Co-op and Zuber Issa’s EG On The Move have joined forces as the convenience retailer looks to expand its franchise operation in the forecourt sector.
The agreement will see seven new Co-op franchise stores open on EG On The Move forecourts this summer, including three Scottish sites at Nitshill, Glasgow; Portlethen, Aberdeenshire; and Macmerry in Tranent, East Lothian.
A further four sites will open in England at Billingshurst, Sussex; Wherstead, Ipswich; Finmere, Buckinghamshire; and Ogden Road, Doncaster, with the latter set to launch this week.
The move is part of Co-op’s ambition to grow its franchise business to over 500 sites by 2030, with a focus on petrol forecourts; universities, healthcare and independent convenience retailers.
In addition, the group aims to grow to eight million member-owners by 2030.
Jerome Saint-Marc, Managing Director B2B and Growth, said: “We are hugely excited to be working with EG On The Move on these new franchise sites and to be able to bring our Co-op franchise offer to more locations.
“This is part of our broader expansion in the petrol forecourt market. It follows our strategy to pivot our growth in this market through franchise, growing our presence and enabling us to best utilise our expertise and offer in convenience.
“As part of the Co-op’s overall growth plans, growing our franchise stores is a key priority for us and we have ambitious and exciting plans to significantly increase our franchise footprint and become the partner of choice across a range of sectors.
“We’ve got an excellent market proposition. And whilst it’s highly competitive, we believe there’s huge potential to unlock growth with our trusted brand, and unique offer and expertise.”
Zuber Issa, CEO, EG On The Move, said: “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.”
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.”
Co-op currently operates almost 2,400 food stores and provides products to over 6,000 other stores including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited.
