Co-op has launched a new convenience store in East Benton, North Tyneside
The new East Benton store is located in Moor Drive on a new residential development, and comes after Co-op announced plans earlier this month to accelerate convenience growth, with ambitions to open up to 75 new stores this year, consisting of both Co-op estate stores and Franchise stores. Plus, around 80 existing stores to undertake major refurbishments in 2025.
East Benton’s Co-op store has created 14 local jobs, and offers an extensive range of fresh, healthy produce; food-to-go and meal deals; Fairtrade products, in store bakery and, award winning wines. Supporting UK farmers all of Co-op’s fresh meat – including in its ready meals, pies and sandwiches – is 100% British.
There is customer car parking, including an electric vehicle charging point. Added services include Costa Coffee Express, payment services via PayPoint and parcel collection and returns through an InPost locker.
The store will act as a fulfilment hub for Co-op’s leading Quick Commerce operation, with the online home delivery of groceries through Deliveroo. Orders are picked fresh in the local store, and delivered quickly and conveniently locally.
Soft plastic recycling is also available in the store, enabling consumers to return harder to recycle materials such as crisp packets and bread bags, lids from ready meals, biscuit wrappers and, pet food pouches.
Member prices create additional value for Co-op’s member-owners, with lower prices on the products shoppers buy most.
Michael Dewison, Co-op’s East Benton store manager, said: “The whole team is excited to join the community of East Benton, and launch Co-op’s newest store. We believe our store is more than just a shop, we pride ourselves on being able to deliver the quality, choice, value and, added services which can be enjoyed by everyone – we are really looking forward to welcoming the community into their Co-op. We’re here to contribute to local life and to serve and support our community, conveniently.”
Rachel Hargreaves, director of property, development and estates, Co-op, said: “I am delighted to see Co-op’s newest store launch. We are working to acquire new retail space, both freehold and leasehold, and to maximise the potential of our existing estate as part of our convenience growth ambitions. Our stores are designed to be a destination locally, a community hub combining great quality products, value, deals and ethical retailing with quick online delivery services, community participation and additional customer services – we have a clear focus on growing our convenience business, and enhancing the value we create and deliver for our member-owners and communities.”
Co-op’s East Benton store opens between 6am-10pm daily.
Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer-owned co-operatives, with its history dating back 180 years. Its members own the business and play an intrinsic part in the governance of the organisation.
