Co-op restricts smaller-format stores in franchise programme

The Co-op has made its franchise programme publicly available to independent retailers, but it will only accept stores of at least 2,800sq ft with weekly sales of £20,000. 

Applications can be made online and the Co-op has promised successful applicants access to its EPoS, planograms, seven deliveries a week and 24-hour support. 

• Costcutter's secret Co-op franchise store trial grew sales by 70%

However, it will only consider stores with at least a 2,000sq ft sales floor alongside an 800sq ft stock room. Other requirements include a weekly sales performance of £20,000 and services such as lottery, PayPoint and the Post Office. 

• Co-op to open 100 new c-stores

Nisa CEO Ken Towle had previously told RN the franchise scheme had initially begun with three Costcutter stores. He said: "We have to be careful that we are setting people up for success and also that the brand can be consistently delivered. For example, the Co-op proposition is very strong on fresh – it requires a certain level of volume and customer traffic to sustain that.” 

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