UK retailer the Co-operative has announced a £16 million plan to open 12 new stores across Wales this year, and refurbish a further 20 stores.
The plan will create up to 250 new jobs. The first of these stores was opened last week in Rossett, near Wrexham.
“Continued investment in our brand and our business is delivering benefits for colleagues, members and communities right across Wales," said Tina Mitchell, managing director for Co-op Wales.
"Quality, trust and provenance are key for customers and we are working closely with smaller producers. It is their traditions, passion, and innovation which makes their products loved locally, and as a community retailer we are committed to championing great Welsh food and drink."
Locally-sourced produce
The Co-op, which has increased its focus on sourcing local products, recorded a like-for-like increase in sales 3.5% last year.
The retailer has announced that from May it will only sell British own-brand beef, chicken, pork, lamb, bacon and turkey.
“Since launching with Co-op we have been able to reach a wide range of new customers. Often located in agricultural communities, many Co-op stores are essential in providing all the range you would find in a larger supermarket as well as being convenient," said Simon James, managing director of Edwards of Conwy, one of the Co-op's meat suppliers.
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Sarah Harford. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
