Nitshill Services, near Glasgow, launched this week, showcasing Scotland’s first Co-op to open as part of an agreement between the retail group and petrol forecourt operator EG On The Move.
Forming part of Co-op’s wider franchise growth plans, the new Co-op store is the third of seven across the UK to launch as part of the initial trial with EG On The Move, with the potential to expand in the future.
Located in Nitshill Road, Darnley, the 24-hour services includes electric vehicle charging.
The Co-op has a strong range of fresh and chilled produce, food to go, fresh flowers and a Starbucks machine. There is an emphasis on healthy products, meal ideas, ready meals and everyday essentials. The needs of free-from, vegan and plant-based customers are also catered for within the product range.
A soft plastic recycle unit is available in store to enable the community to recycle harder to recycle ‘soft plastics’ including: crisp packets and bread bags, lids from ready meals and yogurt pots, biscuit wrappers and, pet food pouches – ensuring all Co-op’s own food packaging is recyclable either through local authority kerbside collections, or the in-store recycling unit.
The food service offer at the site will also include a branch of Greggs.
Fiona Air, Co-op Store Manager, said: “We have had a great response. It is very exciting to be opening a brand new store located on this 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, conveniently.”
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, 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.”
The franchise agreement aligns with growth ambitions across Co-op’s core businesses – Food Retail, B2B and Life Services – with Co-op aiming to grow to eight million member-owners by 2030.
