Co-op debuts ‘on the go’ concept store in London

Co-op has opened its first ‘on the go’ concept store in the London area with the launch of a 550 sq ft site in Clarence Street, Kingston upon Thames. The format is designed for high footfall locations and focuses on prepared meals and hot food throughout the day.

The store is the fourth in Co-op’s new chain of concept sites, following openings in Altrincham, Aylesbury and Solihull. It forms part of a wider programme that will see 50 new or refurbished Co-op stores open before Christmas.

The Kingston outlet offers breakfast, lunch and dinner items including hot food, pastries and deli-style selections. It is open from 7am to 7pm, with delivery available through quick-commerce partners Just Eat, Deliveroo and Uber Eats, including cooked Co-op Irresistible pizzas.

A seating area with phone charging points is included, alongside a small range of daily essentials such as fresh fruit, coffee and bread. New products developed for the format include all-day breakfast pots, berry bircher, overnight oats and a range of deli items such as smoked salmon, egg and spinach pots, falafel and houmous bowls and focaccia bagels.

Jane Wells, area operations manager at Co-op, said: “The whole team is excited to launch our new concept store in Kingston where we are really looking forward to being part of the vibrant community, and welcoming members and customers into their new Co-op store.

“Different from our traditional convenience stores, whether working, shopping or socialising in the high street area, our new store is here to offer breakfast, lunch or dinner on-the-go.”

Gary Williams, Director of store optimisation at Co-op, added: “We are delighted to grow our ‘on-the-go’ concept with the unveiling of our Kingston store. Our new concept brings together an innovative blend of food-to-go propositions, with freshly prepared products designed to stand out in the high street and serve this vibrant and thriving community. 

“Catering to ‘on-the-go’ meals throughout the day you will find delicious products, quick service, quality and value, and all in a great convenient location, as we continually look for new ways to get closer to our members and customers and deliver added convenience.”

Co-op, which is owned by about seven million members, said its food-to-go expansion reflects demand for fast, high-quality meals driven by changing working and travel patterns.