Suggest a Site to Serve the Community!
The Co-op is owned, not by investors or shareholders, but by millions of members up and down the country, that’s what makes us different. One of the ways our members have a say in how our business is run is by suggesting sites for new stores. All successful suggestions are rewarded with £500 worth of Co-op gift vouchers.
Andrew Nicholson, one of our members in the North West, was the guest of honour at the opening of our Horwich Chorley Road store, a site he thought would be a great place for us to serve the community. We ask him why he chose it and find out what being a member means to him.
How long have you been a Co-op member for and what do you enjoy about being a member?
Over ten years now! The fact that the Co-op is run by members is one of the things that makes it different from other big businesses. We have a real say in the future of the organisation and that’s really important to me.
The suggest a site initiative is also fantastic, and I’m not just saying that because I was successful! It’s a really good way for people to be able to tell the Co-op where they think their new stores should be.
Why did you suggest this site?
The site had been derelict for a long time, it was becoming a bit of an eyesore. I knew it had potential though because it was on a busy road, close to plenty of houses and other shops. As a member, I really wanted it to become a Co-op because I like the food and think the quality and choice is good. I actually attended the opening of the store, it was good to see it all come together.
What are you planning to spend your vouchers on?
I really want to go on holiday soon. I didn’t manage to get away this year or last year, so am hoping to get a skiing trip in this winter. It’s something I have wanted to do for a while now.
What would your top tip(s) be for other members who are thinking about suggesting a site?
The site needs to be big enough for the store, back-of-house storage area and, ideally, parking. There needs to be enough passing trade to keep it busy, so it should be in a residential area or close to busy office buildings, schools or other shops. There are some tips on the suggest a site website if you want more details. If in doubt, have a go, they can only say no!
Hello
North Cumbria is rapidly becoming devoid of Co-op Convenience Stores with recent closures in Penrith, Carlisle, Workington, Whitehaven and Maryport. I understand the Cockermouth store is to become a Nisa.
There is an opportunity to start a new convenience store in the Lanes Development in the centre of Carlisle.
It is an excellent location for city centre trading. Please give it serious consideration .
LikeLike
We have a few derelict sites in Peterlee old school was knocked down and old college closed to make way for a Tesco or morrisons I would love to see a coop instead I don’t know if it may be too close to the shotton and Easington stores
LikeLike
I suggest opening a co op store in harperhey market area as there has not been one here for a number of years you did sell one off in nearbye moston my wife has become ill so i would spend the voucher on her thank you
LikeLike
Thanks for the suggestion. If you suggest it on the site then the Estates team will be able to start looking into it. ^Fiona
LikeLike
Crosspool, Sheffield, there is a closed petrol station with land that would make a great store. I highlighted this opportunity about 12 months ago but have heard nothing, only that Tesco are interested.
LikeLike
Did you suggest it though this site? The team are set up to look into any opportunities suggested on the site… ^Fiona
LikeLike
I did suggest a site in Ealing Broadway a couple of months ago and to date no acknowledgement let alone a reply
LikeLike
I’m sorry to hear you didn’t get an acknowledgement. Did you use this site (on.coop/1ZkeKHE) or just email in? ^Fiona
LikeLike
I used the official website for suggesting sites.
The correct procedure.
LikeLike