The largest Co-op university campus stores launches at the University of Warwick in time for the new academic year.
The convenience retailer and University of Warwick (Coventry) have worked together to launch the new store which has been tailored to meet the needs of those living, working and visiting the campus.
At almost 6,500sq ft, the spacious layout and offer has been developed together by the University and Co-op to deliver a leading campus retail experience.
The University of Warwick’s new Co-op is operated as a franchise, and replaces the former Rootes Grocery Store on campus.
The store has a focus on food to go, including meal deals, hot food, instore bakery and Costa coffee. The diverse international student base will see an extended world foods range, and this sits alongside an extensive range of fresh and healthy produce, ready meals, pizzas, and everyday essentials.
A focus on quick and easy customer service sees an array of 20 self-service till points – the most in Co-op’s estate – which, alongside manned tills, can serve in excess of 1,000 customers per hour at peak times between lectures during the university day.
The store also includes an independently operated Post Office, along with the sale of University of Warwick branded merchandise.
Member price savings create additional value for Co-op members who can save more with personalised offers, deals and promotions – lower prices on the products shoppers buy most.
Matt Drew, Director of Food and Beverage, University of Warwick, explained: “The University of Warwick is delighted to be launching a new Co-op franchise store on campus to serve our communities that are studying, living, working, and visiting the University. With our shared values and commitments to sustainability, Fairtrade, inclusivity and food quality, Co-op is the partner of choice for Warwick and an exciting new addition for our campus community.”
Martin Rogers, Director of Partnership Development at Co-op, said: “We’re delighted to unveil our latest Franchise partner store at Warwick, which serves as a vibrant hub offering high-quality products, great value, ethical retailing, and tailored ranges. Our university franchise stores are a fantastic way for us to connect with the next generation of Co-op member. Collaborating with the University of Warwick allows us to bring Co-op quality, values and membership to more young people, and to serve and support the diverse and dynamic campus community .“
Fairtrade products and ingredients are available across the store supporting farmers, workers and their communities around the world who grow and produce ingredients and products for Co-op products. In addition, backing British agriculture, all Co-op’s own fresh and frozen meat and dairy is 100% British – including in its pies, ready meals and sandwiches. Co-op also donates 3p per litre for sales of Co-op branded still, sparkling and flavoured water to water projects across the globe, helping to change millions of lives through clean water, hygiene, and sanitation projects in partnership with The One Foundation.
Soft plastic recycling is available in store, making it easier for shoppers to return harder to recycle materials such as crisp packets and bread bags, lids from ready meals, biscuit wrappers and, pet food pouches.
Students can also secure a 5% member discount on Co-op renters’ insurance, whether they’re living in halls or sharing a house. From laptops and phones, to bikes and TVs, Co-op Insurance provides affordable cover for the valuables students rely on every day, with protection against theft, loss, and accidental damage.
Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer-owned co-operatives, with its history dating back more than 180 years. Co-op exists to create value for its membership and communities, its 6.5m members own the business and play an intrinsic part in the governance of the organisation.
