A new service station and Co-op store is set to launch this week (Thursday, 8 August) located off the A92 road between Aberdeen and Portlethen.
Portlethen Services – located off Hillside Road (AB12 4XX) – forms part of a new franchise agreement between the convenience retailer and the petrol forecourt business, EG On The Move.
The 24-hour service station includes four electric vehicle charging points; 10 fuel pumps and, HGV lanes. With the Co-op convenience store including self-service Starbucks coffee and a focus on fresh, chilled and healthy produce; meal ideas and everyday essentials; freshly prepared sandwiches and food-to-go; Fairtrade products, flowers, car care products; ready meals, pizzas and, free-from, vegan and plant-based products.
Co-op is committed to supporting UK farmers, growers and suppliers, with all of its fresh and frozen meat and poultry, including in its ready meals, pies and freshly prepared sandwiches, 100% British.
The online home delivery of groceries is set to launch shortly after the Service Station opens via Deliveroo – where groceries are picked fresh in the local Co-op store and delivered quickly and conveniently in the community.
The food service offer on the site also includes a branch of Sbarro – a fast food restaurant specialising in New York–style pizza.
Dannielle Stewart, store manager, said: “The whole team is delighted to be launching a brand new Co-op store and state-of-the art services, which combines Co-op’s convenience expertise with EG On The Move’s petrol forecourt business. Our aim is to operate at the heart of local life and we have worked to develop the range, choice and added services to create a compelling offer to serve our community and motorists travelling through the area.”
Martin Rogers,director of partnership development, Co-op, said: We are delighted to be working with EG On The Move, our second forecourt partner, helping us achieve our ambitious plans in this exciting sector. We look forward to further growing our franchise business, working with partners of pedigree to bring Co-op products and membership to more communities, creating more value for our member-owners.”
Zuber Issa, CEO, EG On The Move, expressed: “EG On The Move is an acknowledged petrol forecourt and convenience retail destination operator, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with Co-op to roll out their new convenience store formats. Following on from this seven store trial, we look forward to working with Co-op to consider other locations across the network. Co-op is a well-established convenience operator, respected in the market and a recognised consumer brand, and this partnership not only promises to enhance our convenience store offer but it will also ensure our customers have access to exceptional fuel retail services including EV charging, a wide choice of essential and premium grocery and merchandise along with an enjoyable foodservice experience.”
Forming part of Co-op’s wider franchise growth plans, the new Co-op store is one of seven across the UK to launch as part of an initial trial between Co-op and petrol forecourt business EG On The Move, with the potential to expand in the future. It is the second site to open in Scotland following the opening of Nitshill Services on the south side of Glasgow last week.
The franchise agreement aligns with growth ambitions across Co-op’s core businesses – Food Retail, B2B and Life Services – with Co-op aiming to broaden its reach and scale and, grow to eight million member-owners by 2030. Co-op has significant growth ambitions for its award-winning franchise business, with growth focussed on where Co-op can best utilise its convenience expertise with quality franchise partners, with locations including petrol forecourts; universities and hospitals.
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. Co-op is committed to creating value for its member-owners, who enjoy a wide number of benefits including member-only price savings across a range of everyday essentials, and personalised offers via the Co-op Membership App.
