief executive Shirine Khoury-Haq said: “Convenience is one of the fastest growing channels within the grocery market and our refreshed strategy aims to capitalise on the experience we’ve gained in the market over the last decade.

“We’ve grown our own business to operate more than 2,500 Co-op operated stores, have built a nationwide franchise platform and serve almost 5,000 independent convenience stores through our wholesale arm.

“As we face into a cost-of-living crisis we are determined to make life fairer for our members, customers and communities in these extraordinary times and lowering prices for shoppers is the first-step in our strategy.”